Don’t let anyone tell you there’s no such thing as the perfect kitchen, because there really is.
We know this, because we’ve designed and installed countless perfect kitchens for our customers. Every single one is unique and tailored entirely to the homeowner’s requirements.
Perfecting your own kitchen is a large but exciting job. You can lose yourself in mood boards, play around with paint tester pots, and subscribe to all of the magazines – all in the name of research.
But there’s no denying that it can be a bit of a minefield without some help.
So, here’s how we go about making the perfect kitchen.
Start by deciding on how you want to use the space
Identifying the right layout is where every kitchen design should start.
This hinges completely on the sort of environment you want to create and what the space will be used for. Does it need to be a child-free zone? If so, a peninsula or u-shaped kitchen which closes off access at one end will be perfect.
Such a design will keep family members clear of the space around your feet and, by restricting the passage through your kitchen, it’ll be safer for everyone during cooking, too.
If you’d rather create a bustling family-centric kitchen, it might be better to opt for an open-plan design which will create a sociable space.
Working this detail out early on will ensure every single aspect of the design plays to your overall goal for how the kitchen will be used and how it’ll benefit every member of the house.
Don’t make the same mistake twice
Learn from your existing kitchen layout. What do you like about it? What isn’t so great? Is the bin too far from your prep area? Does the fridge door open the wrong way? Are the surfaces constantly cluttered?
If you can tell your kitchen designer what works for you currently and what you dearly wish you had in your kitchen, they can focus their attention on the right areas.
You don’t have many kitchens designed during your lifetime, so it’s important to learn from any past mistakes and capitalise on the great ideas.
Pick the right style
This is where you really need some professional help. For instance, do you want the kitchen to match the decor of your other rooms or stand out entirely on its own?
Either option will need some serious design knowledge to make it work. Everything, from the style of units, to the colours on the walls, and the accented colours needs to be carefully thought out.
There are three common kitchen styles to get you thinking:
- Contemporary: these work in both modern and period homes. They’re elegant and use minimalist cabinet designs which are carefully selected to create an overall aesthetic for the room. They’re also usually clutter-free.
- Traditional: these fit ideally into period homes but can add a real touch of character to modern homes, too. There are loads of styles to choose from, so it’s relatively easy to find something that perfectly matches your preferences.
- Shaker: if you’re after a classic kitchen that never dates, this is the style to go for. It suits everything from modern kitchen extensions to rustic cottages. The design is simple, uncomplicated, and doesn’t rely on fussy decorations.
Find the right appliances
You can’t have the perfect kitchen without installing the right appliances.
This is where you need to take into account functionality, safety, and available space.
For instance, induction hobs are ideal for families because there’s no naked flame and the surface remains cool during cooking. Boiling water taps are great if you cook a lot or make a lot of tea!
It’s also important to think about which appliances you’d like built-in and where you can install free-standing units without taking up too much space. Do you use a microwave a lot, for example?
The placement of each utility needs careful thought, too. For example, if you raise the oven to eye level, it’ll be out of the reach of small hands and far easier to use, to boot.
It’s always good practice to opt for appliances that are designed for convenience and which are able to cope with the multiple pressures of family life. Dishwashers that heat to 90 degrees (ideal for baby bottle sterilising) and fast-cook ovens are great examples of time saving appliances.
Don’t forget storage!
If you want a clutter-free kitchen (who doesn’t?) you’ll need to invest just as much thought into the design of the storage units.
Hiding potentially dangerous utensils and the various baby-related paraphernalia that comes with having a young family demands great storage.
It’s best to plan your storage so that it can accommodate the changing needs of your family. The older everyone gets, the more rubbish, tech, and odds and ends they’ll generate, so having plenty of places into which you can store all of that stuff is vital.
Enjoy the new kitchen!
That’s your last task. Once it’s designed, installed, and polished, the kitchen is yours to use and enjoy. That’s the best bit!
If you need help deciding on your perfect kitchen design, remember to talk to the friendly expert team at Modern Homes. We’ve been designing kitchens for many years, and we’d love to help you with yours.