Understanding that the layout of your kitchen can determine what you are able to do with it. Of course, more substantial renovations can give you more options when it comes to the layout of your kitchen.
It is worth considering how you will use a space, and what type of kitchen layout would work best for you and your family. Think about how much space is available, and whether your kitchen will be multifunctional.
Kitchen diner layouts, for example, need to work for different uses, and you could integrate similar textures, colors, or levels to make the whole room flow together a little more.
3D models and even drawings can help you see how you could make the most out of your space, and allow you to think about how you will be using the kitchen in the future.
Keeping essential cooking appliances close to each other, galley kitchen layouts are simple yet effective. The basic format mimics a production line, as the sink and food preparation areas usually lie along the same wall.
In terms of manual labor, plumbing and specialist help, galley kitchens are some of the easiest to install as the fittings run to roughly the same place in the room.
Galley kitchens maximize floor space because they are typically laid out with two parallel countertops. The name comes from the traditional design of galley kitchens that were seen in corridors and narrow walkthrough spaces.
Another frequently used layout for your kitchen could be an L-shape. The name comes from the rough shape of the floor plan, and additional counter space is made by extending the side of the cabinets towards the center of the room.
An L-shaped kitchen is one of the more flexible designs because it can be as long or short as you like. Depending on the use of your kitchen, you could use this design to create a more open plan without compromising the counter space.
The leg of the L shape can be made into a seating area for your children to study while you cook, or you can adapt it into cabinets and storage space.
Smaller spaces or awkward shaped rooms benefit from units fitted against three adjacent walls because it can help maximize space while ensuring that there are plenty of storage areas.
There are two main ways that the U-shape can be seen. The first is fitting appliances and cabinets against three adjacent walls, which can make the most out of slightly smaller areas.
On the other hand, you could consider introducing extra seating areas or eating space if your kitchen is in a larger room that you want to section off.
The middle section of the shape will be fitted to the back wall, and the two extensions coming from either side do not need to lie against a wall.
These are widely regarded as the most modern and versatile layouts within many kitchens. You can add more counter space, storage, eating areas, or another social space by creating an island out of cabinets and extra materials.
You can add a kitchen island to a busy kitchen, as it can be a pivot space for multiple people cooking at the same time.
For smaller spaces, you could also find an island that is on wheels or rollers. This can allow you to move it away when you need to use the floor space.
It’s essential to save for your kitchen renovation ahead of time and ensure that you can cover the overall costs. This can help you avoid living with an unfinished kitchen or incomplete projects if you ran out of money midway through.
There are a range of financing options that can be negotiated to suit you and your budget. Depending on the desired finish and structural changes involved with the kitchen renovation project, your overall budget should account for this.
Kitchen CabinetsOne of the best ways to make your budget stretch a little longer is to try and do more with what you have. This can be as simple as changing your kitchen layout based on the current fittings, or using up leftover materials and paints.
If you already have a relatively usable kitchen design that just needs updating, then you could think about giving everything a coat of paint rather than tearing it all out.
In terms of financing your kitchen renovation, there are plenty of loan options that can help you through the process. Depending on your credit rating and your current financial situation, it could be worth saving more than you think you will need.
Allow for hidden costs to arise during the project, and ensure that you have the means to cover these as much as possible with your savings or finance scheme. As a general rule, it is recommended that you add 10-20% to your total budget for unplanned expenses.
The processes that will consume a higher proportion of your budget include cabinets and hardware, installation costs, the cost of appliances, countertops, and flooring. While there is some natural variation with these, they tend to be the most expensive parts of any renovation project.
This can ensure that you are not wasting money on your regular electricity bills, and that you have high quality appliances that will stand the test of time and regular use.
It is not worth cutting corners with the cost of these, as cheaper or second hand items are far more likely to break or become faulty within a shorter period of time.
It is not worth cutting corners with the cost of these, as cheaper or second hand items are far more likely to break or become faulty within a shorter period of time.
While every kitchen renovation project differs in terms of budget, overall design, and the size of the room used, these steps are essential for any kitchen renovation. It is recommended that you use the following steps as a guide to keep track of your progress, and ensure that you are as prepared as you can be.
Think about what type of finish you want to achieve, and how a kitchen renovation will benefit you and your family’s daily routine. Try to be realistic and focus on creating a functional space that works for everyone in the household.
Depending on what you want to change about your current kitchen layout, you could print an existing floor plan and draw over it using a different color. This allows you to have a better idea of what will go where, and how much space will be remaining.
This can then be shown to contractors, architects, and building surveyors who will provide another level of insight and accurate information that can show you how realistic and practical your ideas are.
Your plan can be used as a reference for timing as well, and it can be a useful predictor of how long the entire renovation is likely to take.
It is also a highly valuable resource for deciding what will need to be taken out, and what appliances or sections do not need to be touched.
It is this stage that you should seek the advice of an engineer or safety officer who can assess how structurally sound your home is.
This can help to make your plan more realistic, and ensure that you are not aiming to do something that will not be suitable for the type of building you live in.
This is where things get exciting, and you will begin to see some progress. Once you have finalized your plans, and are absolutely certain that you have hired the correct people necessary, you can begin taking apart the pieces of your kitchen that you don’t want.
