When buying a new kitchen it is a good idea to first consider what features you will need
. Maybe your existing appliances do not have the specifications that you require or maybe your lighting just isnt adequate. Or, perhaps, you simply just dont have enough cupboard space. Whatever you require it is integral that you identify it in the design that you pick.
Kitchen layouts generally fall into four categories:
-U shaped kitchens
-One wall kitchen (popular in apartments).
-L shaped kitchen (if two adjoining walls have doors).
-Galley or corridor (for narrow rooms with doors at either end).
Consider your room and determine which one of the options above is best suited to you. The next step is to measure your room:
-Measure ceiling heights (this will help determine which cabinets are best sized for your room).
-Measure your windows and doors.
-When you measure the lengths between walls hold the tape measure out to simulate where the cabinet fronts will be.
-Check your floor with a spirit level, this will determine if any floor-levelling compound is required prior to the installation.
-Take into account any pipes or mains electricity supplies.
-Checking your corners is also advisable, using a shelf a similar size to your cabinets will help to determine if any rectification is required.
Here some questions that may help you to decide exactly what you want from your new kitchen:
-Do you need more storage and/or workspace?
-Are aesthetics a big concern?
-Are you looking for better traffic flow?
-Do you enjoy a quite bright morning spot?
-Is eating in the kitchen important?
-What bothers you about your existing kitchen?
Sometimes it can be difficult to truly visualise exactly what you want or require from a kitchen and successfully incorporate it into your design. In these situations a designer can prove to be extremely helpful in bringing out these elements in your design. Often a designer will ask you to describe your daily routine so as to determine the best possible design solutions that will achieve your objectives in and around the kitchen area. If design is not your strong point then it is highly advisable to seek professional help. There are a number of designers that offer their services over the internet; they are only the click of a button away.