If you are planning a makeover for your kitchen, getting a professional like this kitchen refurbishment company thekitchenrefurbishmentcompany.co.uk/ to help you will give you a good result – here are some of the things that you should consider when planning a new kitchen…
Layout – The first thing that you may want to do is to consider the layout of the kitchen. There are lots of things to consider when you are planning the kitchen layout, and it is important to also be realistic about what you can achieve – for example if your kitchen is very small you are not going to get a much larger space without building an extension, however you will be able to make better use of the space you have.
Flooring – The flooring that you choose for the kitchen needs to be well suited to a heavy traffic room such as the kitchen. It needs to be able to withstand spills and also water, as it can get steamy and damp in a kitchen.
Flooring options suited for a kitchen include laminate, tiles, and lino. Make sure that as well as being a durable type of flooring, that you also know how to clean and maintain it.
Lighting – You can make a huge impact on any space with lighting, and There are lots of types of lighting that you can use in a kitchen, and it really depends on your sense of style as well as the shape and layout of the kitchen itself. The lighting is something that you should think about right at the start, along with the layout.
Some ideas include using a hanging pendant light above a dining area or a kitchen island, using lighting under shelves and cabinets to give lighting to worktops and using lighting in cabinets.
Appliances – The appliances in your kitchen need to be able to help you and work well for your home. Things that you should think about when you are planning your appliances include:
Integrated or not? – Integrated appliances are built into the kitchen, whereas freestanding appliances fit into the gaps under cupboards. Have a look into the pros and cons of each to help you decide what is right for you.
Energy Saving – If you want to save on your energy bills, make sure that you check the energy efficiency ratings on the appliances.
Features – Whether you want a fridge that has an ice tray or a washing machine that has a delay function – or you want to use smart appliances – have a look into the various features that modern appliances have.
Deciding on integrated appliances
A kitchen can last around 20 years before it is replaced, so it is worth choosing a layout and finish that will not date quickly. One of the biggest decisions is whether to use integrated appliances.
Their main appeal is a sleek, uniform look. Integrated fridge freezers and washing machines sit flush behind cupboard doors, so they look like ordinary units, which makes the room feel more spacious. Ovens and microwaves can be built neatly into the design as well, and because the appliance is hidden you can choose it on how well it meets your needs rather than how it looks. For a modern, streamlined kitchen they are hard to beat.
There are drawbacks. Built-in appliances cannot easily be taken with you when you move, so they suit homes where they will be sold with the property, or rented homes. Fitting them also takes more skill and time, which usually adds a little to the cost.
Making more room with appliances and storage
A practical kitchen needs enough storage and enough room to cook comfortably, so look at how each part of the space is used. Start with your appliances and whether they really suit your household. Integrated appliances, such as a fully integrated dishwasher, give a neater look and save space, since unlike freestanding models they leave no gaps between the appliance and the units.
If you have the room and the necessary planning permission, a utility room can make a big difference. It gives the washing machine and tumble dryer a home of their own and frees up plenty of storage in the main kitchen.
Smaller changes help too. Extra shelving, reorganised cupboards and hooks for hanging pans all free up worktop and cupboard space.
Making a small kitchen work harder
If your kitchen is on the small side, planning is the moment to find extra space. Start by asking what really needs to be in the room. A tumble dryer might move to the garage, for example, or a cupboard under the stairs might be turned into extra kitchen storage.
Look closely at gaps between units and appliances. Unused space often hides there, and integrated appliances that fit flush within the units help make sure none of the room is wasted. A layout change can free up a surprising amount of room.
Clever storage makes the biggest difference in a smaller kitchen. Add extra shelves and organise cupboards so every inch is used well. Don’t forget the walls and ceiling either. Hooks for pots and pans keep them within reach while clearing space in the cupboards for everything else.