Getting the kitchen design of your dreams might seem simple, but anyone who’s ever looked into this further will know that it’s not as easy as it might look. For a start there is so much choice. Do you go for a contemporary design or maybe a farmhouse look? What’s ‘on trend’ now in kitchen design? Layout, appliances, colours, lighting and even electric socket location will need to be decided. And since a kitchen is a big investment, you want to know that you will still be happy with your choices in 10 years’ time. Whether you are planning a kitchen renovation or designing a new kitchen, these 5 tips will ensure you are on track for the kitchen you want!
Think about your lifestyle
Everyone uses their kitchen in different ways. Maybe you have a big family, with small children who like to open every drawer and empty out the contents. Or maybe you have teenagers who are constantly eating everything in sight, and leaving a mess to prove it. Maybe you are busy and hardly ever in your kitchen (it’s really just a place to prepare the necessities to survive), or perhaps you love to entertain and spend hours preparing mouth-watering dishes. Do you hate dust (don’t get open shelves)? Have you got a lot of large serving dishes (you’ll need more storage)? Maybe you even want to be able to work in the kitchen. Understanding your kitchen lifestyle will help with design decisions around layout, workspace and appliances.
Create a Wishlist
Start writing down a list of everything you would love in your dream kitchen. What would be the best appliances? What materials/products do you want to use? Note everything you’ve always dreamed of! You should even make a list of things that don’t work for you in your current kitchen.
Think about the look and feel
Start thinking about how you want your kitchen to look and feel. How will it fit into the overall design of the house? Check out social media channels and magazines to gather ideas that inspire you. You can also look at some of our past projects for inspiration. Start to hone these ideas, thinking about what might suit your space. Do you want a more traditional look, a farmhouse style or perhaps something more contemporary.
Budget
Set yourself a budget and be clear about what this entails. There is so much to include and or think about in your kitchen project, including the plumber, electrician, and appliances. What are your non-negotiables from your wish list? Ultimately how much of your wish list you can include will be dictated by your budget. You should also include a 10% contingency for those unforeseeable costs.
Consult the experts
Get expert advice. Think of it as an investment when you work with a professional in the industry, safe guarding you against expensive mistakes. The coal face creator knows how things work, the best, most cost-effective, use of materials, and will be able to help you realise your kitchen effectively functionally, and efficiently. It’s more than just the layout and look.
At Wanaka Joinery we believe that your kitchen design should reflect you and your lifestyle. We listen carefully to you, to ensure that your kitchen will be exactly what you want – now and in 10 years’ time. To find out more, give us a call!
