4 Things Kitchen Designers Want You to Know
Whether you’re embarking upon a home renovation journey or looking to implement new kitchens on a larger scale, you’ll likely be working closely with your kitchen designers to make your vision a reality.
Before you get your project started, there are a few things kitchen providers want you to know – to make the process as efficient and rewarding for you as possible.
1. Flatpack kitchens aren’t as cost effective as you’d think
Sure, the list price may be cheaper – but when you factor in the time spent assembling your flat pack kitchen, and the labour costs in having it installed – your cheap alternative can end up a lot more costly than its original price tag on the shelf.
Flatpack kitchens have gone a long way towards empowering homeowners to make changes in a kitchen they’re unhappy with – but, without proper installation, these kitchens can have a relatively short lifespan – and with proper installation, the costs only end up marginally cheaper than using a professional from the get-go.
A good joinery provider will work within your budget and suggest lower-cost alternatives to deliver a high-quality end product, without the high price tag.
2. Trends come and go, but style is forever
The rise of visual-dominated apps like Pinterest and Instagram has given us more kitchen inspiration than we sometimes know what to do with! But for every kitchen you pin or ‘like,’ it’s important to realistically assess whether such a kitchen would suit your home – and personal style.
While you can certainly incorporate elements of designs that are currently trending, picking a more timeless base will ensure your kitchen will age with grace.
That’s not to say that you shouldn’t play with elements like colour and texture, however – a timeless kitchen shouldn’t mean it is a space devoid of personality, but rather it should bring you joy to spend time there.
3. There are ways to achieve the look for less
Just because a certain material or fitting is the most expensive, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best value for money.
When it comes to things like your cabinetry or benchtop material, there’s often ways to achieve your aesthetic vision without completely disregarding your budget.
If you like the look of natural stone or marble, a quartz surface can give the same look but with the durability and low maintenance of a more traditional surface.
Similarly, opting for a laminate finish to your cabinetry provides a more durable and resistant surface than timber and is more likely to retain its colour over time.
For developers and project home builders, giving the look for less is key to attracting buyers without turning them off with additional costs.
4. Let your lifestyle inform your layout
This goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway) – just like kitchen style is an element unique to each homeowner, so too is kitchen layout.
How you like to spend time in a kitchen should reflect the layout – which has a flow on effect to almost every decision you’ll need to make. For a residential development, this consideration should be made for the people you’re trying to attract to your project.
If you like to take your time when cooking, you’ll want to invest your space in a full-size pantry and generous space.
Entertainers will want easy flow into living or outdoor areas, with preparation and clean-up areas serviced by seating for guests along with a fridge at the perimeter of the design.
Families may want a breakoff space for homework or a breakfast bar to get the kids fed and out the door.
Rather than picking a layout you think you’ll like and working around it, here’s your chance to craft a layout around your lifestyle.
