Whether you are looking for a full kitchen renovation, or you simply want to uplift up your current design, there are many things to consider when you are redesigning your kitchen. Our guide will talk you through planning, designing and how to choose the right supplier. Keep reading to get yourself on the road to your dream kitchen!
What To Consider When Planning
Planning your renovation carefully is the best way to start, and it will help to avoid problems throughout the process. We have broken down some of the key steps that you should take into consideration when you are planning your culinary conversion.
Budget
If you haven't already set a budget, this is the most important thing to do. Not only will it help you figure out what is affordable, it will guide you through the process as you start designing. Staying within your budget is essential too, and you should aim to stay within the amount you set.
Who Is Using Your Kitchen?
This may sound trivial, but working out who will be using your kitchen, when it will be used and why, is a good starting point with your design choices. If you are someone with a family, you will be conscious that your kitchen gets more use, because there are more people in your house. On the other hand, if you live alone or with a partner, a smaller, sleeker kitchen might work better for you.
Maybe you want to include a breakfast bar or a kitchen island so that people can talk and shit down while you are cooking.
By identifying the functional purposes of your kitchen, you can start to work around this and narrow down more specific features you might want to include.
Storage
Storage in your kitchen may be up there with one of the more important factors to consider and figuring out how much storage you need will help you with your planning process. . Especially if you have a family, storage space for snacks, plates and cutlery. Even if you don’t have children, you still might be a bit of a kitchen lover, with hoards of tupperware and every utensil you could possibly need! If this sounds like you, sleek and reliable storage is just what you need to keep your new renovation looking fresh.
Space & Layout
Working out how much space you have to work with, and what kind of layout you want for your kitchen is something to do in the early planning stages too. If your house has a bit of an awkward shape, you might have to think carefully about your planning designs. Be sure to measure things accurately so you can plan effectively and not have to worry about things not fitting properly and where you will need your storage space to be.
Windows & Doors
Consider the placement of your windows and doors in your kitchen when you are taking measurements. And, do not forget to make a note of which way they will open. This is very important to the planning stage, to avoid confusion and fitting problems later on down the line!
Kitchen Gadgets
Thing like your:
● Microwave
● Fridge
● Freezer
● Toaster
● Kettle
Will all need places to live in your new kitchen. Or, any other gadget you have. You will want to make sure you have adequate space for them all, and identify where you may need extra plug sockets in the kitchen.
Narrowing Down Your Style
After you’ve outlined the functional purposes for your kitchen space, you will be able to start thinking more deeply about the style of kitchen you want! With so many options to choose from, it may feel a bit overwhelming. However, these ideas may help you to get inspired and prove useful when it comes to finally choosing.
Existing Styles In Your Home
There are so many things you can do with kitchen design, and with so many choices out there, picking just one can be extremely challenging. A simple place to start is by looking at the existing styles in your home. You may have a very modern aesthetic, or perhaps a more vintage one. If you are trying to keep the current feel of your house, then maintaining your current aesthetic is the way to go.
But, if you fancy a change, or a breath of fresh air with a complete renovation, then changing up your style might be beneficial to you. It really all comes down to personal preference, and truly envisioning your dream kitchen!
Modern, traditional and contemporary kitchen styles are very popular at the moment. Keep reading to find a quick explanation of a few of the most common kitchens right now.
Modern Kitchens
Modern kitchens typically work well with their open spaces and minimalistic design. They are usually clutter free and optimise on natural light, clean lines and a nice, neutral colour palette. They are not bold or flashy, and they encompass a chic, streamlined look and this is an extremely popular choice nowadays.
Traditional Kitchens
Traditional kitchens are a little different than this, and usually include painted, raised cabinets, and more classic elements. Usually, they have a statement, luxurious countertop, that complements decorative accents and beautiful, ornate lighting. They are more decorative than modern or minimalist designs, and have more of a lived-in feel.
Contemporary Kitchens
Contemporary kitchens are ones based on the current, ever changing style. Usually they have quite similar features to modern kitchens, but they are based more on what is fashionable and popular at the present, rather than just being one set design style. Contemporary kitchens move with the times, making them a popular choice, as they are current.
Visit A Kitchen Showroom
You may have not been inspired by anything so far. From online searches to browsing endlessly on Pinterest, if you are having a hard time picking out a style that you like, a great option would be to go and visit a kitchen showroom.
There are a range of reasons as to why this is a good idea. Firstly, you can speak to a member of staff and get some expert advice from a professional. They may be able to give you helpful pointers and suggestions. Secondly, you can see kitchen units, drawers and work surfaces in person, giving you a better idea of what they feel and look like. Lastly, you may gain some inspiration from existing displays within the showroom.
This can be a good way to help you make a final decision when it comes to your design choices.
Hiring A Kitchen Design Company
Many national kitchen suppliers will provide you with off-the shelf kitchens. While that works for many people, some people also decide to go with bespoke designs. If you’re trying to accommodate an awkward space, or would just prefer more involvement in the design process, bespoke kitchens are a great way to do so. You can have more input with how your kitchen will look and include unique features based on your personal tastes.
You want to choose a reliable supplier, who is professional, helpful and efficient. If you aren’t sure where to look, try browsing online, reading reviews and speaking to your family or friends. Their recommendations may be a good way to find a dependable supplier.
Bells The Kitchen And Design Company
Here at Bells The Kitchen And Design Company, we have an expert team of bespoke designers who are ready to help you create your dream kitchen. From luxury worktops to pristine storage solutions, we are dedicated to helping turn your kitchen into a place to be proud of.
For any further enquiries about our services, or what we do, feel free to
contact us today and speak to one of our outstanding team. We look forward to hearing from you and will be happy to answer any questions.
