A kitchen really is the ‘heart of the home’, so it takes some special consideration when planning to renovate. Not only can you overhaul the look and feel of the kitchen space, but there are also big structural changes that can be implemented to help with functionality and design. It is important to be well prepared when planning to renovate your kitchen. That’s why we bring you out list of the top 8 things to consider when renovating your kitchen!
1. How long will it take?
It’s time to think about timeframes. If your current kitchen is suffering from deterioration, ineffective space & storage, or rising electricity costs due to inefficient design, then time is of the essence. For these reasons, it is important to let your contractors know that timing is important, and the less takeaway eaten, the better. However, remember to stay flexible, as other underlying issues may arise during your renovation. Avoid shortcuts being taken by listening to your contractors and being prepared.
Is your renovation simply for personal preference? Great! It’s always fun to switch things up and create a space you really love. In this instance, perhaps think of the smaller changes you can make without completely interrupting your home kitchen. For example adding an island bench, changing benchtops, or adding a butler’s pantry. These can complete change a kitchen without serious structural change.
2. Consider your budget
The kitchen is not the most affordable area of a home to renovate. When renovating your kitchen, consider other aspects of your home to be sure you are prepared to spend. For example, is your home older, and has had structural or plumbing issues in other areas? If so, you may find these also throughout your kitchen that need to be addressed, and paid for. Also be aware of deterioration. This can be seen in benchtops, appliances, and storage. Being one of the most used areas of a home, it is important to invest in longevity in your kitchen. No one wants to renovate every couple of years, because of cutting costs earlier on. Take the time to plan funding in advance and start saving early on.
3. Be detail orientated
When renovating a kitchen it is important to consider details. This is because a kitchen is almost like a jigsaw puzzle. Once you build out the main areas, other aspects such as appliances and storage need to fit perfectly! Every square centimetre is important in the planning process. Here are some things to carefully consider:
– Height of benchtops and appliances
– Width of walkways
– Location and number of powerpoints
– Adequate food preparation space
– Places to sit and eat
– Role-playing the everyday use of your kitchen can be important in understanding what is essential, and what is unnecessary in your kitchen renovation planning.
4. What will your kitchen be used for?
It’s time to get goal orientated. Setting clear objectives at the beginning of your kitchen renovation can help provide a more accurate result, as well as help your contractors understand your vision. What do you want to achieve from your renovation?
– More space for children?
– Adequate storage space?
– Sleeker appliances?
– To be environmentally friendly?
– Or to eventually sell your property?
– It can be extremely helpful to sit with your contractor or design and write a list of the problem areas in your current kitchen, and opportunities you hope to see in your new one.
5. Work with what you’ve got
Before letting loose with a sledgehammer, it is important to consider timings, costs and effort placed into a complete tear down. Making a list of what is able to stay in place can help save time and money down the track. For example, leaving existing cabinets and benchtops in their original spaces can be a big money saver, without sacrificing the integrity of your new design. Also, don’t underestimate what quick and simple changes can do. These may include:
-Updated benchtops
-A coat of paint
-A change in tapware and accessories
6. Lighting
Lighting is an important consideration when planning bathroom and bedroom renovations. It all needs to relate to the design you are inspired by, as well as the aesthetic feel your want to bring into your kitchen. A mismatched room is never appealing. A bright, white and minimal space will work more cohesively with bright, white LED lighting for example. Whereas, a period home, or kitchen renovation that includes warmer coloured walls and surfaces, may feel more natural including warmer toned lighting.
7. Functionality wins
Knowing that your family will most likely spend the majority of your time at home in this area, be conscious of functionality! There are lots of smaller details that add up to a functional kitchen. These can include drawer length, appropriate storage, as well as logical and ergonomic design. It is also important to factor in movement! How many people will be in your kitchen at once? Do you have small children that need to be kept away from dangerous objects? If you entertain regularly, does an open plan space work better for your home?
8. Appliances
When renovating your kitchen this is the time to think about appliances. Don’t leave it too late! The kitchen is one area of the home where appliances take up a lot of space, and it can be tricky to alter design once you are finished. During the inspiration process, take time to research the types of dishwasher, fridge, oven, stove-top, etc. that you want to include in your new build. It is much easier to build around the pieces you will purchase, rather than change measurements later down the track. This is also important to keep in mind in regards to the placement of your appliances. Will you keep them in the same place, or move them around? Be sure to consider plumbing and the extra costs attached to this when planning your new kitchen layout.
