Whether starting from scratch or exploring design ideas to help you transform the kitchen, you want to create a dream kitchen. Your ideal space is one that is at the same time modern and timeless. It accommodates sleek stainless-steel appliances with clean, minimalist lines, not to mention wooden countertops for a natural aesthetic. The kitchen cabinets are a shade that leads the way for cool and moody tones. The island creates a focal point for many activities, injecting colour, texture, and character into the space. In interior design, it’s important to think big.
In your dream kitchen, you can have it all. In other words, you can have a kitchen that’s unique to you and your tastes. It can be downright practical or extravagant. There are several approaches you can take when planning a dream kitchen, such as:
Narrow Down Your Wish List
When it comes to planning a dream kitchen, the first thing you must do is create a wish list. In other words, make a list of everything you’d like to change so that you can identify what tasks are the most important, if you should hire a contractor, and so on. The kitchen needs to work hard and look great. Whether you’re cooking or entertaining, it should be a space you enjoy. Some of the most popular features of a dream kitchen in 2023 are:
- custom cabinets
- a deep sink
- a steam convection oven
- deep drawers
- concealed trash
- a curved kitchen island
This list isn’t exhaustive by any means. Don’t waste any more time, and write down everything you’ve always longed for (you can include more intangible ideas). Make a list of tasks, from the floor to the ceiling, and determine your must-haves. These items must be checked off your list so that your dream kitchen can be considered a reality. As you peruse sites like Pinterest and browse social media for design inspiration, you can make small changes to your wish list.
Identify The Ideal Layout
A layout will help you make the most out of your kitchen. The refrigerator, sink, and oven should be within easy reach. Keep in mind that the kitchen must accommodate everything from the storage of dry ingredients to fresh food, herbs, crockery, and cooking utensils. The benefits of natural light are plentiful, so maximise daylight by installing glass cabinetry, choosing lighter finishes and paint colours, and placing mirrors in strategic spots. Getting the layout right can make or break the kitchen experience. If you’re stuck for ideas, start with the limitations of the current design.
Set A Realistic Budget
Have a realistic cost estimate before you get started to get the best possible result for your project within your budget. With a budget, you can get the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of without breaking the bank. There’s a bit of a geographical divide, meaning that if you live in a smaller city or rural area, you’ll pay less for materials compared to those living in a heavily populated city. Nevertheless, you might experience increased shipment costs. How far you can go with the wish list depends on your budget, so figure out how much you can realistically spend.
Understand If It’s a Good Idea to Bring in A Pro
According to the experts at Kitchen Warehouse Ltd, if aesthetics and current trends matter to you, you’ll want a pro on your team. For example, if you want cabinets designed based on your preferences, you must collaborate with the manufacturer to create the most functional and beautiful layout. They’ll have the necessary expertise to guide you through layout changes. Designing a kitchen comes down to how you use the room, not how the layout fits the space. The kitchen is the hub and heart of the home, so you can approach the design by thinking in terms of moments.
If you want the kitchen to be functional enough to meet your needs and fashionable enough to meet your design aesthetic, hire an interior designer. You’re making permanent changes or significant investments to your kitchen, so you have a lot on the line. An interior designer will team up with an architect to manage the process and obtain the desired result. Hiring a professional will save you time and energy, as you don’t have to take measurements or decide on floor plans on your own. Designing a kitchen can be a long and tedious process, just so you know.
Measure Up
Make sure you can fit everything you want in the kitchen by having accurate measurements. Even the slightest error can lead to delays and costly overruns, so it’s important to double-check any measurements. Before you get started, use a ruler to draw the outside edge of your kitchen on a piece of graph paper. Don’t fret if drawing isn’t in your skillset. Take note of every appliance, electrical outlet, light switch, or lighting fixture and decide if it’s necessary to hire an electrician. Equally important is to check off the windows, doors, and entrances.
Measuring the kitchen is a two-person job, so ask a friend or a relative to help you out. One person can hold the base of the tape measure while the other extends it. It’s recommended to measure a third time to have an extra level of assurance. You’ll want to leave yourself a margin of error (10%); in other words, to leave room for mistakes or changes. Don’t forget about the area under the kitchen island, which gives you the opportunity to be flexible. You can incorporate a roll-out cart for the ever-demanding needs of trash and recyclables.
Concluding Thoughts
Planning and bringing to life your dream kitchen can be a challenge, but it allows you to implement practical solutions and use all the design ideas you’ve curated. A dream kitchen isn’t just for chefs or designers. The design of your ideal space lies in your hands, so don’t be afraid to implement your vision. You can personalise the kitchen down to the smallest details.