Start your new kitchen planning with these important questions you might not have thought of.
Is it time for a kitchen makeover?
Maybe your units feel outdated and could do with some modernisation? Perhaps your family has grown and your kitchen is no longer as functional as it once was? Or maybe the kitchen that came with your house was never really your cup of tea and it’s simply time for a change.
We know that when you start to plan a new kitchen there will be tons of questions you’re asking yourself, from budget to colour to which appliances you can’t live without. But what about these less common things that you should consider?
This World Interiors Day we want to support you in planning the kitchen of your dreams. One that is both functional and beautiful. And from experience, the best way to achieve that is to start with these 3 questions:
1. What is it about my current kitchen that’s not working for me?
Let’s begin by evaluating your current kitchen and identifying its pain points, i.e. what frustrates you or limits what you can do? Whether it’s a lack of counter space, insufficient storage, poor layout, or not enough light in certain areas, if you can get to the bottom of what’s not working, you’ll be able to prioritise ideas for the design stage.
And if you go about your day to day with a brain cell or two pondering this question, you’ll find yourself really considering your space and how it performs – for meal preparation, entertaining guests, meeting the needs of your family, etc. Which means you’ll get plenty of ‘clues’ to feed into your new design.
Plus, identifying previous issues up front will give ample time to work out how to make things better. So you’ll be armed and ready when you sit down with your chosen kitchen design team.
2. What would make my life easier?
Imagine your dream kitchen – a space that is absolutely tailored to the way you live and the way you like to do things. Consider the things that would enhance your daily routine and make cooking, dining, and entertaining more enjoyable.
Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of a spacious island for meal prep and socialising while cooking? Or maybe you’ve always been desperate to get your kitchen clutter free with some kind of innovative storage solution? It might even be as simple as wanting the spices closer at hand when you’re cooking on the hob, or incorporating a recycling station so you’re not tripping over a multitude of boxes whenever you enter the utility.
Picture yourself in your ideal kitchen, and for just a moment disregard budget and reality. Consider what would make the room as perfect as it could be, both in terms of how it looks and how practical it is. You can prioritise the things you come up with later in the process.
There is truly a joy in having everything in the right place, working well and looking beautiful.
3. How can I replace my kitchen in a way that reduces my impact on the planet?
If your kitchen is not yet falling apart, or you’re choosing to replace it for aesthetic purposes, it can sometimes feel rather wasteful. But there are a few things you can do to make sure you minimise your environmental footprint and promote responsible consumption. It’s something many of our clients are becoming more mindful of in this increasingly eco-conscious world.
First up, don’t automatically send your old kitchen to landfill. Aim to sell it, or give it away, if it is still usable. You’ll be surprised how sought after good quality units can be in online auctions. They’re often perfect for starter homes or low budget renovations. And with a new worktop or even new doors, can be transformed with relatively little work.
Next, consider the eco-credentials of the company you choose to supply your kitchen. As advocates for sustainability, we at Koivu, specialise in crafting bespoke kitchens from farmed birch plywood – a renewable and environmentally friendly material known for its durability and timeless appeal.
Meaning not only do we take as little as possible from the planet when we manufacture a Koivu Kitchen, you can expect it to last much longer than normal. By choosing sustainable materials and practices, you can create a kitchen that not only enhances your home but also contributes to a healthier planet for future generations.
Win win!
Why start with these questions?
Of course it’s important to ask yourself what your budget is and what colour you’d like to paint the walls. And of course it’s only natural that as you browse Pinterest you’ll find ideas that you simply have to include.
But actually, if you take a step back and start from the beginning, with these questions based in psychology, you’ll be less likely to miss something important. And you’ll be more likely to reach a design that truly encapsulates who you are and what you need from your kitchen.
Not only that, if you’re one to get slightly overwhelmed by a project, this will give you a nice structured approach to get to the nitty gritty without losing the plot.
Take time to reflect on these essential questions and you’ll find you can approach your kitchen renovation with clarity and confidence. And even better, choose Koivu, and our friendly, professional team will be here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s work together to design a kitchen in which there is NOTHING you would change. One that reflects your unique style, values, and aspirations. And one that fills you with joy every time you enter the room.
Sound good? Get in touch today.
