Photos by: Stella Mobili
Kitchens are arguably one of the most important rooms in a home. With COVID-19 keeping us homebound, kitchens are playing a more important role than ever before. It serves plenty of functions other than just cooking during the lockdown period. Some use it for Zoom calls for cooking classes, and some have turned it into a makeshift office to work from home.
With kitchens shifting its purpose and taking a more central role in our home during this COVID era, kitchen renovation and remodelling have become trending topics. If you are thinking of a kitchen renovation, be sure to incorporate versatility and practicality in your space, as it is an investment that can last you a lifetime. Here are several tips to keep in mind before your kitchen renovation project. These tips will guide you to make your time, effort and money well worth it.
Determine the Function
Take some time to explore your needs and lifestyle as well as your family’s. Think about how you would actually use the space. If it is the heart of the home where you entertain, socialise and sometimes use it as a work from home area, you might want to pay closer attention to the seating area and counter space. If your main function is to cook, you should arrange the stove, sink and fridge in a symmetrical triangle and choose a low-hanging light for the most optimal lighting while cooking.
Define your Style
If you haven’t already figured out what you want your kitchen style to be, take some time to go through kitchen inspiration photos or visit a few kitchen showrooms to get a feel of which design speaks to you the most. Three most basic styles are traditional, contemporary and transitional; each having their own variations from American Classic to Mediterranean. As you explore your kitchen style, consider your personal preference and the architecture of your home. For example, a traditional kitchen style like French Country with many decorative details might not go well with an ultra modern apartment. Once you’ve decided, order free samples of worktops, wood and tiles to see them in the natural light in your kitchen space. This will help you determine the best kitchen style and design.
Storage Space
Understanding your storage requirement is crucial to design a kitchen that fits your lifestyle. It needs careful planning, and the amount of storage you require will influence the size of your kitchen. Think about your family and routine, the bigger the family the larger the pantry and if you are an avid cook who loves to entertain, you might require more cabinet shelves and drawers for china, silverware, spices and small kitchen appliances. Factor in organisational elements in your kitchen and pantry with smart storage solutions or add-on kitchen organisers to fully maximise your storage space.
Appliances
Selecting appliances is the most important aspect of the kitchen renovation, as it should be the first step of the layout process in order for the cabinetry, plumbing and electrical to be planned around them. If you’ve selected side-by-side refrigerators or a built-in oven and microwave, their sizes and range are very crucial details that should be finalised during the layout planning process. Professional-grade and built-in appliances are stunning and create a seamless look, however, they cost a pretty penny. Don’t forget to factor it in your cost as well, how high-end do you want to go and how much are you willing to spend?
Draw a Detailed Kitchen Layout
Do your kitchen renovation right by nailing down the floor plan. The tip is to pick a layout that maximises the function and flow in your kitchen. There are a number of things to consider before finalising a kitchen layout that’s right for you. Obviously space is crucial, as well as your taste and amount of storage space. For example, kitchen islands are dreamt by many but are only attainable by those with a luxury of space. It can be substituted with a peninsula-style kitchen.
Finishes and Materials
Deciding on finishes is one of the most challenging processes of a kitchen remodel. Rather than picking what countertops you love or the wood finishes, pick an overall palette of colours and materials at the same time and layer the materials to create a collage of colours, patterns and textures that go together. Start with the big areas as they have the most impact, such as countertops, cabinetry and backsplash materials. Don’t be scared to play with texture and mix the elements as it creates depth and interest to your kitchen. For instance, try pairing a stunning white quartz countertop with a textured subway tile backsplash and not-so-ordinary wood cabinetry colours such as Classic Blue, which happens to be the Pantone Colour of 2020. Glass-front cabinet doors are a great option to incorporate that light and spacious vibe in your kitchen.
A successful and satisfying kitchen renovation all comes down to detailed planning. Timing plays an important role too, so what happens when you can’t access the kitchen for a month? If you don’t know where to start, consult a kitchen designer or your contractor. These experts can advise you on the necessary processes and timelines to help realise your dream kitchen and take it to the next level.