Tag: kitchen design

5 different ways to update your kitchen

5 different ways to update your kitchen

The kitchen is the centre and the heart of every home; this is the very reason kitchen improvements have such a massive impact on property value. But beyond that, because the kitchen is an area of your home where you’ll probably spend quite a lot of time, it’s worthwhile investing in improvements even if you aren’t planning on selling.

It’s no secret that a modern, functional kitchen can be life-enhancing. Below, we’ve listed five different ways to update your kitchen for appeal and functionality.

Invest in counter stools

If your kitchen has an island, it’s worth enhancing the function by adding some counter stools. These stools will turn your kitchen island into a practical breakfast bar. Woven counter stools also have a modern look, which will tie in perfectly with a contemporary interior.

Add a coffee bar

If you’re a self-confessed coffee lover, there’s no good reason why you shouldn’t add a coffee bar to your kitchen design. All you will need is a coffee maker of your choice, a selection of coffee beans and some mugs. There are tons of ways to design a compact coffee bar; however, for a modern interior, minimal is best. Opt for a coffee machine that can do it all, so you don’t have to clutter the space with an additional French press and other extras.

Invest in modern appliances

The appliances in your kitchen determine the overall functionality of the space. And a functional kitchen requires several different appliances. Saying that, modern appliances are energy efficient, and they have far more functions than older models by default. In addition, modern appliances can also have a sleek look. So, by updating the appliances in your kitchen, you’ll instantly elevate the look of the interior.

Replace the lighting

Lighting impacts a lot more than we realise. Insufficient lighting can make a small kitchen seem even smaller. Beyond that, poor lighting is also not good when working with knives and kitchen appliances.

Illuminating your kitchen with the right kind of lights will enhance the space. In addition, you can use lighting fixtures as a striking décor statement. For example, chrome pendant lighting can instantly add a modernist feel to the room.

Refresh the cabinets

While replacing the cabinets is enough to give your kitchen an instant makeover, if you don’t have the budget for this, you can refresh your cabinets. You could repaint them, replace the handles and knobs or varnish and stain them.

If you have funds left in your kitchen remodel budget, you could consider replacing the tiling and adding a modern splash-back. That said, it’s also essential to keep your kitchen organised.

Investing in kitchen remodel projects is an excellent way to dramatically boost property value. What’s more, if you’re giving your kitchen a makeover on a budget, it’s best to focus on one kitchen update project at a time and remodel your kitchen over a more extended period. This way, you could save for the next project and opt for the materials and finish that you really want, instead of having to settle for cheaper options to suit your spending limits.

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Little things you can do to refresh your kitchen

Little things you can do to refresh your kitchen

If you’ve had a lengthy relationship with your kitchen, chances are you’ve lived through a number of things together – and things may begin to seem a little stale. So perhaps it’s time to give your kitchen a breath of fresh air. No, it doesn’t mean you have to redo everything from scratch, and no, you don’t have to break your bank for it. If you’ve been wanting to refresh your kitchen, all you have to do is think strategically and creatively about making it both functional and inspiring.

Open shelving in a kitchen diner

Open up more space

Reducing a portion of your upper cabinetry may make a huge difference in the look of your kitchen. It will appear lighter, more contemporary and perhaps more practical. Open shelves are an excellent way to show off stacks of your favourite crockery, as well as cookbooks, serving plates and pots of fresh herbs. This arrangement may be more convenient for you to grab and replace dishes where they belong.

Large wall art beside an upstairs kitchen

Get pretty artworks to hang on the wall

Though a kitchen may be a place where you cook on a daily basis, it could also be a place where you display art that lifts your cooking spirits. It may not seem like the most obvious place to exhibit art, but you should take full advantage of all that good wall space. Create a feature wall with a collection of artworks on a culinary theme, or you could instead hang some family portraits to give it an extra personal touch.

Black kitchen sink & tap with solid wood worktops and splashbacks

Replace the sink and tap

A new sink and tap may give a weary kitchen a new lease on life. Although traditional stainless-steel sinks are popular in contemporary houses, sinks come in various designs, colours and materials which give you even more tap choices. Unless you’re also changing your counter-tops, you’ll be limited by the size of your current sink; so identify something that fits the available space and décor. A new sink and tap may be surprisingly economical compared to other changes, especially if you’re able to install them yourself.

cooktop integrated into white stone worktop

Install a new cooktop

A stylish and efficient cooktop may completely transform the look of your kitchen. Remodelling your cooktop is also a simple and efficient method to breathe new life into this area. The most cost-effective option is to get an electrical cooktop induction installed. Consider including accessories such as heat rods that can be installed into the surface of the worktop for a permanent pan stand. If you have extra cash to spend, you could also consider getting a new microwave to complete the look.

Shiny brass knobs on grey kitchen drawers

Upgrade your hardware

Add a new look to your kitchen by upgrading your old knobs and drawer handles with modern or antique hardware. You can swiftly turn old doors into new-looking cabinets in just a few minutes. Another thing to note, the finish of your sink and appliances doesn’t have to match the hardware. This is because mixing materials in your kitchen décor, such as brass handles with black equipment, gives visual intrigue.

You use the drawer pulls and cabinet handles multiple times per day. So, for a speedy set-up, choose a design that’s simple to clean and fits the drilling length (the space between drill holes) of the previous hardware. To update the appearance, fill in the holes and drill new ones if necessary. Look for hardware with a design that’s both robust and attractive. Ornate designs may snag on loose clothing, whereas ones that are too small may be difficult to grasp and manoeuvre.

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Get their look: Minimalist plywood kitchen

Minimalist plywood kitchencredit

This minimalist plywood kitchen is located in a historic 19th century apartment building in north-western Romania.

The owner, Lavinia Onit, an architect, lives here with her partner and pet dog. They designed and made the birch plywood kitchen themselves. In an Apartment Therapy feature she describes the style as, “Neutral, simple, Scandinavian-inspired”.

I love the idea of the uniformly drilled holes on the splash-back. You’re able to insert different lengths of wooden dowel, in any number of permutations, to create shelf space or to hang kitchen utensils and other tools.

Get their look

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Semi-sheer pencil pleat white curtain
Semi-sheer pencil pleat white curtain
Black pull-down spray kitchen tap
Black pull-down spray kitchen tap
Wooden dowel rods
Wooden dowel rods
Handmade Baltic birch plywood kitchen doors
Handmade Baltic birch plywood kitchen doors
Basic ceiling pendant light
Basic ceiling pendant light
Semi-sheer pencil pleat white curtain
Semi-sheer pencil pleat white curtain
Black pull-down spray kitchen tap
Black pull-down spray kitchen tap
Wooden dowel rods
Wooden dowel rods
Handmade Baltic birch plywood kitchen doors
Handmade Baltic birch plywood kitchen doors
Basic ceiling pendant light
Basic ceiling pendant light
Semi-sheer pencil pleat white curtain
Semi-sheer pencil pleat white curtain
Black pull-down spray kitchen tap
Black pull-down spray kitchen tap
Wooden dowel rods
Wooden dowel rods
Handmade Baltic birch plywood kitchen doors
Handmade Baltic birch plywood kitchen doors
Basic ceiling pendant light
Basic ceiling pendant light

18 tips for redesigning your home

18 tips for redesigning your home

Looking to redesign your home? You’re not alone! The interior design industry was valued at an estimated $16 billion in 2019, and it’s only expected to grow.

If you’re planning an upcoming home redesign, we’re here to help. Read on for our best tips for redesigning every room of your home.

Kitchen illustration

Kitchen design tips

There’s just nothing better than a well-designed kitchen. For many families, the kitchen is the most heavily used room in their home. It’s where they cook, eat, entertain and congregate. Use the following tips to make it functional for all of your needs:

  1. Opt for classic designs rather than trendy. Kitchen renovations are costly and time consuming. Make sure your design will look good and function 5, 10 and 20 years from now.
  2. If you’re working in a small space, choose lighter colours for paint and cabinetry. This will help your kitchen feel larger and look brighter.
  3. Think wisely about the placement of your appliances. If possible, install your oven at torso-height. This will make it easier to get heavy items like roasts in and out. Additionally, never install your microwave above your head. That’s a one-way trip to burns from hot liquid spills.
  4. Make sure to put ample counter space on both sides of your stove to place cutting boards and other items while cooking.
  5. Plan space for both rubbish and recycling. The easier recycling is, the more likely you’ll use it.
  6. Install ample cabinets and pantry space. A kitchen will always look neater when dishes and food items can be put away behind closed cabinet doors.
  7. Put electrical outlets in clever spaces throughout the kitchen. That way, you’ll always be able to use a plug-in appliance where you’d like. These days, outlets can even be installed in kitchen islands and right into counter-tops.

Bedroom mockup

Bedroom design tips

Dreaming of turning your bedroom into the ultimate retreat? We’re here to help. Here are our favourite bedroom makeover tips:

  1. Paint colour can be the ultimate determinant of mood. For a spa-like setting, choose a light-neutral paint like beige, off-white or a light sea-foam. For a cosier feeling, choose deep jewel tones like navy or deep maroon.
  2. Purchase furniture that doubles as storage. The more places to put things away, the more likely you’ll keep things clean. Opt for bedside tables, dressers and armoires with multiple drawers. Additionally, a tall bed frame and a bed skirt can cover under-the-bed storage solutions.
  3. Don’t rely on ceiling lighting. Place several lamps in key places around the room, including on bedside tables and next to any seating. This will help create better mood lighting and make a smoother transition to bedtime.
  4. Choose furniture according to the size of your room. While you may dream of a king size bed, it will probably take up too much space in a smaller bedroom. Conversely, for a larger space, scale up furniture size accordingly.
  5. Think outside the box when it comes to your headboard. Sometimes, a cleverly installed piece of artwork or gallery wall behind the bed can achieve the same thing in terms of focal point, and can be much more economical!

bathroom floor plan

Bathroom design tips

Bathrooms are notoriously hard spaces to design. They’re usually compact spaces; many bathrooms only have enough space for a toilet, a sink and a small stand-up shower. But no matter the size, a bathroom needs to be functional. Here’s our advice:

  1. Think vertically when it comes to storage. You can find over-the-toilet storage solutions, install higher shelves for unsightly items and more.
  2. Similarly, opt for a sink that has under-the-counter storage, rather than a pedestal sink.
  3. Consider a recessed medicine cabinet. It won’t take up as much space inside your bathroom, but will provide just as much storage for your toothbrush, toiletries, vegan CBD oil, and more.
  4. Choose a clear glass door for your shower. It will make your bathroom feel larger than a shower curtain can.
  5. Don’t over decorate. Bathrooms need to be kept clean, and too much clutter makes for too many places for dust and germs to settle.
  6. Install a ceiling light, if possible. This will provide additional lighting, which will make the room look significantly larger.

With these 18 design tips, you’ll be able to elevate your home and create new spaces that you can’t get enough of.

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