Designing Your Space

Measuring your room

When designing any room the first thing to do is to determine how much space you have. Measuring up is essential for planning the size and amount of cupboards you require, a great starting point is to draw a rough outline of the room and label measurements for each wall.

WHAT DO YOU NEED THE SPACE FOR?

Once you have recorded your measurements, it is time to decide on the cabinetry and appliances you would like. If you have an existing kitchen it is often useful to look around and make a list of all the things you like and dislike about it. Look at things such as storage, positioning, appliances and the colour/style of the cabinetry. This will help you focus on retaining or improving particular aspects. It is always a good idea to write a brief and ask yourself, what do you wish to achieve from your design? Some people wish to create an entertainment space for gatherings, while others take a more practical minimalist approach. A great way to find inspiration is to create a mood board on websites like Pinterest or collaging using magazines. There are thousands of examples out there so get creative and have fun moulding different ideas together to create your own perfect look and feel.

The boring stuff

Whilst not the most exciting thing to think about, plumbing, heating and electrics are a very important when designing your kitchen. You must decide if you will be using the existing plumbing for your appliances and sink, or whether a fresh start would be more effective. This also applies to power points and heat sources as it is advisable for any electrical work done before installation. In terms of positioning we have found it is best to design your kitchen to integrate your washing machine and dishwasher as close as possible to your sink; making plumbing as simple as possible.