Kitchen comfort: redecorating the heart of the home

On the edge
The kitchen in this converted apartment is small, but works well. The owners have been careful not to overfill it and to keep the colour palette simple. The zebra rug adds a big dose of quirky personality and there seems to be a trend for chandeliers in kitchens. Here it’s a vintage one, which looks very striking. Beware of very highly polished floors in kitchens, as they can be hard to keep clean – especially if you have dogs or kids!

Planning
Kitchen design experts will always tell you that the first thing to do when your new build or renovated kitchen is within sight is to start making lists. While smart show home kitchens have lots of gorgeous gadgets, they’re generally not entirely necessary. Think about your own needs. If you use lots of ice, the flash fridge with the ice maker can be justified, and if you are passionate about recycling, it makes sense to include separate drawers for each category in your cabinetry. Tip: You can never have enough drawers and they’re easier to access than cupboards.

Don’t break the budget
It’s fairly rare to hear stories of kitchens coming in under budget. Blow-outs are almost inevitable so, again, careful planning is essential and a safety net in the form of some extra savings will hopefully keep you from finding yourself in my friend’s predicament. Her kitchen was going well until joinery ended up costing more than expected, which meant she couldn’t afford the granite bench top she wanted – and had to make do with plywood for two years!

By design
If you have a simple space and are planning to use the type of modular kitchen that’s stocked at the big DIY chains, you may be able to design it yourself. A quick google search will bring up lots of sites to help you. Take your time and measure it all accurately for a plan that’s foolproof. If your situation is more complex, it’s time to engage a professional.

These people know all there is to know about creating the perfect kitchen and will be able to draw on experience when it comes to what will or won’t work.

Cottage charm
If you love the idea of the kitchen as the hub of the home, celebrate family life in an atmosphere of rustic chic. Include elements from the past, such as old china and cookware to evoke a cosy, well-worn feeling. It’s a perfect spot to read Aga sagas by writers such as Joanna Trollope.

Colours and materials
If you plan to stay in this house forever – or at least for a long time – feel free to indulge your own dreams in terms of colours and materials. But kitchens like green and red ones  could be polarising in terms of appeal to home buyers. So, if selling is on the cards, it would probably be better to choose whites or neutrals, then jazz the room up with some fun finishing touches, such as this orange chandelier, which can easily be replaced.

Island life
Including a central island makes the space in your kitchen work harder, while providing a distinct design focus.