Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or just looking to update your tired old kitchen space, you’ll no doubt want the end result to be a work of art that functions just as well as it looks.
In this article, we’ve combined practical guidance with little-known insights to help homeowners achieve their dream kitchen. From kitchen design to budgeting, materials, and installation, we’ve covered all the essential aspects to help you make informed decisions about what’s right for your Brisbane home, whether you live in Red Hill or Boondall.
Design Considerations for Your Dream Kitchen
Renovating your kitchen is an exciting project that can transform your home and improve your quality of life. However, before you start tearing down walls and ripping out cabinets, it’s important to consider the design elements that will make your new kitchen functional, stylish, and tailored to your needs.
Here are some key design considerations to keep in mind when planning your dream kitchen renovation.
1. Assess Your Needs and Wants
The first step in designing your new kitchen is to assess your needs and wants. Think about how you use your kitchen and what features are most important to you. Do you need more storage space? Do you want a larger island for food prep and entertaining? Would you like to incorporate new appliances or smart technology? Make a list of your priorities and use them as a guide when making design decisions.
2. Choose a Layout That Works for You
Here’s where a professional kitchen designer can help because attention to detail is their forte. Although choosing a layout seems simple enough, there’s actually quite a lot that goes into functional, good-looking kitchen designs. They need to flow, and they need to work on a practical level. Whether your kitchen will be U-shaped, L-shaped, galley style, or open-plan, you should also consider your cooking and entertaining habits when selecting a layout.
Sometimes, you can’t change the kitchen around because of structural complications or space, but with a professional designer, there are still many ways to make a massive difference to storage benchtop space and get a wow factor amazing kitchen.
Using the services of a professional designer for your new Brisbane kitchen means you can leave the measurements up to someone else whose job is to ensure your dishwasher fits next to the sink and your pantry door doesn’t hit your kitchen cabinets.
3. Selecting the Right Materials and Finishes
The materials and finishes you choose for your new kitchen will significantly impact its overall look and feel. There are countless options, from kitchen cabinets and benchtops to flooring and splashbacks. Instead of spending all weekend driving from one showroom to another, Easy Living Kitchens brings all the products to your home for you to choose from.
Consider your personal style, as well as the durability and maintenance requirements of each material. If you’re weighing up the investment of stone with laminate, for example, factoring in the resale value of your home will help you choose materials that work best for your property in the long term.
Budgeting for Your Kitchen Renovation
Once you have a clear vision for your new kitchen, it’s time to start budgeting for the project. Renovations can be expensive, so it’s important to set a realistic budget and stick to it. Here are some tips for budgeting for your kitchen renovation.
1. Be Realistic About What You Can Afford
Remember, there are many parts to a kitchen renovation, and you must be realistic about your budget. The basic costs would include your kitchen cabinetry and finishes, benchtops, hardware, appliances, trades, and splashbacks, maybe even flooring, wall relocation or removal, and extra lighting can all be part of a kitchen renovation. These all make up your budget and need to be factored in, you simply can’t take short cuts.
Easy Living Kitchens makes this step a little easier with a team of trades and by providing customers with a 100% fixed-priced kitchen proposal. Learn more about our easy 3-step process here.
2. Prioritise Your Expenses
Once you have a budget in place, it’s time to prioritise your expenses. Determine which elements of your kitchen renovation are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. For example, if you’re a serious cook, you may want to invest in high-quality appliances and a professional grade rangehood. If you’re more concerned with aesthetics, you may want to splurge on marble look stone benchtops or a statement splashback.
3. Find Ways to Save Money
Kitchen renovations can be expensive, as they are both material and trade intensive, but there are ways to save money without sacrificing quality or style. For example, consider if you need all new appliances. If your fridge or dishwasher is in good working order, you can probably work it into your new design. Shop around for good deals on appliances sinks, and taps. You can change your door finishes and still get the look you’re after with a more cost-effective product, or try to purchase things such as light fixtures during sales or clearance events.
If you have stone benchtops, there are many brands to choose from and some ranges are cheaper in price than others, or consider using a thinner profile to cut costs while still getting a luxury finish.
For more tips on saving money on your kitchen renovation, see our blog “How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost?“.
Finding the Right Professionals for Your Kitchen Renovation
Unless you’re a seasoned DIYer, you’ll likely need to hire professionals to help you with your kitchen renovation. From designers to manufacturers, installers and other tradespeople, this is where a seasoned kitchen renovation company like Easy Living Kitchens can help, as they will take care of every component while you sit back and watch it all happen.
If you’re going to go it alone, then there are risks, so choose your contractors and kitchen supply and design company wisely. It will be the difference between a handyman looking for a DIY job or a professional value-adding kitchen.
1. Use a Professional Kitchen Designer
We can’t stress enough how important design is to the success of your new kitchen. No homeowner wants to spend thousands of dollars to be left with layouts that don’t work, shoddy fixtures or substandard joinery. The kitchen designers at Easy Living Kitchens give straightforward, professional advice. And because we custom design and manufacture our kitchens ourselves, we guarantee you’ll be happy. In fact, we have seven different guarantees — see them here.
2. Check References and Credentials
Before hiring any professionals, be sure to check their references and credentials. Ask for references from past clients and follow up with them to get a sense of their experience working with the contractor or designer.
3. Sign a Contract and Set Expectations
Once you’ve found the right professionals for your project, sign a contract outlining the scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no surprises or misunderstandings down the line. You should also set clear expectations for communication and project updates to ensure you’re always in the loop.
Managing Your Kitchen Renovation Project
Managing a kitchen renovation project can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it’s essential to ensure that your project stays on track and on budget. Here are some tips for managing your kitchen renovation project.
1. Creating a Timeline and Sticking to It
Before your project begins, create a detailed timeline outlining each renovation step, from demolition to installation. Be sure to build in some wiggle room for unexpected delays or issues. Once your project is underway, stick to the timeline as closely as possible to ensure everything stays on track.
2. Communicating With Your Contractor and Other Professionals
Communication is vital to a successful kitchen renovation project. Be sure to contact your contractor and other professionals regularly to get updates on the project and address any concerns or issues. You should also be available to answer questions and make decisions as needed.
3. Dealing With Unexpected Issues and Changes
Despite your best efforts, unexpected issues and changes may arise during your kitchen renovation project. Be prepared to adapt and make adjustments as needed to ensure that your project stays on track and on budget. You may also want to build in some contingency funds to cover unexpected expenses or changes.
4. Be Prepared to be Without
Be prepared to put up with some mess in your home during your renovation. As with all renovations, some mess is inevitable. You will also be without your kitchen for some time, so it is inconvenient but certainly worth the big change it will make to your lifestyle. Set up a temporary cooking space, so you can still look after the family’s basic needs.
Laundries make great temporary kitchens, especially if close to your outdoor space, where you can cook on a barbecue. Set up a microwave or other cooking appliances close to your laundry sink and make do while you await the transformation of your kitchen.
Read 10 Things To Know Before Renovating a Kitchen for more tips on what to expect.
Installing Your New Kitchen
Once you’ve selected your design and your kitchen has been manufactured, the next step on the project timeline is the fun part — installation!
1. Preparing Your Space for Installation
Before your new kitchen can be installed, you’ll need to empty everything out of your kitchen cabinetry and all items you want to save before the demolition team arrives. It’s a good time to sort out some old items you haven’t used for years. Make room and prepare your space. This may include removing furniture or items that may be in the way during the renovation.
It’s probably a good time for repairing or replacing flooring if it needs to be done while the kitchen has been removed. If you’re looking to save money, you may opt to do some of this work yourself, like the kitchen removal, but it’s vital to communicate with your contractor to ensure that your space is ready for installation day.
2. Working with Your Contractor to Ensure Quality and Timeliness
During installation, work closely with your contractor to ensure everything is installed correctly and to your satisfaction. Be prepared to address any issues or concerns that arise and be sure to communicate your expectations. You should also be available to answer questions and make decisions as needed.
Enjoy Your New Kitchen for Years to Come
Once your new kitchen is installed, it’s time to start enjoying it! Be sure to take care of your new space by cleaning and maintaining it regularly. You may also want to consider scheduling regular maintenance and inspections to ensure that everything is in good working order. With proper care and maintenance, your new kitchen will provide years of enjoyment and functionality.
Book a Free Design Consultation Today!
Embarking on a kitchen renovation project can be a rewarding endeavour, and with proper guidance, you can turn your dream kitchen into a reality. If you’re ready to take the next step and transform your kitchen, don’t hesitate to contact the expert team at Easy Living Kitchens. Our experienced designers are here to help you bring your vision to life.
Whether you’re looking for expert advice on design, materials, or budgeting, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Read here to have some of your common kitchen renovation questions answered, or contact us on 1300 650 681 to schedule a free design consultation. The kitchen of your dreams is just a consultation away!