How to plan your dream kitchen
If you’ve decided to remodel your kitchen, it is vital to take into consideration the planning stage. This may be the first time you’ve embarked on such a project. Or, perhaps, you’ve delved into home redevelopments before. Either way, planning is essential when it comes to creating a space that works. A kitchen is the hub of a home, the place where everyone gathers throughout the day and where friends are entertained. It is a place we want to show off and one that we want to be unapologetically proud of. This guide explains how to go about planning your dream kitchen, ensuring you cover all aspects and end up with a room you’ll love.
Ensure you know your personal needs
The very first thing you need to do is make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to a kitchen remodel. One of the best ways to do this is to analyse your existing space. Put aside a day to clean and clear out your kitchen. Make sure to only keep the items you use regularly and those that mean the most to your family. This will allow you to review the room clearly, without the burden of clutter.
On from here, it helps to sit down with your family and list the things you like and dislike about your kitchen. Does the lack of natural light make this space unusable at specific times of the year? Do you struggle to get the whole family around the dinner table? Or, perhaps you’re always tripping over each other to get to the fridge. Make sure to speak to the other members in your household. We often fly through life, only seeing the things that annoy us. Partners and children may be able to highlight areas in your kitchen that cause them daily problems.
Consider things like the following:
- Does your kitchen simply require an upgrade on style?
- Do you want more space?
- Are you looking for an open-plan room that combines kitchen and dining room?
- Do you want to have a specific view while cooking? The garden or dining room, for example.
- Do you need more practical storage?
It is also helpful to look at how your kitchen is generally used. Speak to your family and consider:
- Is your kitchen simply used to cook food and then vacate?
- How many people do you generally cook for? Do you currently have the space to accommodate them?
- What foods do you enjoy cooking? Would it be easier to have specialist equipment fitted or atleast, the space to store it?
- Do you want to cook with family members?
Once you know exactly what your family wants out of this project, you’ll be in a much better place when it comes to planning.
Set a budget
One of the most important things to do when remodelling your home is decide on your budget. There are countless beautiful cabinets, appliances and kitchen accessories out there, ranging from budget-solutions through to luxury high-end options. No matter what your wildest imagination dreams up, chances are you’ll be able to find it through a supplier – but for a cost. It’s easy to get distracted when it comes to planning your dream space and forget that money has to change hands. So make sure you know from the get go how much you have to spend and where the majority of this needs to go.
A helpful tip is to create a spreadsheet, detailing all of the appliances, furniture and accessories you may need. By having a rough idea of each item’s individual cost, you’ll be able to see whether your dream can become a reality. An experienced kitchen designer will be able to help you drill down on these costs but having this in the early stages will help you to stay in control.
Consider your priorities
Think about what are the ‘must haves’ for your new kitchen? These are the things that you’re not willing to budge on – no matter if they cost a bit extra. Perhaps you’re adamant that a new granite worktop just HAS to be part of your new room? Or maybe the farmhouse sink you’ve been drooling over needs to take pride of place. Whatever your priorities are, you’ll want to take these into your budget as early on as possible to establish how much you have left over.
When working with a kitchen designer, discuss these priorities. With their nose on the ground in the interior design industry, there is a chance they may have a practical alternative. Saving you money or improving the quality of your most desired project is something they’re hired to do so make sure you take full advantage.
Look for inspiration everywhere
Some of us are great at visualising exactly what we want a room to look like. And, others need a dash of inspiration to get going. One of the best things you can do is to create a mood board or scrapbook full of the ideas you love. Find a style you love – whether it’s a blend of two different looks or a more classic approach. There are hundreds of places you’ll find inspiration, for example:
- Interior design magazines
- Celebrity magazines (think celebrity home sneak peeks)
- Kitchen designer showrooms
- Furniture shops
One key tip is to keep an eye out and make a note of materials and surfaces that work well together. Somethings, the texture of a surface can transform a room in the same way that differing materials can too.
Choose a reputable kitchen designer
One of the most important things you can do is find a kitchen designer you trust. Opt for someone with excellent reviews and a large portfolio that they’re willing to show you. Many businesses offer a fully comprehensive service, from initial concept through to installation. So, it’s vital that you believe in their ability and feel comfortable parting with your money for their skills.
Make sure you get a full written quotation that shows everything covered which ensures you receive full transparency and aren’t hit with further invoices further down the line. It’s important that you discuss your needs in detail to – make sure they understand any budget restrictions, timing requirements or design specifications. This will guarantee you get the kitchen of your dreams.
Here at Castle Home Improvements, we have the skill, experience and knowledge to help you with your kitchen redevelopment. Our full planning and design building service comes in at the very beginning and stays with you until your kitchen is delivered. We’re confident that we can create a home and space that will be loved by every member of your family for many years to come. Get in touch today for more information.