Starting point
First, think carefully about how you wish to use the space and your needs for the room. Today’s kitchens are usually the core of the house used for cooking, eating, entertaining and even some times relaxing or working. Even in a large space it is important to try and keep the prep, cooking and washing areas close together for efficiency. Check which white goods (appliances) you wish to retain and which you wish to replace. Beware of slavishly following trends from magazines and TV programmes such as centre islands and boiling water taps. (More about these below)
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Cabinetry
Start by considering the style and feel you want for your kitchen. Consider how it might relate, not just to your living and dining areas, especially if it is part of an open-plan space, but how it also fits with the overall plan for your house. Gather images of kitchens that inspire you and the consider if they will work in your space both in size and style. Also consider the period of your property.
A standard kitchen unit is usually 600mm wide (although there are plenty of other options and of course bespoke allows you to have whatever you want). Its probably best to run wall units up to the ceiling or just below if there is coving. Stumpy units with a metre or more above them look unbalanced and leave a large ‘dust trap’ above them. High cupboards can be used for storing rarely used items, like vases, jugs and terrines. Of course consider cost, a bespoke hand made kitchen will be considerably more expensive than an ‘off the shelf’ one from a high street retailer. If you have an experienced kitchen fitter then they can work wonders with adapting even the basic of units. As a rule of thumb when you have decided on your units then double the price of them to include labour costs for fitting them.
Work surfaces
The amount of work surfaces depend on your individual needs. As a rule of thumb you should aim for at least 600mm either side of a sink and hob to wash and prepare food. Also include a space close to the oven for putting hot dishes down. The choice of work surface material is very important, it has to be practical for your needs and also provide a visual impact. The usual materials are quartz, porcelain, granite, timber, marble, solid surface and laminate. You will also need to consider your budget here too as the prices vary widely from laminate up to marble, granite and porcelain. Practically, some surfaces stain more easily than others with things like red wine and curry. How much time and effort do you wish to devout to maintenance and cleaning? Do you wish to put hot utensils straight on the work surface or invest in trivets (movable or inbuilt)? Wood surfaces near water can warp over time, but are ideal for a breakfast bar area.
Versatile island units
If there is enough space, an island can be an ideal addition. It has so many uses, from extra prep space, a place for the sink or hob, somewhere for drinks and a place to cook in front of guests and a breakfast bar with stools.
A good island range can go from 2m to 3 m long and between 1m and 1.4m wide (any wider tends to create wasted space in the centre).
Allow at least 1m of space around the island and if you are having seating, remember that not all bar stools tuck fully under, so remember this when measuring from the edge of the island to the back of the nearest wall or cabinet.
It is better to forget an island unit, than to squeeze something in that will make the kitchen look crowded, and cause impractical blockages.
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Lighting Design
Create ambience. From low level illumination for a dinner party through to bright light for cleaning and working, lighting creates the mood. Good lighting is vital and must be fully considered at the design stage so that wiring, switches and fused spurs can be integrated from the start of work. Consider dimmable ceiling lights, low level LED lighting along kick-boards, under cupboard lighting to illuminate work surfaces. You may also wish to think about internal lights for cupboards and pantries with a switch that operates when the door is opened. Finally, if you have space then consider a large spectacular light suspended over the island or breakfast bar that can look like a piece of art and can create an amazing focal point.
Flooring
While a kitchen floor, with its heavy use, needs to be durable and preferably easy to maintain, it can also be a feature that enhances the style and success of your room. The choice of material depends on your budget and attitude towards character, beauty and practicality.
By far the most popular material for kitchens these days is porcelain tiles. They are robust, non-porous and highly stain and scratch resistant. They work well with underfloor heating and come in many colours designs and formats. If you prefer the natural beauty of stone or wood then remember that they are porous and will stain and weather overtime. Other options include laminate which is durable and stable as well as LVT ( Luxury Vinyl Tiles). These can also be used with underfloor heating.
Finally
When considering your budget don’t forget to factor in, tiles, splash backs, paint, blinds or curtains, any other trades people such as plumbers, electricians, gas fitters, plasterers and tilers. it is always wise to have a contingency fund too for unexpected issues when the job commences.
We always suggest to lock everything in before work starts as changes once work is underway can be very costly. As interior designers we can guide you through all these pitfalls to ensure you end up with a kitchen you love, can afford and of course be practical.