A lot of smaller houses and apartments people move into these days were designed in a very different era. One in which: people didn't want any pesky bench space or light making anything too easy in their kitchens or appliances like microwaves and dishwashers didn't exist or there was an undocumented, nationwide competition between builders to see who could stuff the most plasterboard walls into the liveable areas of any given house. Exaggerating a bit perhaps, but there's almost always a wealth of opportunity to make older kitchens in smaller Australian houses and apartments far more conducive to sanity, comfort and convenience. Kitchen improvements like these will make a big difference to resale value too. Pick smartly when it comes to a designer and choose someone you are comfortable communicating with. Also, before you kick start the entire project look around and do ample research on kitchen models across design sites on the internet, which will give you fresh new ideas you can incorporate in your kitchen renovation plans.
Integrate your appliances into cabinetry: Microwaves and dishwashers didn't really become popular in our kitchens until the 80's - so if your apartment was built in the 80's or any time before, your dishwasher's probably been shoehorned in wherever it'll fit, and your microwave probably takes up much more space than it deserves on a bench. Integrating appliances into your cabinetry's a really good idea.
Use clever cupboard hardware: One of the biggest issues with kitchen cupboards is that deep, inaccessible corners are hard to reach - and they waste space. Lazy susans, pull out pantries and other contraptions of a similar nature are called 'speciality hardware' - and there are some engineering masterpieces on offer these days. Even just installing nice big drawers down low can make things far easier to reach. Sometimes it pays off to install wider cabinets and drawers too. A 900mm drawer or cabinet door is likely to cost less than twice the price of one that's 450mm.
Avoid mirrored surfaces and too much detail: Mirrored or reflective surfaces look trendy in brochures and everyone assumes they'll give the illusion of more space - and they're OK in some kitchens - but in smaller spaces often they'll just amplify visual clutter and end up covered in fingerprints, so you're best avoiding those too. Likewise, too much ornamentation on fittings and fixtures (taps, handles, light fittings, cabinet details, backsplashes etc.), can make a small kitchen look way too busy. If you need to decorate, do it with things you add once the kitchen is finished.
Storage and organization: Storage and organization is key to a functional and eye-appealing kitchen. If installing new cabinets isn't an option, consider installing shelves instead. There are many other attractive storage and organization materials available on the market for a well-organized kitchen that are surprisingly affordable.
Integrate your appliances into cabinetry: Microwaves and dishwashers didn't really become popular in our kitchens until the 80's - so if your apartment was built in the 80's or any time before, your dishwasher's probably been shoehorned in wherever it'll fit, and your microwave probably takes up much more space than it deserves on a bench. Integrating appliances into your cabinetry's a really good idea.
Use clever cupboard hardware: One of the biggest issues with kitchen cupboards is that deep, inaccessible corners are hard to reach - and they waste space. Lazy susans, pull out pantries and other contraptions of a similar nature are called 'speciality hardware' - and there are some engineering masterpieces on offer these days. Even just installing nice big drawers down low can make things far easier to reach. Sometimes it pays off to install wider cabinets and drawers too. A 900mm drawer or cabinet door is likely to cost less than twice the price of one that's 450mm.
Avoid mirrored surfaces and too much detail: Mirrored or reflective surfaces look trendy in brochures and everyone assumes they'll give the illusion of more space - and they're OK in some kitchens - but in smaller spaces often they'll just amplify visual clutter and end up covered in fingerprints, so you're best avoiding those too. Likewise, too much ornamentation on fittings and fixtures (taps, handles, light fittings, cabinet details, backsplashes etc.), can make a small kitchen look way too busy. If you need to decorate, do it with things you add once the kitchen is finished.
Storage and organization: Storage and organization is key to a functional and eye-appealing kitchen. If installing new cabinets isn't an option, consider installing shelves instead. There are many other attractive storage and organization materials available on the market for a well-organized kitchen that are surprisingly affordable.
About the Author:
Loreley G. Weidner has spent the past 10 years helping individuals choose the best Home remodelling carpenters. He now uses his experience and expertise to assist groups in short-listing the leader in Kitchen and Bathroom remodelling for them. If you would like to learn more about Top Custom Kitchen Cabinets he suggests you click here for more information.
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