Planning a kitchen renovation? Not sure how to buy a new kitchen? Installing a new kitchen can be exciting, but there are many things that need to be considered, including style, layout and budget. Whether you’re looking for shaker kitchens in London or want a more traditional look, these six tips will help you bring your dream kitchen to life.
1. Kitchen Space Planning
When buying a new kitchen, advice from experts can help make your plans a success. One of the main things that experts recommend is planning your space carefully.
The goal is to create a layout that flows well and works with your lifestyle. Consider the following questions when planning your space:
- How will you use this space?
- What is your cooking style?
- Will you be working in your kitchen?
- Do you have an open floor plan that melds your living and kitchen space together?
Understanding the purpose of your kitchen and your cooking style will help you find the best layout plan for your home.
2. Kitchen Style
Along with planning your layout and space, one of the most important tips on buying a new kitchen is to find the right style. Take your time and do your research to find a style that you love and will continue to enjoy for years to come.
Some of the most popular kitchen styles include:
- Shaker
- Country/Farmhouse
- Modern
- Traditional
- Industrial
The layout of your kitchen may have some influence on your style. For example, if you want a wall of cabinet storage, you may prefer modern, flat and handleless kitchen cabinets.
The style of your kitchen is, arguably, the most important thing to consider when buying a new kitchen. Take your time when making your decision and consider the longevity of the style. Trends are great, but they come and go. A timeless style will be a better investment.
3. Color Spectrum
When you’re researching styles, also consider potential color schemes. Popular kitchen color palettes include:
- White
- Cool grays
- Creamy white
- Natural wood
- Beige or brown
- Cool blues and greens
The color of your kitchen is more important than you think. It will dictate the overall look and feel of your space, so choose your colors wisely. You may love the bright blue or green kitchens that you see on TV, but are these colors that you will love years from now? You may be better off going with a color that’s more neutral or subtle.
4. Choosing Your Kitchen Supplier
When buying a new kitchen, one important thing that’s often overlooked is the supplier. The supplier will play an important role in your kitchen installation and can mean the difference between having a good and bad experience.
When looking for the best place to buy a new kitchen, consider the following:
- What styles and colors are available?
- Do they offer design services?
- Will they handle the installation, or will you need to hire a third party?
- What guarantees or warranties are offered?
- Do they have options that are in your budget?
Quality and reputation are of the utmost importance when choosing a supplier. Research the company’s reputation to make sure they are offering the level of quality you desire.
5. Budget
Purchasing a new kitchen is an investment. It’s important to keep your budget in mind when making your plans. In fact, figuring out your budget is one of the first things you should plan.
When you know how much you can spend, it’s easier to plan your layout and style. While you can likely find options in most budget ranges, careful consideration can help you avoid having to remove things from your plan because they don’t fit into your budget.
6. Aftercare
When choosing a style for your kitchen, you’ll need to consider materials and finishes. Make sure that you also consider the care and maintenance of these materials.
For example:
- High gloss cabinets are easy to clean, but they do require more cleaning because fingerprints, dust and smudges are more noticeable. Will you have time for that?
- Stone countertops require regular sealing to extend its lifespan. Will you have the budget for this crucial maintenance?
If you have a busy lifestyle or you’re on a tighter budget, you may want to choose materials and styles that are easy and inexpensive to maintain.
Kitchen renovations are a worthwhile investment, but make sure that you consider these six tips when planning your new space.
Are you installing a new kitchen in your home? Share your experiences in the comments.
Are you planning on buying and/or installing a new kitchen? These six tips can help you find the kitchen of your dreams.