Before hiring a designer to work on your kitchen remodel, have a read of our top 5 must-do's!
Today's kitchens really are the heart of the home. Renovating a kitchen is a big undertaking; a well-thought-out design is essential for any kitchen project to be successful.
A good interior designer will work with you to create a kitchen that fits the space and connects with the rest of your home whilst meeting your needs and budget. They know where to spend and where to pull back and they understand how the spaces should work for multiple people working together as this is how kitchens are used these days.
If you've never designed a kitchen, it can be overwhelming and hard to know where to begin. To help you start the process, here are our top 5 to-dos before beginning a kitchen remodel.
1. Know your Budget
A new kitchen can be a major expense. Before meeting with an interior designer to discuss your kitchen renovation, you need to know how much you are prepared to spend on the project.
Are you doing a partial makeover (new countertops, backsplash, cabinetry etc.) or a complete kitchen renovation, including demolition, layout changes, plumbing, flooring appliances and the like? Knowing if you are modifying the layout, increasing the footprint, carrying out a full renovation, or a partial makeover will help define your budget range.
When you meet with your designer to discuss the project, let them know the budget you are comfortable with. This way, you can ensure that the design team will have a clear direction on where to go with the project and have a good idea of the parameters when drawing up the plans and selecting the materials.
2. How much time are you willing to allocate?
You need to consider your needs during the build and if you can work around them during construction. By consulting with an experienced kitchen designer, you will be able to get a good idea of how long the project will take by providing a timeline that your family can plan around.
3. What style do you want?
You will more than likely have your new kitchen for at least 10 years. With that in mind, consider choosing classic elements that will stand the test of time, with a few on-trend pieces that can be updated should your tastes change.
Pinterest, design magazines and showrooms are great places to get an idea of what style and design elements you want in your kitchen. Think about your likes and dislikes regarding colour and styles. Many of our clients share a Pinterest board that shows their vision for the new kitchen and examples of materials and design elements they are after.
Make sure you also list any questions you have, so your designer can discuss them with you at your consultation meeting.
4. How do you use your kitchen?
During the initial consultation, the kitchen designer will ask a lot of questions, such as:
Why have you decided to renovate your kitchen?
What would your dream kitchen include?
What are your non-negotiables for the new kitchen?
What is your budget range?
Who is the decision maker in regards to this project?
Do you entertain a lot?
Do you like the layout of the current kitchen?
Does the kitchen need to connect better to other spaces of the home / outdoor areas?
Do you want more space in the kitchen; if yes, would that be from another room or an addition?
Do you have any physical limitations that need to be taken into account?
5. How to prepare for your kitchen renovation?
A kitchen renovation is disruptive and can put pressure on the household and how your family functions on a daily basis. In an ideal world, the family would move out during the process; unfortunately, this isn't always an option.
However, with the right planning, you can help make the project run as smoothly as possible.
Consult with your designer and create a timeline you can work around. If you are happy to live through the renovation your designer can work with the builder to create a temporary kitchen for you during the demolition stage
Ensure that the kitchen design project area and the living areas are separate for safety reasons and to stay out of the way of the contractors.
Seal up areas of the home that need protecting (such as furniture and carpets).
Set up a temporary kitchen in another room of the house, with tools that you use daily.
Schedule the project for when it's easier on everyone - summer bbq, anyone?
Keep your meals simple! BBQs and salads are always a winner :)