Kitchen Design Tips

This week we spoke to Palazzo Kitchens and Appliances Senior Design Consultant Monique Enoka for some tips and advice on creating beautiful, functional, user friendly kitchen spaces.

“When a client comes to see us at the showroom, first up we’ll have a chat with them to get a good idea of the different elements they need in a kitchen that best fits their lifestyles.”

Young families, for example, usually require a larger kitchen maybe with space for the children to do their homework.  While a couple in their 50s who do a lot of entertaining, will have a different brief.

The kitchen’s location in the home is also important says Monique.  “You don’t want to have to walk too far with all your groceries.”

“The kitchen is the heart of the home, and works well when it’s centrally located - not too far from the living and dining areas, and, if you have an outdoor entertaining area, it’s really handy to be close to that space.”

It’s also important to ensure all the separate elements combine in a way that is user friendly, Monique says.

“You need to be aware of spatial tolerance - ensuring two people can comfortably use the kitchen at the same time without getting in each other’s way.  “There’s nothing worse than not being able to access cupboards or drawers because the oven or dishwasher doors are open.”

Monique’s Top Tips

1.  Do your research.  Have a look on Pinterest, design blogs and websites and collect some images of the looks, feels, and features you like.  People often struggle to verbalise what they want, so a few pictures can really help your kitchen designer to understand what you’re looking for.  Also, think about what you like and what you don’t like; what works well and what doesn’t in your current kitchen.  Take note and discuss this with your kitchen designer.

2.  Always engage with a professional.  Most kitchen designers will provide a no obligation initial consultation and design.  They’ll discuss your ideas with you, take your brief, they’ll help you figure out whether you need one or two sinks, or a waste disposal unit, and give you some options that meet your budget.  You’ll end up with a kitchen that works really well and meets your needs.

3.  A common mistake people make is buying the whiteware and appliances first, then trying to design their kitchens around them.  It’s far better to bring all your ideas to the table, and design the layout with all your dream elements in mind.