Image1\ Image2\ Image3\ Image4\ Image5\ Image6\ Image7\

Editors Choice 1 - Kitchens

  • Print

editors choice 01The kitchen is the heart of the home—a place where everyone naturally gravitates for not only meals, but late-night talks, homework sessions and family celebrations. So making sure this popular room is designed to meet your family's lifestyle needs is important. Plus, updating the kitchen can increase the value of your home! Andrew, from BM Kitchens and Bathrooms, shares these fundamentals of a well-designed kitchen space:

iconPlanning

Like any home improvement project, having a kitchen plan is critical. At BM Kitchen and Bathroom we work through the option with clients to ensure each design become an individual masterpiece.

iconSpacing

Leave sufficient space in front of your appliances and cabinets to ensure there is room to open the doors and move around comfortably. You also need to have enough space around your sink to scrub, wash and rinse (particularly if it takes two to wash the dishes!). Quick tip: the walkway between your island and cabinets should measure approximately 100cm wide to accommodate traffic flow.

iconLayout

When planning the sink and countertop area, keep clean up and food prep in mind. Not only is it easier for your plumber to install, having the dishwasher close to the sink makes for quick loading of dirty dinner plates.

iconLighting

Consider going with unique lighting options such as underneath overhead shelves or inside glass-door cabinetry, track lighting above the kitchen table or even an unexpected (and glamorous) chandelier. Add dimmer switches throughout so you can set the light to match the occasion. And remember, it is best to get an electrician in before the cupboards and appliances are installed to ensure the proper placements of any new electrical outlets.

 

iconFlooring

Kitchen floors have to bare a lot of wear and tear, so when choosing the flooring, look for good quality stain resistant options. Hardwood floors can last a lifetime and harmonize with just about any kitchen décor, while laminate flooring offers strong durability, at a more budget friendly cost. Not sure if flooring should be darker or lighter than cabinetry? Go with your instinct and what suits your personal style.