Planning a kitchen can be easier said than done. The kitchen is the room that’s most affected by changing trends, technology and general use. Honestly, if your kitchen is over 10 years old, you can’t change the cabinet fronts and carry on cooking. Pull up the faded laminate floor and demolish those cream cupboards. Start fresh by focusing on these key areas and your kitchen will be designed in no time.
Plan a kitchen layout
Chances are, your kitchen is a poky room, walled off from the living area. Speak to a builder or structural engineer about opening the area out. Kitchens are no longer just for cooking. They’re multi-functional areas. Grabbing a bite to eat, sharing a cuppa with a friend or even helping the kids with homework, the kitchen is where it’s at.
Think of an island bench as an area to congregate. Perhaps separate the stovetop from the oven to spread out the cooking area. Place the dishwasher near the cabinets for easy packing away.
Having the benchtop flow out the window to the BBQ area reduces the need to carry items. And, creates a stylish flow between the two areas.
Pick a Theme
The Hamptons theme will be popular for the next few years. So why not borrow the elements that most appeal to you. Choose a colour theme or texture that ties in with the rest of the home. Perhaps wood cabinetry with marble benchtops and splashback.
A crisp white, textured tile splashback paired with smooth white Polytec cabinetry may be more your style. Offset this with a timber benchtop.
A cool Calacatta benchtop contrasts nicely with the warm tones of wood cabinetry. Consider bold blue shaker doors for an interesting design feature.
Create a mood board and see how textures look together, or even better, visit the Fisher Kitchen’s showroom to see samples.
Appliances
You may think you’re saving money by holding onto that old dishwasher, but it’s actually costing you more money in energy and water bills. You’ll be amazed at what a modern oven can do. It can clean itself!
For a cohesive look, you can match all of your appliances, including the fridge. They can come in various metals, such as chrome, or you can integrate them behind the cabinetry.
Cabinetry
Cabinetry has changed a lot in the last 20 years. Instead of fumbling for the white pepper in the back of the cupboard, install drawers to get to that hidden corner.
Drawer runners have moved on with technology, as well as hinges and clasps. Doors can soft close or have a discreet finger pull. Speak to Fisher Kitchens about which would be best for your kitchen.
Benchtop
Benchtops come in a range of colours, materials and prices. Top end kitchens may have a luxurious and pricy marble, wood slab or granite benchtop. But, there are fabricated stone materials, such as Stone Ambassador, Caesarstone, or Silestone that may be better and cheaper. Manufactured from a combination of quartz and other additives, they’re strong, scratch resistant and non-porous. These engineered benchtops can look just like marble but without the hefty price.
Laminate has improved a lot in the last few decades. A good quality laminate is scratch, dent and heat resistant and can look surprisingly natural. The price is quite attractive too.
Fisher kitchens can help bring your ideas to life. Complete our design quiz and visit our showroom to see samples and help hone your ideas.
