When you decide to embark on a kitchen renovation project, it can get quite complicated. There are many things to consider in order to come out of a big project like this with the results you want. Here are a few Dos and Don’ts to keep in mind with your kitchen redesign.
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DO consider using professionals
Many people decide to tackle their kitchen design project on their own in order to save money. However, this approach can backfire by wasting time and energy, or ending up with less than excellent results. When you’re making the investment to renovate your kitchen, you want it to turn out as well as possible, and using professionals can help you achieve that result. They know all of the possibilities and all the things that need to be included in the plans, and they’re experienced at taking projects from design through to completion.
DON’T be short on storage
You need to make sure that you have enough kitchen storage for all of your cookware, dishes, utensils, food, and other kitchen essentials. Sometimes people get carried away by adding oversized appliances, and wind up with less storage space than they need. Other people like the idea of open shelving, and forget to include enough closed storage. Open shelves are great for attractive glassware, but not everything in the kitchen should be on display.
DO leave some breathing room
If you fill every square inch of wall space with cabinets, the room can feel very cramped and small. Leaving some of the wall space open makes the room feel airier and larger, and it makes it a more comfortable place to be. It’s all a matter of finding the right balance.
DON’T forget ventilation
A good ventilation system actually moves the air from your kitchen outside, keeping odors in the kitchen to a minimum, and improving the quality of the air in your house. Inexpensive hoods merely circulate the same air, without accomplishing much. If you don’t want your house to smell like shrimp curry for days after making it, plan for good ventilation.
DO extend cabinets to the ceiling
When you have kitchen cabinets that don’t go all the way up to the ceiling, they just collect little-used knickknacks and dust. It’s not very useful storage, and it doesn’t add to the beauty of your kitchen. Instead, make your cabinets extend all the way to the ceiling. This is an easy way to get more storage space.
DON’T forget recycling
There are various options available today for managing your garbage and recycling in a sleek, attractive way. It’s no longer enough to have a single bin for garbage. These days, you need to plan for a way to separate the recyclables too. Often, these can be side by side bins hidden under a kitchen counter.
DO plan good lighting
It is so important to have good lighting in your kitchen, that this should be incorporated in your early planning stages. Think about the three different types of lights that you need. You need overall illumination for the whole room, task-specific lights where you’ll be working, and accent lights for atmosphere. Pendant lights and under-cabinet lights can be useful.
DON’T add too much color
The kitchen is probably the most colorful and lively room of the house. Too much color though, can make your space look crowded and unappealing. Add color don’t turn your kitchen into a circus. Create balance and decide on a palette. Pastels are in trend this year, and they’re excellent in the kitchen because they welcome natural light, cleanness, and simplicity.
DO pay attention to the flooring
Consider slip-resistant flooring that is easy to maintain. Stone for example, which is porous, is an excellent choice. The natural look of the stone works perfectly with any type of kitchen design. The material is easy to clean, too, and the earthy feel will make the kitchen look interesting and inventive for family and friends.
The key to designing a beautiful kitchen is to keep things simple. Nude color accents and colorful accessories create balance, while natural light opens up a kitchen and make it seem wider and brighter. Hide unnecessary appliances and kitchenware, and only display items that look nice. If you’re fond of open cabinets, display beautiful china, and you’re a nature kind of person, include floral arrangements to make guests and loved ones feel welcomed and refreshed in your kitchen.
