If you’re thinking about updating your kitchen whether it’s a completely new kitchen or a refurbishment of your existing units, it can feel really daunting. To help relieve your apprehension, dedicate time to planning the whole project and really thinking about what you want and need. To help you embark on planning your new kitchen, we have developed some top tips which will support your project so it runs smoothly and is as stress free as possible.
Wish list
A wish list is the best starting place, writing down or mind mapping everything you wish your dream kitchen to include. Social media channels such as Pinterest are an excellent resource for ideas. Think about the kitchen styles you like, materials and colours for your units and worktops and which appliances and gadgets you want. Evaluate your current kitchen what works, what doesn’t and what you feel could be changed. Think about your budget make sure it is realistic. You can have ideas and wishes but if you have no idea of budget, you could be disappointed because you can’t have everything on your list. Once you finalise your ideas and your budget, it’s a good time to think about talking to a professional kitchen designer.
Work with a professional kitchen designer
Designing and installing a new kitchen is a complex process and one of the most expensive rooms of the house to update so it’s important to get it right, A professional kitchen designer should have experience of building new kitchens of all different shapes, designs and requirements and you can draw on their knowledge. They will also share responsibility for the project and will have longstanding relationships with suppliers and other tradesman you may need. They will guide you on suitable designs for your space, materials, colours and layouts. At Priest Furniture our team of expert designers are on hand to advise, discuss your ideas and make recommendations.
The layout
A new kitchen is a big investment and can transform the way you live so the first thing to consider is the layout. The majority of kitchens opt for a three-point guide for the placement of the sink, fridge and cooker. Adopting a practical working triangle layout which keeps the most used areas of the fridge, cooker and sink in close proximity. If you’re having a dishwasher, it’s best to install this near your sink and also your bin, making it simpler to clean off plates and cutlery. In addition, it’s beneficial to have space each side of your cooker for food preparation and somewhere to leave your saucepans. Finally, will your kitchen be purely for cooking or do you wish to include an area to eat and socialise? They are all things that need consideration.
Other Elements
Once you have the layout agreed here are some other key things to think over:
Lighting
Is a key aspect of planning your kitchen and finalising it early in the process is beneficial so lights are positioned in the main areas allowing everything to be functional. Try where possible to maximise the natural light available in your kitchen making things seem brighter and more spacious.
Flooring
Will you be having new flooring if so, it’s better to fit it before your cabinets.
Appliances.
Would you like stand alone or integrated appliances? Will your washing machine be in your kitchen or somewhere else? Are you looking for standard size appliances or a different size? A hot water tap is a good energy cost saving investment. There are so many different cooking appliances now so really evaluate what works for you and your lifestyle. Fridges and dishwashers come with drawer options as an alternative to upright. Pay attention to their energy rating as the more efficient the rate the less electric they will use. Finally review oven extractor options: you can choose from between the wall or celling hung, hoods concealed in your units or a chimney breast, downdraft extractors installed behind your hob or hobs with built in extractors. Lots to consider.
Heating
Will you be updating your heating? Will you change to under floor or skirting board heating or just update your current radiators for more energy efficient ones? If you’re keeping your existing heating, will you need to move anything? All these elements need to be reviewed and discussed with your professional kitchen designer who will give advice.
New kitchen
There are so many elements to take into account when looking to update your kitchen and these are just some main tips which will make the process easier. Importantly research all the costs not just the large elements but think about those smaller things like door handles and other items you may not have thought of. Always allocate some additional budget for unexcepted costs, you don’t know what you may find when you remove your old kitchen. Importantly when you have decided on your budget stick to it.
Professional kitchen service
At Priest Furniture our experienced team have worked with many clients to provide them with completely new kitchens or refurb their existing ones. You can view our projects here We provide a full kitchen service from our creative design team to our install team. Our specialist designers will visit your home, discuss and agree ideas and once finalised provide you with CAD designs to be approved. Once approved and you commission us to manufacture your new kitchen our experienced craftsman will handmake your kitchen in our onsite workshop. Once made our skilled install team will agree a convenient time to fit your new kitchen causing minimal interruption to your home. Our kitchens are a part of our bespoke furniture service which focuses on our clients’ needs paying special attention to the details that are important to you. The Priest team will listen and work with you from the first meeting until we complete your install and we are always on hand once things are completed. For more information and or a quote call on 01245 450259, email or complete our online form to arrange a home visit or an showroom appointment.