Building the perfect kitchen can be quite challenging since there are so many things you need to consider. After all, you’re not just looking to create a place that looks nice, but also one that is fully functional and which can serve the functions it was designed for. The units you choose will set the tone for the entire design of the room, as they’re the largest items and the ones you typically build everything else around, from the colour of the walls to the hardware.
However, since there are so many different options to choose from nowadays, it can be difficult to know which one you should choose. It’s not impossible, though. All you need to do is create a plan and follow it as closely as possible. This way, you can be sure that you won’t end up with items that don’t fit your kitchen and will have a much more streamlined decoration process as a whole. Here are a few of the things that should be on your list.
Work With Your Space
The first and most important thing you need to have in mind is the layout of your kitchen. It’s important to be realistic and get something that doesn’t just look good, but which also makes sense in your kitchen. For instance, if you don’t have a lot of space at your disposal, you don’t want to end up with oversized cabinets that barely fit inside and which make the space feel cramped. How much you’re cooking and how much storage you need are very important factors as well.
For example, if you have a relatively tiny kitchen, you might want to invest in cream-coloured handleless units as their streamlined look and light hue will create the visual of a larger, airier space. A modern Shaker kitchen might be the answer you’re looking for as well, as they blend style with efficient storage and functionality. Apart from fitting the part in terms of looks, these units can be maximised for their fullest storage potential as well, so that all your appliances, dishware, and cutlery are able to fit neatly inside. This way, you eliminate the need for a kitchen island or additional cabinets that would take up additional space, too.
Go for Timeless
Trends change all the time, but giving your kitchen a complete makeover every few years is neither sustainable nor realistic for the vast majority of homeowners. It is much better to focus on timelessness instead, as the designs that will never go out of style won’t end up looking shabby either (provided that you take care of them, of course). Minimalist styles are the safest option, but that doesn’t mean having a kitchen that is entirely beige or grey.
Focus on clean lines and simple designs, as not only will they continue to look good over the years, but they are also much easier to keep clean. The cabinets that have a lot of patterns or ribbing are much more likely to accumulate grime over time, creating the impression that they’re much older than they actually are. It also means that they require far more maintenance, which can become frustrating after a while, especially if you have a busy schedule.
Classic materials like wood are the best option as they never go out of style, are robust and durable, and can last a century with the proper maintenance.
Prioritise Functionality
Functionality and accessibility are the cornerstone characteristics of every single kitchen, and they must be the ones you have in mind when you choose your units. Think about how you’ll prepare the meals and where you want to serve them, as well as what kind of cookware you need to use on a daily basis. The units should fit perfectly in your space so that they don’t hinder you in any way, and they don’t take up space from anything else. For example, if you’ve decided that your oven or fridge should sit in a certain area, you should make sure that the cabinets don’t end up making that impossible for you.
If possible, though, you should definitely opt for wider kitchen units for both the upper and lower cabinets. The result is a more efficient use of space that allows you to get more items into a single place without having them piled on top of one another and making them difficult to reach.
Match With the Worktop
When it comes to doing a kitchen remodel, you’ll more likely than not start with the cabinets, as they set the tone for the layout, determine functionality, and the overall look that your space will have. However, that doesn’t mean that you should disregard the importance of the other items in your kitchen, as finding the common ground in their designs is key to whether the ensemble looks cohesive or not.
The colours and materials are the most important things to consider in this regard, as you want them to match. A lacquer finish in a neutral ecru for the overhead units and wood in a light shade for the lower ones will match perfectly with a counter top in a similar neutral tone, such as a cool grey. However, you can also get shades that contrast with each other, so that your worktop is a stronger colour, like burgundy red or deep blue.
When it comes to the materials, you want something that’s just as robust as the wood that cabinets are made from and which doesn’t clash with the other materials in any way. Engineered stone quartz is easy to maintain, resistant to staining and mildew, and comes in many different colours, but is susceptible to scratching and quite vulnerable to heat damage. Granite is resistant to heat and abrasion, but needs regular sealing and can be quite difficult to install as well. Soapstone has a unique look due to the veining and is non-porous but requires mineral oil treatments and scratches fairly easily.
To summarise, finding the perfect kitchen units can be challenging since there are so many different options to choose from. Creating a plan from the very beginning is very important and can save you a lot of trouble, so make sure you have this in mind before you go shopping.
-This post is part of a paid collaboration
