Kitchens are one of the most important rooms of the house—whether you come together as a family to enjoy some quality time over delicious food, or see the space as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the working day.
However you use your kitchen, it’s definitely a room that deserves some attention when renovating your home. Kitchens need to be functional first and foremost, but also stylish and comfortable.
If you’re currently planning a kitchen renovation, it can be tempting to choose an off-the-shelf design that comes at a set price. But you might find that there are elements that you can save on—or splash out on—if you design it yourself.
To help you create the perfect design, here are a few top tips.
Write down the pros and cons of your kitchen
Before diving in with ideas for the new kitchen, think about what you like and dislike about your current one. To make it easier, it’s a good idea to first declutter the space, and to get rid of anything you’ve not used recently. You might find you have much more room than you first thought.
When writing down what you like and dislike, take note of the design items you prefer, any storage that works well, and which appliances are being most used. These can then be considered in the new design; or kept as they currently are to save money and time.
Depending on when the last time you refurbished was, you might find that your priorities have changed: perhaps the kids have moved out, or maybe you’ve expanded your family and now need more open space for everyone to get around.
Understanding what you currently like, and how you’d like to use the space in the future, will help to determine the foundations of your kitchen design.
Think about colors and materials
While the kitchen is often the hub of family life, the chaos can be balanced out with the right color scheme. Light and neutral tones often make rooms look less cluttered and more open, while exposed wood or wood-like shades are better for traditional or country homes. Alternatively, if you’re a trend setter, you could go for a bolder shade with a smooth, high-gloss finish.
Get inspiration
Incorporating your personal style into your new kitchen design is integral, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take inspiration from showrooms, online galleries, and Pinterest. If you’re looking for kitchens Knutsford, for example, you will find a physical showroom as well as an online 3D kitchen designer, to help you visualize your new space.
Kitchen design takes time, as everything needs to be both functional and stylish. Eventually, you’ll find a design that just “fits” and you’ll be back to dinner parties or family fun in no time.
Establish your non-negotiable must-haves
When it comes to functionality, everyone will have their own list of items they absolutely need. Whether it’s certain appliances, or an abundance of storage, think about what’s non-negotiable and where these items might sit in the new space. It’s also worth looking into cheaper alternatives to your favorite features. For example, if you love the idea of a marble worktop, faux-marble options are much cheaper and look just as realistic, while also saving you money to spend elsewhere.
