CREATING A KITCHEN WISH LIST
If you're thinking about investing in a new kitchen, you want to ensure you get everything you want for a price you're happy with.
Here at Ridgeway Interiors, our experts will create your perfect kitchen, whether you’re replacing an existing design or planning something new for your renovation or extension project.
In our latest blog, we look at what you might want to consider before you sit down with a designer to put your plans into action.
Think about your current kitchen
The best way to start is to take a notepad and pen and walk around your existing kitchen. What does and doesn't work on a day-to-day basis? Make a list of anything that frustrates you about the current layout, storage, position of appliances, amount of worktop space, and so on.
Don't worry about its style for now – just think about how you use it practically and whether it functions as it should.
Do you have corner cupboards that are hard to access, for instance? Is there any room to keep on top of recycling? Do you have enough preparation space when cooking and would you benefit from more task lighting over the worktops, hob, and sink?
Look at your working triangle, too. This is the position of the oven or hob, fridge, and sink, and they should form a triangular shape when you connect them mentally, with around 1.2m to 2.4m between each. Is it easy to move from one to the other when preparing food and cooking, or would it work better if any of these elements were moved around? Think about how easy or difficult it is to access your dishwasher and bin, too.
Consider what works well
Once you've noted what doesn't work, it's time to move on to what does. Think about any element of your current kitchen that you're particularly happy with. It could be the position of your appliances, the length of the worktop, the lighting, or the storage. It’s easier to do this while you're working in the kitchen, so keep a pad and pen handy the next time you're cooking.
Are there any kitchens you’ve used elsewhere that left a great impression on you? It could be at a friend's home, a holiday let, or a family member's kitchen. What made things easier or put a smile on your face?
Next, think about any gadgets or appliances that would better suit your lifestyle. For instance, a boiling water tap that allows you to make cups of tea or fill pans with boiling water for cooking in an instant. These also save time and energy, which may be important to you.
How about a venting hob, where the extraction is integrated into the hob, leaving space where the old cooker hood was for extra storage. You may also have your eye on a steam oven for healthy cooking or a built-in coffee machine for entertaining.
Make a note of everything you'd really like in your new kitchen.
Do you want a multifunctional space?
Will your new kitchen be used purely for cooking and dining, or do you want it to include somewhere for relaxing with the family and entertaining friends? If space allows, your new scheme could include a chill-out sofa area or an island for extra storage, prep space, and casual dining with bar stools.
Speaking of an island, would this provide enough space for dining, or do you also want a dining table? Is it important to you that children have somewhere to do their homework in the kitchen or do you need a place for home working? Our experts will create the perfect design to suit all your lifestyle needs.
What about maintenance?
Another important factor is how durable and easy to clean you want your new kitchen to be. This will impact the material and finish of your cabinet doors, worktops, splashbacks, and appliances. If you want a really easy-clean solution, then a handleless matt kitchen would be perfect, with flush-fit appliances, touch controls, and seamless worktops, sinks, and splashbacks.
It also helps to consider this when choosing your flooring, as some materials are easier to clean than others. Our designers can advise you on the pros and cons of all the various options.
Future-proofing your kitchen
Here at Ridgeway Interiors, we can also design accessible kitchens to suit every need. If anyone in your household has mobility issues or you want to future-proof your design or make it usable for multi-generational living, we can help with push-to-open doors and appliances as well as pull-down storage for high cupboards.
For inspiration and to see the wide variety of kitchens we've created, head to our Projects gallery to see what we could do for you.
