Kitchens have something to offer. Most of the people you speak to today will agree that kitchens are the soul of their home. Here we sit with family and friends to chat over coffee. Here, of course, we prepare our meals and eat them now!
Great counter to put your laptop on and work! Photo: Judith Hoffman
Since COVID has forced everyone to stay at home more than usual, the kitchen has categorically become the epicenter of our living space today. COVID taught the world that interior design is important as we spend almost all of our time in our homes.
Today we often bring our laptops to the kitchen table and work from there while we prepare endless meals at home. The children not only use the kitchen table for eating, but also as their own little playground for playing, drawing, painting, building and an endless array of other activities. The kitchen is not an enclosed space that guests are not allowed to enter so as not to see the clutter. On the contrary, the kitchen is now open and part of the general living space. It has evolved and become the main area of entertainment.
Since the kitchen is a must-have (you have to eat right ?!) and the kitchen serves so many different purposes today, it is crucial to make your kitchen space beautiful, comfortable, inviting and functional. In short, your kitchen needs to best meet your needs.
What should you consider when converting your kitchen? Interior designer Annette Frommer: “When you think about remodeling a kitchen, a person must first ask: What do I want to achieve? What am I missing in my current kitchen that I would like to have in my new kitchen? "
To answer this, Frommer suggests that you ask yourself the following 10 questions:
- How many people are cooking or preparing food at the same time?
- How many people are in the household?
- How often do i cook?
- How often do I talk?
- What other activities are happening in the kitchen (kids homework, crafts, paying bills, working on your computer?
- What devices do I need that I don't have?
- What do I want, but can I live without it if I have to?
- How would I design my kitchen if I didn't have a budget limit?
- What is the style of the kitchen I am imagining?
- What's my all-inclusive budget?
Modern kitchen that is versatile and beautiful Photo: Elad Gonen
We can spend a lot of money on a kitchen renovation and really get lifted with floors, cabinets, counters and appliances. It is therefore particularly important to understand for yourself what is a must for you and what you are willing to compromise. A statistic to remember – around 30% of the budget is spent on furniture. The rest is for floors, faucets and plumbing, counters, lighting and of course design fees.
Furniture making
Since furniture construction is of the utmost importance, the following must be considered:
With new cabinets, you can set the storage capacity you need – especially important. The surfaces come in a variety of colors, stainless steel, wood, Formica and more. There are roll-out trays, magic corner units and soft-close gliders. The trick is to find the right balance between style, appearance and functionality. There is of course an alternative. If you're on a tight budget, you can get your old cabinets remodeled. That said, just change the exterior cabinet doors and hardware (handles / knobs). Even something this small can have a big impact on the overall look of the kitchen.
Countertops
Countertop selection is one of Annette Frommer's favorite elements as she says, “Countertops have a huge visual impact on your kitchen. They are the connecting element that holds the kitchen together and there are so many spectacular options to choose from. "
Frommer loves working with quartz countertops as these are aesthetically stunning. Another favorite is granite countertops. They are strong and come in a variety of colors and veins. Of course, there are the durable Caesarstone countertops, patterned concrete countertops, wood and butcher block countertops and now porcelain countertops too. She points out that “every counter-possibility has advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into account when choosing”.
Stylish worktop with quartz backlight
domestic appliances
It is important to accurately measure the space allotted for your appliances when mapping your kitchen. Appliances come in a variety of prices and designs, and a skilled interior designer can offer creative solutions if certain constraints arise. For example, if installing a regular hood is not an option, a hinged vent can be especially useful.
lighting
The lighting often does not get the attention it deserves. Of course, you have to see what you are cooking, but lighting is not only functional, but lighting can also be decorative in many ways and really affect the ambience of your kitchen.
Conclude
People invest a lot in kitchen upgrades for many reasons. The main reason is that the kitchen has become the center and soul of most households these days. Today kitchens are not only used for cooking, but also for living. They are part of today's lifestyle experience. A kitchen really sets the tone for the entire home, especially if it is an open kitchen like most are these days. Hence, kitchens affect our overall quality of life at home. Therefore, never underestimate the importance of your decisions in all parameters of a kitchen.
