The success of a new kitchen will often come down to planning. It can be a tough process and there is a lot to consider. You might have to consult designers, fitters, electricians and even gas engineers to be able to pull off the project. If you’re lucky, you may find a company able to project manage the whole thing for you. A complete renovation can act as a big disruption, the kitchen is, after all, the heart of the home.
With this in mind, we’ve put together some expert tips to help you get the renovation right so that you can enjoy your kitchen and the many perks that come with having a new one fitted.
Think outside of the box with your layout
The layout of your kitchen can have a massive impact on the final product. It’s an extremely high-traffic room in the average home and can also double as a dining room or homework hub for many.
Don’t be afraid to consider alternatives to the existing layout – what worked for the previous homeowner might not work for you. You might find you even want to divide the space with walls, partitions, or even differing decor to produce a cloakroom or utility room. Don’t be afraid to plan a few options before you decide.
Speak to experts about this if you plan to make significant changes. There may be planning or structural restrictions that are best known in the early stages.
Maximise your storage wherever possible
A kitchen will likely remain the same for many years, so it’s best to plan for the future as well. Lives change and many of us will buy new things before we get rid of old or broken things, so you will likely end up with even more than you think.
Use clever storage solutions and accessible cupboard spaces to maximise your storage – (nobody ever complained about having too much space in a kitchen!)
storage in your kitchen
Remember your plumbing and electrical requirements
If costs are a concern, keep in mind where your existing pipes and sockets are located when it comes to planning your renovations.
In the grand scheme of things, moving a socket isn’t so expensive but if you have to move a boiler or completely change your layout, this can quite quickly add costs. Any professional tradesperson will be able to advise you on costs and how you can best configure sinks, stoves and dishwashers to suit existing electric and plumbing setups.
Go bold (but not too bold)
It’s tempting to go for the latest, high-tech installation, but be wary that trends will come and go. Take a look at some kitchen styles from even a few years ago and you will see how quickly some styles age. Consider choosing more neutral styles for the expensive parts of your kitchen and going bold in your accessories and styling.
Trust the experts
Renovating a kitchen is something that very few of us do more than once or twice in our lifetimes – but the experts do it nearly every day! Trust in the advice of your chosen kitchen fitter or designer and help them to understand your vision for the space so that they can suggest practical ideas that might make the difference in the long-run.
Conclusion
With all of these points in mind, it’s time to begin planning your renovation. Be sure to check your plans with your chosen fitter and local tradespeople to ensure you can achieve your vision, and be patient with the process. All of the planning and reconfiguring will be worth it in the end.