As kitchen design experts we have seen it all, from old-fashioned cabinetry and poor-quality flooring to stainless-steel overload and wasted space. That’s why we want to make sure that when it’s time to start thinking about your kitchen, you don’t make any mistakes that will leave you with regrets later.
To make the best use out of the space that you have, here are our top dos and don’ts for successful kitchen design.
Successful Kitchen Design Dos and Don’ts
Do: Think about what you dislike about your current kitchen
Don’t: Be closed minded to upgrades rather than changes
It’s important to know what you want to change in your new kitchen, e.g more storage space, but you need to keep your mind open to all your options. It might be the case that the design you had before is the best for your space, you just need updated cabinetry and a modern colour scheme.
Do: Think about the uses and workflow of your kitchen
Don’t: Adopt a design that doesn’t suit your space
It’s important that you think of all the uses of your kitchen, from cooking and socialising to having the all important Christmas meal, to ensure that each work station is in the best position to achieve the smoothest workflow. However, if a certain design doesn't suit your space, you need to work with what you have as functionality is far more important.
Do: Take everyone into account
Don’t: Design for one person
One of the most important considerations, when you're designing your kitchen, is thinking about everyone who will be using it. Although a certain parent may cook more or you have young children now, if you don’t take everyone's height and build into consideration or plan for the future, you will find that the kitchen won’t be a place of enjoyment.
Do: Invest in high-quality cabinets
Don’t: Opt for cheap cabinets
While cabinets are expensive, you have to think of them as an investment. We use our cabinets every single day, opening and closing them multiple times and loading and unloading them with heavy goods. It’s essential that they are strong and hardwearing with strong hinges as they will save you money in the long run.
Do: Bring cabinets up to the ceiling
Don’t: Have cabinets that fall short of the ceiling
Cabinets that fall short of the ceiling collect dust that needs to be cleaned regularly and sometimes gets used as extra storage for unnecessary accessories. Our solution? Extend these cabinets to the ceiling to maximise your storage space! You can even have glass fronts to make them a feature and create an airy-space. These types of cabinets work well in a small kitchen or utility room.
Do: Use cabinets to conceal appliances
Don’t: Go overboard with stainless steel appliances
Modern kitchens tend to either have one or two stainless steel appliances to accent the room with the rest hidden away in sleek cabinets. There’s a reason for this and it is simply that stainless steel appliances, especially large fridges, can overpower a room. Make sure that there is a balance and a flow to the space without over doing it.
Do: Leave Sufficient Space
Don’t: Overdo It on Storage
The perfect kitchen has a balance between cabinetry and open space. By choosing features such as specialised storage solutions or a sink with a window or open space above it, you can have more room to breathe without compromising on storage space.
Do: Make small spaces work
Don’t: Assume bigger is better
Many people think that open plan is best and while that might be the preferred look in this modern age, you have to work with the space that you have. If you have a smaller kitchen, simply try and add a few features to create a sense of space such as cabinets with glass fronts or an island on castors.
Do: Get help if you need it
Don’t: Try to do things yourself if you can’t
Although it’s very tempting to try and do things yourself to save money, it could lead to a poor quality job and you forking out more than you would in the first place. When it comes to knocking down walls or doing the electrical or plumbing, always get a professional in to do the job safely and right first time.
Do: Embrace the new
Don’t: Hang on to the old
If you’ve just moved into a new home or you’re completely updating your kitchen, you may find that you need to update your kitchen accessories too. Focus on your new space and how you’ll use it and get rid of whatever you don’t need. The last thing you want is for your new space to get cluttered with old and unnecessary items that don’t match.
Do: Know when to stop
Don’t: Overdo it
Renovating a kitchen is a really exciting time, so knowing when to stop is a challenge. Over-designing a kitchen isn’t a good look so remember that less is more and if you really love something, finishing touches can always be added later.
Every kitchen renovation is a chance to do something new and creative, to create a space that is warm, inviting and reflects the personality of your life. All we want is for you to get this right, so if you follow these dos and don’ts, you should have the kitchen of your dreams in no time!
What we can do for you:
As a kitchen designer, I love creating a stunning space where memories are made! So, if your kitchen needs upgrading, modernising or just give it that much-needed breath of life, let’s have a conversation and see what you could do with your space.
A new kitchen with a specialist design is more cost effective than you may think.
Emma Reed – Kitchen designer – 01792 712000
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