A kitchen renovation is a big project - weeks or possibly even months of disruption (not to mention the cost) lie ahead. The heart of the home has so many different uses, such as preparing everyday family meals, hosting fancy dinner parties, children's birthday parties, but also a place to work in, a place for homework or just somewhere to sit with a cup of coffee and have a chat with a friend. Good planning is imperative!
Make a rough sketch, taking note of where windows, doorways and other unmoveable fixtures are then add the essentials - oven, fridge and a sink. The units come next - be prepared that this will probably be the first sketch of many!
Write out a list and ask yourself a list of questions to decide what you really need, and what you want in the kitchen - not just cupboards and appliances, but decisions, such as do you want a breakfast bar or an island? Consider that you need a one-metre clear space between units to be able to move around or add barstools. Does your main wood dining table go in this room, or will you just have a small breakfast table? Or will a small bar table and comfortable bar stools with backs be sufficient? Do you want to add an armchair or a small sofa to the room or maybe some other pieces of rustic furniture like a wooden sideboard or display unit for additional storage? Think about what you don't like in your kitchen as it is, now you have the perfect chance to put it right!
Another good question to ask is how many appliances you need in the kitchen. This is the time to make sure everything you want in your new kitchen has permanent storage.
Next up is style. Are you going to go ultra-modern, traditional, retro or farmhouse? Whichever you choose, reclaimed wood furniture looks amazing with all different styles of interior, making it a great and versatile choice. A reclaimed wood dining table will last for many years and actually look better as the wood ages.
Photo featuring: Chelwood Reclaimed Wood Dining Table and Archie Faux Leather Dining Chair
Take the opportunity to go green - now is the time to work in ways to make recycling easier or set up smart lighting and heating. Plan how you will use the kitchen when preparing food - where do you need sockets? Remember it is way easier to put too many sockets and lights in now rather than trying to add more in a couple of years time.
Photo featuring: Industrial Lansdowne Rustic Wood Dining Table, Industrial Lansdowne Rustic Wood Dining Bench and Rattan Gaze Pendant Light
Lighting fixtures are of course another major consideration - maybe a mix of downlighters, work surface lighting and pendant ceiling lights....which incidentally look great over an industrial dining table and will give your space a really modern look.
