5 minute read
IN WITH THE NEW
from r teert w33
by loopedsaxe3
KITCHENS
In with the
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Make the most of remodel with the best e writes Guine
NEW
here are few things more satisfying than beingsatisfying able to enjoy a well-designed kitchen. It’s thewell-designed kitchen. most important area of the home, and for thisimportant reason, often the most expensive. And whilereason, expensive. it’s never easy to embark on a kitchen remodel,kitchen remodel, our experts reveal a few tried and trusted rules to make theexperts trusted process as painless as possible.process as painless as possible. T >
Easylife Kitchens Linear Concepts
REASONS TO REMODEL When it comes down to it, there are really only two reasons to consider a kitchen remodel, says Slavin’s Daniel Slavin. “It’s either to update an old look, or if the kitchen is no longer functional or working as was originally intended.”
Selma Zaifoglu of Linear Concepts agrees. “The biggest reason home owners remodel their kitchens is to bring the space into the present and to eliminate outdated looks. The trends change along with client expectations. And technological improvements should also be considered, for example, improvements in stone types provide more hygienic, non-porous materials for
countertops in a wider range of colours that are stylish yet enduring.”
Says blu_line’s Philip Richards, “I think what people will often find is that their kitchen has not been properly thought through. What I mean by this is that the various demands made by a modern family require careful consideration and attention, not only to the overall flow but also to the internal design of the cabinets. With this, the design needs to be timeless ensuring that it can work as an architectural anchor to the home from a functional as well as aesthetic point of view.”
KEY CONSIDERATIONS No matter your reason, there is one aspect of a kitchen remodel that requires the most careful consideration of all. Eurocasa’s Melanie Stein says, “Planning is everything, I cannot stress this enough. Hire a kitchen specialist and toil, if you must, until you are satisfied with every aspect of the kitchen and overall room design. This will ensure accurate estimates from all the contractors involved, avoid costly changes and delays and greatly assist in the overall project coordination.”
Professional advice will save you from making costly mistakes in the future, advises Linear Concepts’ Zaifoglu. “A full kitchen remodel can be a daunting task and products from a kitchen specialist may seem expensive at first glance to some clients as they are not always fully aware of all the benefits that these costs include. A beautifully designed yet functional kitchen along
with after-sales guarantees and services are extremely important to ensure the durability of your kitchen. What may seem like a less costly estimate from a general contractor could end up costing the clients so much more should something go wrong in the long run.”
Slavin says, “We always ask clients what they like about their existing kitchen and what they would like to change. Establishing what doesn’t work is just as important as implementing tried and-tested layouts or designs. A well thought out kitchen layout is imperative to getting the most out of your investment.”
Martin and Retha Aylward of Easylife Kitchens Tygervalley say, “Have a budget and keep the cost of appliances and the building work, which always seems to cost more than expected, top of mind. This means considering the costs for tiles and a tiler, plumbing, electrical work, painting and the preparation of walls and seemingly small things like the replacement of ceiling cornices and skirtings.” Eurocasa
FUTURE-PROOF SPACES As far as budget is concerned, be prepared to spend the bulk of it on good-quality cabinetry and hardware. “Choose the best quality cabinetry that you can afford,” says Eurocasa’s Stein. >
blu_line
Eurocasa Slavin
“Check the quality of the cabinetry carefully, open and close elements and check the finishes as well. Your worktops and appliances are obviously key, but cabinetry that fails around these elements will spoil your new kitchen.”
Easylife Kitchens Tygervalley’s Aylwards agree. “Hardware is what makes a kitchen last. A new kitchen will quickly look like an old neglected kitchen if the hardware, such as hinge sand runners, are not good quality as doors sag and drawers struggle to open and close. To rectify and replace bad hardware tends to be a very expensive exercise and kitchen companies generally do not want to get involved with it, so you might end up spending as much as what the original kitchen cost.”
Besides the best quality cabinetry and hardware, choosing a neutral colour palette is also a good guarantee of a kitchen’s longevity. Says blu_line’s Richards, “We always recommend a neutral colour scheme that will ensure a timeless flow to the space.
“Establishing what doesn’t work is just as important as implementing triedand-tested layouts or designs.” – Daniel Slavin
Easylife Kitchens
With this, we cater for all the various functions that could be demanded from this space so that as a family develops or changes the kitchen is able to continuously serve the needs of the home.”
According to Slavin, “A truly timeless kitchen doesn’t bow to current trends. Rather, embrace the classics that can be easily appreciated and appropriated to different styles.” Linear Concepts’ Zaifoglu says, “By implementing a minimalist design and the use of timeless features like natural colours, the client will ensure that their kitchen remains in style for the next decade at least. Bold and bright colours tend to go out of style quickly and will leave you with an outdated look much sooner than a neutral palette.” When in doubt though, one key piece of advice shines above all others: you can’t go wrong with more drawers. Eurocasa’s Stein says, “They add so much pleasure when working in the kitchen and so much practicality. Be aware when your kitchen specialist is giving you a costing that they have included enough of these and the necessary accessories – you don’t want to end up with a pretty kitchen with no substance.” Q
