Super kitchens How to get one
Whatever you do, don’t ‘impulse buy’ appliances on special before you start, writes Colleen Hawkes.
Planning and designing a kitchen renovation is not straightforward, and it’s all the more tricky because most of us only do it once or twice in a lifetime, if ever. But it’s a lot easier if you do your homework first, before you call in a designer. That’s because there are a few basic things to consider that will save you time and money later.
The National Kitchen & Bathroom Association (NKBA) has a checklist that helps you sort out exactly what it is you want, and it’s all about planning.
Consider appliances
Right at the top of that list are appliances. Will you be needing a double oven? Do you want an induction cooktop, a double or single fridge, a freestanding or built-in oven?
Auckland kitchen designer Shane George agrees researching appliances is a great start. ‘‘Many appliance showrooms have cooking demonstrations, and that’s really helpful, especially if you want to try out something new, such as a steam oven. And these are the future of cooking.’’
But George also says, while it’s important to research, it’s not a good idea to go rushing out to buy appliances before you and your designer have worked out a concept.
‘‘There’s a lot of talk about functionality, but appliance aesthetics are sometimes overlooked and they are really important.’’
Auckland designer Natalie Du Bois says she has had clients ‘‘impulse buying’’ all their appliances in a sale before work has started on the kitchen, only to find they simply won’t work with the subsequent kitchen design and layout.
‘‘People are then faced with having to get rid of those appliances and start again. More often than not, it turns out to be a bad decision.’’
Analyse the way you work
George says it’s equally important to analyse how you live and work in your current kitchen, so you can communicate that clearly to your designer. ‘‘You may think you want a scullery, but it may not suit the way you like to work.’’
Take a look at your existing storage and decide what’s not working. Is it hard to access items? Do you need more storage for large platters or the myriad small appliances you have collected over the years? (And this is a good time to discard any items you haven’t used for more than a year.)
Look at kitchens on Instagram and designer projects online, and make a note of what you do and don’t like – it could be corner pantries are not your thing, or open shelving.
Maybe you don’t like the idea of the sink against a wall with no window. Or perhaps you really don’t want a sink on the island. Bear in mind that some compromise is always needed, even in high-end kitchens.
Your designer also needs to know what future changes may need to be accommodated in terms of family size, ageing-in-place requirements and potential resale.
Engage a designer early
‘‘Many people leave it too late, often after a builder has started work,’’ says Du Bois.
‘‘They think they can do it on their own, but they get really confused, and then they engage us. There is a better outcome if we are hired earlier.
‘‘Kitchens are expensive and you need to be able to make decisions without feeling rushed.’’
Keep an open mind
‘‘People get used to the way their current kitchen is, and it can be hard to think beyond that,’’ George says. ‘‘But it’s important to realise you are not restricted by what you have at the moment, and that is why you engage a designer. We look at adjoining rooms and can often realise potential you didn’t think was there.
‘‘I like to push people a little outside their comfort zone, and it’s so rewarding to see how happy they are in the end.’’
Du Bois talks about a recent project where she was able to add a large scullery to a kitchen by reducing space in the massive guest bathroom next door, which was not used a lot. ‘‘That room is still beautiful, but more compact.’’
Trust is an important part of the process, Du Bois says. ‘‘It’s good to research designers, and once you have found someone you get on with, it’s best to have a positive approach – when you work as a team, you get a better result.’’
George says designers have the advantage of product knowledge. They are seeing new products, technology and materials every day. And while clients will sometimes want a particular style they think is on trend, that may not be the case.
‘‘My advice is ‘don’t restrict yourself’,’’ he says.
Longevity
How long do you want your kitchen to last? Buying quality materials will cost more initially, but they will last longer and be less wasteful.
‘‘If someone is planning a kitchen and bathroom renovation on the cheap, I would recommend holding off the bathroom for a few years, and doing a better job of the kitchen,’’ says Du Bois.
‘‘You don’t want to be putting in an inferior kitchen to then have to replace it in 10 years’ time.’’
Money matters
When it comes to budget, the NKBA puts it bluntly: ‘‘Be honest and realistic – don’t forget to factor in all your appliances.
‘‘You absolutely must have a dollar figure in mind. If your budget is modest, that’s completely fine; the designer will find products and solutions to suit. If you have grandiose ideas they also need to know, so you are not disappointed with a modest design concept.’’
And remember, mortgage interest rates are the lowest they have been in living memory, so you may be able to borrow a little more to get the kitchen you really want. So long as you don’t go crazy with ultra-expensive materials, a new kitchen is an investment that will pay for itself when you come to sell your house.
Realistic expectations
Anyone who has undergone a renovation can tell you about the challenges. The NKBA simply says: Be realistic about how you will manage your life. It really can’t be sugar-coated – you are having the heart ripped out of your home. Be prepared for what lies ahead and put some thought into how you and your family will manage this.
Consider that you will have complete strangers in your house, children and pets will need to be kept clear of work and egress areas and there will be a lot of noise, inconvenience and dust.’’
But, of course, with the right planning the end result will be well worth it.