If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, there are few things more exciting than planning a new kitchen.
However, it’s easy to get swept away with ideas for a new kitchen, only to have those same ideas become headaches when it comes to the kitchen remodel.
Successful kitchen remodels require careful thought and planning to ensure that:
- Your new kitchen is optimally functional.
- Your kitchen remodel stays within budget.
Budget when you planning a new kitchen
When planning a new kitchen the most important thing to consider at the very outset is your budget. Start with an overall budget. Break it down with estimates for fittings, appliances, materials and the cost of contractors and kitchen consults.
- Remember to include a sizeable ‘contingency’ fund for any unforeseen costs, snags, and things you may not have thought of when planning when your new kitchen.
- Err on the side of caution. Things often cost more than you think they will, and there are always hidden costs.
- Include the cost of planning your new kitchen with a kitchen consultant. This is sure to save you money in the end!
List your kitchen ‘likes and dislikes’:
List what you like and don’t like about your current kitchen. Include what isn’t functional, e.g. fridge door opening the wrong way, or into your work space etc., not enough counter space for food preparation, insufficient storage etc.
Then list what you do like about your current kitchen or wish to keep.
Gather kitchen ideas when planning a new kitchen:
Now for the fun part! Listing your ‘kitchen needs’ and ‘kitchen wants’ and compiling your kitchen design inspirations and ideas.
It will be far easier for your kitchen consultant to get an idea of what you like if you can show them examples. If you are opting for a do-it-yourself kitchen redo, research and a portfolio of ideas will help just as much.
Create your basic spatial plan. Consider:
- Overall floor space. You need to factor in specific clearances for walking spaces (especially around kitchen islands), and
- Clearances: for fridge, cabinet, and appliance doors, around plug points between countertops and mounted cabinets.
- The ‘Work Triangle’ between the three most used areas and appliances: the refrigerator, worktop, and the sink.
- Electrical points: Can you work with the existing points?
- Lighting: Think of how to maximise natural lighting
- Countertops: food preparation space is key to a well-designed and functional kitchen
- Storage space: Who doesn’t need more storage space in their kitchen?
A kitchen designer or contractor will help you refine your plan, but you’ll make the whole process tidier and more cost effective, and minimize snags if you do your due diligence on spatial planning at the outset when designing your new kitchen.
