Deciding to renovate your kitchen can be incredibly exciting. The possibilities are virtually endless for this multi-functional room and with some careful planning, you can completely transform the space to make it perfect for your family.
When browsing the internet for inspiration or visiting a kitchen showroom, most homeowners will focus on the biggest elements of the design. From the layout to the colour scheme and the worksurfaces, these are often the most thought-about parts of a new kitchen. While these decisions are undeniably important, it’s the smaller details that often make the biggest difference in the functionality and comfort of your kitchen. Below we have explored some of the seemingly small features that deserve your attention during your kitchen renovation.
Commonly Overlooked Design Elements
Typically, when getting caught up in the big design decisions, homeowners can overlook important elements of the kitchen like;
- Plug Sockets – One of the most forgotten aspects of a kitchen design is the placement of plug sockets. During the excitement of choosing colours and materials, it’s easy to forget about the need for power sources. Experienced kitchen designers recommend considering where you will install your appliances to ensure you have suitable plug sockets nearby. Make sure there are plenty of sockets to avoid the need for extension leads too, which can be unsafe and clutter worktops.
- Hardware – Kitchen cabinet hardware may seem unimportant to start with, but it can have a big impact on the final look of the space. The handles you choose can improve both aesthetics and functionality. They affect how easy it is to open drawers and cupboards, and can impact your everyday routine. Don’t forget to think about the material and finish too, and how it works with other fixtures and appliances. This attention to detail can bring the whole design together.
- Backsplashes – A backsplash is not only designed to protect your walls from splatters and spills while you’re cooking, but it can also add visual interest to your kitchen. With a range of materials like tiles, glass or stone, there are so many options to explore for your dream kitchen. A well-chosen backsplash can transform a functional area of your kitchen into a design statement, adding character and reflecting your personal style.
- Ventilation – Proper ventilation is essential in a kitchen, yet it often takes a backseat during the design process. Effective ventilation systems help remove cooking smells and improve indoor air quality. Not to mention, they help prevent common problems with condensation, mould and mildew. Whether it’s a traditional overhead hood or a modern downdraft extractor, ensuring you have good ventilation will improve the overall kitchen environment and make it a more enjoyable place to spend time.
- Bins and Recycling – This may be an uninteresting part of your kitchen transformation, but ensuring you have suitable solutions for waste, recycling and compost will have a big impact on functionality. Often, homeowners integrate bins into their kitchen cabinets, so they’re kept neatly out of sight. Having pull-out compartments under the sink, for example, can streamline day-to-day life and help keep your kitchen as tidy as possible.
- Drawer Organisers – Drawer and cabinet organisers might seem unimportant, but they play a huge role in maintaining an organised kitchen. Custom inserts can be created to perfectly fit your drawers and provide you with the neat storage solutions you need to ensure all smaller items have a dedicated home. This level of organisation can reduce clutter and also save time when looking for kitchen essentials.
- Lighting – Both natural and artificial lighting are essential yet often overlooked during the kitchen design process. Suitable lighting helps improve the functionality of the space and make it more inviting, no matter what time it is. Think about how you can combine different types of lighting in your new kitchen to create a room that is bright and welcoming. Thinking about lighting when making decisions about the layout will help to prevent any issues or re-designs in the future.
- Seating Areas – While the main focus of a kitchen design is often on food preparation and cooking, think about the social aspect of this space. Adding seating areas, whether it’s a kitchen island and stools or a small dining table and chairs, can turn your kitchen into a more inviting space. Including seating makes this room the heart of your home and somewhere you can gather with family and friends. With comfortable seating, you can spend even more time in your new kitchen.
The Benefits of Working with a Kitchen Designer
It’s highly recommended that you work with a kitchen designer when you’re renovating this part of your home. Expert designers can provide some guidance on everything from layout decisions to material selections, ensuring each element of your new kitchen design is perfect. They will work closely with you to bring your kitchen vision to life, while taking into account functionality to make sure the space is ideal for your lifestyle.
Working with a designer also helps you avoid expensive errors in both the planning and installation phases. They provide detailed designs, high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship to exceed client expectations. Not to mention, an experienced team can manage the renovation project from start to finish, reducing stress and ensuring everything remains on track. Having some professional support from start to finish will not only elevate the overall design but also make the entire renovation process more enjoyable.
Planning a Kitchen Renovation in Windsor
All in all, while big design decisions often take priority when you’re renovating an existing kitchen, it’s important to remember the small details too. Focusing on everything mentioned above and including these elements in your designs can improve the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your kitchen, and help to ensure the space is perfect for you and your family. If you need some assistance with a kitchen renovation in Windsor, our team at Ashford Kitchens & Interiors is the best to contact.
We offer a comprehensive kitchen design, supply, project coordination and installation service, and can support you through every step of the renovation process. Our team of in-house kitchen designers in Windsor will help ensure nothing important is overlooked and our attention to detail is exceptional. We pride ourselves on creating bespoke kitchens that are perfect for our customers and improve their daily living experiences. As a truly local, friendly business, we will have your best interests in mind throughout.
