5 Expert Insider Tips on How to Create Your Dream Kitchen

Main Image: Photography by Alex Urdaneta 

Renovating your kitchen is probably one of the most exciting home renovation projects you can undertake. The kitchen is where we spend most of our time, so we want our design to be  impactful, creative and suited to us. However, if it is your first time tackling a kitchen renovation, it can be a stressful, time consuming experience.

No matter what your level of design expertise may be, interior designer Joanne Kelly from Think Contemporary Studio has gathered practical tips for you to implement to help create your dream kitchen. 

1. HUB OF EVERY HOME 

When designing or renovating your kitchen, bear in mind that the kitchen is the hub of every home and most of our time is spent here. This should be strongly considered when designing the space. How does it interact with the other spaces in your home, is the layout currently working for you, or does this need to change?

Design Render by Joanne Kelly 

2. LAYOUT

Deciding on the layout of your kitchen is probably the most important step in any kitchen design process. The actual size of the room, the functionality of the kitchen and how it works for you should all be considered. Some of the most widely used kitchen layouts are:

• Island Kitchen Layout
• Peninsula Kitchen Layout
• Galley Kitchen Layout
• L-Shaped Kitchen Layout
• U-Shaped Kitchen Layout

Design Render by Joanne Kelly 

3. SPACIAL PLANNING 

Planning the layout of your kitchen and how it will function is the basis for any design. Before you even start to think about finishes, the kitchen needs to be functional, from the layout to the amount of storage and what appliances you want to incorporate.

If you are good at spatial planning then you can certainly get the basics down on paper and have a good sense of what you are looking for before talking to a professional. However, you will need to work with a kitchen designer/interior designer to get the best out of the plan, as they will better understand the fundamentals.

4. STORAGE SOLUTION 

The kitchen is one of those spaces where you don’t want to end up with a shortage of storage. To plan your cabinetry and other storage solutions well, think about where you lack storage now, or perhaps ways in which you like to store things.

Storage options are numerous from cabinets, larders, pull-out drawers, drawers inside cabinets, pantries, to bench and other additional storage. Select those that best work for you and your family.

5. DECIDE ON YOUR STYLE 

Once you have thought through all the main features of your kitchen and have counted everything that needs to be tucked or stored away, it is time to decide on the overall style and finish of your kitchen. Kitchen styles are numerous, and some of the currently most popular styles are:

• Modern: sleek, clean and straight lines are typical for modern kitchens. Minimal décor and stainless steel appliances are just some of the main characteristics of the modern style.
• Traditional: refined finishes, wooden elements, a timeless colour palette, and classic details are just some of the features of traditional kitchen style. These kitchens are warm, inviting and cosy.
• Transitional: this style is a fine balance between modern and traditional kitchens. It is based on the blend of the elements of these two styles.
• Vintage: these kitchens are inspired by the kitchen from the ‘50s,’60s and ‘70s. These kitchens are warm and inviting and usually there is a nice blend of lighter and darker hues. Adding an antiquity, retro inspired appliances and fixtures can help you create an authentic space.

Joanne Kelly is Creative Director at Think Contemporary with over 15 years experience. Joanne prides herself on creating unique and individual designs that bring her clients vision to life. Think Contemporary has a range of packages to choose from if you are interested in getting some help for your kitchen design or more. www.thinkcontemporary.com  @thinkcontemporary

Photography: Alex Urdaneta