Kitchen renovation in auckland are not only expensive, but they can also be a headache. It’s not only the design and layout of the room that you are considering. There’s also the matter of choosing the right appliances, addressing plumbing issues, and figuring out storage solutions. You and your family need to eat at least three meals per day. Takeout is not an option.
Don’t let the additional logistics of a new kitchen convince you to stay in an old space that doesn’t suit you. Here are 10 tips to help you get your dream kitchen.
Plan Ahead.
In a perfect universe, you’d stay somewhere else [during renovations]”, says Jill Howard from Jill Howard Design Studio. You know that it doesn’t always work out like that. Consider the logistics if you plan to stay in the same place for the duration. A temporary kitchen will be necessary during a kitchen remodel. If you can, try to have fun. Taylor Hill, the designer at Taylor Hill Interior Design, says that she has never seen a renovation of a kitchen completed in less than 12 weeks. You can save yourself from a lot of frustration by estimating that the project will take at least 10 to 20 percent longer than what the contractor originally estimated.
Study Your Current Kitchen.
Hill: “I ask my clients to look at their kitchens first. “Study it. Tell me why you like it. Tell me what you would change. Howard adds that unless you are adding to the existing footprint of your home, you will be working with a certain amount of square footage. It is important to “understand why” you want to make a change. Don’t try to force a large island onto your list if the space won’t permit it. Howard advises people to dig deeper when they are looking for something specific. Asking why can often lead to other solutions for your situation.
If It’s Not Broken, Don’t Fix It.
Hill advises: “If your existing windows work well with your new kitchen design, you should keep them.” This is a savings of hundreds of dollars. This advice also applies to other fixed elements, such as the current plumbing location. It will not only save you money, but it will also save precious time.
Consult The Experts.
Hill jokes, “I don’t file my taxes because I’m not an accountant.” If your budget permits you to do so, Hill suggests that you work with a designer or architect as well as a contractor. You’re going to be making some big, expensive decisions. It can get overwhelming without any help. Check local designers that offer hourly consultations if you are on a tight budget. Howard advises that if you are going to hire experts, “you should have your entire team assembled from the start.” You’ll get much better results.
Make Function Priority.
You need a kitchen that works for you and your lifestyle, whether you channel your inner Ina Garten at night or spend weekends scouring the farmers’ market. Hill says that “Function is first.” You can make everything pretty. Take a detailed inventory of your kitchen items (pots and pans, stand mixers or spices, oils, etc.) to find a layout that meets your needs. Examine how you use these items. Consider your maintenance tolerance when choosing finishes or other materials, such as counter tops.
Buy Appliances Early.
Appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers can cost anywhere between a few thousand to over $100K. They will also represent a large portion of your budget. Make sure you choose the right appliances for your kitchen. They will determine the layout and overall design of the room. Pro tip: To create a cleaner appearance, add an electrical outlet in the pantry to hide microwaves.
Make Design Decisions Based On The Space Available.
Consider how your kitchen will fit into the overall house before making any design decisions. Does it have a door that leads to another room? Are there any elements in that room you want to balance out? Hill says that his number one rule for a kitchen is to ensure all elements are seated at the same table. Hill says that they don’t all have to wear the same clothes but must communicate.
Soften The Space.
Yes, the function is important in the kitchen. But it should also be beautiful and comfortable so that you and your family enjoy the space together. Howard says that you don’t want to make your kitchen feel like a back room of a restaurant. I like to treat my kitchen as if it were any other room in the house. Choose finishes and fabrics that add a soft touch to the room and personal touches such as art.
The Open Concept Is Not The Only Concept.
Not every home requires a large, open kitchen. We love them, but they are not for everyone. Hill says that people can be a bit over-eager to begin a renovation and start removing walls which are actually necessary from an aesthetic perspective. Consider how you and your family live.
Timeless Is Better Than Trendy.
Trends are not very durable, particularly in the kitchen. To be honest, I avoid them. Howard says that nothing dates a kitchen more quickly. If you are drawn to a certain trend, make sure to incorporate it into areas that can be easily changed, such as barstools, lighting, or drawer pulls.