Expert tips on how to create a ‘fantastic’ new kitchen.
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Thinking of updating your kitchen but trying to avoid upturning your life?
Experts Pauline Stockwell, a Taupo-based designer, Katherine McDonald, an interior designer of Mt Maunganui and Tracy Murphy and ChelseyMathieson of kitchen design company Vekart Ltd share advice on what - and whatnot to do - to make the experience as smooth as possible.
First, they say, rethink the timeline. While each knows a kitchen makeover is a super idea, don’t expect it to happen at supersonic speed. Settinga realistic time frame to get the job done is the first step towards success.
The general rule of thumb is to allow two months of lead in time for the planning and then add six to eight weeks from the final orderingof the kitchen to allow for manufacturing. Time for making amendments is also advised as is finding the right placement for appliances - and choosing them.
Second, get inspired. A kitchen renovation often starts with a selection of inspirational images. So, start by doing your homework, refer to magazines, Pinterest, the habitat by Resene website and home shows.
“Rather than getting confused by all the choice and bogged down by the detail, employ an expert in kitchen design and colour consultancy,” Stockwell advises. “They are well equipped to put together a fantastic kitchen plan from your wish list, incorporating a selection of materials and finishes.”
Homeowners Petra and Milan Jurič chose a combination of Resene Moby (left and far right) and Resene Happy Hour (centre) walls with Resene Alabaster trims and ceilings and Resene Half Jumbo for their island in their recent kitchen renovation. (Photo by Kate MacPherson)
Spatial relationships need taking into account too. The list is long but not having a dishwasher hard in a corner as it will restrict access to adjacent drawers or ensuring fridge doors can open past 90 degrees for access to shelves and vege bins and not having a dishwasher and oven opening opposite each other as they will block a walkway are just some.
McDonald says it’s wise to start by assessing how many people will be using the kitchen, and which areas will be busiest.
Murphy recommends renovating in summer because during the work you can barbecue - and the hand-wash sink in the laundry can make double-duty as a dish washing station.
Paint is an easy impact point to change – it’s the most cost effective and quickest way to freshen up and transform a space. Stockwell advises speaking to the experts at Resene for advice on what can be painted, how to prepare the surface, and which paint best suits the situation – and they can recommend painters.
Black and white kitchens accented by plants is one look that, when done well, will remain classic for many years. Resene Bokara Grey, Resene Nero, the deep grey of Resene Fuscous Grey and the warmly dark and mysterious Resene Element are popular options.
A stark black such as Resene Noir combined with a warm white such as Resene Thorndon Cream is a classic combo for a traditional home, but also works well in a contemporary one.
Mathieson says glass splashbacks provide an opportunity to introduce painted colour behind the glass while Stockwell loves green as a kitchen accent colour – her favourite being the “wistful and pastoral” Resene Paddock.
Murphy says sculleries offer the opportunity for a splash of colour while “painted walls with open shelving are a nice alternative to full cabinetry.”
This kitchen, designed by Celia Visser, features a secondary preparation space that is partitioned by a sliding pocket door that can be closed off when company comes over. The cabinets and ceilings are painted Resene Half Black White and the feature wall is painted Resene Half Gauntlet. (Design by Celia Visser)
Some kitchens are still in good condition and just require a bit of titivation while if you’re happy with the existing layout or working to a tight budget, a lick of paint can be transformational.
The Resene AquaLAQ range, for example, provides a tough finish that’s ideal for kitchen cabinetry while Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss or Resene Enamacryl gloss can be used for quick DIY updates.
Kitchen designer top tips:
Establish expectations and be upfront with your contractors about time, budget and quality.
Remove all items from your cabinets and set up a temporary kitchen space if required.
It’s worthwhile having fully marked up plans with your plumbing and electrical notes to save you being asked a lot of questions – and to make things clear to the tradespeople.
Allow time for, and cost, the breakdown and removal of your existing kitchen. This includes the plumber, electrician and builder.
Good lighting is essential for not only creating atmosphere, but chopping, cooking and prepping.
Consider whether your floor needs to be replaced.
Have everything signed off and sorted before the project starts to avoid making changes while the project is underway, as failing to do so from the get go can have serious time and cost ramifications later on down the road.
Don’t show all your friends what you are doing to save getting too many people’s opinions and to avoid confusion.
Be prepared for plenty of noise and disruption.
Check out the decorating inspiration gallery for kitchen project ideas from other kiwi homeowners and visit your local Resene ColorShop for help choosing your paints, colours and wallpaper.
This content has been created in partnership with Resene.
