How to plan a new kitchen makeover...
Once you decide to make your dreams of a brand new kitchen a reality, it’s easy to get overexcited and focus on the exciting bits. However, hold your horses… because with a kitchen design project it really is important to get everything exactly right, so you can enjoy your new fabulous kitchen, make the most of it for years to come - and not regret the expense.
Having a plan (and sticking to it) is definitely the best way forward so we’ve come up with some tips to help you get your thoughts in order and make achieving kitchen perfection as easy as possible.
Clear the clutter…
Getting rid of the excess kitchen paraphernalia and clutter in your current kitchen not only means you can focus on thinking about space and storage for the accessories and equipment you actually need, it also means you can get a better idea of what the space you’re working with really looks like. It'll save you having to clear everything out later, in a last minute panic before the builders arrive too. We've got some decluttering tips HERE.
Think about your kitchen’s role…
Grab a pen and pencil and have a good think about what you’re going to be using your kitchen for. Yes there are the obvious things… cooking and eating breakfast for example, but is that breakfast on the run or a sit-down breakfast for the whole family (or both?). Are you cooking obsessed and like to take your time creating culinary masterpieces, ten course tasting menus and elaborate cakes, or is the most important thing that you have a combination/microwave oven that heats things up fast?
Will the kitchen also be the laundry room (and do you need space to stash the ironing?). Do you have a dog that you need to wash in the sink? Do the kids need somewhere for homework or craft projects? Would you like an area where you can set up your laptop and work… or a mini-office space? Do you need an area for your toddler to play safely? All questions to consider as they’ll require different elements to be incorporated into your design.
Consider if you like to chat to friends and family whilst you’re cooking or keep to yourself? Would you like a snug area incorporated within your new kitchen? Will everyone be traipsing in with muddy shoes after school or are you a slippers-only household? Think about your day-to-day lifestyle as well as the occasions which crop up from time to time and require different things …like dinner parties, Christmas or celebrations.
Perhaps you’re a lover of houseplants and want some more room on your windowsill. Are you a keen recycler and need plenty of space for your waste management solutions? Do the kids keep bringing beautiful artwork home that you’ve no-where to display? Get into the detail because there’s no reason why your new kitchen can’t be a multifunctional space that caters for your every need, whim and preference.
Decide on a budget…
This can be a bit of a ‘chicken-and-egg’ situation if you have no clue how much your kitchen could cost, but even so, think about how the upper limit of how much you can realistically afford, so you can ensure you don’t run into problems later. It’s best to ear mark a contingency amount too for unexpected issues that can sometimes reveal themselves well into the project. Things like wiring or damp-coursing can add an extra bill for example… and if everything progresses without any surprise costs, you’ll have a little bit extra at the end to buy those posh saucepans or fancy lamps!
Consider your kitchen style…
Start thinking about what style of kitchen you might like. Have a look at Pinterest, browse instagram and the internet and start noting down things which appeal. You could create a moodboard, Pinterest board or scrap book, to gather ideas for cabinetry, colours, tiles and details. Best to start with lots of ideas that you can whittle down. It’s also worth considering whether you have a low boredom threshold or not(!) Will you want to keep changing colours, and swapping the accessories… or once you have your dream kitchen will you be happy to keep it as it is? This can determine whether you go for more neutral cabinetry so you can switch up the surroundings, or you go for a statement look for cabinetry, worktop and tiling because you’ll love it forever!
Get some help from a kitchen designer…
This is the point where we’d call on the experts (like the Blackbrook Kitchens team) for a little bit of help. Book a consultation and we can create a fabulous design layout for your kitchen, which addresses all of your lifestyle requirements, budget and preferences. A designer can also ‘think outside of the box’ a little bit and come up with ideas you haven’t thought of. They’ll know what might be possible as far as extending the space or knocking through too.
Start getting into the detail…
If there is building work to plan in, get in touch with the council about regs and planning permission. Make a list of all the appliances and cabinetry that you definitely want and perhaps have a ‘nice to have’ list too. Think about what might be required for plumbing and electrics - will most elements remain in the same place or are you going for a complete kitchen move-around? What will the heating solution be… radiators, an Aga or underfloor? Where will you need lighting and power points? and do you need anything extra for work equipment when you’re working from home?
Consider where to splash out and where to save…
There are some elements of your new kitchen which will be very key and need to work hard. Opting for a granite or quartz worktop for example may seem like a luxury but they are really tough as well as looking great. As carcasses get a lot of use, we’d always recommend going for the best quality cabinetry you can afford and not be tempted by the super low budget options. They really will last a lot longer. For door finishes, there is a really wide range available and many look great whilst coming in at a much lower price, so it’s worth looking at a good range. Appliance costs vary massively too and it may be that you go for a top-of-the range hob because you use it so much and it’s so visible - but save on the fridge or washing machine.
Firm up a kitchen project plan…
If you’re using a kitchen designer there are some things that you should ensure happen. For example, we’ll always look at your property before expecting you to accept a quote and we’d always provide a breakdown of materials and installation costs. Your kitchen designer may have a team of recommended installers and tradespeople (as we do) so that really helps keep a project on track. You may have to weigh up how involved you’re getting yourself. If you manage the project and do some or all of the work you may save money but would the results and time taken be satisfactory? A timeline including when you’re expecting delivery of building materials and kitchen elements is essential at this point too. Bear in mind delays and potentially damaged goods which can quickly cause slippage.
Consider your kitchen accessories…
Once you’ve ordered all the functional stuff, you can revisit your mood board and start thinking about the finishing touches. Kitchen door handles, lighting, accessories and furnishings are best considered together so you can create a co-ordinated look to give your kitchen a pop of colour or a bit of a ‘wow’ factor.
Prepare for the installation…
Getting your new kitchen installed can be a major upheaval, but with a bit of pre-planning you can make it as stress-free as possible. Read our guide to preparing for a kitchen makeover HERE. Keep on track of your project plan and don’t be afraid to ask questions, point out any issues or challenge the time it’s taking to do the work.
And relax…
Once you’re the proud owner of your beautiful new kitchen, you’ll hopefully realise that all that thinking, list writing and hard work was worth it.