Often hailed at the heart of the home, the humble kitchen is perhaps one of the most important rooms in your house. It’s where we share meals and catch up on how everyone’s day has been. It’s the social butterfly that plays host at family and friend gatherings. And of course, it’s the blank canvas upon which you create tasty recipes.
So, it’s fair to say that when it comes to renovating your kitchen there’s a certain emphasis on getting it right. We’ve thought about what we believe makes a kitchen so special and created our top renovation tips around this so that you can achieve your dream kitchen.
Set a budget
It may seem a bit of an obvious starting point but setting yourself a realistic budget before beginning your kitchen renovation is super important. We’ve all been there, with the home design magazine in hand, gaping at truly stunning kitchens that come with a not-so-stunning price tag. So be realistic with your expectations and what you can afford.
Layout is key
Take some time to step back and look at your space. Assess the shape of the room and the current kitchen layout. Note what you like about the space and its functionality and also what you don’t like and what you feel need improved. Perhaps you feel that counter space is lacking? If you have the space, a central island could be a great solution for this.
Consider what your kitchen is used for and what it means to you. Do you host parties a lot? In which case, you will want to aim for an open feel leaving plenty of space and walkway for guests as well as some seating, maybe in the style of a breakfast bar?
And of course, think practical. Where will the cooker, fridge and sink etc go? Measure up and make sure that there is plenty of space for all of your appliances. A kitchen can look amazing but if it isn’t practical, it isn’t worth it. Don’t place them too far apart in a large kitchen space as this can be inconvenient when cooking and ensure that there is an electricity supply that reaches.
Counter tops
If you’re a keen cook then you’ll know that counter top space is just about as valuable as gold dust. Give your kitchen plenty of workspace for the endless hours spent trying out new recipes. Choose a worktop that is easy to clean and durable, granite is a popular material in modern kitchens. Ensure that when choosing your worktop that your sizes align with the cabinets below to allow for a slight overhang. This is the case in most kitchens but it’s always good to double check. That small overhang is the difference between a spilled tin of beans landing on the floor or your brand new cabinet doors.
Consider the cooker
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the heart of the kitchen must be the cooker, right? We think so. It’s one of the most important appliances in the kitchen so why choose any old thing. Make a statement with a grand range cooker with a pop of colour. Or, maybe something a little slicker and more modern. The choice is yours. Check out our full product range for a little inspiration here.
All about storage
Calling all organisation lovers, this is your time to shine. One of the most fun parts of designing the dream kitchen is fitting some really nifty storage ideas that are customised to your needs. And even better, it’s extremely practical so an entire weekend spent strolling around kitchen showrooms is totally justified!
There are some crazy cool storage hacks and fitments out there, it’s just a case of finding them. If you have a small space you’ll want to maximise the storage space. Plinth drawers are great. These are drawers which fit underneath your cabinets which would usually just be a blank board that covers the gap down to the floor.
Baskets are drawer dividers are a super inexpensive storage solution and can be adapted at any point. Mason jars are another personal favourite. They look really cute on the countertops with baking ingredients, tea, coffee and more.
Magnet boards are a great way to store knives on the wall or on the inside of cupboard doors if counter space is limited. However, we don’t recommend this one so much if you have little kiddies running around.
Top tip: using refillable containers is a great way to stay organised in your cupboards. Use clear containers to be able to instantly know what is in it and save time searching to the back of the cupboard.
Time to Style
The decor is where you can really add your unique stamp to your kitchen. It’s a wonder what a fresh lick of paint can do for a room. If you choose to paint or paper your kitchen make sure to either tile the back of your counter tops or use clear perspex to protect for grime and splashes of food.
Get creative with your kitchen lighting. We love the look of hanging lamps aligned above the breakfast bar. Or you can keep it simple and use spotlights both on the ceiling and under cabinets and flooring.
However you choose to style your kitchen, make it feel like home to you. Whether home is a crisp clean and spotless finish or perhaps it’s family picture on the walls and blooming flowers in the window. It’s totally up to you how you add the finishing touches.
Think ahead
Kitchens are expensive, there’s no denying it. So, when it comes to the overall design and style make sure that it is something that you really like and works for you. Consider how your life may change in the next few years. Maybe you plan on starting a family so space and easy maintenance will be a priority. The last thing you want is to invest a lot of money and time only to find yourself a year down the line preparing to do it all again.
We hope that this guide has given you some ideas for renovating or even just updating your kitchen. If you have any tips that you would like to share then we would love to hear them!
