How to plan the perfect kitchen
The kitchen has long been the heart of the home, but with open plan living now more the norm than ever before, the kitchen has also become an extension of your living space and its design should reflect that. An interior designer will take a holistic view of your kitchen renovation with the rest of the home’s aesthetic in mind. But before we even get to the look – there’s lots to consider! Here are my top tips for anyone looking to renovate their kitchen.
1. Define Your Style: The first step in any kitchen renovation is to decide on the style you want for your space. What’s your go-to look? Pinterest is a great place to start to define your style if you’re unsure. This will guide your choices for materials, colour schemes, and design elements. From coastal to minimalist, hamptons to farmhouse, choose a style that speaks to you and your family’s lifestyle
2. Plan Your Layout: Consider the flow and functionality of your kitchen when planning your layout. This includes considering the triangle of work, which consists of the sink, refrigerator, and cooktop. The sum of the three sides of the triangle should ideally not exceed about 7-8m and no leg of the triangle should be less than 1.2 m (4 ft) or more than 2.7 m. Make sure they are positioned in an efficient and easily accessible manner. Additionally, think about the amount of counter space you need and where it should be located, and where your china, glass and cutlery cupboards are in relation to the dishwasher. I always like to position a pull out bin underneath the main preparation surface for easy disposal of food debris.
3. Choose Durable Materials: The kitchen is one of the most heavily used spaces in the home, so it’s important to choose materials that can withstand frequent use and are easy to clean. Countertops, cabinets, and flooring should be durable and low-maintenance. For example, quartz, granite, or solid surface countertops are a popular choice for their durability and ease of cleaning, though please don’t underestimate the beauty of natural stone. It requires a lot more TLC but is a no brainer when it comes to that high end finish and unique look.
4. Maximize Storage: No matter how large or small your kitchen is, maximizing storage is key. Use vertical space by installing shelving, cabinets, or open shelves to store items. Consider using corner cabinets with rotating shelving for added storage and accessibility. Additionally, consider creative storage solutions, such as pull-out pantry shelves & drawers or under-cabinet baskets, to make the most of every inch of space. Storage can be incorporated into the front of your kitchen island and extra deep tall units could open up opportunities for hidden end cupboards and a large corner pantry. For those with the luxury of space, a butler’s pantry offers enormous potential for storage tucked out of sight from your main entertaining zone, but if that is not an option consider an appliance / breakfast cupboard to keep everyday items within easy reach but away from view when not in use.
5. Incorporate Lighting: Good lighting is essential in the kitchen, both for practical reasons and to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider installing a combination of dimmable overhead lights and under-cabinet lighting to provide ample illumination. Additionally, task lighting such as pendant lights or a countertop light should be used to highlight specific areas in the kitchen. Open shelves with recessed lighting are a great way of adding decorative lighting and can be styled with living greenery and a curated collection of treasured objects to help blend your kitchen with your living spaces.
6. Invest in Appliances: High-quality appliances that will stand the test of time can greatly improve the functionality of your kitchen and make cooking and meal prep a breeze. Invest in energy-efficient appliances, such as an induction cooktop, a dishwasher with a delay start option, or a refrigerator with a built-in ice maker, to help reduce your energy costs and benefit the environment. Give careful consideration to the size of your appliances – especially your fridge freezer – to be sure it will accommodate the needs of your lifestyle, and always check the warranty!
7. Backsplash: Good lighting is essential in the kitchen, both for practical reasons and to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider installing a combination of dimmable overhead lights and under-cabinet lighting to provide ample illumination. Additionally, task lighting such as pendant lights or a countertop light should be used to highlight specific areas in the kitchen. Open shelves with recessed lighting are a great way of adding decorative lighting and can be styled with living greenery and a curated collection of treasured objects to help blend your kitchen with your living spaces.
8. Install an Island: If your floor plan allows it, an island can provide extra counter space and storage, making it an excellent addition to any kitchen renovation. The fascia of the island offers great opportunities for colour and texture and, like your benchtop and backsplash, is a key consideration for the overall aesthetic. Consider adding a sink or cooktop to the island for additional functionality, though be aware that you may find you are constantly looking at last night’s washing up! Personally – if space permits – I like to keep an island or peninsula clear to give an uncluttered space for use as additional seating for casual meals or pre dinner drinks when entertaining.
9. Focus on Ergonomics: Ensure that your kitchen is comfortable and easy to use. This means making sure the countertops are at the right height – generally I specify 920mm measured from the finished floor level to the top of the benchtop, but 950mm is a good height for tall people and 900mm for shorter people. The cabinets need to be easily accessible, and the appliances should be positioned in a way that is easy to reach and use. We don’t need to be breaking our backs every time we make dinner! Additionally, think about adding a comfortable seating area, such as a breakfast nook, to make the kitchen more inviting.
10. Aesthetics: Choose a consistent color palette that reflects your interior design style and creates a simple foundation to the overall look of the rest of your home. Highlighting key elements that define your interior, such as cabinetry and hardware finishes used elsewhere in the home also helps to bring a sense of cohesion. Rhythm and repetition throughout a home really does feed the flow from room to room to ensure each space works in harmony with the next. And don’t forget the kitchen is just as much a living space as the other rooms in your home, so be sure to showcase those personal touches such as decorative accessories, artwork, and statement pieces or treasured finds that help to tell a story about the person who lives there.
11. Don’t Forget the Details: Finally, don’t forget the small details that can make a big impact in your kitchen renovation. This includes things like cabinet handles, lighting fixtures, and accessories. Choose items that complement your style and add to the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Small touches, like a vintage pendant light or unique cabinet hardware, can make all the difference in creating a cohesive space with genuine personality.
If you’re struggling to figure it all out and you are looking for a Northern Beaches Kitchen Designer to help you realize your culinary dreams, please do drop us a line – we’d love to help!
