Are you looking to update your home prior to sale? Or planning a complete renovation of a newly purchased property? What about modernising your home’s bathroom and kitchen with today’s contemporary features and appliances to suit your family’s needs now and into the future? If any of these situations apply to you then you will be looking for kitchen and bathroom design ideas that will help you make some decisions on how to proceed.
There are many approaches you can take when embarking on a home renovation project in a kitchen or bathroom, but the most important approach centres on planning out what you want within the budget you have available.
Planning for a kitchen or bathroom project
The first thing you need to think about when planning your renovation or upgrade, is the design of the kitchen or bathroom your are remodelling.
- Think about the function
Think about the different usage requirements of your bathroom or kitchen. Consider who will use the areas, how often they will be used, and how the areas will be used.
- Design the layout
Think about the layout of the room and what works well and not so well in the current layout. This will help you to determine if you need to accommodate a change to the layout during the remodelling stage. It is important to finalise this early as this will impact on both your budget and project timeline.
- Choose your style and theme
Does your home already have a theme that you will carry throughout the kitchen and bathroom? Or are you ready to embrace a new style? There are so many ideas out there for you to choose from. Whether it be a Scandinavian style, a more rustic look or even a modern marble approach.
- Your budget
Further to this you should think about your budget. Determine how much you can allocate to the project and then add 20% for contingencies (in the event that you decide to upgrade or change certain aspects of the project such as materials or finishes during the course of the project).
The kitchen design
These days, the kitchen has multiple purposes. It is where you cook, a place you share your meals with family and friends as well as a place to gather around. It could be considered one of the most important rooms of the house.
Be sure to keep these tips in mind when planning a kitchen renovation.
Examine the space
It is most important to examine the space you have in your kitchen before deciding on other elements. Do you have the space or will you be extending your kitchen to accommodate the features you would like? For example, a butler’s pantry.
The benchtop
Think about the style of kitchen that will suit you most. Will you opt for a kitchen island, or will you have a benchtop against a wall? If you are opting for a kitchen island, consider adding a breakfast bar overhang so that family members and guests can sit comfortably on a stool, with enough legroom in front of them.
A kitchen island is also great as it allows you to keep and eye on the rest of the family, for example kids doing homework, or have friends keep you company while you entertain and cook.
The fridge
After examining the space you have in your kitchen, will you have a double or single fridge? Think about your current setup. If you are always running out of room in the fridge you have now, it might be time to think about an upgrade.
The dishwasher
Positioning the dishwasher close to the sink is ideal so you are not making a mess on the floor as you transfer dishes from the sink. Having the dishwasher and sink close to each other is also best so the dishwasher plumbing can be connected.
Tapware
There are so many more options out there now when it comes to tapware. Gone are the days of plain stainless steel. You can now choose from a matte black, chrome, antique gold or even a brushed rose colour. It’s time to get creative!
The bathroom design
The bathroom has come a long way from being a simple washroom. It is now a place to relax, unwind and pamper. Like the kitchen, before tackling your bathroom renovation, examine the space and work out what features you can have in your design.
The vanity
Will you have a single vanity or choose a double vanity to save time in the mornings? Will it be coloured, or a simple neutral? Will the bowl sit in the vanity or will you choose a vessel sink? Think about how big it will be, ensuring it will fit all of your toiletries.
A great tip is opting for a wall mounted vanity. Because it sits higher off the ground, mopping the floor will be a breeze! Choosing the right height will also ensure you have an ergonomic bathroom.
The bath
Really think about including a bath. If you have one currently, how many times per year do you use it? If you are opting for a bath, will you choose freestanding or fitted? Fitted is great if you are working with a good space. However, a freestanding bath will give you a more contemporary, smooth style.
The shower
After deciding how to best maximise space in your bathroom you’ll know where is best to position the shower. Decide whether you might want a double walk in shower or if you will opt for a single shower with a glass door. Will you have hanging rain shower heads or will it be more family friendly and functional with a handheld shower head. Don’t forget to think about storage space as well. You could incorporate a built in storage wall for a sleek approach.
The toilet
You can save space by choosing a wall-hung toilet. The tank will sit behind the wall so it cannot be seen. It’s also important to choose a toilet is water efficient. Did you know, one third of your households water is from the toilet? (Also remember to choose one that is easy to clean!)
Tapware and fixtures
Will you be matching your tapware to the kitchen? With the many tapware trends out there, you’ll be spoilt for choice. And don’t just stop at the tapware, think about matching the towel racks, the shower head, the toilet paper holder and any cabinet handles.
Seek expert advice on your remodel
Embarking on a renovation or remodelling project is complex and for the uninitiated can be fraught with challenges around selecting the right design, choosing appropriate materials, managing and scheduling trades to complete the work and coming up with additional money to cover the costs of unanticipated expenses.
While the design elements are important, you must also consider the plumbing requirements of your design – and this is where the professionals at JEDI Plumbing come in.
We can provide obligation free advice on matching your design ideas to the plumbing needed, and provide estimates for the plumbing work required.
To learn more about the plumbing aspects of upgrading or renovating your kitchen or bathroom, we invite you to call JEDI Plumbing on 0411 774 381 today.
