Home renovations, improvements, and facelifts have undoubtedly become a focus for many homeowners over these past few months, especially now that the $25k Homebuilders grant is available. Kitchen Renovations have been a huge topic of conversation. Your kitchen is arguably the most utilized room in the house - so you want to make sure you get it right. This is something we’ve been working closely with our clients on because your kitchen remodel should reflect your lifestyle and improve your liveability.
It’s important to consider your lifestyle and how that will fit into your remodel. The home entertainer will be looking for an open layout, a wine fridge, and a beautiful space to welcome guests into. The busy family will be looking for organization, storage, and functionality. The culinary connoisseurs will focus on sinks, surfaces, and ventilation. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what kind of space reflects your lifestyle, and we are here to help support you through that decision.
There are, however, some essential steps that are required for everyone when it comes to getting started, and that’s having a clear, documented plan of what your gorgeous new kitchen will look like!
We’ve put together a few of our favorite styles, and pointed out some things to consider when navigating through your kitchen improvements.
Engage with a professional
If you have some grandiose plans for your kitchen space, it’s important you engage with a professional. You’d be surprised how much work goes into making home improvements- even when it comes to just one singular room. Working with an interior designer can alleviate a lot of the unnecessary stress, and help you stay true to your original vision (and budget). Having the ability to determine the amount of structural work that is required, the quality of materials that will best support your renovation, and the amount of labor required (whether that be electrical, plumbing, or tearing down walls) is something that we can help with. Not to mention, the ease of simply being able to sit back, and watch your dream kitchen come to life.
Maximise Storage
This is something that can often be overlooked but is integral to bringing together a functional kitchen space. It will help keep your space neat and tidy and is an absolute requirement. Things like hooks, bespoke corners, and shelves and things that you can never have too much of- even if they are not a feature of your design, they will need to be integrated. Utilising every millimeter of the space (even the tiny corners ) is something that we do best!
Here are a few of our favorite storage compartments and styles:
Hardware
We’ll have determined the direction of your style before your project gets started, and nominate specific items to select once we’ve worked through the kitchen layout and bulk of the design.
When selecting the hardware such as knobs, handles, and hooks it’s important to ensure consistency, because those ‘minimal’ changes can have a maximum impact of the overall finished look and feel of your design. We’ll ensure that every finishing touch and item that will be installed in your kitchen suits the original vision.
Natural Vs Engineered Stone
When it comes to selecting splash-backs, countertops, and kitchen islands, one of the first things you should decide is ‘what will serve my space best?’
There are Pros and Cons of Natural Stone Vs Engineered stone. Natural stone is a natural material, so it will always be unique and hold its own character. It requires ongoing maintenance to look after its beauty. If you’re looking for a luxurious kitchen, and are willing to take care of it, then we recommend going a natural stone! It has a higher resale value, which is worth considering if you’re renovating and plan to sell.
Engineered stone can also look beautiful, but sometimes it’s ‘too perfect’ which results in an unnatural look and feel. It is, however, less expensive, good for durability, and you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.
When it comes to deciding between the two, the choice comes down to your needs and personal preference.
Decorative Grilles
We have some favorite decorative grilles and perforated sheets we recommend that will elevate your design and refine your space! Whether it’s for your kitchen cabinets, joinery doors, bar shelves, or windows- there is a range of colours, styles, and textures available. The perfect solution for your joinery or custom furniture designs that will open up your space whilst avoiding complete transparency. Adding a depth of interest, Grilles allows you to display your favorite items without adding too much clutter. Grilles can be matched to the rest of your hardware and tap ware in finish, which will guarantee a polished look.
If you’re running short of textures, looking for a strong impression, or lacking a ‘wow factor,’ we recommend exploring this option.
These are just a few of our tips on what to consider when navigating a kitchen renovation. It’s best to consult with an expert before beginning your project to help you fine-tune your plan, and recommend some solutions or concepts you may not have considered…even if it’s just for the initial stages of the project! Our team is available for virtual and in-person consultations. Let us help you bring your dream kitchen to life!
Images are from Pinterest and the English Tapware