You’ve been dreaming about renovating your kitchen for years. You’ve scrolled through Pinterest, collected design magazines and now it’s time to put your plans into action! But before you start, here are some kitchen remodelling tips from the pros.
1. Make decisions that fit your budget
When making a budget, consider what your non-negotiables are, what the maximum amount you should spend is so you don’t overcapitalise, and how can you think smarter to make your budget work. With so many appliances, fittings and cabinetry options to choose from, consider your budget before making your final choices. See if you can work with the existing plumbing to save money.
2. Choose your appliances and sink early
Your appliances will affect the kitchen layout so make your final choices before planning your cabinetry. Take note of the width and depth and make sure to leave enough clearance around door openings. Allow enough space at the side of the fridge so the interior drawers can be fully opened. Deciding on the sink is just as important. For example, a large undermount or butler sink can impact where you can put the dishwasher.
3. Focus on the details
Once your plans are drawn up it will be easier to visualise what your kitchen will look like and how it will function. Optimise the kitchen layout so it works well and makes daily chores easier:
- Put the dishwasher near the sink, with crockery stored nearby to make unloading it easier.
- Make sure the sink is big enough to fit your largest pot or platter.
- Have the fridge within easy reach of the bench and stovetop.
- Store knives and utensils close to where you’ll prep food, with pots and pans near the oven and stovetop.
- Have the rubbish, compost and recycling near your prep area and sink.
- Make sure the pantry is the right size for the amount of food you usually have on hand.
- Include plenty of power points for your favourite appliances.
4. Take your samples with you
You’ll make better decisions and end up with a cohesive space by carrying all your samples with you - tiles, hardware, benchtop, cabinets, and paint charts. It’s really helpful to see exactly what you’re working with as you look for each piece of the puzzle.
5. Include something natural
Adding a natural element will warm up a contemporary kitchen, especially if you’re using colder materials like marble or going all-white. Choose a plant, some leather seating or something wooden - even a big, chunky cutting board can be enough.
6. Benchtops – so many choices!
Your benchtop can have a huge impact on the overall look of your kitchen. The good news is that there are loads of materials to choose from:
- Engineered stone and granite not only look great, but are also hard wearing.
- Granite is durable, versatile and comes in loads of colours and textures. It needs little maintenance compared with other stone materials like marble or quartz.
- Marble makes a beautiful (although costly) stand-out feature, but it can stain.
- Concrete will also give you the wow factor but again, it can be expensive.
- A timber benchtop adds warmth and can work well in both traditional and modern homes.
- Stainless steel looks great in an industrial-style home but will scratch.
- Laminate is budget-friendly and comes in a variety colour and edging options. However it can scratch and you can’t put hot pots directly on it.
7. Maximise storage
There's no point having a beautiful kitchen if you have nowhere to put things!
- Consider making your cabinets go all the way to the ceiling; you can store anything you don’t use very often in the higher cupboards.
- Opt for big, soft close drawers that let you instantly see and access everything. They’re ideal for storing pots and pans, baking tins, plates and the myriad of plastic containers we all seem to have! You’ll also find them useful in your pantry.
- Look into the many organisation and storage solutions available including pull-out pantries and lazy Susans for any awkward corner cupboards.
8. Have one show-stopping statement feature
One bold design choice will give your kitchen personality and can be used to draw the eye towards a particular feature. For example, painting your kitchen island a bold colour makes an instant statement! Alternatively you can make a statement with a feature wall or splashback, a beautifully tiled floor or some sophisticated pendants. Whatever your show-stopper is, make sure to balance it out with simple choices elsewhere so you don’t end up with a space that feels overwhelming.
We know renovating a kitchen can be overwhelming and stressful. That’s why it's important to talk to the experts and do things right. Tell us about your plans and we’ll help you build a new kitchen that’s everything you want it to be!