Top 10 Tips for Choosing your Designer Kitchen
Top 10 Tips for Choosing your Designer Kitchen
Taking the first steps to a major home improvement is a seemingly overwhelming task for the uninitiated. With so many options and how to go about getting the finished result is similar to peering into an abyss of the unknown. This, coupled with uncertainty about how well your chosen team of designers and fitters will finish your project can bring many a sleepless night. As one of the major refurbishments of any home is the kitchen area, here are a few rules of thumb to ensure you get your dream kitchen.
Take your time to REALLY think about how you want to use your kitchen. The stronger your criteria for the kitchen, the less likely you will be to have uncertainty about how well the finished kitchen design will work for you.
Draw up some key aesthetic requirements. Are you looking for a traditional kitchen or a contemporary kitchen design? Do you want a painted kitchen or would you prefer the look of wood surfaces such as oak or walnut cabinetry? Would you like a mixture of the two, for example an American Walnut cabinetry feature opposite a white high gloss kitchen run? Don't worry about this pigeon-holing you it's for the designer to take these principles and expand on them to make it work.
Research your appliances. You're going to be using these the most, so make sure they do what you want. If you require a professional kitchen, then concentrate on the brands that cater for finer control of the cooking. Don't be fooled by the huge array of automatic functions the majority of these, whilst clever, won't necessarily ever be used by those who know how to cook already. The choice of hob induction, gas or ceramic is a key item as it will have an impact on the installation.
Choose your kitchen designer wisely. You must get on with your kitchen designer. This is a very personal project with large investment from yourself so your relationship must be as smooth as possible. Whilst budget is always a strict consideration, do not sit down with the first one that comes to hand. Ask a few searching questions to ensure that your initial criteria is met with a reassuring understanding rather than a vacant nod of the head.
Don't always queue up at Big Brand Names. Don't automatically assume that the larger companies can give you the best prices. A lot of the time they have significant overheads to cover or the manufacturing is a lot cheaper in order to offer bargain prices. They also see customers as quick turnaround, which becomes very impersonal and won't necessarily deal with any smaller, personal details you may want to implement.
Investigate smaller kitchen design teams. Bespoke kitchen designers have an immediate tag of being out of league of normal' kitchen customers. Whilst this is certainly the case with some, this does not apply to many. Whilst they will still be able to supply you with much the same type of cabinetry as the big boys, they will do so on a much more one-to-one basis with the ability to fine-tune and scrutinize your kitchen design a lot better.
What worktops are you looking for? There are a multitude of kitchen worktops from natural stone to manmade quartz or seamless worktops such as Corian. Be aware that there are drawbacks that may not be presented to you by the designer. For example, glass worktops are fantastic but will be a nightmare if you use the kitchen and can't stand fingerprints. If you put a hot pan on to Corian, it will melt a ring into it. Do NOT use marble or limestone as these are highly porous and only work in a kitchen that is there to look pretty or in an area that is not intended for heavy use.
Get the lighting right. The lighting needs to work hand in hand with the kitchen layout. Most larger chains won't be involved in this, which is where a smaller company may integrate the lighting plan alongside the cabinetry.
Check the small print. Make a checklist of EVERYTHING including small details such as decorative wall sockets, internal wirework. Most importantly, check that you have all drawer organizing systems you need i.e. cutlery inserts, plate stackers, herb holders etc. There is a storage solution for almost anything but these can be a hidden extra. Hidden extras are horrible when you think you've covered everything and still have to fork out more money.
Be patient. No decent kitchen installation should ever be rushed. For galley kitchens or larger bespoke kitchens, allow two to three weeks for cabinetry installation, then a week to two for stone templating and installation (if that's what is being installed). Only then can the tap, sink etc be tightened up and you can start enjoying it!"
Forget About Your Troubles And Chill Out On Patio Chairs Tips For Choosing Great Furnishings For Outdoor Patios And Gardens How to Design a Luxury Kitchen: Granite Countertops, Melon Ballers and More How to build furniture A Few Details To Look For Within A Home Purchase Loan Company On-line how to lose weight easily at home Money-Saving Real Estate Investment Properties A Caique Parrot Owner's Buying Checklist Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer Homework Helper Algebra Homework Help,Math Help 2010 U.S. Manufactured Mobile Home Dealers Industry Report added in Vision Shopsters Real Estate Investing FAQ