A lot of smaller houses and apartments people move into these days were designed in a very different era. One in which: people didn't want any pesky bench space or light making anything too easy in their kitchens or appliances like microwaves and dishwashers didn't exist or there was an undocumented, nationwide competition between builders to see who could stuff the most plasterboard walls into the liveable areas of any given house. Exaggerating a bit perhaps, but there's almost always a wealth of opportunity to make older kitchens in smaller Australian houses and apartments far more conducive to sanity, comfort and convenience. Kitchen improvements like these will make a big difference to resale value too. Pick smartly when it comes to a designer and choose someone you are comfortable communicating with. Also, before you kick start the entire project look around and do ample research on kitchen models across design sites on the internet, which will give you fresh new ideas you can incorporate in your kitchen renovation plans.
Integrate your appliances into cabinetry: Microwaves and dishwashers didn't really become popular in our kitchens until the 80's - so if your apartment was built in the 80's or any time before, your dishwasher's probably been shoehorned in wherever it'll fit, and your microwave probably takes up much more space than it deserves on a bench. Integrating appliances into your cabinetry's a really good idea.
Remove doors: Surprising how often we see doors that open into small kitchens, eating up valuable space. You can take most doors off in about three minutes with a screwdriver and someone else to help you hold the door. If you'd prefer not to do that, a sliding or pocket door - or at least one that opens outwards - will be a better choice.
Avoid mirrored surfaces and too much detail: Mirrored or reflective surfaces look trendy in brochures and everyone assumes they'll give the illusion of more space - and they're OK in some kitchens - but in smaller spaces often they'll just amplify visual clutter and end up covered in fingerprints, so you're best avoiding those too. Likewise, too much ornamentation on fittings and fixtures (taps, handles, light fittings, cabinet details, backsplashes etc.), can make a small kitchen look way too busy. If you need to decorate, do it with things you add once the kitchen is finished.
Slide-away benches: In really small spaces, extra benches that fold or slide out from under the main bench can make a huge difference to how easy it is to use your kitchen. Never underestimate how useful a single, extra surface can be. Always plan for a reasonably sized fridge: The fridge is likely to be the biggest appliance in the kitchen - but unless your place is a 15 square metre micro-studio apartment, you shouldn't make the mistake of only allocating enough space for a bar fridge. Remember to allocate space for bins and compost: Being serious with how space is allocated is one thing, but don't forget to leave room (even if it's just a narrow cupboard or 20cm of floor space near the door) for rubbish and compost bins.
Integrate your appliances into cabinetry: Microwaves and dishwashers didn't really become popular in our kitchens until the 80's - so if your apartment was built in the 80's or any time before, your dishwasher's probably been shoehorned in wherever it'll fit, and your microwave probably takes up much more space than it deserves on a bench. Integrating appliances into your cabinetry's a really good idea.
Remove doors: Surprising how often we see doors that open into small kitchens, eating up valuable space. You can take most doors off in about three minutes with a screwdriver and someone else to help you hold the door. If you'd prefer not to do that, a sliding or pocket door - or at least one that opens outwards - will be a better choice.
Avoid mirrored surfaces and too much detail: Mirrored or reflective surfaces look trendy in brochures and everyone assumes they'll give the illusion of more space - and they're OK in some kitchens - but in smaller spaces often they'll just amplify visual clutter and end up covered in fingerprints, so you're best avoiding those too. Likewise, too much ornamentation on fittings and fixtures (taps, handles, light fittings, cabinet details, backsplashes etc.), can make a small kitchen look way too busy. If you need to decorate, do it with things you add once the kitchen is finished.
Slide-away benches: In really small spaces, extra benches that fold or slide out from under the main bench can make a huge difference to how easy it is to use your kitchen. Never underestimate how useful a single, extra surface can be. Always plan for a reasonably sized fridge: The fridge is likely to be the biggest appliance in the kitchen - but unless your place is a 15 square metre micro-studio apartment, you shouldn't make the mistake of only allocating enough space for a bar fridge. Remember to allocate space for bins and compost: Being serious with how space is allocated is one thing, but don't forget to leave room (even if it's just a narrow cupboard or 20cm of floor space near the door) for rubbish and compost bins.
About the Author:
Loreley G. Weidner has spent the past 10 years helping individuals choose the best Home remodelling carpenters. He now uses his experience and expertise to assist groups in short-listing the leader in Kitchen and Bathroom remodelling for them. If you would like to learn more about Best Bathroom Remodeling he suggests you click here to learn more.
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