When planning your kitchen renovation, there are many decisions to be made. So many, in fact, that the whole process can feel quite overwhelming.

However, while there is a lot to think through, you shouldn’t let this discourage you. When done right, the result is unquestionably worth it. Not only will you have a beautiful new kitchen, but there will also be such a sense of accomplishment, knowing you had a hand in creating it.

Successfully tackling your renovation decision-making is all about breaking it into manageable chunks. To help you with this, we’ve outlined the three main ‘groups’ of choices you will need to make.

 

  1. Your layout and any special requirements

 

Right at the start of your planning process, think about why you want to renovate and what you hope to achieve. For example, are there major functional issues you need to address? Or is your kitchen simply starting to look a little dated?

Whatever your motivation, this should be the basis of most of your decision-making. Is it more storage or more benchtop space. It should also help you work through how the space needs to function to suit your family and your lifestyle.

At this point, you should also think about any extra features or accessories you’d like to include. Maybe you’ve always wanted multiple ovens (just be conscious of the extra cost) or a butler’s pantry (if space allows). Whatever it is that you want, it’s best to be clear about this upfront and make sure your layout allows for it to be comfortably included.

 

  1. Your cabinetry and benchtops

 

Once you know your overall layout, planning your cabinetry design should be pretty easy. This will help shape the space, providing the majority of the infrastructure the rest of your design is built on. Also, unless you’re planning all custom cabinetry, you will also have some size restrictions (width of base cabinets, door sizes, etc.) to work around.

Also, choosing the style and material of your cabinets and benchtop early in the design process can make your other decorative design choices easier. As one of the most significant fixtures, your cabinetry will have a big impact on the overall look of the room. As such, it should help inform decisions about things like tapware and tiling.

 

  1. Your fittings and finishes

 

Once you’ve got the structure of your kitchen sorted, you can pick the decorative elements. These are the features most people notice and help make the space feel like home. As such, they can be the most fun to choose… but also the most stressful.

As these decisions are mostly about personal taste, the options are almost endless. If you’ve ever been into a kitchen supplier showroom, you’ll probably appreciate how daunting standing in front of a wall of taps can be. Good news is, by leaving these decisions to the end, you should already have a framework to narrow down your choices.

Try to take these decisions one at a time and start with something you know you love – like a feature tile or tap. You can then build your design around that, making sure the overall style is cohesive. Also, don’t forget about the small details, like grout (if you’re tiling), power points, light switches, and handles.

 

Need help with your decisions?

 

Whether you’re looking for some design inspiration or just need a little help pulling it all together, Zesta Kitchens is here for you. We offer a free design consultation service and can help with everything from the overall layout to the fine design details. Call us today to speak to one of our experienced and friendly team members.