3 Tips When Starting A Kitchen Renovation
Renovations are an exciting experience, but if you’re starting out for the first time it can be difficult to know where to begin. Kitchens are notoriously one of the most difficult and expensive rooms in a house to renovate – but they’re also one of the most rewarding. If you’re looking to give your kitchen a facelift, read on for our top three tips for kitchen renovations.
1. Choose a layout
Kitchens are one of the most functional rooms in a house, so you’d think a lot of planning would go into how to best make use of the space. Unfortunately, we come across kitchens too often that have been poorly planned, and thus, poorly executed. Have a think about what’s most important to you in a kitchen – is it bench space? Storage? A walk-in pantry? While you might say ‘all of the above’, the fact of the matter is that many kitchens simply don’t have the space for everything you want.
We recommend looking around online and making a mood board or Pinterest board with what you like. You may find that an island bench could be a great inclusion as it doubles up as extra bench and storage space, and can even be used as a breakfast bar. Alternatively, for those with limited floor space, you might prefer to keep the kitchen open and opt for a pull-out draw for additional bench space. Take time to shop around for different layouts, and don’t be intimidated by different styles – in this day and age, almost anything can be adapted to suit your needs.
2. Everything but the kitchen sink
Once you’ve chosen your basic layout, it’s time to have a look at the style and finishes you’d like in your kitchen. There’s plenty of kit options available that offer great packages at a fraction of the price, with everything from cupboards, doors, benchtops and fixtures included. Another option is to keep an eye out on buy/swap/sell pages for anyone who has done their own remodel and is now selling their old kitchen – you’d be surprised what you can do with old kitchen cupboards and a new benchtop. Keep in mind that kit kitchens and second-hand options will have limited customisability, so if you’re after something truly unique you might need to opt for a custom build.
As we mentioned before, kitchens are notoriously expensive to remodel, so make sure you consider what’s within your budget. A granite benchtop might be glorious, but laminate will be a quarter of the price. If you’re going for wooden benchtops or doors, factor in lacquer or paint. And, don’t forget about the walls – there’s plenty of options from splashbacks, tiles, or even painted walls, all with their own unique look and palette options. Try your best not to blow your budget on one thing – consider what’s most important to you, and then look at ways to cut costs in other areas.
3. Pay attention to flooring
The flooring in your kitchen might be the last thing you think about, but it can make a big difference. When we first started renting we found a beautiful three bedroom house that had everything we need – but, could you believe it, the floor in the kitchen was carpeted. Don’t get us wrong, everyone’s entitled to their style choices, but a carpeted kitchen isn’t something we would ever recommend. Not only is it impractical, but it’s also just plain unnecessary!
There’s no reason that your kitchen flooring can’t be stylish and practical. We personally love laminate flooring – they give you the polished look of wooden floorboards, without the hefty price tag, and are as easy to keep clean as their lino and vinyl predecessors. They also come in a range of colours, so you can match your flooring to the rest of your kitchen. Matching floors and splashback, for example, is a winning combination that can just give your kitchen the final touch it needs.
Enjoyed this post? Keep your eyes peeled for our next blog on three kitchen renovation mistakes you don’t want to make. And, if you’re after expert advice and services, get in touch for a FREE consultation and site assessment today, for any room in the house.
Peter Trama | Founder & Operational Manager
Trama Restorations is Goulburn's leading historic restoration specialist. From historic work to modern renovation, our aim is to renovate, restore and renew spaces.
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