A perfectly designed kitchen usually strikes a balance between functionality and style. With plenty to consider, from choosing the right style, agreeing on the layout, and finding a professional designer, it can get a little stressful to come up with a kitchen design.
Luckily, by breaking the project down into digestible steps, you can put together a unique and excellent design. All you need is to think of it as a journey and consider giving every step all the consideration and time it needs.
Here are 9 steps you will need to take to design your new dream kitchen.
1. Set your budget
Knowing your working budget will greatly help you determine early on where you are going to splurge or where you are going to save. It will also help you lay down your priorities during the kitchen design process.
If you are on a budget, ensure that you spend on things that matter. You can also work with your existing materials – for instance, you will spend more installing and buying new cabinets than painting your existing ones.
2. Set your priorities
Will the room double as an office? Do you require a seating area? Does it require to be child friendly? Do you do a lot of baking or cooking? Will you entertain your guests in your kitchen? How much time do you spend in your kitchen?
You’ll need to consider all these activities and more when planning your kitchen’s layout.
3. Be inspired
Creating a vision of what you want your kitchen to look like is sometimes one of the hardest parts of designing it. And so, consider looking for great design inspirations from magazines, blogs, and sites such as Pinterest and Instagram. Also remember to save everything or tear images that catch the eye, including colour schemes, countertops, fixtures, and more.
Put together your inspiration, and you will have a vision board, which you can return to anytime you require some guidance.
4. Choose cabinets
With the help of a professional, measure the kitchen to know where and how many cabinets can fit. Also, remember to leave room for fixtures and appliances you plan to install. If you want a more durable, sturdy option, go for framed cabinets. Choose European-style cabinets, also referred to as frameless cabinets, for a modern design and better accessibility.
5. Select countertops
Pick a solid surface kitchen countertop for the most smooth, stain-resistant, and tough option. If you prefer an impressive and luxurious appearance, select natural stone.
Go for the quartz composite for a less maintenance stone look or wooden ones for a natural look. For more style options, pick the ceramic tile kitchen countertops.
6. Choose lighting fixtures
If you want a design that is more minimalistic and modern, geometric or bold lighting fixtures can make a fantastic stylistic statement. For a kitchen with lots of patterns and colours, less noticeable, more subtle light features will not distract or overwhelm. Go for lighting fixtures that fit the design of your kitchen.
Halogen, mercury vapour, LED, fluorescent, and incandescent are some of the common types of bulbs to consider since each has its range of colour tones.
7. Choose appliances
Appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and stoves come in different styles and colours. Go for appliances that complement or match the aesthetic of the kitchen. White and silver are always safe colours for kitchen appliances.
Also, choose stainless steel appliances as they go well with almost any design style and colour and they also add a modern industrial look to your kitchen.
If you want more working space, consider installing a single bowl sink. Installing a triple or double bowl sink is a bit expensive, but you’ll have multiple sections to work in.
8. Consult a professional kitchen designer
The expertise and experience of a kitchen designer will offer you lots of innovative and simple ideas, which you might not have considered.
He or she will also have up-to-date knowledge of fixtures, fittings, and products. Ultimately, a professional kitchen designer will help make sure your space works as efficiently as possible.
9. Call in the professionals
The way the kitchen is installed can make all the difference. It would be best if you hire a licensed electrician, builders, plumbers, and more.
Keep in mind that even simple mistakes and delays in your planning can be expensive and so, consider hiring a project manager. You may also need Building Regulation approval or Planning Permission if you are planning a larger build or refit.
Conclusion
The steps above will help you come up with a cohesive and stunning kitchen design that is suited to your specific needs and the budget. Just make sure that you feel comfortable with the professionals you chose to work with.
