Designing the perfect kitchen can be a seriously daunting task. We all have an image of what we want the finished product to look and feel like, but most of us are faced with financial constraints or limited space that may govern the final result. Let’s face it, we’d all love to have everything, but at the end of the day, most of us will have to compromise on a few things. That’s where asking yourself a few essential questions will come in handy and ultimately help you to make the right decisions for your perfect home.

Is cooking your thing?

If the answer is ‘yes’, then maybe it’s about organising your space to give you loads of preparation space and ensuring that your appliances are up to the task. Maybe set aside some additional funds to cover some premium appliance upgrades. Ovens especially have different functionalities to suit different cooks so it’s worth doing your homework and getting it right. Is a WOK Burner important? Do you prefer gas or electric appliances? Is there space for 900mm appliances or would you rather have smaller appliances and more bench space? Simple things like ducting your rangehood externally are also little bonuses for a kitchen that will be getting a pretty decent workout!

Have you considered your power points?

These are often the forgotten hero in most kitchens. Consider how many appliances you have and how they’ll be utilized in your kitchen. Power points can now be added to the end panels of kitchen cupboards and you could even consider having a retractable power point that sits under the bench and pops up when needed. Don’t forget USB charger ports as well – remember the kitchen bench is where most of us charge phones and laptops!

Do you want that ‘wow’ factor?

While it makes sense to think ‘function over form’, nobody can dispute the impact that a gorgeous kitchen has on a home! Never underestimate the power of the ‘wow’ factor when people see your kitchen for the first time. Colours and finishes will always be governed by the style of home you’re building, so, searching for images that appeal is a great way to start. If you’re a little budget-conscious, perhaps you’ll prioritise a premium benchtop colour and work the cupboard door colours and materials into something a little more cost-effective? In which case, what colour handles are you thinking? Or maybe you want no handles with a shadowline? Don’t forget, you also need to decide on a splashback finish. Will it be tiles, coloured glass or maybe you’ll consider continuing your benchtop colour up onto your splashback. The options are endless and ultimately will depend on you!

You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to sinks and tapware. Stainless steel is no longer the only option, so working your sink in with your kitchen colour scheme is now easier than ever. Depending on the style of your home, you could even have black, white, gold, copper and even ceramic, with tapware to suit – a beautiful tap can make all the difference!

Lights – bright, moody and/or statement?

Lastly, consider lighting as both decorative and functional. Downlights will make working in the kitchen a breeze. Just be sure to position the downlights so as not to create shadowing where you need light the most. Think also about the impact LED strip lighting may have to the underside of cupboards and even benchtops. And of course, a hot little pendant light could certainly finish off your masterpiece.

There really are hundreds of things to consider when thinking about your dream kitchen, but hopefully these questions will help narrow them down. Above all, have fun and take your time; you’ll be in this kitchen for many years to come, so it needs to be perfect! And just remember, a good designer will work to your budget and deliver solutions to help make that dream kitchen a reality. So, get creative and let us know how we can help!