ARTISAN KITCHEN

9 Tips how to remodel your kitchen like a designer

“A great kitchen is like a perfectly tailored suit; it’s customized to meet your needs, lifestyle, and the specifics of your property. However, there may come a time when you feel your kitchen needs an update. At Saint & Noire, we specialize in working with existing kitchens, helping our clients find the best solutions to remodel their spaces into something unique, functional, and budget-friendly.”Lenka Marsh, founder of Saint & Noire.

No. 1 Budget is Key to Design Success

Creating a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves is an excellent way to begin the kitchen renovation process. Many homeowners often fail to plan effectively and budget appropriately during their kitchen remodels. A successful kitchen renovation demands careful planning, sourcing the right products, and hiring reliable labor.

No.2 Chef’s Triangle

No matter how stylish your kitchen appears in the designs you've chosen from Instagram, it won't be functional if your key appliances are not correctly positioned and spaced. We recommend creating a "chef's triangle" between your preparation, cooking, and refrigeration zones. Installing these three primary work areas close to each other enhances the kitchen's efficiency, making it easier and safer to work in.

No.3 Fitting Appliances

When redesigning your kitchen, accurate measurements are essential. Even a one- to two-inch difference can negatively impact the fitting of appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines. It’s important to account for ventilation, clearances for service access, and space for electrical outlets and plumbing.

No.4 Kitchen Islands

If you have space for a kitchen island, it's crucial to get the design right during the early planning stages, as it can significantly influence your overall scheme. Remember that "form follows function," so maximize its potential.

Make sure the island serves well for both cooking and entertaining. Consider using different materials for the work surfaces in each zone. For instance, you could choose a textured wood to create a designated entertaining area, like a sushi bar, separate from the cooking and preparation space.

No.5 Service Voids

One of the trickiest parts of any kitchen design is ensuring that your appliances are installed correctly. Make sure to allow enough clearance between the worktop and the floor to create a large enough niche for any freestanding appliances. It is also important to ensure that you can open the dishwasher or fridge without the handles hitting other cabinets, and that you can open any appliance without obstructing the flow in the room.

No.6 Installing Flooring and Cabinets

When choosing a new flooring option for your kitchen, there is a wide variety of materials available, including resin, polished concrete, vinyl, porcelain tiles, and solid or engineered wood. The choice is up to you. It is also crucial to consider the order of installation for your kitchen units and flooring during any refurbishment work.

No.7 Painting your cabinets

Painting your existing kitchen cabinets can save you a significant amount of money. However, it’s important to consider that you might regret this decision a few months down the line. Without professional equipment and the right paint, you may struggle with proper cabinet preparation, and the paint may not adhere well.

Our team of painting experts is here to help. We can advise you on the best type of paint for your project, whether you prefer your kitchen fronts to be hand-painted or spray-painted in any color or texture you desire. The possibilities are endless!

No.8 Kitchen Designer Tricks

If your kitchen cabinets are made from quality materials, one of the easiest and most cost-effective solutions is to have your kitchen resprayed in a new color. You might also consider changing your worktops.

When choosing colors, it's important to opt for a timeless neutral palette that enhances natural light, helping to visually expand the space. Incorporating veneer or different textures on wall units, changing door handles, using eclectic tiles, adding grooved panels on islands, or installing reflective bronze mirror splashbacks can give any monochrome kitchen a sophisticated designer look.

No.9 Maximising Storage

When updating or completely refurbishing your kitchen, it's essential to make the most of your cabinets to create maximum storage space. Utilizing a tall cabinet sections for seasonal items can help free up valuable space in your base units for daily necessities.

Accessories like a magnetic strip for safely hanging knives out of the way, or pull-out chopping boards, can transform your cooking space into the ultimate chef's kitchen. If you have any questions regarding your kitchen remodel, please contact us. We will be happy to advise and guide you in achieving your vision.