Considerations for your new Kitchen

How will the space be used?

Kitchens are becoming an ever increasingly important area within the home and are now much more than a space simply to prepare and cook food. They are both entertainment and family space, a place for homework and a working from home space. Understanding the use case will help you consider what features you require, for example will you require a breakfast bar for the kids to entertain, or to pitch up with a laptop.

What style of kitchen are you looking for?

Creating a mood board will help you visualise and build your desired space. Not only should you consider what your style preferences are but how the space will be used. Light use may allow for styles and surfaces that do not require heavy and frequent cleaning whereas a family kitchen may require constant cleaning whereby a gloss finishing may be more suitable.

What surface materials will look best?

Often an afterthought, worktops and flooring can make a significant different to the end result of a kitchen and there are a variety of different materials to choose from.

Natural marble - undoubtedly beautiful, but porous and tends to be prone to stains.

Granite - incredibly hard-wearing, but generally dark and busy in appearance.

Composite stone - functional and stain-resistant, great for busy households.

Solid wood - eye-catching and beautiful, but requires ongoing maintenance.

Corian - very functional and can be seamlessly integrated into the rest of your kitchen design.

Will flooring run through the whole house?

As more people are converting their downstairs space into open plan areas, the kitchen floor may run throughout the hallway and dining area. It is important to remind yourself of this when choosing material, colour, tone and design. Often fitters will charge per square meter to fit flooring so sharing with your measurements and choice of floor will allow them to better quote for the job.

What appliances will you require?

Appliances are no longer unattractive must-haves, with advancing technology and design, these items can become statement pieces. It is important to consider where you will be preparing and cooking your meals, and mark out the areas to learn if the design will work for you. Sometimes appliances can be sourced more cost effectively from an alternate retailer than the designing company, although this will then require additional planning and project management.

Be prepared or prepare to fail!

Perhaps a little extreme, but the often overlooked aspects of a kitchen can become the most timely and costly. Thinking about the plumbing and electrics in your kitchen early will help avoid costly and timely rework. Identifying if the pipework is to be moved or replaced, where sockets will be located, lighting and vents, will allow your designer and kitchen fitter to plan and complete the necessary prep work. Often when aged kitchens and appliances are replaced, existing consumer units are no longer sufficient to handle new appliances and replacements are required. Reputable tradesman should be able to advise on these considerations.

About us

Teak Interiors is a family-run kitchen and bathroom business based in Hurst, Berkshire, specialising in the renovation of home interiors. To discuss your project, contact us today!