Friday, November 6, 2015
A lot of smaller houses and apartments people move into these days were designed in a very different era. One in which: people didn't want any pesky bench space or light making anything too easy in their kitchens or appliances like microwaves and dishwashers didn't exist or there was an undocumented, nationwide competition between builders to see who could stuff the most plasterboard walls into the liveable areas of any given house. Exaggerating a bit perhaps, but there's almost always a wealth of opportunity to make older kitchens in smaller Australian houses and apartments far more conducive to sanity, comfort and convenience. Kitchen improvements like these will make a big difference to resale value too. Pick smartly when it comes to a designer and choose someone you are comfortable communicating with. Also, before you kick start the entire project look around and do ample research on kitchen models across design sites on the internet, which will give you fresh new ideas you can incorporate in your kitchen renovation plans.
Bring in more natural light: The more light you can get in a small kitchen, the better - and natural light is excellent for this purpose. Nice big windows are the best way to go, so if you can increase the size of the window in your kitchen this is a great start (although it's a pretty complicated thing to do). Even if you can't do that, removing overhead cabinets that directly flank your kitchen window on either side can help disperse light more evenly. A roof window / skylight can make a massive difference too, if you've got the budget for it.
Use clever cupboard hardware: One of the biggest issues with kitchen cupboards is that deep, inaccessible corners are hard to reach - and they waste space. Lazy susans, pull out pantries and other contraptions of a similar nature are called 'speciality hardware' - and there are some engineering masterpieces on offer these days. Even just installing nice big drawers down low can make things far easier to reach. Sometimes it pays off to install wider cabinets and drawers too. A 900mm drawer or cabinet door is likely to cost less than twice the price of one that's 450mm.
Get smaller or multifunction appliances: If you're not planning on cooking for an army, a full sized oven or dishwasher is going to take up more than its fair share of precious space. Look into appliances that'll realistically suit your needs. Sometimes a good convection microwave might be all that's needed - and if you don't cook a lot, you mightn't need a dishwasher at all.
Storage and organization: Storage and organization is key to a functional and eye-appealing kitchen. If installing new cabinets isn't an option, consider installing shelves instead. There are many other attractive storage and organization materials available on the market for a well-organized kitchen that are surprisingly affordable.
Bring in more natural light: The more light you can get in a small kitchen, the better - and natural light is excellent for this purpose. Nice big windows are the best way to go, so if you can increase the size of the window in your kitchen this is a great start (although it's a pretty complicated thing to do). Even if you can't do that, removing overhead cabinets that directly flank your kitchen window on either side can help disperse light more evenly. A roof window / skylight can make a massive difference too, if you've got the budget for it.
Use clever cupboard hardware: One of the biggest issues with kitchen cupboards is that deep, inaccessible corners are hard to reach - and they waste space. Lazy susans, pull out pantries and other contraptions of a similar nature are called 'speciality hardware' - and there are some engineering masterpieces on offer these days. Even just installing nice big drawers down low can make things far easier to reach. Sometimes it pays off to install wider cabinets and drawers too. A 900mm drawer or cabinet door is likely to cost less than twice the price of one that's 450mm.
Get smaller or multifunction appliances: If you're not planning on cooking for an army, a full sized oven or dishwasher is going to take up more than its fair share of precious space. Look into appliances that'll realistically suit your needs. Sometimes a good convection microwave might be all that's needed - and if you don't cook a lot, you mightn't need a dishwasher at all.
Storage and organization: Storage and organization is key to a functional and eye-appealing kitchen. If installing new cabinets isn't an option, consider installing shelves instead. There are many other attractive storage and organization materials available on the market for a well-organized kitchen that are surprisingly affordable.
About the Author:
Loreley G. Weidner has spent the past 10 years helping individuals choose the best Home remodelling carpenters. He now uses his experience and expertise to assist groups in short-listing the leader in Kitchen and Bathroom remodelling for them. If you would like to learn more about Best Bathroom Remodeling for your home he suggests you click here for more information.