Things to Think About When Planning Your New Kitchen

Your kitchen is the heart of your home; the engine room of your house, a place in which you’ll spend time cooking, dining, entertaining, and creating memories with your loved ones. That's why, when planning a new kitchen project, it's essential to carefully consider not only the aesthetics but also the practical functions of the intended space. 

Indeed, there are a whole host of important decisions to make in the initial design stage of your project, choices that will ensure your kitchen meets all your exacting needs. Let’s take a look!

Think storage!

Storage space is one of the most crucial aspects to think about when planning your new kitchen. As well as making sure you have enough room to store all your kitchen appliances, utensils, food items, and such—you also need to design your kitchen in such a way that you can easily access them.

When it comes to storage space, think about what you need. Do you have any awkwardly tall appliances that require special storage? Where do you want to place your microwave and toaster? What do you need quick easy access to, and, more importantly, where are the mugs to make a cup of tea? All of these important decisions are made easier when you choose bespoke kitchen cabinet makers who are able to build and scale each cupboard and storage unit to fit the precise needs of the space.

Pantry storage and breakfast cupboards can also be valuable additions to your new kitchen. You may wish to think about installing pull-out larder units within your kitchen island or a pantry cupboard to keep your food items organized and easy to find. Breakfast cupboards are a great way to store your cereal, oatmeal, and other breakfast items, so they're always within handy reach.

Drawers or doors…wall cupboards or shelves?

When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the decision of whether to choose drawers or doors is an age-old question, and many people prefer a healthy combination of both. Drawers are wonderfully practical, with every inch of space utilized and also offer easy and convenient access. Cupboards, meanwhile, are necessary for storing awkward-shaped and sized items. First, consider what you need to store, then think about how you’d like things to be organized. This will help you determine whether you need drawers, cupboards, or a mix of both.

A popular kitchen trend for this year is people moving away from the heavier look of wall cabinets, but so many customers admit that they are simply too disorganised for open shelving, so often look to combine both design features. Decide which unit configuration will work best for your lifestyle and plan accordingly!

Where to put your appliances?

What appliances do you want in your kitchen, and where do you want them placed? Do you want a large, American-style fridge, or do you need more freezer space? If you have an older range cooker, do you also need space for summertime appliances like blenders and juice makers?

It's also worth considering where you'll store your wine and whether you need an extra dishwasher so that you can load one with use glasses or have one filling while the other is emptying. These are all things to add to your checklist when in the planning stage of your project; the kind of granular details that will help expert cabinet makers build your dream kitchen to your exact specifications.

Find the perfect worktop space

Worktop space is a crucial consideration when planning your new kitchen. The perfect worktop should be designed with your living and kitchen working habits in mind. From the materials chosen, the space offered, and how each countertop will function as preparation zones, storage areas, or spaces built for entertainment. Do you want a worktop area to live a second existence as a cocktail bar in the summer? There’s really no limit to the scope of your aspirations.

A good kitchen designer will ask you lots of questions to determine how you live, when you use the space, how you use the space, and cover all the nitty-gritty details. Where do you need device chargers? Does anyone have a habit of leaving mugs on the side or is liable to spill a casserole on the work surface? A good designer will create a space that becomes less a room and more an extension of how you live.

Lighting options

Lighting is an important consideration in any kitchen design. Not only does it impact the overall aesthetic of the space, but it also affects the functionality of the kitchen. When planning your new kitchen, think about where you want your lighting fixtures to go. Do you want under-cabinet lighting? Pendant lights above the kitchen island? Recessed lighting in the ceiling? A combination of these options? A good designer will be able to help you select the right lighting fixtures to create a bright and practical space.

Which flooring works for you?

Flooring is another important element that needs to be established early into the planning stage of your kitchen project. When deciding on a flooring option, consider durability, style, and maintenance. Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for kitchens thanks to its durable nature and ability to add warmth and character to the space. It can, however, be fairly high-maintenance and is often susceptible to water damage. Ceramic tile and natural stone are also popular options because they are durable and easy to clean. Whatever you choose, make sure it complements the overall style and colour scheme of your kitchen.

Style and colours

Aesthetically, the perfect kitchen should be a reflection of your own personality and individual style preferences, so it's important to choose a design and colour scheme that harmonises with your unique vision. Consider the style of your home and choose a kitchen design that complements it. Do you want something traditional, modern, or somewhere in between?

When selecting colours, think about the mood you want to create in the space. Do you want a calming and neutral palette or a bold and vibrant one? Whatever you choose, make sure it truly reflects your personality and provides a sense of comfort and happiness each time you enter the space. Here at Hugo & Blake, we have an almost unlimited range of finishing options and paint choices available, so there’s always an opportunity to find the exact, tailor-made aesthetic to fit your design brief.

Consider your budget

It’s hugely important to consider your budget when planning your new kitchen. Due to the quality of craftsmanship and bespoke nature of a handmade shaker kitchen, it can be a significant investment, so it's important to set a realistic budget before you begin. Work with your designer to create a plan that fits within your financial expectations without sacrificing quality or functionality. Be sure to consider the cost of appliances, lighting fixtures, flooring, and other elements when creating your budget.

How can we help?

Planning a new kitchen can be a hugely exciting experience but one that can feel quite daunting without careful consideration and the help of a skilled designer. But, with our help, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional. From storage solutions and appliance placement to lighting and colour scheme, every detail counts in creating a kitchen that reflects your personal style and meets your needs. If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch. You can also book a visit to our showroom to experience first-hand the range of handmade kitchen furniture we have available. Let’s build your dream kitchen!