Kitchen design: from layout to perfect finishing

For some, the kitchen should also play the role of a utility room., providing space for additional household appliances.

The problem is creating modern kitchen design, which not only looks good – from your choice of cabinetmaker to that, how your appliances integrate into space, – but also works functionally, whether it is facilitating the use of space or finishing materials, that can withstand the specific needs of the kitchen.

From waterproof floors to heat-resistant countertops, from functional layout to functional lighting – everything is here, what do you need to do right, as part of your kitchen design.

Always remember, that kitchen costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars. That is why it is important to know, how much each element of your kitchen design will cost, including installation fees.

How to create a kitchen design brief?

Start by saying, what is really hard to think about, what exactly do you want to use your kitchen for?. List everything, what will happen in space, including not only cooking and eating, but such things, how homework, entertainment and work from home.

You also need to think about, how will you use the space - for example, you are family, who likes to cook often or entertains large groups of people, or you live alone or with one other person and prefer convenience foods or eat out? Will you use your kitchen to host dinner parties or simply use it as an informal breakfast area??

What are your storage needs? Do you have a separate pantry to store most of your groceries?? How many appliances will you need space for?? Do you love kitchen gadgets??

Next, you need to think about, as you want, to keep the goods - you are very tidy and love to clean? If it is true, then hanging racks, open shelving and glass front units may be for you. If not, stick to solid doors and drawers, that can hide your mess.

Finally, what styles are you referring to? Possible, crisp, minimalist and modern design is your thing, or, possible, you are more attracted to the classic country-style kitchen design. Your choice of materials and finishes, which you choose, and the design of your device and countertop should reflect these preferences.

Finally, how much total are you willing to spend on your new kitchen? You need a clear idea of ​​your budget, to start shopping and, if you plan on using a builder or kitchen designer, give it to them. They will help you get the most bang for your buck., but this is only possible if, if you have a clear idea, what will you have to spend.

Finding the right person to design your kitchen

Most people believe, what is the easiest way to make a kitchen design – is to contact a specialized kitchen design company. Not only can they come up with several designs for you (as a rule, free), based on your resume, but many also offer fitting services.

By contacting at least three kitchen companies for quotes and designs, you will get a better idea of ​​how, what is possible with that space, which you have, and who offers the most competitive price for design and installation.

Can i design my own kitchen?

Other options include developing your own design and asking your building or independent kitchen installer to complete the installation., contact an interior designer or contact your architect or design professional for help and advice.

Choosing this path instead of working with a professional kitchen design, you may be missing out on the valuable experience of creating a well-designed, functional kitchen, how from the point of view, how space is ordered and flows, and in terms of maximum storage utilization.

However, on the other side, working independently of the kitchen company can offer a lot of freedom in the materials and finishes available to you.

What are the main types of kitchen layout?

Assess the size and shape of your new kitchen, to develop the best kitchen layout options. Your supplier or designer should be able to offer layout ideas, to make the most of the space you have.

Your kitchen layout should contain the basic “workers” kitchen areas - sink, oven, stove and refrigerator - within easy reach of each other.

Use graph paper, to make a big plan and play with layouts, which could potentially work for you, not forgetting to include any rest areas and keeping in mind the gaps around and in front of the appliances.

There are several basic layouts to consider:

• Layout of one wall: this is a general kitchen design for small spaces, especially open-plan kitchen-living room.
• Kitchen-galley: this layout consists of two rows of blocks, facing each other, and only works in narrow spaces.
• L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens: as the names suggest, blocks are arranged in the form “L” or “U”. In the kitchen in the shape of a letter “L” shorter part of letter ” L ” often serves as a breakfast bar.
• Kitchen island: although all of the above may include a kitchen island, islands have the specific function of separating functional kitchen spaces from living spaces and improving flow around the kitchen.
• The peninsula: Peninsula kitchens operate similarly to island kitchens, although connected to other cabinets or the wall on one side, offering clearer separation between spaces.

Where to buy a new kitchen?

Although the most obvious way to buy a new kitchen – this is to go to the nearest kitchen salon, there are other options, some of which may be more suitable for those, who designs a new kitchen on a budget.

Many people now prefer to buy kitchen online, providing your measurements and requirements, before you get it all, to be adapted on a DIY basis, by a builder or kitchen fitter, or by the suppliers themselves. Although buying online can be a cheaper way to buy a new kitchen, it is not always possible to be sure of the quality of the products, which you buy.

Some people prefer to mix and match, where do they buy their kitchen. You can, for example, choose cheaper, standard block frames from the online store, DIY warehouse or builder dealers, before heading to the kitchen specialist for unit doors – try bare doors and Plykea. You can also buy countertops separately, together with handles.

Flatpack kitchens from DIY stores can be ideal for those, who is on a tight budget, and allow you to customize the devices yourself. Suppliers can still help with design ideas and plans for your room.

Have you considered a former display case or a secondhand kitchen?? Many of them offer excellent value for money. Ask at kitchen showrooms or contact companies directly, specializing in used kitchens, such as The Used Kitchen Hub or The Used Kitchen Company.

Those, who has a bigger budget for kitchen design, possible, will want to consider a completely bespoke kitchen, hand built especially for you. A truly bespoke kitchen will mean..., that it is made completely according to specifications in non-standard, not standard sizes. This will allow your design to take into account any subtleties of your kitchen., to make the most of the space.

In addition, you can order a joiner, to make cabinetry for you to design your own or one you noticed elsewhere.

How much does a new kitchen cost?

As with many other home improvement jobs, unfortunately, there is no exact way to predict, what will be your individual kitchen costs?. However, you can offer a rough idea, depending on, where do you buy it.

As a rule, the new kitchen will return you from 5 000 to 10 000 $ , including household appliances and installation, although it's frighteningly easy to spend up 50 000 dollars and more!

The reason, for which it is so difficult to determine any exact costs, is that, what's the specification, location, The size of your kitchen and your choice of appliances will greatly influence your final costs.. Although it's true, that a basic flat kitchen can be picked up in less than 400 $ , and then installed by the homeowner, many people choose to spend a little more, to ensure quality and professional installation.

Keep in mind, that the above costs do not include:

• Design fee;
• Removal and disposal of old kitchens;
• Plumbing and electrical work;
• Floor coverings, tiles and roof tiles;
• Heating;
• Lighting.

Kitchen design styles

When it comes to, what style of kitchen to choose, the world truly is your oyster. Eat, quite literally, thousands of styles, colors and designs there (not always good, if decision making is not your thing.)

Probably, you have a pretty good idea of ​​the type of interior, which you need, And if not, then browsing kitchen salons, magazines, interior design websites and even friends' round houses can give you a good dose of inspiration.

Those, who after modern kitchen design should focus on unassuming unit doors. Handleless – this is a good way to go there, where inconspicuous grooves in the top or side of the blocks replace handles or knobs, or push-click mode or operation is used.

Consider launching full-size units in combination with built-ins at eye level and stick to flush doors as well. High glossy blocks, as a rule, fell out of favor a little over the past couple of years (possible, something to do with that, how they detect fingerprints and grease stains so easily), so consider a matte finish instead for a much more forgiving finish.

If you are looking for something more classic, then the shaker kitchen is perfect, offering a simple, timeless appearance, which can be easily updated with different handles or knobs over time. Simple sheet piling block facades also have a nice classic look.

Keep in mind, that a quality wooden kitchen could potentially be repainted in the future, allowing you to change the look without having to reinvest in a new kitchen.

Don't think, what do you need wall blocks - these days, many people often choose alternative options, such as shelves or full-size blocks, and replace some of the base units with large deep drawers for placing pots, pans and dishes, as well as cutlery.

Storage and shelf ideas for your kitchen design

The importance of good and convenient storage of various things and products in the kitchen – cannot be overestimated, when it comes to the initial design of the kitchen and its design. You will need to look around your current kitchen and take stock of what, what do you need in your new kitchen. How much equipment do you have now and, probably, you will get more in the future?

Think also about, how do you go shopping. You make one big purchase at the store once a week.? A month later? Think, where you will store all your purchased items. What else will you need to keep in this room??

Then you can come up with, what types of storage will you need. Options include optional deep drawers, dressers, corner blocks and those, which have pull-out shelves and rotating carousels. Hanging racks, open shelving on walls and inside island blocks, alcoves, slabs built on both sides, and shelving, placed at the ends of block runs - all this should be taken into account, when it comes to keeping your new kitchen tidy.

Countertop design complements your kitchen

Your choice of countertop will form a major part of your kitchen design., and also influence that, how space works from a practical point of view.

While you can choose work surfaces from a selection, offered by your kitchen supplier, it is often cheaper to buy them from a specialized desktop supplier, timber merchant or mason. There are also online company desktops, which will cut the countertops, to match.

Laminate countertops have come a long way in recent years and are now available in a variety of colors and finishes., and also with such advantages, both heat resistance and stain resistance.

The huge range of timber there means, that there is a wood countertop for every kitchen style and every budget - but keep in mind, that they require maintenance, to hold on to their good looks.

Durable composite surfaces and solid stone look beautiful, but tend to lie at the high end of the price scale.

Finding the right home appliances for your kitchen design

While most people these days prefer to shop for their kitchen appliances, many kitchen suppliers also offer packages and offers, which include them - especially large household goods, such as fridge-freezers, ovens and stoves, as well as hoods.

However, you can usually find home appliances a little cheaper, shopping around. In addition, if you are looking for something with an attractive design twist, you, probably, you will need to contact a specialist for the type of device, which you are looking for.

Along with more obvious kitchen appliances, the above, think, What other items can really make your kitchen work for you?. Bakers could benefit from evidence boxes, wine lovers might consider a wine cooler, while those, who needs a boost of caffeine, first thing to look at are the many built-in coffee machines, offered today.

All these points should be planned from the very beginning., so that you can work out the right balance in terms of, how much storage space will be allocated and how much can be used by your new kitchen equipment.

Extraction is required to, so that your new kitchen is not filled with steam and cooking smells every time, when you decide to use your stove. Ideally you want, to keep your hood ventilated outside.

How to choose a kitchen sink and faucet?

As with household appliances, sometimes sinks and taps are included with your kitchen supplier, although they can also be purchased separately.

When it comes to choosing a kitchen sink, think about, how do you plan to use your kitchen. Will you be doing a lot of washing or will you be relying solely on the dishwasher?? You need to make a sink for washing hands and dishes? Do you have bulky pieces of equipment?, to be washed in the sink?

Think about your answers - they should give you an idea of ​​the size and configuration of the sink, which suits you.

As for the kitchen faucet, many models are now available, who do much more, than just distributing water. From filter taps to those providing instant boiling water - there are even taps, who give you soda these days.

Floor covering for kitchens

Kitchen floors should be, first of all, practical. It should be easy to clean and withstand many steps., and also deal with hot liquids and stains.

It goes without saying, that hard floor is the best option. Ceramic tiles are one of the most economical options, and is also easy to DIY on a DIY basis - plus it is available in almost any color, size, form, patterns and departments, which you may want.

Porcelain tiles, as a rule, more expensive than ceramic, but denser and less porous, so, as a rule, more durable.

Polished concrete and natural stone are also brilliant options.. Some natural stones are softer and more porous, than others, and may get dirty, if they are not properly sealed, so check, which stone is best for you.

Wood floors can be used in kitchens, but keep in mind, what conifers, in particular, prone to movement and can warp and curl when exposed to changes in temperature and humidity levels - a common occurrence in kitchens. Engineered wood is a more stable option, than solid boards.

Choosing the Right Lighting for Your Kitchen Design

Before your blocks are installed, you will need to install your first working electrical. You should have come up with a lighting design for your kitchen at the planning stage.. If your new kitchen is part of a larger remodeling project, you may well be able to hire a specialist lighting designer or ask your lighting supplier to come up with a plan. In addition, you may decide to plan your lighting scheme yourself.

Think about, where bright, focused light - for example, over cooking hot spots. Downlighters, intended for, to shine a ray of light exactly there, where is it needed, without affecting the shadow of the person, working on the work surface, perfect fit, like stains on the tracks.

Elsewhere, use strip lighting under wall units and even hidden under base units, to provide a good ambient glow. Low hung pendants work well over island blocks, bar counters and dining tables.

How long does it take, to adapt the kitchen?

I repeat again, that it is very difficult to call. Simple dismantling and replacement can take no more than a week, If performed by a group of professionals, in which, probably, a kitchen locksmith or builder will come in, electrician and plumber. You may also need the services of a decorator and/or tiler.

On the other hand, if you are doing a kitchen extension, moving the kitchen or major remodeling of the space, which will include the demolition of internal walls, adding new windows and doors, installation of a new floor heating system, etc.. d., it, obviously, take longer.

You should discuss your work schedule and timeline at the start of the project with your builder, to get a good idea of ​​how, how long will it all take and how long will you, probably, will be without kitchen utensils.