No matter how much you love your kitchen, at some point, it will start to look dated and tired. Fashion moves on, and so does technology, so you may find that your kitchen no longer meets your needs.
If this is the case, it’s time to consider a kitchen renovation. You can also have air conditioning Sydney installed in this space…Why not?
A kitchen renovation is a complex project, but it can be made a lot easier by doing the proper planning. These are some of the most important factors you need to take into account before you start work on your new kitchen.
1. Budget
Correct budgeting is probably the most important element of the entire project. Before you can even start planning your kitchen renovation, you need to sit down and work out exactly what you can afford.
Never be tempted to go over your budget – costs can quickly spiral out of control and get you into a financial mess, so you need to keep a firm hold on your finances.
2. Changes you need to make
Most of us could plan a dream kitchen if we had access to unlimited money, but your budget will determine the exact changes you can afford to make. You can save yourself money by looking at the elements of your current kitchen you can keep, rather than automatically assuming you need to change absolutely everything.
For example, do you really need to change the kitchen layout completely, or can you keep the main appliances where they are? If you can create a new kitchen design without needing to move the plumbing, this can save a lot of money.
3. DIY or professional?
There will probably be some elements of your kitchen renovation you can handle yourself, such as painting and even tiling. But building a new kitchen is a complicated job, and if you are not experienced, there are many things that can potentially go wrong. Even a small mistake can cost you money, while a large one can compromise your safety.
4. Island
Adding an island will make your kitchen more attractive to potential buyers, as it increases the versatility of your kitchen by increasing the amount of usable space. An island can be used for food preparation, storage and even as an alternative eating space to a table, so it is a multi-functional asset which is well worth investing in.
Islands also work particularly well in open-plan kitchen layouts, as they create a natural dividing line between the kitchen and the rest of the home, without impeding the flow of movement and natural light.
5. Bench tops
Attractive bench tops are a must, so if you’re current bench tops are looking tired or damaged; it is definitely time to replace them. Natural stone such as marble or granite will add a luxurious touch if you can afford it, but if you are on a budget; you can choose a man-made stone such as quartz, or even a laminate which has the appearance of the stone.
Whatever material you choose, it needs to be hardwearing, so it needs to be resistant to staining and heat damage. It is also worth bearing in mind that neutral colors are best, as they don’t tend to date.
6. Appliances
Homebuyers are looking for good quality appliances, preferably modern, energy-efficient models just like ducted air conditioning Sydney with a uniform appearance. This means it makes sense to choose appliances which are all from the same manufacturer and range, ideally a well-known brand which offers a generous warranty.
If you can afford to include the latest smart technology, this is even better, as it will make your life a lot easier as well as adding value to your home.
7. Storage
Probably the most important element of good kitchen design is that it provides as much useful storage space as possible. You can never have too much storage in a kitchen, and including some clever storage solutions will boost the appeal of your kitchen significantly.
Consider purchasing an island which contains cupboards, installing concealed drawers behind your kickboards, and taking your cabinetry all the way up to the ceiling to create as much usable storage space as you can.
8. L shaped kitchen
An L shaped kitchen can fit just as easily into a small apartment kitchen as it can into a large space in a show home. This design involves having the cabinetry and appliances along two walls, turning a corner in the middle, with one row shorter than the other.
Your stove and sink are built into this layout, with room for a draining board next to the sink. In a smaller kitchen, you may have to include the fridge on the end of one of the rows, possibly compromising on some floor-level storage space, but you can easily add another row of cabinets above, going right up to the ceiling.
9. U shaped kitchen
A U shaped kitchen is in some ways the most practical design, as it takes the cabinetry and appliances around three walls instead of two. This makes it easy to create the ‘kitchen triangle’ in a larger space. However, in a smaller kitchen, it is important to make sure there is enough floor space between the opposing walls for this design to work well.
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