For many people, refitting their kitchen is a big investment – and probably not something they want to redo too often! So, when it comes to choosing layout, cupboards, countertops and finishes, it’s important to plan ahead to design a space that you’ll love living, cooking and entertaining in not just now, but for years to come.
Focus on Layout and Flow
When deciding what goes where in your kitchen, focus on how you’ll really use the space. Think about tasks you perform frequently so that you can place the appliances you need to do them close together, avoiding wasted steps.
For example, hate unloading the dishwasher? Then make the task speedier by putting it right next to the cupboards where you’ll store mugs, plates and cutlery.
Another key consideration is traffic flow. You don’t want the cook – often armed with hot pans – bumping into people constantly coming and going. If traffic flows through your kitchen into another room, make sure the stove is well away from that busy path.
Find the Right Height
Nothing takes the shine off a new kitchen like realising that things aren’t at the right height! So, to avoid bending yourself out of shape to put things in the cupboards or hunching over the countertop, carefully measure and plan.
Think about who will be using each appliance. For adults, 15 inches above the countertop level is a good microwave level height. But, if you’ve got kids using it too, a below-countertop setup might be safer and easier for everyone.
Make sure that everything you use or need often is within easy reach – without
sacrificing on space. The distance from the countertop to the bottom of the upper cabinets should be 15 to 20 inches. Any lower and you’ll struggle to find space for a coffee machine or other countertop appliance.
Think About Counter Space
One of the most common regrets about a poorly-planned kitchen? Insufficient – or badly placed – counter space!
So, when designing your kitchen layout, make sure you have at least 15 inches of countertop on each side of the stove and fridge. This landing space will give you a spot to quickly place hot items coming out of the oven or to prep ingredients that you take out of the fridge.
When it comes to how much counter space you need, consider your kitchen habits. For example, if you’re a keen cook who loves whipping up elaborate meals, prioritise clear counter space for prepping. Or, if your family often uses the kitchen to eat on the go, consider countertops that double up as a breakfast bar.
Consider Cleaning and Maintenance
It’s important to remember that your family is actually going to be living in your kitchen! This means there’ll be plenty of mess, waste and wiping-up to contend with on a daily basis. Do you have time for a high-maintenance kitchen?
Whilst a glossy countertop might look amazing, it can take a lot of cleaning to always look so shiny. Equally, stainless steel appliances can show streaks and fingerprints more than those with a flat finish.
Careful design choices can make kitchen cleaning easier. For example, glass refrigerator shelves catch spills that wire shelves let through. Undermount sinks don’t have a crumb-catching edge to contend with. Thinking about these little details could save you serious time when it comes to keeping your space clean.
Choose Colours Carefully
One of the trickiest things to decide when designing a kitchen is a colour scheme. Whilst a bold colour palette can work, be wary of getting too sucked into trends that can quickly look dated.
If you really want to incorporate a colour that’s all the rage right now, consider making it an accent colour instead of an all-over choice. You could, for example, create a pop of colour with an accent backsplash tile or with a few carefully selected countertop accessories.
Dark colour schemes can shrink a small room – and make the kitchen a gloomy place to be on grey days. So, if your kitchen is small or doesn’t get much natural light, use light colours and soft shades to visually expand the space.
Here at Iconic Kitchens and Bathrooms, we’ve got over 20 years of experience in helping people design kitchens they love for years. If you’re looking to redesign, we’ll help you visualise your dream space and talk through all the details – including layout, counterspace and colours – before we get to work. We’d love to chat through your ideas and requirements with you. Get in touch today to learn how we can transform your kitchen or bathroom!
