Having a kitchen designed for you can mean getting all the storage space you want, as well as an island, appliances, and all other features that are just the size and design you need for cooking. While working with a kitchen designer can be exciting, it can also be a bit overwhelming, once you consider all the details that go into this process. To ensure nothing is overlooked, note a few quick details you don't want to forge, and that will help you to ensure you end up with a custom kitchen design that you love.
Consider durability
When choosing materials for the flooring, benchtops, and splashback, you may have your heart set on a high-end stone or expensive timber species, but remember that kitchen surfaces need to be very durable against foot traffic, food prep, and high humidity levels. Consider how easily a stone benchtop might absorb food stains and show discoloration, and if a soft tile splashback might also be difficult to clean. Opt for something very durable for all these surfaces, rather than choosing based on appearance alone, so your kitchen is easy to clean and so that those surface materials won't get damaged or stained.
Don't forget lighting
A kitchen should be bright and cheerful, and adequate lighting in the kitchen also means safer and easier food prep, as proper lighting is needed to read a cookbook and safely chop your fresh foods! Don't forget about lighting when designing your home's kitchen; consider track lighting with lights you can direct in any angle, or lighting under the upper cabinets that illuminate the benchtop. If you're choosing very deep cupboards, you might also have LED lights installed inside, for even easier viewing of those deep and dark areas.
Leave some room
When planning an island and choosing new appliances for your kitchen, you may be eager to have items that are oversized and that provide plenty of storage for food and dishware, as well as lots of space for cooking and eating in the kitchen. While it's good to have items that are large enough for food prep and cooking, you also don't want to crowd the floor space of a kitchen, especially if you have a family or entertain often in the kitchen. Leave room for easy foot traffic, and for doors and drawers to open without bumping into other items in the kitchen, for a space that's comfortable yet still very functional.
