If you would like to make the most out of your home, you might need to start with your kitchen. There are plenty of things you can do to make it work for you and your family, including the practical little changes that will turn cooking into pleasure and a moment of togetherness. The kitchen is the heart of the house, and it is usually where the most important conversations in the family will take place. It might be time to stop dreaming about your dream kitchen and create the space that you feel safe and comfortable in. Below you will find a few tips on how to get started.
Plan the Space
It might be a good idea to start with a blank canvas when you are planning a kitchen overhaul. There will be a couple of things you can change, but – if you have the budget – you can design the space to suit your family’s needs better. Create an online design based on your floor plans, or use an app to see how your new kitchen will look. It might also be a good idea to start looking for home design inspiration on Pinterest and other sites.
Think about Extension
It might also be a good idea to add more space, especially if you have a growing family. There are plenty of advantages of extending your kitchen; first of all, the value of your home will instantly go up. You might need to talk to a professional builder and get the planning permissions, but it will be worth it for now and the future, provided that you have enough space in your back or side yard. Extending your home will make it feel and look more spacious and have an impact on the rest of the house, too.
Opening Up the Space
In case you don’t have an open plan kitchen at the moment, it might be time to think about getting one designed. The worst thing that can happen to you is cooking away and feeling left out of the conversation because you are separated by the rest of the family by a wall or a door. You can also create an opening between the dining room and the kitchen, so you can still feel like you are separated and are not distracted, but still communicate with your loved ones. Serving windows will improve the practical features of your kitchen, too.
Evergreen Design
If you are ready to invest thousands in your new kitchen, you don’t want to end up finding out in a few years’ time that your design is out of fashion and now looks dated. This is why it is recommended to have an evergreen design that lasts for decades, and matches your modern furniture. You could even design your kitchen cabinet in a way that it covers up your appliances, so you can create a flush surface that looks sophisticated.
Sustainable Materials
When it comes to your kitchen design, it is important that you use sustainable materials that have a special feel and history about them. You might opt for real wood, upcycled kitchen cabinets, or some of the latest designs using marble, granite, or other sustainable materials for you work surface. Reclaimed wood is another great option, and it will make your kitchen look much warmer and more inviting.
Logical Layout
Before you choose your new kitchen furniture and cabinets, you will have to think through the layout. If you have multiple windows, you will have to decide what is going to go under them. What do you need the most natural light for? Is it prepping, washing up, or serving your dishes? Think about your cooking habits and find a layout that saves you time walking around, and allows you to follow a logical pattern. If your fridge is too far from the prepping area, you will end up walking up and down all the time.
Smart Storage
It is crucial that you get your kitchen organized. There is a need for getting smart storage and hiding your appliances and ingredients, so you can create that executive look. From spice racks that fit on the back of the kitchen cabinet doors to seating areas that will hide your place mats, and corner doors and drawers that will maximize your space, there are plenty of kitchen organization ideas you can implement. Choose the ones that will get you the most benefits when it comes to keeping your kitchen in order.
Make It Into a Main Hub In Your Home
Your kitchen should feel like a hub and a safe place for all your family members. Display your best pictures together and make the walls interactive. Having a menu display in your kitchen or leaving messages to your family members on days when you just miss each other in the morning rush might be a good way of personalizing your kitchen space and making it feel like home. After all, you don’t want to feel like you are walking into someone else’s kitchen and don’t know what you are allowed to do there.
Brighten Up
If you want your kitchen to turn into an uplifting space, you will have to brighten it up. Get rid of the boring maroon and gray, and add some color to your design. You can combine black and white surfaces, and add some colorful displays to make the most out of your design. Use the walls as a blank canvas, and collect recycled kitchen utensils or plates to brighten up your space and make it more interesting.
Practical Features
Of course, once you start redesigning your kitchen, you might also want to implement some practical features that will allow you to save time and spend more special moments with your family members. From having an ice cube maker, a timer on your dishwasher, and a practical cleaning storage cabinet, a hidden recycling cabinet with different sections for various materials will save you time and make you feel better about your kitchen design, too.
Appliances
Of course, a kitchen with just cabinets and without the essential appliances is not functional and practical. You will have to consider the needs of your family before you choose the size and style of your fridge, microwave, oven, and other smaller appliances. You will, of course, have to consider the space you have available, and all the doors have to open freely, or you will end up finding it hard to move about and find things. If you have a smart home system, you can put your slow cooker on a timer and coordinate it with your lights, so you can enjoy a nice meal as soon as you walk in the house after work.
Plumbing Upgrades and Condensation
We use our kitchen every day. If you have an older house, it might be time to upgrade your plumbing, especially if you are getting new appliances installed. You should try and find local plumbers who will help you make the most out of your space and ensure that you and your family are safe. They will advise you on how to save water by installing modern devices, and how to prevent limescale, which is the main cause of appliance breakdowns. You might also want to get an extractor fan installed, so you can prevent condensation from ruining your decor and your surfaces.
Getting a new kitchen is not a decision to be taken lightly. Make the most out of your preparation time to design the perfect space for you and your family.