Is 2019 the year you are planning a new kitchen for your home? Having a new kitchen is very exciting, often a once in a lifetime experience and usually a large project to undertake – there is a great deal to think about.
There is a huge choice of kitchens available from a flat packed variety to a uniquely designed handmade bespoke kitchen. In addition, there are also a variety of companies you can buy your kitchen from. It’s up to you what you choose, you can do as much or as little as you like. You can measure up yourself and order your cabinets or arrange for a designer to measure up for you and then order your kitchen ready to install yourself. You may decide you’d like to employ a local kitchen fitter to fit it for you. Finally, you can employ a professional company to undertake the whole project for you; design, manufacture and fully manage the project. So, have a think about your skills, equipment and time when deciding how you’d like to purchase and install your kitchen. Whichever route you choose, you will need to put some serious thought into your new kitchen…
How do you want your new kitchen to feel?
Feel is important in a kitchen. Do you want it to feel homely, clean and simple or rustic? To get a better understanding of what you want and what fits your home, do some research! Perhaps look at some pictures in magazines or online or social media to give you some #kitcheninspiration. Are you looking for a contemporary handle-less style or perhaps a very traditional hand-painted inset framed style? A kitchen will be very personal to you but maybe also think about the impression you want your friends and family to have when they walk into your new kitchen.
Your kitchen layout is important
The layout of your kitchen will be crucial – it will need to be perfectly designed for you and the way you use your kitchen. It’s important that the design suits your needs and requirements so it’s easy for you to use your appliances and relax in your kitchen. Most kitchen companies that offer a design service will work with their clients and tweak designs until the ultimate layout of cabinets, appliances and any features is achieved.
What do you need in your new kitchen?
You will likely need to consider appliances for cooking, maybe a new oven and microwave and storage for your smaller appliances, crockery and food. In terms of cooking, your appliances will be a major part of your kitchen. There are a variety of ovens available – some with steam, some combing microwave power and some with slide away doors. Choices are endless. For this, you will need to consider your cooking lifestyle; how many do you cook for, do you bake, do you entertain or just cook for yourself? Consider making a list of the appliances you would ideally like and then ask for advice and suggestions to ensure you arrive at the perfect appliances for you and your new kitchen. It doesn’t all have to be new so you may wish to consider reusing some of your existing appliances. However, be sure to shop around as there are many interesting appliances to make our lives easier!
Answer your storage problems!
Storage is also important in a new kitchen. This can be a strong reason for a kitchen redesign. Make things simple! You can have storage for everything including your pots and pans, food, small appliances, crockery and cutlery. There are internal shelving solutions to make access to the corners easier, carousel baskets or pull out baskets; larder units, spice racks, bottle racks and pull down shelving for wall units – endless possibilities!
Your worktops
Work surfaces are another major part of your new kitchen – not only so they need to be practical and hard wearing they need to look great too! Granite, quartz, real wood, Corian, solid composite materials and laminate are a few of the choices available to you. All have different properties so ensure you know what is going to be right for you. It doesn’t have to be expensive!
Endless additions
There are many, many accessories available to spice up your kitchen! Anything from handles and internal storage solutions to waste bins. These are all crucial factors in personalizing your new kitchen for your needs. Pan drawers, pull out larder units, recycling bins, cutlery inserts, USB sockets and maybe even spice racks – the list in endless!
The budget
Your budget for any major project will need to be thought about thoroughly. It will be a major investment in your home. Is your new kitchen just for the short term before you move to another home or is this kitchen an investment you would like to make in your “forever home”? Whichever it is, as long as you have a sensible budget, the experts can work with it to give you your dream kitchen.
So, when thinking about your brand-new kitchen for 2019, make a wish list of everything you would love to have in your kitchen. And, even though it may not be practical to have all of them, it’s good to have so the experts can accommodate for your needs before your wants!