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INTERIORS INSIDER

Creating the
heart of the home Louisa agrees: “Bringing in the kitchen The bigger picture

designer at the start of the planning allows
“Work out your budget, solidify your ideas and
them to help you turn your fantasies into
determine who and how you will use the kitchen.
a clear visualization. At this stage, the
designer will spend time getting to know
online or magazines, speak to a kitchen designer.”
you, to understand how you use your kitchen Armed with this, and plenty of research from
currently, your lifestyle and your aspirations
for the new space, alongside exploring Make the choices
what’s achievable for your space and budget. “Once you’ve identified the company and
Thinking of renovating your kitchen? Here’s everything you need to know Bringing in a designer early also makes the designer you’d like to work with, share your ideas.
to create a kitchen that’ll be the beating heart of your family home. process a lot smoother, allowing you to enjoy A good designer will create a brief based on how
the creation of your dream kitchen that you’ll you will use the kitchen, your style and wishes,
love now and for many years to come.” which will include different layouts. Even if you’re
using a builder and/or architects, including a
hen we talk about our ‘dream However, it’s fairly rare to find a home with a Timescales can vary massively, but Carol tells kitchen designer at the beginning is important,
homes’, for so many of us, the appeal dream kitchen already in place, which is why us to allow at least three months from the as much of the hidden services, like plumbing
Wcentres around the kitchen. While we kitchen renovations are so popular. Their start of the design process to the completion and electrics, will need to be planned into the
all have differing ideas of how an ideal kitchen impact can transform the feeling of not just the of the installation; however, this can differ architect’s drawings.”
should look, most of us would agree that we’d kitchen, but the whole house itself, shifting how depending on the specification of your dream
love something that feels inviting, sociable, you and your family use the space. kitchen and whether you’re completing a new
welcoming – the real hub of the home. Whether build at the same time, such as an extension. The backbone
you love whipping up a weekend feast or want If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, we “The vision of a magazine-style kitchen with
a space for your Friday-night disco, the kitchen know it’s an intensive prospect, with big financial everything neatly in its place is often distanced
is so often the place where memories are made. commitments and the pressure to get it ‘right’. Carol Cameron takes us through the step-by- from the reality of busy family life. Opt for long
We’ve spoken to Carol Cameron, Showroom step process... drawers rather than cupboards, as they can
Manager at Kitchens International Dundas house more things efficiently and are easy to
Street, and Louisa Forsyth, Showroom Manager access. Walk-in pantries or larder cupboards are
at Kitchens International Fort Kinnaird, to get a popular choice, while for awkward corners, look
the lowdown on everything you need to know at circular cupboards or corner drawers. Never
to make your kitchen renovation a real success. underestimate the benefits of special storage
solutions for every item of kitchen paraphernalia.”
If you’re at the beginning of your kitchen
renovation journey, it might feel daunting,
but both Carol and Louisa say that’s why you
need to bring the experts in, ASAP. “Exploring
your dream kitchen is an exciting journey,” says
Carol. “It can be easy for homeowners to get
caught up in the moment and overlook some of
the finer details, which is why it’s so important
that your kitchen designer and project manager
visit your space as early as possible. This allows
them to get a feel for the available space and
how it relates to the rest of your home, as well
as giving them the opportunity to survey the
space and understand the more operational
aspects of how your new kitchen will function.”

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