Kitchen Design - some help and inspiration from Inglish DesignIts that time of year when people are starting to think about home makeovers. The kitchen is the epicentre of the home - so why not start there ! If you are looking for kitchen design ideas or planning a new kitchen there are many factors you have to consider, including layout, storage, appliances and lighting. Inglish Design is here to help !
Kitchen Design Ideas #1: Think about Activities
The first thing you should remember about your kitchen is that whatever else you can do there – dining, watching TV – it often more than just a spot where you cook. So, you have to choose a kitchen layout which will prioritize work flow, and provide you with a multi functional area. Also, keep in mind that the kitchen is often a gathering place for friends and family…and so the kitchen design must lend itself to family enjoyment! Most kitchens we design at Inglish Design are multi use - the brief often needs to include an area to dine, an area to snack, a tv area, a homework area, and a space to relax/entertain.
Kitchen Design Ideas #2: Think about Layout
The basic layout should be classic triangle, by which the cooking area and sink are at both legs of the triangle and the refrigerator at its apex. This layout ensures that the space between the assorted services isn’t too far, which makes it easier to make the cook to work. When you’ve got a bigger kitchen, you are able to allow much extra space in the planning, including perhaps a kitchen island. But always take care to think through travelling distances from say hob to sink, and prep to cook areas. Think about the areas where you will prep and what you need to hand. think about storage and where it is best positioned. And key is to think about the flow through the kitchen and space; for example if you have a coffee machine perhaps it is best located at an area where drinks can be served without affecting working areas of the kitchen.
Kitchen Design Ideas #3: Think about Appliances
There are vast amounts of choice in this area. Budget often controls what people choose, however be careful as you do get what you pay for. Its better to opt for a more basic model from a recognised brand than to go for a multifuntional gadget from a lesser brand. Often on the poorer quality brands more functions mean more problems. As with installing good quality kitchen furniture and worktops, your appliances will add value to your kitchen. Think about how you cook and what you require. Coffee machines and steam ovens are popular "extras" and worth the additional investment. Kitchens are often used as multifunctional living spaces, so these appliances work well with the lifestyle of using the kitchen as an entertaining area. Finally plan extraction and duct out if at all possible to remove cooking smells.
Kitchen Design Ideas #4: Think about Lighting
Lighting is a necessary a part of kitchen planning. The incorrect lighting could make your kitchen look too utilitarian or too shadowy and unwelcoming. The best kitchen lighting finds a balance between practicality and magnificence, provides enough light for that cook to determine what they do while creating an environment that makes people feel at home. And do not forget to include some decorative lights to make the kitchen look more attractive. Our new lighting display for kitchens is in the Inglish Design Showroom near Harrogate - this shows sensor and touch lighting. Door activated lights can work very well in kitchen wall cabinets, and these are more energy efficient than constant light sources. So plan this aspect carefully and the results will be stunning.
Kitchen Design Ideas #5: Think about Worktops and Cabinets
Worktops not only need to look attractive but have to be functional. Choose wisely the ones which will resist stains and scratches, while simultaneously looking great. Granite worktops make an excellent enhancement for a overall kitchen design, and lend an air of elegance for a kitchen. Corian provides a seamless man made solution. Silestone and quartz provide the luxury look of granite but with a wider palette of available colours, and the ability to have various finishes. Timber is beautiful as a feature area, but does require regular maintenance. Inglish Design has a wide choice of worktops, often our kitchens include a mixture of these. So don't assume that your worktops have to be the same throughout your kitchen.
The cabinets and doors are a vital a part of any kitchen, so you ought to give a great deal of thought to the sort which you want. Quality varies hugely from one supplier to the next, and this will make a difference to how long your kitchen lasts and how durable it is. Inglish Design kitchens are high spec. using the best materials and quality construction methods. Our kitchens are also made to measure. This gives the flexibility to have a made to measure solution and include curved doors and cabinets. Remember that a good quality kitchen can add value and a selling advantage to any home. In terms of the look/style choose carefully colour and style that suits the size of the space and the style of your home. Inglish Design offer a free design service to help you make the right decision !!!
Kitchen Design Ideas #6: Think about Floor
Do not neglect the flooring, choosing the wrong flooring material can result in a surface that is not practical. Kitchen floors need to be easily cleaned and non slip. If you opt for floor tiles, the size and layout of the tile can hugely effect the overall look. So research the options carefully. Make sure you use a qualified tiler - a badly laid floor can ruin the appearance of a new kitchen ! If you opt for natural stone make sure you seal it several times to avoid staining from the inevitable spills. Timber flooring is not ideal - spills and leaks happen in kitchens and timber does not respond well to this. You may decide to explore engineered timber flooring which is more reactive to temperature and moisture fluctuations.
The End Result !
Selecting the best features for your kitchen will make sure that the end result will be a kitchen which is both functional and attractive. Like any room in your home, if it is well planned, creatively designed and well made it will change your life !
