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Are you planning to renovate your kitchen this year? For many of us, entertaining over Christmas and other holiday periods focuses the mind on what we’d like to improve. And no room does this more than the kitchen!
Before you race off to spend hours looking at kitchen showrooms, local kitchen and home designer, Sarah Maguire of Raison Home, shares her advice on the top 3 things you need to think about first:
1. Fix the flow
Make sure your room works for your needs. Look at the doorways, the sightlines, the routes through and consider what needs to change. Sometimes it can be an easy fix, such as changing the direction or type of door. Other times it can be more fundamental and you may want to consult an architect to help solve the problem areas.
As a professional kitchen designer, I work with clients in their own homes rather than a show room. This allows us to chat through their unique space and how it is used, understand any technical or layout challenges, and agree on the best use of the space. Often clients have decided to remove a wall to open the space, or to swap the kitchen and living rooms to optimise the flow and light. Sometimes it’s changing a window or taking out a door to make the flow of the space work so much better.
2. Get some inspiration
Pinterest and social media are great sources of inspiration but the most popular pictures will be the most fashionable. If you want to create a timeless kitchen space then be careful of trends in the hard finishes (floors, cabinet colours, worktops). These hard finishes are the most expensive and difficult to change. Bring the trends in areas that can be changed and updated as the years go, such as cabinet handles, lighting, and accessories. This does not mean your space needs to be neutral or boring.
There are so many ways to bring personality and interest into your space. I love advising clients on the small details that make their design unique and reflective of their own character and style. For some inspiration, follow my social media @RaisonHomeEdinburgh
3. Know your Budget
Let’s face it, life is full of compromises, and you need to know your budget to be able to make good choices. If your budget is very tight for a kitchen renovation, it’s better to spend it on the best quality cabinets and hard finishes rather than very expensive high-end appliances. You won’t want to replace your cabinets after only a few years, while upgrading appliances later is much easier and will help you manage your budget now.
If you’re looking for a hands-on and passionate designer to guide you through your kitchen project, Sarah would love to help. She offers an end-to-end kitchen renovation service, from inspiration to installation. To hear more, contact Sarah at Sarah.Maguire@RaisonHome.com or visit https://www.raisonhome.com/en-gb/ to book a design consultation.
Article published in Konect March 2024
Author: Sarah Maguire, Raison Home Edinburgh
