The kitchen is, beyond any doubt, the heart of any home – the place where the family gathers and spends valuable time together. But as time passes by, your kitchen may lose its charm, go out of fashion, or no longer suit your needs.
If this is the case, it’s time to give it an update, and what else could breathe new life into your space than changing the old cabinets? Cabinets are the first items that catch someone’s eye when entering your threshold and are also the most used. Now, a big purchase can be daunting, and that’s why you need to take into account several aspects when looking for a new kitchen. All these matter equally if you want to create a dream space that reflects your personality and needs, from layout and style to material and colour. There are, of course, many choices and decisions to make, but that’s why we’re here.
This article explores some essential aspects to keep in mind when looking for new kitchens:
Figure out your finances
Before even planning a purchase, you need to determine the budget you’re willing to allocate. It’s more than necessary to be realistic when it comes to a kitchen makeover because most of the time, there are a lot of costs to cover. Our advice would be to carefully examine what needs to be replaced and consider changing only the units in bad conditions. You can reface or repaint the ones that are still functional. Remember that cabinets account for 40 to 50 per cent of a kitchen renovation project, so choose them wisely.
Besides the general costs, additional expenses shouldn’t be overlooked, including installation and delivery. Thus, consider installing your cabinets yourself if you want to make some savings, and it shouldn’t be too difficult since most kitchens come along with an instruction manual.
Choose the right material
Materials should be on the top of your priority list because they give texture and establish the tone of the kitchen. Some are pricier than others, but you should choose one that is stylish and functional. Wood, for example, is an all-time choice because it adds elegance and stands the test of time, given that (if well maintained) can last decades. For a sophisticated look, choose solid wood cabinets and a stone worktop – it can be granite, quartz, or marble. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, you can opt for laminates. Families with younger children, in particular, should choose laminate cabinetry since this material is scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
Pay attention to functionality and layout
It’s crucial to determine what you’ll use your space for. Do you want your kitchen to be just a kitchen, or do you want something different? If your space allows, you can choose an open plan, which means your kitchen and living room won’t be separated. It is ideal, especially for larger families who spend a lot of time together. But if you’re a master in the kitchen and want freedom when preparing meals, it would be best not to tear down walls to create a kitchen/living.
You can choose from various layouts, the most popular being the L-shaped, U-shaped, One-wall, and Gallery. Depending on the room’s size, choose the layout that best works for you. For example, a U-shaped design would be more appropriate for families with a large kitchen. But if you don’t have adequate room, forget about this layout, and think instead about a linear one that is more practical when not having enough space.
Pick a colour scheme
It’s probably one of the most exciting parts of kitchen renovation, but it’s not always the easiest one. Picking a suitable colour scheme can be challenging, given the hundreds of combinations out there. Believe it or not, colours speak more than you can imagine, and they also give the first impression. But what to do when you don’t have a clue about what colours fit best into your kitchen? Well, it’s not that difficult. Think about your personality – you can even rely on your clothing colour palette.
And most importantly, think about what you want your kitchen to express. If you’re into classics, it would be best to choose a serene colour scheme like blue and brown or black and white. However, if you wish a refreshing charm for your kitchen, you can choose a bold colour combination, such as blue and orange or yellow and grey. Although colours are great, our advice would be not to go too wild – try to stick to two primary colours, and always consider the other shades within your kitchen (countertop, backsplash, appliances).
Try before you buy
Sometimes products don’t fit your expectations, no matter how much you hope to. Choosing the materials and colours for your kitchen cabinets is, without any doubt, a daunting process, but imagine the disappointment of not receiving what you expected or, even worse, what you ordered. That’s why it’s highly recommended to get some samples before making a major purchase. That shouldn’t be difficult, given that many kitchen manufacturers nowadays sell samples, either returnable or free. So, when looking for kitchens for sale, it would be helpful to ask the suppliers about samples. If they have such pieces in stock, be sure that they would be more than happy to help you.
Determine what’s your kitchen style
Now that you’ve figured out aspects like budget and layout, it’s time to determine your kitchen style. With so many kitchen trends that come and go, it’s challenging to pick one and be sure that it will pass the test of time, but there are aspects to consider that will ease your process of deciding on a kitchen style. Firstly, think about whether you’re a traditional or modern enthusiast, and that should be easy, given that everything around you matches your taste. Secondly, if neither traditional nor contemporary doesn’t draw your attention, you might be interested in a Scandinavian or Mediterranean style. The first gives you that hygge feeling (cosiness), while the latter is characterised by the intense colours of nature (ocean blue, green, or yellow), which makes it perfect for those with a vibrant personality.
Take your time and choose what is best for your taste and needs, and don’t get discouraged if you experience problems selecting the right material or picking the perfect colour. That’s why we came up with these insights – to make your job easier.
