As the heart of the home, kitchens receive a huge amount of wear and tear. Nowadays thoughtful selection of finishes and materials works wonders to increase the longevity of a kitchen but for those of us living in a kitchen that’s seen a decade or two it may well be time for a renovation. Functionality, practicality and modern design aside, kitchens often set the personality and style of a home and these can change dramatically over time.
A kitchen renovation can take a number of forms. You might only require refacing of cupboards and drawers, some new handles and an updated benchtop. Alternatively, you may desire an overhaul of the kitchen layout to facilitate ease of use and increased storage space. Your kitchen can even be relocated within your home to improve the functionality of the floorplan. Whatever you choose, it’s important that both you and your builder are clear on the existing conditions of your kitchen. It may be quick and inexpensive to opt for the new cupboard doors and handles but putting a Band-aid over more serious structural issues such as sagging cabinetry, rotting melamine shelves or leaking grout work can be costly down the track. It is always best to do the job right the first time.
There are two primary elements to kitchen design.
- Functionality:Even on those days when we’re not rushing to make dinner, or pack the school lunches while we wrangle the kids during breakfast, having a well-thought-out kitchen plan makes life stress free. An easily accessible place for everything and a layout that allows effortless movement through the kitchen is an underappreciated joy. Careful consideration of the placement of the fridge, stove top, sink, and storage will make your new kitchen that much safer and more pleasant to work in. It will also make your kitchen more inviting to guests—sharing tea and biscuits, or a glass of wine and a cheese platter at the kitchen bench while you whip up a gourmet meal is a simple pleasure.
- Style: In addition to being functional your kitchen should reflect your home’s style; in fact the selection of finishes in the kitchen often influences the styling of the rest of the home. Country, contemporary, industrial, glam—whichever style you prefer, you’ll be faced with a plethora of selections to be made in regard to cabinetry, handles, benchtops, splashback, appliances. Take the time to build a mood board or collect Pinterest images to ensure that your kitchen reflects your family’s style and won’t date quickly.
Smith & Sons teams are full of practical tips and style ideas to help you create your dream kitchen—it is wholly within your reach.
Be inspired by some of our kitchen renovations in the gallery below.