Are you planning on renovating your kitchen? Here are five tips to make the process easier.
The renovation of a kitchen is one of the most significant construction projects in any home. It is a complex and expensive job. Therefore, it is better to research as much as possible before any critical change takes place. If a renovation is done correctly, it will provide the luxury kitchen of your dreams and, at the same time, increase the value of your property. Here are five things you need to keep in mind during your research.
1. SELECT THE DESIGN THAT GOES WITH YOUR LIFESTYLE
Kitchen renovation tends to be expensive hence the importance of having a kitchen flow and design that works with your lifestyle. Choose a functional kitchen design that warms your heart and makes you happy each time you are using the space. Look everywhere for inspiration, review what is trending this year, talk to experts about your plans, and then decide what works for you.
Think about your life plan for the following five to 10 years. Questions like the following will help you see the big picture during this process: Do you plan on having kids in the following years? Do you have small children or teenagers? Are you planning your retirement soon? Did you plan to sell the house in a few years? The answer to those questions will provide insights into what you need to include in your new kitchen. Maybe you need a microwave to warm meals fast instead of a steam oven.
A professional designer can help you decide the style that works better for your lifestyle and your plans for the future. They can guide you in this overwhelming task. You can read more about how a kitchen designer can help you during a kitchen renovation in the article: What does a kitchen designer do?
2. FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION
The famous phrase of the architect Louis Sullivan “form follows function,” continues to be as relevant today as it was in the 19th Century. Those three words are the foundation for modern architectural design in which the purpose of the space is the starting point for your design. The same principle has to be used when designing the kitchen of your dreams by creating a functional space, which is at the same time luxurious and beautiful.
Your kitchen needs to be user-friendly; therefore, plan for functionality with a specific place for everything. You can maximize the storage by using custom cabinets, providing extra drawers or hidden cabinets for things you don’t use so often. Another way to increase storage and prep meal area is by adding kitchen islands or a breakfast bar. Finally, plan to set up recycle bins. It will make more sense to have them near the prep area or the sink.
3. FINDING THE FOCAL POINT
In interior design, a focal point refers to the area that catches your attention immediately. It is the place in which our eyes land. There are different ways to create a focal point. It could be a complete area or just a specific feature in your kitchen, depending on your preferences and lifestyle. Go as bold as you want. The options are endless. It could be a gorgeous kitchen range hood for food enthusiasts who love to cook. If you love to entertain, an extra-large island with seating cabinetry or an island made with reclaimed wood can be your focal point. In case you have a beautiful piece of art, you can use lighting fixtures to highlight it. Even the appliances can create a dramatic focal point.
With the focal point defined, it will be easier to design the kitchen of your dreams around it.
4. LIGHTING
Before planning the lighting in your kitchen, you need to measure the space, select the type of cabinetry and design the lighting according to it. Keep in mind that lighting is crucial in the kitchen. It can illuminate a work area, create drama, make a statement or be a focal point. Hence the importance of providing your full attention when selecting lighting fixtures.
It is common to use LED lights in our homes, not only for their lifespan and energy efficiency, but they are available in a wide range of correlated color temperature values. LEDs can provide a warm, cold, or color light depending on what you are looking for in each space. Since lightning can be used as an ambient fixture or to illuminate a workspace, it is crucial to decide the type of lighting based on its location. For example, pendant lighting always goes well over islands; meanwhile, LED strips can look amazing under cabinets, and ceiling lights are great to provide good lighting in the whole kitchen. It is better to talk with a professional about the best option for your kitchen to have it right from the beginning.
5. GET PROFESSIONAL HELP
Even for experienced and hands-on DIY people, a kitchen renovation can be a challenge. Hence the suggestion to look for professional help. Hiring a designer will save you time and money. They will guide you during the whole process avoiding making expensive errors. Besides, kitchen designers know hacks and tricks. They also have inside information and connections with suppliers and brands. In the end, a professional will help you to decide what works best for you based on your budget and needs, avoiding spending precious time on things such as selecting from different vendors, models of appliances, and cabinetry so you can focus on the big picture.
In Chany Design, we offer professional kitchen design services where you are the most crucial part of the process. Chany’s experience and industry affiliations mean that you can expect the finished product to be what you have imagined. Call us or send us an email to set an appointment for a design consultation. We would love to hear your ideas for your dream kitchen and learn how our kitchen design solutions can turn your dream into a reality.