Top Tips for a kitchen remodel
Top Tips for a kitchen remodel
When it comes to remodelling your kitchen, it can be hard to know where to start. You’ve got an idea in your mind, but how do you make sure that this translates into a kitchen that you’ll love? Well, we’re here to help with some top tips!
Plan Ahead
The best place to start is to think about what you are wanting to get from your remodelled kitchen. Ask yourself: ‘How do I want the space to flow? What are my must haves? What’s my budget?’. Even if you’re not sure how to implement these answers, this gives you a starting point that you can build on to make sure your kitchen has everything you need in terms of form and functionality. From there, you can then think about what design and style you want – it’s a good idea to save pictures of ideas you like for you to reference.
Look at your current kitchen
Once you’ve answered these questions, take a look around your kitchen, and take note of what you like about it and what you don’t. You might already have plenty of storage, but perhaps it’s in an inconvenient location – or maybe your sink is too far from where you prepare meals. Think about the ‘kitchen triangle’, where the stove, sink and refrigerator are all within easy reach. This will help give you some more clarity around what can be repurposed or reused and what may need a complete refresh, giving you a better idea of how to achieve your ideal remodel.
BEFORE
AFTER
Think about your appliances early
Many people don’t think about their appliances until much further in the process – but considering them early will save you a lot of headaches down the line. If you’ve decided to keep your current appliances, think about their style, colour and size. If you plan to change the colour scheme of your space, will your current appliances still fit? If other aspects get updates will they now look old and out of place? Similarly, if you’re thinking of updating to new appliances, you’ll need to make sure they fit where you want them. You could have found the perfect oven for your style and needs, but if it won’t fit then it’s a real problem.
Focus on Flooring
One of the biggest and most intensive jobs of any kitchen remodel is the flooring. If you’ve decided to change up the floor of your kitchen, whether it be with tiles, timber boards or laminate, you’ll want to get this done first. A new floor can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen and as it is usually one of the largest spaces, it’s important that you make sure you know what you want to make sure the rest of your changes tie together. Plus, if you’ve already added new cabinetry or work surfaces, replacing a floor afterwards can potentially mean that you’ll have to undo some of the work that’s already been carried out.
Cabinets, cabinets, cabinets
Following on from flooring, the item that will account for most of your budget is cabinetry. You may want to add to your existing cabinets or completely change the layout – either way you want to make sure that you’ve got enough storage space, conveniently located and accessible. This means precision work to tailor cabinetry to your kitchen and design. You’ll also have to think about the doors, handles and shelving – so make sure you think about exactly what you need and where you want it when it comes to deciding on additional or new cabinets.
Update with tiling, texture and colour
A great way to give your kitchen a new lease of life is to look at where you can get a new style by adding to what your already have. Perhaps an old wall could do with a new colour to bring it back to life. You may want to consider adding textured tiles to a splashback area which will draw the eye and with a wide range of colours and interesting textures available, can make your kitchen uniquely you.
Find the fun in fixtures and fittings
When remodelling, one of the most exciting parts is picking your fixtures and fittings. Have you always wanted a new sink with a certain style of tapware? Now’s your chance! Tired of your old worn and not very practical door handles? Then update them with some stylish new ones. Are you tired of tripping over your bin and need a decent size hidden from view? Remember, while often thought of as a necessity (which of course they are too) fixtures and fittings are a real chance to stamp your personality on your new look kitchen.
Remodel vs Refresh
Deciding how and what you do with your kitchen will come down to many factors, such as budget, time, design and layout. But it is worth asking yourself the big question before you go ahead: Do I want to remodel my kitchen or just refresh it? A full remodel can be a commitment, but will also completely transform your space, allowing you to change almost any aspect. While this is a great idea for those who can, some people may decide that refreshing their kitchen is better for them, and that’s fine too! If you’ve decided to refresh, then along with playing with colour, changing the lighting and perhaps updating some appliances, there’s also plenty of organisational things you can do to give your kitchen a new feel and make it work better for you:
- Make the most of your storage with pull out racks and swing stands.
- Ensure that dishes and glasses are stored conveniently close to the dishwasher.
- Allocate an area between the stove and refrigerator specifically for food prep.
- Place your pantry items adjacent to the fridge.
- Twin bin drawer system for easy access.
- Provide ample workspace around the stove.
- Maximise wall space by using hooks & hangers.
- Add lighting to help illuminate work surfaces.
Speak to the experts
Perhaps most important of all is to make sure you speak to the people who know. Whether you need help with design drawings, ideas, installation or materials – talking to professionals will be your best source of information. At Kitchens U Build, our team are happy to help with any and every aspect of your kitchen remodel – whether you want advice on the small things like handles or tiles, or need us to help you from start to finish, we’re here for you.
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