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Updating your kitchen? Here are 5 things to consider first

Photo credit: Dunelm, Vivian Bar Stool, Old Gold
Photo credit: Dunelm, Vivian Bar Stool, Old Gold

Designing or updating a kitchen involves careful consideration of both practicality and aesthetics, but whether you're starting with a blank canvas or working with what you already have, it's important to not get hung up on trends.

'Your kitchen will outlive them, so go with what makes you happy, not what's currently the Instagram must-have,' House Beautiful's resident interior designer, Andrew Griffiths, says.

To ensure your kitchen renovation does go smoothly, Andrew, founder of interior design studio A New Day, shares five things you should always consider before revamping your kitchen.

First of all, before you get into the design itself, take time to consider exactly how your kitchen will be used. 'Is it a purely functional space for cooking and eating on a daily basis, or somewhere you might entertain too? You should also think about how much storage you'll need,' Andrew says.

Secondly, your kitchen layout and the amount of natural light it receives will really dictate how you decorate the space. 'Do you know which way your kitchen faces?, Andrew asks, 'if not, work it out and you’ll understand how natural light affects the feel of the room at different times of day, and which colours are likely to work best in the space.'

The design and layout of your kitchen is heavily influenced by the placement of plumbing, gas and extraction. 'If you're working to a budget, your best option is to keep these where they currently are, or not too far away,' Andrew explains 'If you decide you do want to move them, get expert advice on what's possible before embarking on plans.'

Photo credit: Homebase
Photo credit: Homebase

The cost of a kitchen renovation can quickly mount up, so if you're working to a tight budget, make a plan for where you want to spend and where you'd like to save. Andrew suggests sticking to the following rule: 'Spend on the things you touch most, such as worktops, handles and taps, and save on items that tend not to be so noticeable. For example, team low-cost units with good-quality doors.'

Lighting is essential in all areas of the home, especially in a kitchen, but don't immediately default to a ceiling full of downlights. Instead, Andrew says it's important to think about different layers of lighting for warmth and softness.

Photo credit: Original BTC
Photo credit: Original BTC

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