Check That Kitchen – The Renovation Checklist

Updating your kitchen into the space of your dreams? Bored of your current kitchen? Looking for some inspiration and guidance? In need of some inspiration for a kitchen remodel? Mint Kitchens investigates how to create the dream kitchen project, that will leave you with a highly functional, and beautiful space.

Over the years the humble kitchen has been transformed to become the main hub of the home. Long gone are the days, when the home chef was left alone to create culinary masterpieces separated by walls and never-ending cupboards. Today’s kitchens boast an array of impressive and aesthetically pleasing functions. They have quickly evolved to become the centre the home where many families come together to eat, celebrate and chat.

Whether you are considering a revamp to create more kitchen space, adding extra elements for entertainment purposes, or just in desperate need of an update, planning is paramount for any home project. The problem is, where do you start? It’s easy to get inundated with images and ideas for what your kitchen could look like. This can leave many homeowners feeling overwhelmed, or creating spaces that simply do not work.

All About Space

Before you start dreaming of new ovens, expanding benchtops, or removing old cabinetry, the key is to get a good clear picture of the space you have to work with. If you are considering removing walls and increasing your kitchens ‘footprint’ it’s a good idea to call in the experts to double-check your design ideas will work in terms of structure for the best possible kitchen layout.

If you are pondering a ‘pull all out and replace’ project, then your trusty tape measure will suffice to get an estimate of the space you have to work with. This is vitally important particularly when it comes to deciding what appliances will work, and more importantly if they will fit.

It’s also a good idea to write down exactly what you want from your new kitchen, and what your old kitchen was lacking. Do you want more space? More benchtops and prep areas, or better appliances? Or is it storage, and clever design? Having a very clear picture of what you ‘functionally’ need, you will be on the right path in developing a good plan for what will work in the space you have available. Like with all renovations, it’s important to have some ‘wriggle room’ in your design plans. Some aspects may need to be reconsidered for the space to work and to fit within your budget. Here’s how much a kitchen renovation may cost.

Colours & Flow

When it comes to thinking about what style of kitchen, colours and design will work, it’s important to take into account the remainder of your home. Choosing an ultra-modern kitchen, to proudly sit center stage in a federation-styled home, probably won’t work, unless you are considering revamping the entire home. Ensuring the new kitchen fits in with the interior of your home is highly recommended.

Also, think about the design of your kitchen. Choosing a more traditional style with high-quality fixtures and fittings will also mean the investment will stand the test of time. This is very important if you are undertaking a kitchen renovation for a rental property. It’s good to remember that some themes and ultra-modern touches can become outdated very quickly, and having to keep changing styles can be a very expensive option in the long run.

Design considerations include:

• The size of your family – this will determine the size of your fridge and other aspects.
• Kitchen main function – entertaining, family cooking, dining.
• What do you love? What do you hate?
• Budget – vitally important particularly if you are removing walls, adding/removing power outlets, moving plumbing or gas lines.
• Timeline? Can the renovation be done in stages, or does it need a solid deadline?

Sensational Islands & Triangles

Island benches are a big must in many kitchens. Not only do they create wonderful prep areas, but they can also double as computer charging stations, homework areas, and more importantly a place to sit and chat to the busy kitchen cook. When designing your kitchen island bench don’t forget to consider your tech input. Having cleverly hidden USB charging points and a good dose of storage can help you transform this area from a work zone to an entertaining area quickly and easily.

The key when designing your island bench is to always consider flow. It shouldn’t be too close to any of your kitchen appliances – like open fridge doors or dishwashers. This is why measuring your area correctly before you start designing is so important. Your kitchen needs to be functional no matter what is busily occurring – cue the starving teenagers rummaging through pantries and fridges while you are busy cooking.

The kitchen triangle is a staple design process for any kitchen. This is a very important aspect when considering any renovation or redesign. The triangle is the space between the cooktop, the fridge, and the sink. This makes cooking and preparing food easy and will allow a good working flow in your space. Any top designer will recommend the best triangle to work for your kitchen, this will not only add beautiful focal points and show off your stunning fixtures and appliances it will also ensure your kitchen is functionally sound.

Storage space is also important – there is no point in having the kitchen of your dreams that you struggle to store all your vital kitchen tools. Contemplate; soft close draws and cupboards, push to open kitchen cabinets, skillfully utilised pantry spaces – like butler’s kitchens or pull-out pantries, under-bench bins, and corner cupboards that can allow for ample storage while keeping the space beautiful.

TOP 10 CHECKLIST

1. Total budget for the renovation?
2. What you love, and hate about your existing kitchen?
3. A clear picture of what you are needing (space, benchtops, storage)?
4. How big is the space you have to work with?
5. Design concepts? Colour schemes and theme?
6. Dream appliances – will they fit with your triangle?
7. Clever storage options?
8. Big costs included? Moving plumbing or pipes?
9. Deadline renovation or stages?
10. Call in the experts.

This kitchen renovation checklist can be a great way to jumpstart your project and to get you thinking of what to consider before considering a kitchen renovation.

At Mint Kitchens, we want to create a beautiful kitchen that’s right for you, assisting you from the initial phase of helping you with new kitchen ideas, providing you with the best kitchen designs and making it all come together. Our experienced kitchen designers specialise in the kitchen renovation process so you get what you want.

Here are some of our award winning kitchen renovation projects:

2019 HIA Award Winning Kitchen in Balwyn

2020 HIA Award Winning Kitchen in West Meadows

Visit our 4 kitchen showrooms in Burnley, Richmond, Moonee Ponds and Burwood and let out experts help you. Contact us today and we’ll make sure your next kitchen is better than ever before!