Top 10 Things to Consider Before Renovating Your Kitchen

Renovating parts of your home can be a very rewarding experience, but often simple factors are overlooked which can detract from the overall quality of the finished product.

To help you realise your renovation dream, we’ve compiled a short list of the top 10 things to consider before embarking on your next renovation project.

1. Determine what you want to achieve with your renovation

More often than not, renovating a space is about more than just aesthetics. It could be about better utilisation of the space you already have, catering to specific lifestyle needs, adding functionality or integrating the space with other areas of your home. Determining the main objective of a renovation is often only glanced over, but it is important to set clear goals and communicate this with other people involved in the project.

2. Visualise all your design elements together ahead of time

Before you actually progress with the renovation, collect samples of the materials and colours you plan on using and create a mood board which allows you to see how the various design elements of the renovation come together. Keep this mood board in a prominent place where you will see it every day in the lead up to the renovation to ensure you are happy with the materials and colours you have chosen, and weed out any “spur of the moment” design choices.

3. Be inspired by timeless trends

The latest interior design trends are constantly evolving so the last thing you want is for your finished renovation to become immediately out-dated. Magazines are still a great medium to collect ideas, track styles and see what new products are available. Web sites like Pinterest are also another great way to discover and save ideas, but don’t be fooled by fads either – for a renovation that will keep its modern look for years to come, flick through old magazines and articles to discover design elements which have withstood the test of time.

4. It’s all in the details

When renovating a kitchen or bathroom, it’s all too easy to overlook the small details or leave it up to the tradesmen to decide. Often the beauty of a new space is in the details, so make sure you consider styling elements such as splashback choice, undermount or top mount sinks, draining solutions, soft-close hinges and edge detail selection to create a space which is truly your own. A Caesarstone^® kick panel on an island bench or breakfast bar is a more robust alternative to timber or painted surfaces which looks great and will stand the test of time and use.

5. Design your space around your appliances

It’s important to research your choice of appliances such as oven and cooktop, fridge, dishwasher and microwave as their dimensions will play a vital role in the overall layout and finish of the kitchen. Be sure to allow for just the right amount of space to avoid unsightly gaps around appliances and to avoid disappointment when your new fridge doesn’t quite fit in its spot. For a more seamless look, integrated appliances such as a coffee maker can really add that professional touch to your kitchen.

6. Put away the sledgehammer

When it comes time to demolish your existing kitchen or bathroom, put away the sledgehammer! Taking care in dismantling your existing kitchen or bathroom could save you a small fortune as many of the materials can potentially be reused, repurposed or even sold second-hand. Cupboard doors especially can be painted or wrapped with vinyl to completely transform their look.

7. Be prepared for the long haul

Even a best case scenario time frame for a complete kitchen renovation is around four to six weeks, in which case you still need to be prepared for significant downtime without a kitchen. Set aside a space in another part of your home to keep your fridge running and be prepared to use your bathroom and laundry sinks more often to do the dishes. If you are renovating during the warmer months, an outdoor BBQ is the ideal alternative to a cooktop.

8. Timing is everything

While it’s almost impossible to keep a tight schedule when it comes to renovating your kitchen or bathroom, it is important to be mindful of the order in which each step of the renovation process is carried out. The last thing you want to do is have your pristine Caesarstone^® bench tops installed then have it treated like a work bench for the rest of the tradesmen that come and go. If you absolutely must have your Caesarstone^® bench tops installed early in the renovation process, ensure they are properly protected with layers of thick blankets and that no one stands on the bench tops to do work overhead.

9. A renovation should be an investment that adds value to your home

It might seem enticing to keep costs down by opting for cheaper labor, appliances and materials but it’s important to think long-term. A renovation is an investment which adds value to your home and cutting corners could end up costing you more in the long run. Sticking to reputable, well-known brands like Caesarstone^® creates a quality finish which will appeal to any future potential buyers.

10. The small touches add up

Decide if a complete renovation is what your kitchen needs. As an alternative, several simple and affordable touches can add up to create an entirely new look without hurting your hip pocket. Concentrate on updating just the focal points of your kitchen such as new Caesarstone^® bench tops and a splashback which could make all the difference. Add to that new tapware, overhead lighting and even just modern cupboard door handles and you have a complete kitchen makeover on a small budget.