As an Interior Designer, your Kitchen Design is about planning how your kitchen looks, feels and importantly how it functions. It is after all one of the most important rooms in your house.
A well Designed kitchen can make movement in the space more efficient and comfortable whilst looking aesthetically pleasing. Smart kitchen Design can increase storage, improve lighting and helps to maximise the space most efficiently.
As a Designer I think about the workflow so the layout of your kitchen is the foundation of the Design. This determines how everything is arranged, from your cabinets to your appliances and work spaces. Obtaining the ‘kitchen work triangle’ is one of the most important principles of the Design, connecting the sink, cooking areas and refrigerator, minimising movement whilst in the kitchen. This principle isn’t always achievable especially in awkward shaped kitchens, however should be adhered to where possible.
Not only does a well Designed kitchen help with practical functions whilst you live there but it can also help boost your resale value. It’s one of the first things prospective buyers look for and can often translate into a higher perceived value.
A well planned layout can save time and reduce daily problems, especially if you spend a lot of time cooking and socialising.
I can help you make the most of your space. Noticeable improvements could be to provide hidden storage, better cabinet placement and integrated appliances. Often it is beneficial to move the kitchen to a different room to provide a larger space for the open plan concept of cooking, living and dining.
Quite often clients have an existing kitchen layout which they just replace with a like for like upgrade. This can sometimes be a mistake. More often than not there are better layouts and ideas that clients may not have thought of. Sometimes they will focus mainly on the aesthetic features of the kitchen and not the daily functions that could help improve flow and practicality of their kitchen.
Yes. As a Designer my main focus is to Design your kitchen to potentially save you from costly mistakes. Your kitchen is one of the most expensive purchases you will make in your home. I can help alleviate some issues you may face. Kitchens involve a lot of factors i.e plumbing, electrics, ventilation and precise measurements. Getting these wrong could become expensive mistakes.
Yes it can, however there are ways to help avoid this too much. The key is to not rely too heavily on short lives trends and what will date too quickly.
Examples to avoid are: Very specific colours, try to keep most of the kitchen fairly neutral. Statement backsplashes or bold prints and ultra modern gimmicks.
Try to stick with simple cabinet styles like flat panel or shaker, neutral base colours or wood tones and quality materials. Things like lighting, paint, handles and decor can simply be updated if tastes change.
Kitchens will always date to some degree but a good layout that works well will never go out of style.
This varies a lot but there are some realistic ranges to consider. Budget: £4,000 – £8,000. Mid range, which is popular: £8,000 – £18,000. High end: £18,000 – £35,000. Bespoke/Luxury high end: £35,000 – £100,000. Please contact me to discuss your budget and what can be achieved.
Not necessarily, it depends on whether your existing kitchen is functioning for you.
The reasons you may need a new kitchen could be: The layout is not working, poor workflow and not enough prep space. Cabinet carcasses are worn out or damaged. You have on going issues like damp. Existing fittings are not working and you need to replace them. You want to change the space or flow to potentially an open plan concept, or place the kitchen in another area. Or you are already planning major works i.e re wiring or plumbing.
In some cases a ‘refresh’ is an option instead of a whole new kitchen. New handles, worktops, doors and repainting the doors can completely change the look and feel for a fraction of the cost.
Always consider layering your lighting. This will make your kitchen feel brighter, function better and look more expensive. Lighting to consider: Main lighting: The overall lighting when you walk into the room for even lighting. Task lighting: To make the kitchen more useable, under cabinet lights and over island or prep zones. Accent lighting: Inside cabinets, along kickboards or above cabinets. Decorative lighting: Pendant lights above the island or dining table can create a wow factor or decorative floor lights help with mood lighting.
The easy answer is the one that fits your budget, needs, style and durability. Have a budget in mind, decide on how you use your worktop and whether you could have potential maintenance issues and the longevity. So whether you are looking for a worktop that is budget friendly, medium maintenance and easy to install or a premium choice that is more durable, low maintenance but is more expensive, then please contact me to discuss your options.
