Renovating a kitchen can be an exciting experience if you spend most of your time experimenting with different cuisines. However, it might seem tedious when it comes to getting your hands dirty. It’s only when a myriad of ideas hover over your mind, and you just can’t choose one of them.
So you want to renovate your kitchen. Great, the finished result could be:
- A better space to prepare and cook food
- A wonderful entertaining space that’ll be the envy of all your friends
- A transformed and redesigned space that truly becomes the heart of your home
- A fast and effective way to increase the value of your home
Well, taking a step back is the smart thing to do at this stage. That’s the end result we’re looking at … but let’s remember that there’s a lot to consider, decide and implement to get there.
What are you trying to achieve?
It’s hard to get somewhere if you don’t know the destination, to begin with, so start off by getting crystal clear on what you want from your new kitchen.
- Is your current space driving you crazy because you’ve got to bend down and reach into corner cupboards to get the pots?
- Do the veggies pile up on the cutting board because your bench space is more cramped than an amateur footy player in the fourth quarter?
- Do you bemoan the lack of storage space every time you have to go elsewhere in the house to dig out the serving plates?
- Do you often find yourself toiling in the kitchen while the rest of the family are watching TV in another room?
- Or does the current space just need to be freshened up – maybe with new benchtops, cabinetry and appliances?
That said, you need to take baby steps and follow a process to get your ideal kitchen design revealed. Here’s a 5-step process to start your kitchen renovation journey.
1. Start scrolling for ideas
The first step is to tap on various available sources for kitchen design ideas. Scroll through Instagram and Facebook feeds of different home decor brands, your favourite interior design magazines, blogs, or visit some nearby kitchen showrooms to expose your mind to the latest trends and creativity.
Take pictures or save the ideas to align them with your next set of requirements - the appliances you want to install in your new kitchen. Think about the functionality and style you wish to impart to your new kitchen. New benchtops, splashback, or a butler’s pantry - what is it that interests you the most?
2. Plan your investment
This might be the second task on the list but is the scariest of all. Planning your budget is the most critical step in planning your kitchen renovation journey. So, while you look for designs, don’t forget to get a glimpse of price tags! Or, you could start with an estimated amount and look for options that align with your budget.
Visit stores that sell appliances and other kitchen accessories in your budget. Then, when you have a bucket of ideas ready with a list of required kitchen equipment, it’s time you plan the layout of your kitchen.
3. Start designing
You might have gathered enough ideas by now. It’s time you start sketching and create a final design for your new kitchen. Let your creative juices flow and combine the best of your research and planning.
Among the areas you need to nail down in advance of a renovation are:
Layout:
Do you want to change the footprint of the existing space, and will structural work be involved? What kind of layout are you looking for – Galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, modern open plan etc?
Design:
Modern, Contemporary, Traditional Hampton, French Provincial, Industrial style … and so on? Lots to choose from – what’s best for your personality, space, and budget?
Materials:
Laminate, polyurethane, stone, timber or porcelain benchtops, shaker-style, or glass cabinet doors, tiled or stone splashbacks? These are just a few examples of the bewildering material choices available. Again, what aligns best with you, your space and your budget.
Fixtures, Fittings, Hardware and Appliances:
What kind of sink and taps? Cabinet handles? How much lighting and where? New floor – what material? Are you keeping or replacing your appliances?
Storage:
Maximise your space with today’s innovative solutions and you’re well on your way to a clutter-free kitchen.
If you need some extra brains to help you carve the perfect design, consult with designers or experienced kitchen design consultants. They will align your expectations with the suitable colour scheme, theme, kitchen equipment, appliances, and other accessories you need to reveal the big picture of your dream kitchen.
4. Look for expert kitchen installers
Kitchen installers can make or break your dream kitchen. Looking for expert installers who know what they are doing and understand your needs and demands is paramount. Since they are the people who will turn your imagination into reality, make sure you hire the right person.
This is where you leave it to the professionals like AJB Kitchens. Sure, it’s not the cheapest option but by far the best if you want peace of mind, an efficient renovation process with the least inconvenience to you, and the most effective finished kitchen that maximises your budget and will stand the test of time.
You don’t have to worry about common practical and regulatory issues around ventilation, plumbing and electrical or design mistakes that can lead to the poor overall flow and irritating space issues.
Hiring a specialist company like AJB Kitchens means you get the best design for you and your needs.
In our view, the in-home designer appointment – where a kitchen designer will work with you to produce your dream kitchen design – is the most important individual part of the whole renovation process.
Once the design is signed-off, the “real” work begins, and you benefit from a proven process that has helped hundreds of satisfied customers achieve their own dream kitchens.
A kitchen company like AJB Kitchens can manage every stage of the renovation. You don’t have to worry about keeping all the ducks in a row, and if anything doesn’t go quite to plan, we will be there to fix it.
5. Let the renovation begin
Empty your kitchen and let the AJB Kitchens to do the needful. Managing the whole project like from plumbing, electrical, benchtop, splashback, cornice work and finally organizing your kitchen appliances and accessories.
The installation might look daunting initially and even during the progress, but the result is worth all the hassle. So, sit back and give a pat on your back for having the most admirable kitchen in your house.
Get a free kitchen design consultation today!
Well, you can also take a moment and peep at our exotic kitchen designs to create a mood board for your kitchen renovation. We have designed and installed some of the most beautiful kitchens for our clients. If you are already in love with the ideas, we are just a call away for a free kitchen design consultation.