Are you looking to redo your kitchen? Here are a few top tips from industry professionals to help you get the kitchen of your dreams.
“Modern design does not mean emotionless design, and through the use of various types of materials and combining various textures, the space will have a modern simplicity while remaining a warm and inviting environment.” Philip Richards, Brand Manager of blu_line
“Your top priority is to consider how much you would like to invest in the project. Some people think that walking into a kitchen shop and ordering a kitchen involves a whole turnkey cost. Not many kitchen companies do this anymore, as the costs entailed are much higher than a simple client/designer affair. Remember that redoing your kitchen is an investment. If done properly, the value of your home will go up by 20%.” Sergio Polita, Kitchen Designer at Snaidero Cucina
“There is always one question I ask regarding a kitchen design – “Is it fit for purpose?” In other words does it tick all the boxes relevant to your lifestyle, such as home entertainment, culinary requirements, accommodation of family needs, seamless integration with other living areas and so forth? Allow your designer to help you define these important decisions.” Brian Slavin, Owner of Slavin & Company
“Stuffy and impractical dining rooms are out. In these challenging times, your kitchen is your sanctuary so take down your walls and create warm, light spaces for eating and living your life.” Andrew Barr, MD of Espresso Design Limited
“Home owners should bear in mind what hasn’t worked for them in the past as well as what they want to use their kitchens for, for clues to layout and practical requirements. It is also good idea to create a moodboard to collate all your ideas together.” Lilly Botha, Owner of Country Style Interiors
“Adding neon-pastel hues, in matt finishes, creates a whimsical air that softens sleek neutral designs. Combining minimalist design with this colour trend provides the best of both worlds – high-tech functionality with a heartening atmosphere. This is the perfect environment for crafting delightful meals.” Nadia Cloete, Interior Designer at Casarredo
“Pay careful attention to the selection of your hardware, ensuring that your hardware is backed by a minimum 10-year supplier guarantee. Appliance housings should be properly ventilated to protect your appliance investments. Selwyn Arenstein, CEO of A Kitchen by Future Classics
“Today there is a strong onus on consumers to become eco conscious. As such, you should look at appliances that offer the best in class energy efficiency. For example, some washing machines boast 70% energy savings and use specialised technology to conserve water. Further to this the Samsung DuraCool fridge, for example, is optimised for energy efficiency through inverter technology.” Rajan Gungiah, Business Leader for Digital Appliances at Samsung Electronics South Africa
“Don’t skimp when it comes to kitchen cupboards and drawers. You open and close them hundreds of times a day and they are always one of the first things to show wear and tear. The smooth close of a well-built drawer on good runners will always make you smile.” Louise Bailey Tait, Yuppiechef Operations Manager
“Keep in mind your four zones – the modern kitchen is split into four zones: the cooking zone, which is your hub area, together with your cabinetry to store your pots, and spices – the items you use to cook with; your prep zone, which is your countertop area that is used for preparing meals, as well as where you will keep your cutting boards, mixing dishes, serving dishes and cutlery; your storage zone, which is where your fridge is, and nearby your pantry or storing cabinetry; and lastly your cleaning zone where you will be doing the washing up and where you will keep your large appliances.” John Dammermann, Marketing Director of Easylife Kitchens
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