Kitchen Remodeling – Basic Starting Thoughts

Kitchen design seems to be on a lot of people’s minds right now.  Perhaps it was this last holiday season’s cooking and entertaining experience that has put some folks at that point of –that’s it, I need to update and upgrade my kitchen NOW!

Below is a guest post  that addresses some basic kitchen remodeling topics that should be thought through before the project begins in earnest.‘

Thoughts on remodeling designer kitchens

Why do homeowners remodel their kitchen? It’s usually after they get frustrated with the designs of the previous owners.  ‘Why is that there?’ and ‘I don’t see any reason for this’ are thoughts that usually set them on the path of new kitchen design.   Since it’s this frustration that drives the change, it is very important to know what you want to change right from the start.

Before you even think about getting down to the nitty-gritty of planning designer kitchens – with CAD, blueprints, and designers – there are some basics to get through first. Considering these will save you a huge amount of time and money later.

Functionality…

Arguably, the kitchen is the most important room in the home. These days, it’s not only a room for cooking but doubles up as a family meeting point and an area for social gatherings.   It is important to design everything around your preparation, cooking, refrigeration, and dishwashing zones.

Don’t tamper with…

There are some appliances in kitchens that are extremely difficult and costly to move. These include vented range cooker hoods, sinks and dishwashers.

You can move…

Fridges can be moved fairly easily, as can cabinetry, so take these into consideration.

Sensibly placed cabinets…

Remember that putting cabinets in places that are difficult to reach will result in crockery never getting used.  You should, therefore, mostly aim to put your kitchen cabinets at eye-level and above your worktops.

Kitchen Island…

Do I need a kitchen island? – I hear your ask. Well, they certainly do add value to a property, and are an absolute must for some homeowners. They are great for the ‘social kitchen’. Many designer kitchens have this feature.   But it comes down to space really. After all, it’s just a trend, and you can do without one if necessary.

Don’t scrimp on worktops…

High quality designer kitchens need worktops to last for a long time and must be durable and ensure daily usage. It really is worth paying that bit extra to get a granite or quartz surface.  Spend some time thinking about what you want and make absolutely sure you get it right.

Space is key…

This is the real reason you need to hire a designer – since they are experts at proper spacing.    Any space problems will be worked around in a way that computer software just can’t manage.

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