Kitchens are one of the most used spaces in any home. There is a reason why they are considered every house or flat’s heart, despite the fact that they are primarily used to feed your stomach. Not only are kitchens typically the warmest in the home, but they are also where you will spend a considerable amount of time. In fact, if you aren’t spending a lot of time in your kitchen, you need to sit down and ask yourself why. What is holding you back from making the most out of your kitchen and enjoying it to its fullest? If the answer is the outdated design, wonky appliances, or unwieldy layout, then this guide will help you figure out innovative ways to bring new life to your kitchen.
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Change the Layout Vs. Staying The Same
The first question to ask yourself is how important it is to change the layout. If you are fine with the overall shape and size of your kitchen, maintaining the layout can be a huge cost saver. It means you don’t need to move the plumbing or the electrics, and you definitely don’t need to knock down a wall. However, if you cannot move around very easily in your current kitchen, those big design changes will fundamentally change how you use and enjoy the space.
Key Investment Upgrades to Make
Outside of changing the layout (which will need to be discussed and decided on with a professional designer and team), there are a few other key investment upgrades you’ll want to make, including:
Surface Areas
Regardless of whether you open up the layout or not, one thing will remain consistent, and that is the need for big statement investments for your floors and counters. These materials take some of the biggest beatings in your kitchen, and they also happen to make up the majority of the surface space. What does this mean? It means you need stunning but very durable materials. You can mix and match the design as well, but for most, the best way to naturally settle the eye is to choose similar shades.
Getting beautiful, bright, large-format kitchen tiles in wood effect from Quorn Stone and then matching the shade for the countertops balances out your space and also makes your whole kitchen more functional. You can then have fun with color and design elsewhere, like your backsplash or your cupboard doors.
Appliances
Appliances should be investment pieces for two reasons. One, they take up a lot of visual space in your kitchen, and beautiful options will elevate the look and feel of your home. Two, high-quality items are infinitely more enjoyable to use and typically use less energy overall to do it. If you’re worried about longevity, choose an induction or electric hob instead of a gas one, and always opt for the most energy-efficient options that coincide with your design taste.
The Value of Hidden Storage
A beautiful kitchen is one that allows the design choices you have made to breathe. You can be fine with cluttered shelves and happy with knick-knacks throughout your home, but you need your counters clear. If you are constantly fighting with your appliances and other items just to prepare meals, the experience won’t be enjoyable. That’s why, to breathe new life into your kitchen, you will need to upgrade your current storage to work harder for you and see how you can add additional hidden storage that keeps those essentials out of sight.