Remodelling a kitchen – an expert guide to the perfect space

Remodeling a kitchen is something we always think about here at Livingetc. As the heart of every home and where most of the people gather to cook, eat, socialize, and do homework, our kitchens need to work well and, ideally, also look beautiful. If you’re remodeling a kitchen and looking for inspiring kitchen ideas, think about what you’d like to achieve with a new space before you dive right in.

We spoke to Simon Graham, Director at YARD Architects, who specialize in design-oriented residential architecture. Regardless of the size of your kitchen space and whatever your budget, there are a few important things to consider before you begin, from room planning and layouts to plumbing and overall style. It really makes the difference between a simple kitchen and a beautifully functional and absolutely enjoyable space.

Are you ready to start planning your gorgeous new kitchen? Use the following steps to walk you through the renovation process …

7 easy steps to remodeling a kitchen

1. Work out a task

Dark gray kitchen in the large open space

(Photo credit: Paul Raeside)

Whether you’re looking for small kitchen ideas or with lots of space to work, getting it right before you start is incredibly important.

“In the first step of a kitchen renovation, you should decide what you ultimately want to achieve,” explains Simon. “Ask yourself a few questions and write down the answers to create a project description. Why do you want a new kitchen? Is it about more storage space, a different view from the sink, installing new appliances or more space for preparation? Always wanted an island closet or walk-in pantry? Count the number of kitchen units you have now and think about how much to store. Think about what your budget is for the work. Keep referring to the assignment throughout the project and make sure you achieve all of your goals. ‘

2. Decide on a concept layout

Blue kitchen with marble back wall

(Photo credit: future)

In this important phase, various layout options are considered, whether small kitchen layout ideas or the opposite. You can then see which one suits your order best. If you have an architect or kitchen designer they will do it for you, but if you do it yourself you will need to measure out the floor plan for the kitchen, including door and window openings. “Measure the floor-to-ceiling height as well, as this can affect the height of the kitchen unit,” adds Simon. “Ikea has a handy kitchen planner to help you with this.”

‘Draw different layouts to scale to see which one offers the best layout for the space available. There are some general layout approaches such as a single row kitchen idea that would work well in a small space like an apartment or the back of a narrow Victorian house, ”explains Simon. “An island kitchen with units on one wall and an island opposite the dining area works really well when you have extra width, such as when there is a side recirculation. We believe that for this layout you will need a room at least 3 feet wide, ideally 5 feet and more. Wrapping units around the outside walls is also very efficient and can work well with the dining table in the center of the room. Measure and draw any furniture you will be using on the plan to make sure everything fits comfortably. ‘

3. Think about the experience

Remodeling a kitchen arches in a modern cream kitchen

(Photo credit: Retired Eriksen)

It is important to think about your experience in the new kitchen space. Think about how and who uses the kitchen on a daily basis and ask some key questions, such as: B. are they being used by two people at the same time? If so, make sure there is enough space between the units so that both of you can work.

Simon adds, “Is it a social place? If you want to be able to talk to guests while you cook, you might want a deeper island unit with seating. And how can you make the most of daylight and views? How does the kitchen relate to the rest of the house? Is it easy to do the grocery shopping on the doorstep or do you have to go through another room? Where does the washing machine go? If you have an open plan eat-in kitchen, like in this incredible open plan single family home, it is best to move the washing machine in a different room. Try to create a good working “triangle” between the sink, fridge and hob and when we think of wall units we like to use slimmer cupboards of 400mm so that the doors don’t open so far into the kitchen and they are less cumbersome . ‘

4. What’s your style?

Remodel a Kitchen Pink and green kitchen paint color idea

(Photo credit: sustainable kitchens)

Style is so personal and even without thinking about what others think it can be difficult simply deciding on a style that you, and only you, are a fan of. If you’re just starting to think about style, here’s what Simon suggests:

“Think about what style you want to achieve and how the kitchen will fit in with the rest of the house,” he says. “A flat panel door with a very matt finish without handles can create a very modern kitchen atmosphere. Maybe you want to make a dramatic statement with a bold kitchen color or have a timeless handcrafted look with solid shaker doors and pastel colors? We want to limit the number of different materials in a kitchen, but maybe highlight an element like a geometric tile on the back wall or a beautiful marble countertop. ‘

5. Technical considerations

Converting a kitchen Idea for a small kitchen island from deVOL

(Image credit: deVOL)

“Once you’ve decided on the layout, you need to make sure that it can connect to existing, sometimes difficult-to-move, drainage positions,” suggests Simon. “Consider the drainage routes from the sink, dishwasher, and washing machine, and make sure they are not too far from the floor and vent pipes or external manhole points.”

“Also note the ventilation and the integration of a mechanical exhaust air opening, as this has to be led out through an outer wall. Usually the range hood is used to provide the necessary air extraction for building codes, but you can also use a powerful exhaust fan similar to the ones in a bathroom, or more complex Bora extractors that suck the air under the floor. “

Read our guide to planning a kitchen extension for more detailed information on the various aspects of a new kitchen when planning a new extension, including installing glazing, doors and skylights, and installing new plumbing and heating systems.

6. Select a manufacturer

Remodeling an IKEA Bodbyn series kitchen

(Image credit: IKEA)

Time to choose the kitchen, the fun part! Whether you are looking for wood kitchen ideas or black kitchen ideas, make sure you choose something that you love, not something that you think you should love.

“There are many ways to buy and install a kitchen, the easiest way is to hire a kitchen supplier to help plan, select the units and appliances, and do the installation process for you,” adds Simon. “You can also do it yourself using pre-built kitchen units that were bought online, or you can go for a cheaper Ikea kitchen design and make it to measure with one of the many companies that supply doors specifically for Ikea kitchens.

7. Time to build

Dark kitchen with marble back wall

(Photo credit: Marc van Praag)

It’s finally time to do the build, and there are a few important things to keep in mind at this point. “The delivery times for the kitchen can be up to 14 weeks. So plan ahead and allow enough time if you want the installation to happen at a specific time, ”says Simon. “If you stay in the house during construction, plan how you will do without a kitchen – can you temporarily reinstall part of the old kitchen somewhere in the house? Finally, you make sure that design decisions are made well in advance and that everything from flooring to kitchen lighting ideas is selected and in stock to avoid installation delays. ‘

Where do you start when renovating a kitchen?

Mayfair apartment kitchen with marble island

(Photo credit: Anna Stathaki)

Start by writing a briefing and refer to it as you go through the process. Then decide on a layout and consider how you and everyone else you live with will use the space for the best possible experience. Go ahead with design and style and consider what look you want to achieve. Then it comes down to drainage and other technical considerations, choosing a manufacturer, and executing the build.

How much does it cost to completely renovate a kitchen?

Sage green kitchen with simple doors

(Photo credit: Anna Stathaki)

Kitchen costs depend on many different factors such as size, materials, how much plumbing and electrical work there is, how much help you can get, and so on. Costs can vary from around £ 5,000 ($ 6,500) for a small, simpler renovation with an Ikea kitchen you built in to well over £ 15,000 ($ 20,000) for something more luxurious.

Proper planning of a modern kitchen remodel will help control spiraling costs, keep a project on schedule, and help you achieve the space you’ve always dreamed of.

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