You have in mind the kitchen of your dreams and only aspire to one thing: to be able to realize it. However, the day when all this becomes possible, the task can seem stressful. You are faced with many unknowns: how to embark on such a project? If you have such questions, this post is for you. We have compiled the things not to do to successfully remodel or renovate your kitchen. Consider these few lines as a plan starter to follow when developing your project and keep them handy once the work is underway. Our 6 mistakes not to make will help you design a space that is both functional and aesthetic
1 – Forgetting to consider your lifestyle
When you think about your kitchen layout, you have something accomplished in mind: professional-grade stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a huge island. While there’s nothing wrong with you considering such a kitchen, it’s still important to keep in mind that it’s not your only option. Don’t stay stuck on an idea and above all think about how you and your entourage will actually use your kitchen. Maybe your children will do their homework there and you should set up a dedicated area there? Maybe you entertain often and need a long dining table to accommodate your guests? Whatever your personal needs, be sure to incorporate them into your planning.
2 – Neglecting your budget
This is true for all home improvement projects, but it’s especially true for kitchens. On average, your development or renovation will cost you a few thousand euros. So be sure to spend them wisely. You can make two lists: the list of essentials and the list of your wishes. Then, evaluate each of the imagined projects and compare with your budget. The lists will allow you to see where to invest most of your budget envelope and where to try to save.
3 – Ignore the “space layout”
The way you arrange your different elements is something crucial. And often overlooked. Unless you go through a kitchen designer. It doesn’t matter how good your new fridge is if you can’t open it all the way because your countertop gets in the way. To make sure that your new space is well laid out as it should be and that it “works”, go to a kitchen designer or hire a decorator who will help you draw up a plan, a real scenario for your kitchen. However, if you opt for DIY – Do It Yourself, that is to say the version “by your care” – we recommend that you organize a “layout” there too before you start shopping. To do this, take the measurements to give you an idea of the space that each element will take up.
4 – Minimize storage space
The kitchen is often the most cluttered place in the house. Between all the cooking utensils and food storage, you often find that you don’t have enough room to store what you need. So think storage! There are storage elements that are both functional and stylish. Take inventory of what you use on a daily basis and what you need on hand and what can be stored further away because it is used very occasionally. Then think about how you want to store it all.
5 – Not giving importance to the lighting
When you focus on displaying your scale, controlling the oven temperature, and simply chopping vegetables, you’re glad you can do it with ease. So try to remove all light and see the consequence. All of these tasks will be made more difficult without proper lighting. So don’t overlook light sources. Make sure they are sufficient. Project yourself into your future kitchen to find out where to install light. Of course, you will install one above your cooktop, probably near the sink and above your island if you plan to have one. And then think about your personal habits and preferences. For the homework of the children and to receive friends, perhaps you need special lighting in this place?
6 – Lack of audacity in the layout
If you are renovating your kitchen, you are going to invest some time in it. So have fun, enjoy it, dare what makes you happy. Choose a colorful island or graphic tile to infuse the space with a bit of your personality. If you are fitting out your kitchen to resell it or plan to leave your home in a few years, you always have the possibility of setting your sights on accessories. Consider adding quirky light fixtures, patterned rugs, or out-of-the-ordinary furniture. The main thing is that you feel good about it.
Designing a kitchen can seem daunting. As it is generally one of the most used rooms in the house, we also think about it in terms of resale potential. So we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make sure everything is perfect. If you anticipate and plan things, everything should fall into place naturally. Avoid the 6 mistakes above and your kitchen will be very successful!