Are you procrastinating about your next renovation project? Well, don’t. You can build the perfect kitchen no matter the size of your space or budget. Homeowners tend to procrastinate for years when it comes to starting projects and we understand that it can be totally overwhelming. You need creative ideas, the time to plan it all and above all; the money.

Renovating your kitchen

Here are 5 key points to consider when renovating a Kitchen:

Take stock: Look around your kitchen and see what’s working and what’s not. Is there dead space that’s being wasted? Is the kitchen cabinetry bursting with stuff? Maybe you need a pantry? Consider all the elements, especially the layout of your kitchen and think about what would be best suited to your everyday needs.

Open up: To add accessibility and enhance functionality, it’s a great idea to replace an L shaped kitchen with a galley style one. Put in an island parallel to the cabinets, if the space permits, as this will open up the room and make the cabinets more accessible. Adding a pantry however small can make a huge difference. When redesigning the kitchen assess the space and see if you can add an eat-in area. This is great for everyday casual dining and makes the kitchen a functional living space, not just a place where you cook.

Choose with your Heart: Ever notice how every dinner party tends to end up in the kitchen? Especially if you’re entertaining a few close friends, it just seems to be that part of the house that everyone gravitates towards. So, when it comes to choosing materials for your new kitchen don’t skimp; look for bargains and affordable alternatives for finishes but do not compromise on quality. You have to live with it for a long time so go ahead and splurge a little.

Get Floored: The flooring in the kitchen is a personal preference; some prefer wooden floors while others prefer tiles. Do your research to determine what works for you. My personal favourite is a 12×24 tile in a brick pattern. You can add contrasting grout for a more dramatic look or match the grout to the tile for a more classic feel. If it’s a large kitchen or you spend a lot of time in it, invest in floor warmers under the tiles to keep your toes toasty in the winter.

And then there was Light: Lighting is crucial to the new design; a combination of pot lights with task lighting will make your cooking experience fun while keeping those hydro bills in control. Don’t overdo the pot lights though; they can give the space a commercial feel. Place the pot lights equidistant from each other over the main work areas and use under cabinets for further lighting, when needed. Be sure to use some pendant lighting in eat-in areas and add dimmers to create the right ambience.

What do you love/hate about your kitchen? Share your stories and comments to inspire fellow readers.