Installing a new, bespoke kitchen into your home is not something that you do often, as such, when it comes to designing and planning the new kitchen you need to make sure you get it right, the first time.
Luckily, Multiwood, a leading UK kitchen manufacturer knows a thing or two about bespoke kitchens, with over 30 years of crafting stunning handmade kitchens, they know what you need to consider. And they’re going to share their top tips to ensure that your new kitchen really is the kitchen of your dreams.
Visit the Multiwood site to see what they can offer: Multiwood: UK Trade Kitchen Door & Components Distributor
Plan ahead
Whether you’re opting for a traditional kitchen feel or a more modern kitchen style, the key is to plan ahead. You’ll want to make sure that your layout is precisely planned and you have enough space to make full use of everything your new, bespoke kitchen offers.
Have you got everything where you need it? Is the gap between cabinets and tables or islands wide enough? Is the cooking area in the main thoroughfare?
Storage
Storage space in any kitchen is essential. We’ve all had the experience of trying to put the pots and pans, or Tupperware away in the crowded and overly full drawer and struggling. So when you’re designing your new bespoke kitchen, be sure to build-in adequate storage space.
And make sure that the space you do have is fully utilised, speak with your kitchen manufacturer, chances are they’ll have a few tricks up their sleeve to take full advantage of every inch of space available.
Light
Now, we’re not just talking about light fixtures and fittings here, there’s much more to it than that. Unlike other rooms in your house, overhead lighting alone is often not sufficient as if the sole source of light is from behind you, a shadow will be cast onto the workspace. This can be highly irritating, especially when preparing food.
No one likes a dark and dingy corner either, so get creative with your lighting and pay attention to where it is, and where it casts the light. Pendant lighting over an island or breakfast bar adds a unique style to your room, while also adding more direct light to emphasise these areas.
Speak with your kitchen manufacturer and ask about lighting under your kitchen cabinets, LED lighting is the future in kitchens, lasting longer and costing less to run!
Style
This is all about your personal preference, after all, it’s your kitchen! But it is worth bearing in mind that there are numerous different kitchen styles available, so do not just pick the first style you come across. You might find that the first style is the one you opt for but check all the other options first.
Colour
Again, this is purely your personal preference, but remember that the colour scheme you opt for will have a big impact on how the room feels as a whole. In open-plan kitchens with a lot of natural light, you might want to opt for lighter coloured kitchen cabinets, as they reflect light well, giving the impression of a larger room.
Earth tones are also an excellent choice for paintwork, especially if you have wooden kitchen cabinets, with a natural finish. Or, you might want to go bold and introduce colour to your kitchen that adds instant personality. This should be done with caution, especially if you are planning on selling at some point, as bold colours can divide opinion, which could reduce the appeal to some buyers.
Finish
The finish you choose will be largely dependent on the style of your home. Traditional or mid-century homes are better suited to matt or mid-sheen finishes in your bespoke kitchens, and while you are better off steering clear of high-gloss finishes in traditional homes, in contemporary homes it’ll fit right in.
It is well worth doing your own research on what kitchen cabinet colours and finishes work well together, and which one you feel would suit the decor of your home.
Surfaces
There is no such thing as too much counter space when it comes to kitchens if space allows it, put in as many work surfaces as possible. Islands and breakfast bars make an excellent addition to your kitchen, acting as a highly functional feature, and providing you with a place to socialise.
But consider the material that your surfaces are made from, some are easier to maintain than others. For example, the grout between tiles can be a place that dirt collects, while wood is liable to stain.
Wherever possible you should aim to maximise your worktop space, which can lead to you changing the initial plans or your kitchen. In order to save space, you might opt to have a wall-mounted microwave for example.
Accessories
Adding the right accessories into your kitchen is an excellent way to draw attention to certain features, they are often highly functional and practical but look the part too.
For example, a mantle over your hob can prove to be not only a highly functional shelf but also stands out as a statement piece in any kitchen, drawing the eye to it almost immediately. Whereas dovetail drawer boxes within your in-frame cabinets add an air of luxury whilst being equally practical.
Think long and hard about the accessories you want, and the accessories you need, and plan them into the kitchen design from the very start.
Power
Think carefully about what appliances you’ll be having in your kitchen. Kettles and toasters are a mainstay in virtually every kitchen, and you’ll need plug sockets to be located in convenient areas. Again, once you have your basic layout planned, consider where you want your plug sockets.
What other appliances will you have in your kitchen? Washing machine? Microwave? It is always better to have one too many sockets than not enough, so our advice is to have at least one or two sockets extra, you never know what kitchen gadget you might want to add!
Bins
If your bin will be freestanding, you will want to consider the colour scheme and style of your kitchen before getting your waste bin. However, our advice is to opt for a hidden bin, either in a cupboard, or located under a work surface. This style of bin is becoming increasingly popular as they are out of sight and out of mind. Often they will be pull-out bins, that is to say, that rather than just being in the cupboard, they are the cupboard, and once you open the door, the bill pulls out.
So there you have it, the top 10 things to consider when you’re designing your new bespoke kitchen.
If you have any questions contact Multiwood for advice and support: Contact
