5 Keys To Renovating A Great Kitchen
Does your kitchen work the way you want it to work? Do you need more kitchen storage? Do you find yourself bumping into things or people when you’re trying to cook a meal? If so, you might be in need of a kitchen renovation. But before you begin your renovation here are 5 keys to consider before you renovate.
1 Your Kitchen Goals
Is your kitchen the heart and hub of your home? No doubt it is. As a multifunctional space your kitchen needs to rise too many occasions. It’s where we cook, eat, read the paper, entertain, try out new recipes or help the kids with their homework.
So clarifying the purpose for your kitchen should be the first step in your renovation. Asking questions will help to give clarity to your decisions.
How do I use my kitchen?
Who uses the space the most?
What isn’t working in my kitchen?
For example, is your kitchen too small, too cramped, outdated or does it lack flow? If you spend a lot of time baking and cooking you may want to prioritise bench space, quality appliances and workflow. If your children use it to do their homework you may want to consider a kitchen island.
2 Needs vs Wants
With your purpose clear in mind, make a list of your needs and wants. This will help you to ensure that you are prioritising the things that will really add functionality to your kitchen so that it works for you rather than only focusing on what looks good. At the end of the day, you can have a beautiful kitchen but if it’s not fit your purposes the whole process and spend will have been in vain. Once you have taken care of your needs, you’ll be in a better position to include some of the extra luxuries.
3 Budget
How much can you spend on your kitchen renovation? If you are renovating to increase the value of your home to sell, don’t let your renovation costs exceed 5% - 15% of your home's value. To save yourself stress, dedicate 10% - 20% of your budget to unexpected costs because there are always unexpected costs in renovations.
4 Layout and Flow
You’ve likely seen many stunning Pinterest and Instagram kitchen layouts. But will they actually increase your kitchen’s functionality? Ask yourself, “How do I want my kitchen to flow?” There are different types of layouts that allow for different things.
If you enjoy talking to your guests or family while you prepare meals, then consider an open plan kitchen that looks into the dining and living areas. Perhaps you could consider adding a kitchen island as a multifunctional option.
Keep in mind the principle of the golden triangle to achieve the best kitchen flow and to create a comfortable working space. It focuses on three areas: the sink, the oven and the fridge. These three elements need to be placed between an imaginary triangle. Each side should be between 1.2 metres and 2.7 meters apart. An efficient design means that you minimise the number of steps needed between the three areas during meal prep and cleanup.
5 Find Your Style
This is the exciting part. What styles do you love? What colours, tap ware, flooring or bench tops do you like? If you’re stuck for ideas, create a Pinterest board and save photos of elements you like. Or create a scrapbook of images from magazines. Take photos of the things you do and don’t like. You’ll soon find your style. You can also talk to your local building specialists to ask their expert advice.
At Essex Building Specialists we’ve been designing and building kitchens around the Essex Suffolk boarder for decades. When you build with us you’ll get a comprehensive service that includes design, advice, removal of your old kitchen, building, installation and finishing work. We build kitchens that will last, that will have all the features you need, and that you’ll love. We will also complete the project on time and on budget.
So when you’re ready, get in touch and we’ll have a chat about your big ideas.
- Essex Building Specialists -
P.s. when you’re ready here are 3 ways we can help you create your dream kitchen…
1. Download our free ebook
Download our free Renovation Checklist. Click here to download
2. Friend us on Facebook
This is where you can see our team in action so you can get to know us a little better. Friend us on Facebook
3. If you’re ready to start your renovation then send us a message.
We’ll get in touch and listen to your big ideas. Contact Us Now
