Choosing the right design for your kitchen can be both an exciting and demanding process. As it is the space of your house where you spend a lot of your time, it’s normal that you want to make your kitchen enjoyable.
There are many aspects to think about during the process as it involves a lot of decision making. It can turn out to be really stressful because you want to make sure you will be satisfied with the final result and won’t regret your choices!
If you are looking to design your kitchen but don’t know where to start, here is a little guide on what to look for when you start planning.
Consider your budget
Setting up a budget is the first step in the kitchen planning process. It is crucial to keep in mind that such a project for your house will require a lot of money. Prioritisation is beneficial in this case. Think about all the adjustments that have to be made, and then decide if some of the things on your list can wait a little longer. Put at the top of your list the things you need the most – such as cabinets and appliances and set aside those elements that aren’t mandatory, such as an island, for example.
You might think a tight budget will stand in the way of good planning, but that is not the case. You can still find alternatives to kitchen components that won’t cost too much money.
Start looking for inspiration
To get an idea of the style you would find the most suitable for you, you can browse through images on Pinterest or check magazines or brochures for inspiration. Make a list of all the elements you want to include in your kitchen design. Think about what feeling you want to get out of your kitchen- do you want to go for a classic look or a modern minimalist one? How much space do you want your kitchen to occupy? What kind of appliances do you dream of? These are all critical aspects you should consider before starting your design project.
Pick the right materials
The longevity of your kitchen will depend a lot on the materials used in the designing process. If your budget allows, it’s best to invest in materials of good quality.
The best material for a countertop is granite- it has an accessible price, a refined look, and there are plenty of colours you can choose from! Another good option is quartz, as it is durable and doesn’t require high maintenance. When it comes to cabinets, wood is considered the best solution. If you are planning to give a traditional look to your kitchen, the two best options are hardwood and plywood. You can choose fibreboard for a modern, minimalist aspect of your kitchen.
Finishes are also an important element to consider in the design of your kitchen. You can choose between various types: PVC, polyurethane, laminate, veneer. Some of them have to be cleaned in a specific manner, while others don’t require high maintenance. If you are looking for a good quality finish but don’t want to spend too much on it, laminate finishes are not only affordable, but also come in different colours and styles.
What type of flooring do you want?
When choosing the flooring, you want to make sure you are opting for something durable.
Before deciding upon the type of flooring, research the advantages and disadvantages each of them has. Some options might be more beneficial for you than others, depending on your needs. For example, if you are on a tight budget and want to save some money, you might opt for laminate. An excellent option for someone willing to invest more money in flooring is hardwood. If you care about the environment, you might find bamboo floors to be a perfect choice for your kitchen!
Choose your cabinetry wisely
One of the most important components of the kitchen is cabinetry, as it affects the overall aspect of the kitchen. The cabinetry choice depends on your preferences and how you want your kitchen to look. You can pick between customised or standard cabinets, traditional or modern ones, framed or frameless.
If you want to save money, you might find replacement kitchen doors just the right solution for you. If the cabinet boxes are not damaged, and you are satisfied with the layout of your kitchen, instead of buying new cabinets, you can replace the doors and make a difference in your kitchen!
Think about the colours
Picking a colour scheme for your kitchen comes with a lot of excitement. The way a room is painted has a significant impact on the ambience created, so it is essential to think carefully about it.
You can get creative in the process and mix different colours to get a classy result! The options are endless- you can pick from a wide variety of combinations: violet and white, blue and green, pale pink and grey and several others – just go for the ones that resonate most with your personality.
If you don’t know which colours would be the perfect fit, you can always ask for help from an expert.
Don’t forget about lightning
Lighting is an essential aspect to consider in the design of the kitchen, acting both functionally and aesthetically. There are plenty of lighting trends that you can choose from to find out which one is the best option for your kitchen. You can opt for hanging pendants for modern lighting, retro lighting if you have a small kitchen, or you could try mixing led lights with spots and pendants to achieve both function and aesthetics!
Choose a layout for your design
Another fundamental step in designing the kitchen is the choice of the right layout. To decide which layout is the most suitable, you have to consider the kitchen structure and what you want to do in that space.
Depending on the size of the kitchen, you can choose between an L-shape, U-shape, G-shape, one wall or galley design. For example, if you have a small kitchen, you won’t go for a U-shape design but rather one wall layout.
If you are looking for a kitchen with different separate areas, an open-plan kitchen might be a good option for you.
You have to go through many steps when designing a kitchen, and you might find it overwhelming. However, you can start planning and make your dream kitchen a reality with these things in your mind!
