Inspiration and Concept Development
To start with, you’ll want at least a rough idea of the kind of style you’re looking for. Seek out inspiration from magazines and websites, as well as social media. Platforms like Pinterest are amazing for gathering inspiration: they’ll not only allow you to curate a selection of images in a single place, but also allow you to track down new images to develop your idea.
Layout and Space Planning
Most kitchens are built around a handful of proven principles. A galley kitchen will suit a longer space, while an open concept will be great for combined kitchen and dining areas. Think about how you intend to use your kitchen, and how your design can actually support your preferences.
Choosing the Right Materials and Finishes
A luxury fitted kitchen isn’t just about the layout. You’ll also need to think about the materials you’re using, and the way that they’re presented. Among these, the most important are probably the countertops and the cabinets. Pick two complementary colours, and choose materials that fit with them. If you’re shopping for natural stone countertops, then your choice will be limited by what’s available. Pick this first, and then build everything else around it.
Ask the advice of the people who are supplying the materials – they will probably have insights that you haven’t yet thought of. In particular, think about how difficult your materials will be to maintain. Mosaic-style splashbacks with lots of grout will require fairly regular cleaning.
Appliance Selection and Integration
Your choice of appliances should reflect your priorities. If you have a large family that gets through a lot of food, then a large fridge-freezer unit might be very useful. The same applies to a range cooker or dishwasher. The colour and style of these appliances matter, too: pick out items that fit with everything else.
Your choice of appliances should reflect your priorities. If you have a large family that gets through a lot of food, then a large fridge-freezer unit might be very useful. The same applies to a range cooker or dishwasher. The colour and style of these appliances matter, too: pick out items that fit with everything else.
Lighting Design and Ambiance
Lighting serves a practical purpose, but it also has aesthetic value. The right combination of pendant lights can draw attention to a particular area of the space. A few strip lights can add a touch of luxury to hanging cabinets.
Budgeting and Project Management
A kitchen can be a very expensive undertaking, especially if you’re making structural changes before work on the kitchen itself begins. As such, it’s worth having a firm grasp of your finances, and knowing exactly how much you have to spend at every stage. If you’re collaborating on the kitchen with your significant other, you might want to sit down and get the budget on paper before you make any decisions.
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