Kitchen Renovation
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and therefore often the first priority for home renovations. A Kitchen Renovation being stylish and functional allows for nights of entertaining, family cooking time as well as a more efficient everyday life. Imagine not having to sort through clutter to find space for cooking, or not having to plug in and unplug appliances when making your morning smoothie in a rush! To help you design a kitchen where even your most out-there wishes translate to a practical solution, here are our top kitchen design tips.
Our top kitchen Renovation design tips
1. Layout
In layout, it’s efficiency above all – don’t get too caught up in the thought of a specific layout if it just isn’t practical. A great Kitchen Renovation and the layout makes it easy to move between the stove, the fridge, the sink and the countertop workspace. And while we’re talking about countertop workspace – if you’re a big-time cook, make sure you have enough! No matter what the size or shape of the space, you can go really far with the innovative use of it.
Keep in mind
- Eliminate wasted steps – make it easy to move around
- Leave walkways wide enough – be realistic with the kitchen island size
- Leave landing space on the sides of cooktops, refrigerators and the microwave
2. Storage
Storage is one of the most crucial components when it comes to creating a kitchen you’ll love to use for years to come. It’s better to have the option to store items away whenever possible. Not only does it leave you with more workspace, but it also gives a nice, clean and minimalist look.
Keep in mind
- Pay attention to cabinet doors’ swing direction and clearance – especially in corners
- Keep appliances away from corner cupboards
- Store appliances away whenever possible
3. Functionality
Although it might not seem like the most exciting part of your Kitchen Renovation, functionality is at the core of everything. Remember to think of the details of how the space will be used. For example, storing wine glasses, plates and cutlery away from the main cooking area allows others to help set the table without collisions with the chef! Ask yourself questions such as “do I want people to be able to hang out in the kitchen and talk to me while I cook?”
Keep in mind
- Do you want children to be able to help with cooking? If yes, consider incorporating different countertop heights.
- How many people live in the house? Will you be needing another fridge or microwave?
- The kitchen is the centre of the home. Will you want to incorporate a chalkboard or a whiteboard to the kitchen for organisation?
4. Colours
Even if you love a classic look, a pop of colour will help give your kitchen a signature look. Whether you choose to go for an interesting cabinet colour, a bright espresso machine, or a statement splashback, there are many ways to add a pop of colour to the kitchen without going overboard. To ensure the room stays harmonious, choose one accent colour to complement the palette.
Keep in mind
- Dark colour schemes make small spaces feel even smaller – go light in small spaces!
- Pick one focal point that is the show-stealer of the kitchen.
5. Materials and finishes
The kitchen is a room that truly needs to stand the test of time. For a practical solution, choose materials and finishes that are durable and won’t show every scratch and mark. Some materials, although beautiful, will make it a nightmare to keep the kitchen looking decent.
Keep in mind
- Opt for classic materials – trends age fast, and updates can be expensive.
- Contrast different materials for an interesting look – think timber, polyurethane, stone, vinyl…
- You can also play around with different textures, patterns and gloss levels.
6. Budget
One of the most stressful parts of designing a Kitchen Renovation is often figuring out the budget and sticking to it. Luckily, there are plenty of quick and affordable ways to give your kitchen a fresh look.
Keep in mind
- Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint – bright and white walls will make a space look more modern, clean and spacious.
- Look into cheap yet durable flooring options – there are very smart-looking options in vinyl and laminate these days.
- Flatpacks are a great way to do a kitchen reno on a budget. They make it easy to update the look of your cabinets, benchtops, panels, doors, accessories and parts in one go. Bay 2 Bay can supply custom manufactured pre assembled or flat pack kitchens and laundries at an affordable price for you to self install.
- Look at easy fixes to improve visuals and usability. Changing up the power-point covers, cabinet handles or tapware can make a big difference.
Ready to put these kitchen design tips into action?
With these kitchen design tips in mind, it’s time to start planning your next kitchen renovation! The most important thing is to create a kitchen that you feel excited to use day in and day out. At the end of the day, no two kitchen renovations are the same. Not only do spaces look different, but each household is also different, and each person has their own taste.
If you’re still not quite sure where to start, Bay 2 Bay Group offers free design consultations where we discuss your space and craft a solution based on your needs. Contact us today to find out more.
