Your checklist for designing your dream kitchen
Creating your dream kitchen is an exciting journey that requires careful planning and attention to detail. As Auckland’s premier kitchen design and installation company, Jag Kitchens is here to guide you through the process.
Designing your ideal kitchen is about more than just picking out beautiful cabinets and benchtops- it’s about creating a functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing space that suits your lifestyle. To help you achieve your dream kitchen, we’ve put together a comprehensive checklist of what’s involved.
1. Define Your Vision:
- Begin by envisioning your dream kitchen. What style do you prefer? What colours and materials resonate with you? Take our kitchen style quiz to see what type of design you match most.
- Consider your cooking habits and how you use your kitchen. Are you a gourmet chef, a casual cook, need lots of storage, like to entertain out of the kitchen? These considerations will help you define elements of your kitchen design.
2. Set Your Budget:
- Determine your budget for the kitchen project. This will help guide your choices when it comes to materials and appliances so you’re not left guessing or with a big surprise at the end.
- Be sure to factor in costs for any unforeseen expenses, such as flooring or plumbing.
3. Layout and Space Planning:
- Decide on the kitchen layout that best suits your needs—whether it’s a galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, or open concept design – as well as the current space you have to work with.
- Consider factors like workflow, traffic flow, and the placement of appliances and storage.
4. Appliance Selection:
- Choose your kitchen appliances carefully. Consider their size, features, and energy efficiency.
- Ensure they fit seamlessly into your kitchen design and cater to your culinary preferences.
5. Cabinetry and Storage:
- Select cabinets that not only look beautiful but also provide efficient storage solutions.
- Think about drawer organisers, pull-out shelves, and other cabinet accessories to maximise functionality.
6. Benchtop and Splashback:
- Pick the perfect benchtop material that aligns with your style and practicality, whether it’s engineered stone, granite, acrylic, laminate or something else.
- Complement it with a splashback that enhances the aesthetics and protects your walls, especially around the areas that you usually get splashes – i.e. the sink and the oven top.
7. Lighting Design:
- Plan your kitchen lighting carefully. Incorporate ambient, task, and accent lighting for a well-lit and inviting space.
- Consider pendant lights over an island or under-cabinet lighting for task areas.
8. Plumbing Fixtures and Hardware:
- Choose plumbing fixtures that not only look great but also function efficiently. Consider features like a pull-down tap or touch-less technology.
- Think about the sink configuration that suits your cooking and cleaning needs, so it’s easy to access and get to-and-from.
9. Finishes and Colours:
- Select finishes, colours, and textures that create the desired ambiance in your kitchen.
- Keep the overall colour palette cohesive to create a harmonious look, and consider the space and size of your kitchen to ensure you’re making great use of natural light where possible.
10. Timeline and Project Management:
- Create a realistic timeline for your kitchen project, factoring in design, construction, and any potential delays. Remember there will be a point where you won’t have a kitchen (between the old being removed and the new going in), so planning this accordingly around your lifestyle is important.
- The beauty of designing and installing with Jag, is that your professional kitchen designer will oversee the installation phase and ensure everything stays on track from our side.
Designing your dream kitchen is an adventure that requires thoughtful planning and execution. Whether you’re an aspiring gourmet chef or simply love spending time in the heart of your home, a well-designed kitchen enhances your cooking experience and adds value to your home.
Use this checklist as a roadmap to guide you through the process, and remember that the Jag Kitchens design team is here to help you every step of the way. Get in touch with the team to book your appointment to get started and learn more.