Your Interior Decorating Kitchen Project

Planning your new dream kitchen, or just updating your current kitchen, is an exciting time.

...stop, think...

...and get the planning and design right first time.

The tips in this section on interior decorating a kitchen will help you...

Firstly though, think about what you want and need from your kitchen...

1. How do I want to use the kitchen?
   
   
   • simple cooking and washing up?
   
   
   • eating? - space for tables/chairs/breakfast bar
   
   
   • the hub of a family home? - socialise, supervise children playing/homework
   
   
   • incorporate a laundry room?
   
   
   • incorporate a home office?


2. How long will my interior decorating kitchen project take?
   
   
   • This depends on the scope of your plans.
   
   
   • Also consider the time taken by your chosen suppliers and installers - or your own DIY skills.
   
   
   • Generally, for a full kitchen redesign, allow 3-5 months.


3. What's a sensible budget for my interior decorating kitchen project?
   
   
   • It is easy to get carried away browsing through those dream kitchen brochures - who wouldn't? But consider first -
   
   
   • Estate agents calculate that a nice new kitchen can add 5% to the value of your home (UK).
   
   
   • Ideally, budget the same percentage of your home's value (or less) on your new kitchen.
   
   
   • For example - if your home is worth £200,000, think of spending up to £10,000 on your new kitchen
   
   
   • Don't worry if this seems a huge amount to you (it does to me!) there are plenty of good quality, inexpensive kitchen fixtures and fittings out there.
   
   
   • With a little interior design know-how, you can learn how to make an inexpensive kitchen really look like something more luxurious.
   
   
   • Look out for bargains and sales all year round. The best deals are in January though, so it may be worth waiting a little while, to get your interior decorating kitchen project at the best price.


4. Think about your appliances
   
   
   • Appliances are an all important part of any new kitchen
   
   
   • Can you afford to buy all new ones? - Make sure you build the cost into your 5% budget.
   
   
   • Pick the best quality you can afford - and choose the item and style you really need.
   
   
   • Consider whether some of your appliances can be housed elsewhere - a utility room, laundry room or garage? At home, in one corner of our large square kitchen, we created a small laundry room to keep the washing machine, tumble dryer and other clutter, (such as coats and shoes) out of the kitchen. It is only very small, but does it's job wonderfully, and keeps us nice and tidy.
   
   
   • Consider integrated appliances for your kitchen. You may want to take your new appliances with you if you move. In this case opt for freestanding items.
   
   
   • Integrated appliances are usually more appealing to prospective house purchasers. They will give your kitchen a much smarter and more streamlined appearance.
   
   
   • Integrated appliances can also, sometimes, be cheaper if purchased as part of a full kitchen deal.


5. Consider the lighting
   
   
   • Kitchen lighting needs to be functional - for food preparation and cooking - as well as creating a welcoming atmosphere for eating.


6. Consider the look of the kitchen
   
   
   • Take a little while in your kitchen decorating project to really think about the look of your kitchen.
   
   
   • What sort of style do you like? Which paint colors? Wood finishes? Counter tops? etc.

Where to Go Next...

Consider the layout of your kitchen. And discover how the work triangle can help you plan your kitchen.

Next, why not look at information on positioning your appliances, storage and designing your dream kitchen.

Do you just want to update your current kitchen? Try some quick and easy inexpensive makeover ideas.

Consider a cutting-edge, modern kitchen design.

Bring the Tuscan landscape into your kitchen.

Look at a timeless style with universal appeal. Try a country kitchen decorating theme.

Return to the main kitchen decorating tips page.

Return from this interior decorating kitchen questions page to the Home Page



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