Here’s the first rule.
Since a total revamping of the kitchen is almost always a pricey affair, you want to pick a style that will stand the test of time.
So, how to choose a new kitchen that reflects who you are?
Are you the kind that likes to change things around every now and then?
In that case you absolutely must pick a style that serves as a base and can be improved upon gradually over a period of time.
In fact, this is quite a common strategy when it comes to designing and redecorating a space.
And you want to be able to figure these things out before you go to a designer.
Now that we got that out of the way, let’s take a look at the factors that determine picking a style for a kitchen.
How To Plan A Kitchen Effectively
There are many ways to start designing the look of your new kitchen. Let’s start by looking at the different styles.
From rustic to country to modern and minimal, there are a ton of traditional picks.
Designing 101 says that if you have a country-style farmhouse, rustic is a great look.
If you have something shiny, you might want to mix and match traditional and modern looks. It is practical and can be easily reworked.
Now, what do each of these styles mean?
The modern style of kitchens are usually simple with frameless cabinets and moldings.
You should focus on using granite or concrete for the worktops and stainless steel for the appliances.
And it doesn’t matter whether you go for a matte or shiny finish.
Traditional means you take a look at the details that are typically made of wood.
Opt for raised lines on the cabinets and decorative moldings.
The doors are typically wooden and have an antique look about them.
Decorative tiles on the wall are encouraged.
But here’s a different idea.
Transitional kitchens are, as the name hints, a combination of different styles to meet your idea of a good-looking and functional kitchen.
For this, you want to think about contrasting colors and wooden wall cabinets.
Mix that up a bit with glass fronts and grooved units like in a country-style kitchen with minimal lines.
This is a great mix of classic and contemporary styles.
Then comes the next big question.
What Are the Elements That Influence the Look of Your New Kitchen?
Choosing your style of kitchen in advance of any design work should be a top priority.
There are a few things you can do on your own before calling in the professionals.
And to figure that out, you need to ask yourself, “What do you need to decide before you go to a kitchen planner?”
Kitchen Lighting Ideas
It is always a good idea to have a kitchen that is well lit.
The best way is to regulate the entry of natural light into it.
Let spots like cooking and prepping areas get some help with secondary lighting.
You need to have a worktop that is nice and sleek. You also need functional cupboards for storage.
Then, think of the appliances that you specifically need so that life in the kitchen is easier.
This is particularly for those who love to cook.
Because even when that is true, you can help yourself and not languish in the kitchen forever.
Now, working in the kitchen is different for everyone.
So you need to write down your priorities so that your interior designer, if you choose to get one, can help you get it done.
It saves time, you will never forget a detail and can efficiently get things done within your budget.
It is also wise to put installation charges as a bullet point on that list so that you don’t forget to account for it.
Funding a Kitchen Build-out
Speaking of which, remember that having open shelves is a little less expensive than closed cupboards.
And a pull out storage at the bottom is a way to avoid wall units, which is also a money saver.
Put aside at least 10 percent of the funds as an emergency fund.
This is for all the extra costs that are inevitably coming your way and it’s also useful for when you look at a plethora of wonderful appliances and suddenly decide that you want a couple of them (if not all).
Kitchen Sink and Appliance Plumbing
This is one of the most important aspects of choosing a new kitchen.
When redecorating, you want to decide whether to use old plumbing or get new pipework done.
If you want a kitchen island with a sink and some other appliances, you want to make sure electricity and plumbing for these items is in order.
All appliances will need plug points in a convenient corner. Remember to keep the sink and the dishwasher near each other.
That makes plumbing easier.
Underfloor heating helps conserve space in the kitchen.
If you choose to go for this, make sure it is taken care of before the flooring is laid.
Finishing Touches to Your Kitchen
If you want your kitchen to look coherent, take care of little details like cabinet handles.
This is especially true with minimalist designs because they are mostly dominated by one or two colors.
And the right kind of breakfast table goes a long way in making a white-themed kitchen look stunning.
You also want to source your furnishings wisely.
Get them from different places so that you have the option of mixing and matching.
But if you are wildly disciplined about matching the details, you want to stick to one source.
Parting Words
After style and color, cabinetry and appliances play a crucial role in deciding the look of your kitchen.
Typically, it is advised to get paper cutouts of the appliances and build a prototype.
This will also help you pick appliances according to the amount of available space.
Once you know that, planning becomes a lot easier.
You will also be able to pick a style and make plans according to your budget.
And to fine tune the details, you can always get a professional who is filled with tips about how to create a cohesive and well-laid-out kitchen.
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