How to Start a Kitchen Renovation
Elaine Farrall • November 16, 2023
A kitchen renovation can be a challenging project, planned correctly, it can transform the way you live in your home. Clear planning is key both in terms of establishing what you want from your kitchen and knowing what to ask your designer.
Our Kitchen Planning guide helps to cover many aspects of your renovation.
What do I need to think about before I start?
Before you contact a professional, it’s important to establish how you’d like your kitchen to function
.Start by asking yourself questions such as, “Do I love to cook, will we want to eat in here and is this an entertaining space?”
By considering these questions before you start, you should be able to pinpoint exactly what you want from your ideal space.
- A mood board, will help you to answer a lot of questions of what you’re aiming to achieve.
- Now to work on those non-negotiable items that are at the top of your wish list.
- Finally, you’ll also need to ask yourself what your real budget is.
What do I need to include?
Every kitchen is different and a good design tailored to your individual needs and budget is something to consider including the following at the planning stage:
- Storage - An inventory of all your kitchen kit will dictate the amount of storage you need. A good tip is to consider opting for drawers rather than cupboards, as these allow much easier access.
- Worktops - To help decide which type of worktop to go for, consider exactly how you use your kitchen. Think about how much wear and tear particular areas in your space will get, as this will determine how durable your worktops need to be.
- Efficient appliances - Choose quality appliances, be honest about how much use, if you entertain often, a good-quality oven and full-size dishwasher might be a priority, but if your room is small, compact appliances might be a better choice.
- Layered lighting - Careful consideration must be taken in regards to lighting. Strategically placed lights and mood lighting to create different ambiances.
- Fittings - A standard cabinet can be lifted by a beautiful handle, while a basic sink can look high-end with the addition of a well-chosen tap.
- A practical splash back - Splash back material is a great way to add a feature into your kitchen. Choose a durable material, but have fun with colour, texture and pattern.
How do I decide on a style?
It's useful to gather inspirational images to develop your style. A design you fall in love with can be re-created by your kitchen designer and adapted to work in your own space,keep a list of elements from designs which appeal to you the most.
Our kitchen designers can help you narrow down your design n regards to layout, style, colour and material.
One useful - be careful to not introduce too many on-trend looks as you could quickly tire of them. Choose timeless designs and accessorise with lighting.
This article is here to keep you up to date with the kitchen trends of 2025. If you are looking to renovate your kitchen, then these are the three trends you will want to get to know.
From our kitchen designer's perspective, incorporating neutral colours into a kitchen offers a timeless, versatile foundation that can adapt to various styles and tastes. Neutrals, including shades of white, beige, gray, and even soft pastels, create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere, making them a popular choice for any kitchen design. Timeless Appeal: Neutral colours stand the test of time, ensuring that your kitchen remains stylish and relevant despite changing trends. This longevity makes neutrals an excellent investment, especially for homeowners looking to maintain a contemporary yet classic look.
As the kitchen continues to evolve as the heart of the home, blending functionality with style, here are some of the key trends shaping kitchens in 2024: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design Use of recycled and sustainable materials, such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and eco-friendly composites. Energ y-efficient appliances and fixtures, including induction hobs and LED lighting, are becoming standard. The Inst allation of water-saving taps and smart water management systems. Smart Kitchens Integration of smart appliances that can be controlled via smartphone apps or voice assistants, enhancing convenience and efficiency. Smart Storage Solution help to manage inventory and reduce food waste. Bold Color Choices Dark and bold colors, such as deep blues, greens, and blacks, are popular for cabinets and walls, providing a dramatic contrast to traditional white kitchens. Whilst adding bright accents like vibrant back-splashes and colorful kitchen islands.
Designing the perfect kitchen layout involves balancing functionality, aesthetics, and personal preferences. Here's a comprehensive guide from our interior designer's perspective: The Working Triangle Principle: In definition, the working triangle connects the three main work areas: the sink, hob and refrigerator. This minimises the distance between these 3 areas to increase efficiency. Kitchen Layout Types: The L-Shaped kitchen is efficient for small to medium-sized kitchens and allows for a good working triangle, similarly with the Galley kitchen which is best for small spaces; ensuring everything is within easy reach. The U-Shaped layout kitchen provides ample counter space and storage; ideal for larger kitchens, whilst an Island and Peninsula kitchen add additional workspace and storage, enhancing your social entertainment space. Zoning: A Preparation Zone located between the fridge and the sink; includes worktop space for chopping and mixing. Whilst your Cooking Zone with your centrally located hob/oven area with surrounding worktop space with storage for pots and pans. Then the Cleaning Zone, with your sink area near the dishwasher and rubbish bin.
When considering what a client wants in their kitchen journey, it's important to focus on their specific needs and desires as they embark on a renovation or redesign project. Here are some additional elements to consider:
As the days grow longer and the air fills with the scent of blossoms, it's time to infuse our homes with the vibrant energy of spring. And what better place to start than the heart of the home - the kitchen? Spring brings a sense of renewal and freshness, making it the perfect time to breathe new life into your kitchen space. Today, we delve into the world of kitchen design through the lens of an interior designer at James James Kitchens, exploring how to infuse your kitchen with the invigorating spirit of the season.
What are the advantages of using an independent kitchen studio? Unique and personalized designs: Independent kitchen studios typically offer a high level of customization and personalization, which means you can create a truly unique kitchen design that fits your individual style and needs. 2. Quality materials: Independent kitchen studios often source high-quality materials from reputable suppliers, which means you can expect a higher level of craftsmanship and durability in your kitchen. 3. Individualized attention: Independent kitchen studios tend to be smaller operations, which means you can expect a more personalized and attentive experience. The designers and staff are often more accessible and able to work closely with you to ensure your needs are met.
When it comes to creating the perfect kitchen space, two essential roles play a significant part in the process: the Kitchen Designer and the Kitchen Salesperson. While their responsibilities may seem intertwined, they bring distinct expertise to the table. In this blog, we'll explore the differences between these roles and why understanding them is crucial for anyone embarking on a kitchen project.
Planning a kitchen remodel can be overwhelming. In addition to deciding exactly what you want your kitchen to look like, budgeting the money to create your masterpiece is frightening. Check out these steps to budgeting your kitchen remodel to help you get started:
When it comes to investing in your new kitchen, the decision making list can feel endless. We often get requests for solid timber doors without the true understanding and benefit of MDF doors. In this blog we can provide you with some of the benefits of MDF over solid timber doors.
