A kitchen is what most people are drawn to when they first enter a house. It is where you make the cups of teas and sit down to have a family meal. So why wouldn’t you want it to be beautiful and inviting?
When embarking on a new kitchen the first and most important step to think of is the layout and how you are going to make use of the space around you. There are many different kitchen styles to choose from including; L-shaped kitchens, U-shaped kitchens, single and double galley kitchens and more.
Another thing that should run through your mind is what is the kitchen going to be used most for?
Cooking and eat – so maybe you would like to incorporate a breakfast bar?
Office work – so you may want to include electrical sockets so you have places where you can charge your laptop. Or other activities where you need to think of the appropriate work surface.
If you’re a big wine fan do you want to design a wine storage area somewhere in the kitchen or if you enjoy cooking a lot do you want a bookshelf where you can store all of your cooking books.
If you throw a lot of dinner parties do you want your kitchen to have an island in the middle of your kitchen as that could be the main place where your guests can socialise?
Regardless of the layout, there are some key things that should be a part of everyone’s plan. For example; Keeping the dishwasher near the sink, and designing the kitchen to keep the bin within easy reach of the dishwasher. The food preparation area should be near the hob zone so you don’t need to travel far to plate up and also you need to think about what relation the fridge has to the cooking area.
Kitchen Design Ideas
If you are already happy with the layout of your current kitchen but just want to update it, then below are some brilliant redecorating ideas;
· Paint – painting your walls or kitchen doors can instantly make your kitchen look new, it is also a brilliant way to add colour. You can even do this yourself so you don’t have to spend money on getting a decorator.
· Create a feature wall – creating a feature wall is a brilliant way to add your personality to your kitchen. You can use colourful and patterned wallpapers, titles or counter tops.
· Lighting – lighting is a very important feature due to the fact that it can change the mood and the feel of your kitchen. Spotlights or lights under the counter can add a modern touch, while pendant lights can add more personality.
· Flooring – if your floor is old, replacing it can lift your kitchen. Again, your choice of flooring can affect the feel of the room. There are many different flooring styles which you can choose from including:
- Wooden flooring
- Ceramic / Porcelain and many more
- Vinyl flooring
Thinking about each one of these points in depth can really help you to build the kitchen of your dreams.