When your kitchen is not functioning properly and keeping you from cooking the way you want or stealing the enjoyment out of your time in the kitchen - it may be time to consider a renovation.

The key to success of any renovation is planning! A kitchen reno can certainly be a costly undertaking so you want to make sure you have the right plan in place before you begin.

This was exactly the case for one couple who had a tiny condo kitchen that was so poorly laid out it was a challenge for a baker at heart. We worked together to get the kitchen of their dreams. They were so fun, coining the phrase “industrial disco” as their inspiration. The kitchen was challenging to work with as the space was limited and there was a lot on the wish list.

Here are the steps to getting your kitchen reno off to the best start.

Step 1 - Determining your needs    

With all projects, taking time for careful planning is the key to success.

Start off with determining your needs. Make a list of wants and needs and take time to talk about what works for you and what doesn’t. Are there 2 cooks in the kitchen at a time? Is someone a huge baker? Is there something you want to display or do you prefer everything out of sight? Do you have enough storage? What frustrates you when you’re in the kitchen?

STEP 2 - DETERMINE THE BEST LAYOUT

A KITCHEN RENO CAN LOOK LIKE A MILLION BUCKS BUT IT THE LAYOUT DOESNT FUNCTION FOR YOU, YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE REGRETS.

Careful planning of your layout to ensure all your design needs are met is so important to a successful kitchen reno. Plan out where you want to store all your kitchen appliances, dishware, and food. Make sure this is functional for the way you work in your kitchen. A detailed layout and 3-d renderings go along way to help you visualize your new kitchen.

STEP 3 - DETERMINE THE STYLE

THE STYLE OF YOUR KITCHEN RENOVATION GOES HAND IN HAND WITH THE LAYOUT, HOWEVER THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STYLE COMES IN SECOND TO THE FUNCTION.

When considering how you want your completed kitchen renovation to look, you can browse magazines, pinterest, websites looking for inspiration. Keep in mind the rest of your space and how to make the entire home cohesive. Don’t be scared to stray from the norm. If you love colour, be colourful, if you love drama be dramatic. There are no rules for how a kitchen should look.

step 4 - review the design plan

before moving forward on your kitchen reno, take time to review the design plan.

Go back to review your list of needs and wants. Have you been able to meet all your design goals and cross everything off the list? Talk it out and and make sure you understand. Hopefully you have a detailed floor plan, elevations and 3-d renderings allowing you to see the proposed layout.

now you’re ready to move on to the next steps.

Once the plans are complete, you can get your quotes, hire the contractor, and get the ball rolling on your gorgeous new kitchen renovation!

Do you have a kitchen renovation that you need some help with?  Contact me today to find out how I can help you create the kitchen of your dreams!