Before you start planning

If you’re beginning to plan a new kitchen extension it can be both a bit daunting and very exciting all at the same time. Joe, the owner of Home Sweet Home, gives his top tips to planning your project before you start demolishing walls.

Time to think about how you use your kitchen and how you’d wish it to look.

For many, the kitchen has multiple uses; its where you entertain guests, catch up with family, relax and cook delicious meals.

Whilst planning the layout, consider where the essential items will be placed to complement the way you use your kitchen. For example, if you’re having a kitchen island, think about whether you’ll want it as a practical area for extra worktop space to create your baking creations or if you’d like it to be a social area where guests can sit and chat to you whilst cooking. Consider where to place the windows so you get the best view whilst dining or cooking.

Top tip from Joe: If you like socialising in your kitchen, consider placing the hob (we recommend a Neff Induction Hob) on the island so you can face your guests sat on the other side whilst cooking.

Preparation is essential to a successful kitchen extension project

Just like we recommend to all our customers who visit us for a kitchen design appointment, create a wish list of all the features you’d like included in your new kitchen at the start of the project so you don’t miss anything during the design and build stages.

Here are a few ideas Joe suggests considering:

  • An Island – What is the main purpose of the island? If it’s for socialising would you like to include a breakfast bar, if so, consider an ‘L’ shaped seating arrangement so you can face each other to engage in conversation? Or is it for creating more storage with cupboards or drawers with clear countertop for more preparation and baking space?
  • Appliances – Would you prefer induction or gas hob? Do you want the oven higher up? Consider a Neff Slide&Hide® oven to gain better access when the door slides in.
  • Storage – Is your desire to add more storage? Consider a corner pantry, pull-out larder or even a cocktail cabinet to tidy away all your essentials and keep your kitchen looking stylish.
  • Open plan kitchen/dining/living area – Are you looking to create an area within your kitchen you can relax, dine and watch the television? Allocate more budget to a higher quality extraction system.
  • Alfresco dining – If you enjoy dining outdoors during the warmer months, consider bi-fold doors to easily create an indoor/outdoor dining experience to entertain guests during the longer evenings.
  • Utility room – Would you like a separate space for your washing machine, extra freezer space or as another entranceway with a boot room?

Plan the kitchen layout

Joe can help you discover the best layout for all your wish list items within your kitchen space, especially when deciding where to place essential items like the hob or oven. Joe will chat to you about how you use your kitchen and then offer suggestions on how to do the layout. Everybody uses their kitchens slightly different so we always like to learn more about how you use it on a daily basis so we can make sure the kitchen design works in the best possible way for you.

Joe will also incorporate the golden triangle rule when choosing where to place the sink, oven and fridge. Careful planning to ensure easy access between these three items is always essential to guarantee efficiency in the kitchen.

How much do I need to budget?

Costs can vary depending on the size of your space, your location and mainly due to the quality and quantity of products you’re dreaming of.

Remember to include in your budget the cost of a kitchen fitter and other trades for work such as building work, painting, plumbing, electrics, tiling and flooring. If you are looking for a contractor to quote for you, we recommend contacting L.M.E Solutions as they installed our beautiful kitchen displays within our showroom.

Design your kitchen before building starts

Designing your kitchen before you get your builders to start the work means you can plan the best place to position your electricity for power points and lighting and where you need water supplies.

Joe can also make sure your space is efficiently utilised to maximise storage even in the trickiest corners. We’ll create a 3D picture for you to view your new kitchen and helping you to be certain you’re design works for you.

Where is there space for your extension?

Will your new kitchen be due to knocking through a wall into the garage, a rear extension into your garden or an orangery? If you have a large garden, building a rear extension can give you the freedom to decide how large you’d like your kitchen to be and more opportunity to include all the items on your wish list.

An orangery or conservatory can create a beautiful, bright space for your new kitchen especially if you have stunning views you’d like to admire whilst enjoying breakfast or having a relaxing Sunday morning over coffee. Extra space added to your home like this can increase the value of the property which is an added benefit.

Joe’s tip: If you consider a space like an orangery or conservatory that you plan for heating and cooling to keep the space practical all year round.

Highlight your personality with special features in your kitchen design

The kitchen is the central hub of most homes so make sure your kitchen shows your personality and style. Embrace the unique features of your home. Whether you live in a Georgian terrace house, country cottage or modern barn conversion, by highlighting features like alcoves, sloping ceilings, unusual windows or chimney breasts; you can create a unique space. Joe will help you to incorporate these features into your kitchen design creating a stylish, unique design you’ll be proud to show off.

Feeling inspired to create your new kitchen design?

Come visit our showroom to view the boot room and a full range of kitchen design features to help inspire you whilst creating your dream kitchen.

You can also book a free design and measure appointment with Joe by using the contact us button. We look forward to welcoming you into the showroom, based just off the Barnstaple High Street on Gammon Walk soon.

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