They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. Making your kitchen your own means creating a practical space that reflects what you actually need… But whether you’re planning a totally new kitchen or just want to renovate an old one, we’ve got tips to make renovating easier.
Bespoke or ready-made?
Bespoke kitchens have one huge advantage, namely that they are designed to your exact specifications. You can choose cabinet layouts, color combinations and little touches to make cooking easier, as well as deal with any tricky or unusual layouts. On the other hand, you have to take into account that such a kitchen can cost you a pretty penny, and take longer to manufacture and install. Ready made kitchen unit sets, on the other hand, are a much more affordable option, and realistic for most people. Moreover, they don’t have to be boring – they’re available in hundreds of designs and are usually made up of variable cabinets and shelves that you can customize as you like. Corner kitchen units are suitable for both small and large kitchens. Straight kitchen units, on the other hand, are only suitable for really small spaces and for those who don’t cook every day.
Details that will elevate your kitchen
Is your kitchen a place for culinary experiments? Think about maximising available counter space. While a kitchen island will take up a lot of room, it will give you plenty of space for all the slicing, grating and stirring. Don’t forget to get bar stools to go with it so you can spend time chatting with friends or family whilst you cook!
Also think about vertical storage, or open shelving. Not only is it practical, it will allow you to display all your best crockery, spices, or living herb plants!
Practical tips for kitchen renovation
For small and large cooking sessions, it’s important to have enough light for everything. In addition to central lighting, spot lights directly above the work surface are therefore also needed in the kitchen. LED strips are also handy for shining light on the contents of drawers, shelves and cupboards. The colour and material of the kitchen units depends on your style. But in general, light and neutral shades will make the kitchen visually larger and airier.
How to renovate your kitchen on a budget
Renovating your kitchen can be quite expensive, especially if you want to change your countertops, flooring and cabinets. However, it doesn’t have to be expensive to be beautiful. While you may not be able to make all the changes you want in the first go-around, following these tips will help you create the kitchen of your dreams with as little stress on your wallet as possible.
Save money and time by planning ahead
Do you really want to live with that worn-out, outdated kitchen for another year? Don’t panic—there are ways to transform your space without breaking the bank. To start, draw up a list of goals (how much storage do you need? What style do you want?) and figure out which projects can wait until you have more money. With some planning and DIY know-how, you can enjoy an improved cooking experience in no time!
Go DIY when possible
If you’re planning a major renovation, keep costs down by doing much of it yourself. Major retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot offer classes that walk you through home improvement projects step-by-step. Some local hardware stores also offer DIY workshops; consider attending one if there are any in your area. Be sure to take pictures as you go along—not only will they help you document your progress, but they can help attract interest in hiring you for jobs in future.
Update appliances before or while you’re renovating
You might not be able to afford brand-new appliances, but you can still update them. When it comes time for appliance replacement, ask if you can get an upgrade that’s slightly pricier than what you were planning on buying. If a new refrigerator with more freezer space will cost $200 more, it might be worth considering. That extra room could free up cash by reducing how much you need in groceries each week.
Keep it open concept
Open floor plans are all about functionality. With an open floor plan, there are no hidden corners, and functionality is built into living spaces for ease of everyday life. This style is especially helpful for large families or for homes with small kitchens. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re running from room to room and not being able to find what you need. If your kitchen is one big space, it’s easier to find what you need without leaving anything behind.
Only replace what needs to be replaced
A fresh coat of paint and new flooring can give your space a whole new look. Before you start purchasing pricey appliances, take time to evaluate what in your kitchen needs replacement and what can stay. If there are holes or stains in your ceiling or cabinets, patch them up; if you have drawers that don’t open properly, replace them for an updated look. You might even consider buying used appliances from an online marketplace—that way you can save money without compromising quality.