Kitchen Renovation Tips

Here are 6 tips to consider when planning your perfect kitchen.

1. Think about how you live

The first thing to do is to think about how you use your kitchen.

Different sized homes will require differently laid out kitchens. Those with families may need a breakfast hub, those with pets may require space for pet bowls and beds, single dwellers may choose a slim line dishwasher model, and those with a love of entertaining may want to have dedicated wine storage.

2. Consider the details

Simple things often get over looked. Consider where you put your shopping when you get home from the supermarket. Is it easy to unpack them into cupboards and the fridge? Do you need the sink to be near the oven? Think about how you like to cook, maybe you need an integrated green-waste bin near your chopping boards. Do you always steam your food? If so, consider an in-built steam cooker. Coffee lover? Don’t forget a special place for the coffee machine. And make sure there are power points there too.

Thinking about what you do daily and what appliances you use means you can incorporate them into your kitchen for easier everyday living.

3. Drawers – more than just storage

You may not have a huge kitchen, but you can still take advantage of new designs in order to maximise the space you do have.

Have you considered fitting a dishwasher drawer? If you have, go one step further and think about placing it next to your cutlery drawer and crockery cupboard for simple unloading.

You could also opt for a multi-temperature fridge drawer. These drawers are fairly new to the kitchen scene and are versatile fridge drawers that can be used for storage or cooling, depending on the temperature mode selected. They negate the need for a freestanding fridge by allowing you to place fridge drawers exactly where you need them. You can set one drawer in your entertaining area to ‘wine’ mode to keep a bottle of your favorite red close by and another to ‘pantry’ mode for easy access to ingredients near your cooktop. By keeping up-to-date with new technologies you’ll be able to make the most of your new kitchen.

4. Be aware of various kitchen planning methods

When designing a new kitchen there are a few industry terms you may have already heard of, such as ‘zoning’ and ‘the kitchen triangle’, and some concepts you might not have, like ‘distributed appliances’.

Zoning looks at how you intend to use a space, it then sections the space into different activity zones. You may have a ‘living zone’, a ‘cooking zone’, or an ‘entertaining zone’, where you place all the things you need to complete that task. This method appeals to interior designers and renovators because it clearly identifies lifestyle needs for each section of their home.

The kitchen triangle is a technique that looks at the positioning of your oven, fridge and sink and places them in a triangular layout. The thinking behind the kitchen triangle is that these three everyday items should be an equal distance apart for ease of use. The kitchen triangle method works well for basic rooms, but isn’t always suitable for open plan and larger spaces and it’s a concept which doesn’t take modern lifestyles into account.

Distributed appliances is a simple approach which involves arranging your appliances in locations where you’ll use them the most. For example, you may choose to have a single wok burner closer to the fridge and fresh produce to cook up speedy mid-week dinners and have another 3-4 burner induction cooktop located separately near the oven.

Consider your options and think about the layout that will work best for you. You may like to explore the idea of ‘distributed appliances’.

5. Two ways for a clean look

If you have an open plan living space you may want a clean, uninterrupted kitchen design which adds to your room’s style, not takes away from it.

One way of achieving this look is to use integrated appliances. This is where everyday appliances, such as your fridge or dishwasher, are incorporated into your kitchen design and sit under your counter top, hidden away, often disguised behind cabinet doors to offer a streamlined look.

Another way is to consider appliances that are ‘designed to match’. Choosing appliances from a brand that deliberately designs product with consentient finishes, materials and dimensions means that you can effortlessly create a cohesive, coordinated look for your kitchen.

6. Speak to the experts

To make sure you get the best layout for your space, it’s advisable to speak to a professional kitchen expert. If there’s something you can’t live without – that old butcher’s block or a wine fridge – be sure to incorporate it into your plans from the beginning.

Research new appliances so you’re aware of the options available, as this will help you achieve the best result.

To make sure you get the best layout for your space, it’s advisable to speak to a professional kitchen expert.

 

The bench top breakdown

Creating the perfect kitchen for entertaining involves establishing the right layout and the best materials and appliances. Whether you’re renovating or updating your home, choosing a new bench top will impact on both the look and feel of your kitchen. Let’s look at some of the most popular choices.

Laminate

Laminate is the budget bench top option and is the perfect option for updating a property or holiday home that doesn’t rely on needing the most sophisticated finish. Durable and affordable, laminate comes in hundreds of colours that will match any kitchen interior.

Stainless steel

Fancy yourself the next MasterChef? Then how about adding a chef-style stainless steel bench top to your home? As well as being easy to keep clean, stainless steel is great if your kitchen lacks light and can create a lovely textural contrast against dark cupboards or stone flooring.

Caesarstone

With a diverse colour range that varies from buttermilk to vanilla noir, Caesarstone is a durable investment that will stand the test of time. Prices vary depending on the finish – Classico, Motivo and Concetto are all priced differently and each one has a distinctive look. Although it’s not your cheapest option, Caesarstone provides a classic finish that will look as good in 10 years as it does today.

Marble versus granite

Both these options are hard-wearing and will last a lifetime. Marble is known to stain, although sealing it can help; if you opt for a darker colour, you won’t notice anyway. Granite tends to have a more one-dimensional tone, so the main difference between these two stone tops is the effect – marbled and classy, or solid and dependable. The choice is yours!

Timber

If you have wooden flooring, a matching benchtop can add a rustic or Balinese touch. Although timber benchtops do require a bit of maintenance (ideally you should oil them annually), they make cutting a sink hole relatively easy compared to stone. If you shop around, you should be able to pick up a good piece of timber at a reasonable price.

Adding a new benchtop can transform the entire vibe of your kitchen.

Make it an investment that you’re happy with by selecting a benchtop that accentuates the style of your home and suits your budget.