A well-designed Kitchen

No two rooms in the house demand the same level of investment or get anywhere near the same level of wear and tear as the kitchen and bathroom. And, no other rooms require as many practical and aesthetic decisions, from the layout to the materials, appliances, fixtures and fittings and colour.

For the novice, designing these rooms can be an overwhelming challenge. Knowing your limitations can help you decide how involved you want to be in the process. Thankfully, there are professionals on hand to not only guide you, but also take on the entire project from concept to completion. Getting professional help is guaranteed to save you money and time in the long run.

With so many design options available, from custom-made to modular, where do you start? One thing the professionals agree on is making a list of all the things you want and need in your new kitchen. In addition to consolidating your plans, the list will provide a starting point for your designer.

Spending time planning your kitchen, from the layout to the fittings and fixtures, as well as the schedule and the budget, will pay off.

So, what are the things you will need to think about when planning your perfect kitchen?

First, you will need to decide on the materials you would like your kitchen to be constructed from. Is it timber, veneer, laminate, stone or metal? What type of flooring will you need and what about the sink, taps, lighting, appliances and colours?

What about storage and the type of drawer runners? A number of elements go into making cabinets and there are many innovative storage systems on the market. Laminate or melamine are popular choices for cabinets - they are durable and probably offer the most cost-effective solution. Other options are solid timber such as oak or cherrywood, natural-looking timber veneers, vacuum-moulded laminate, stainless steel, and other metals and painted finishes. Storage systems range from pull-out pantries and corner units to appliance cupboards where you can keep all those gadgets out of sight but close at hand.

Worktops make a statement. They need to be durable as well as good-looking. They can be made from a large range of materials to suit your style and budget. Number one for elegance and style are granite, stone and marble. These products will look good for years. They are very hardwearing and don’t scratch easily. Laminate is the most cost-effective material,and is easy to clean and available in hundreds of colours, and many patterns. Tiles, stainless steel, solid surfaces and even toughened glass are all suitable alternative options.

Lighting solutions are important, as much for safety as for practicability. A variety of good lighting in the kitchen is essential with areas such as work surfaces requiring strong, direct light. Fluorescent lighting is long-lasting and is typically found in kitchens. Halogen lighting is more energy efficient than incandescent lighting, but not as efficient as fluorescent. It does, however, provide a better direct light source. Energy-efficient lighting is more expensive, but is cheaper to run. Adding dimmers is another way to reduce power consumption.

Making the most of the space is probably the key design criterion. This is where the experts can really come into their own. Light-coloured walls and floors will make a room look larger, but don’t be afraid to use colour. Some of the most stunning kitchens use dramatic colours, which give a truly individual look. Adequate storage removes clutter and can be in the form of cupboards, drawers or shelving. In the kitchen, adequate storage for produce is essential. If space is limited, a pull-out pantry can provide enormous storage while taking up relatively little floor space.

  source: images - nkba - complete home