What Is Cooking In Your Kitchen?

Speak to any estate agent and in the world of property it is generally a given that two of the most important factors in buying or selling a home is the condition of the kitchen or bathroom. Kitchens are special places which are the heart of many homes acting as a place to cook, eat and socialise.

Whether you have a small, compact galley-style kitchen in a town centre flat or a large open-plan country house kitchen, when it comes to thinking about a new kitchen it can be a daunting challenge.

With the expense that is associated with the installation of a new kitchen it is important that you take time to think long and hard about what you need from your kitchen, function is as important as form.

Avoid rushing into a decision, take time and think about planning your dream kitchen.

What Do You Want From Your Kitchen?
Begin by clearing your kitchen out and look around your existing kitchen making notes on the things you like and dislike about it. This could include anything from storage options to types of appliances and the colours of units. In terms of what you want from your kitchen, does the space you have work, or can it be extended? The most common building work involves knocking down a wall, is this feasible? Can your budget stretch to this sort of work? Ask yourself how you currently use the space? Do you use the space just for preparing daily meals or is it a place for eating and possibly socialising with your family and friends?

How Will Plumbing & Heating Work?
A new kitchen is an exciting prospect, but will you be using existing plumbing for sinks and appliances or will you require additional pipe work? If you have long dreamed of kitchen island containing a sink or other appliances, you need to ensure that plumbing and electricity supplies are in place before flooring is laid. Work out where appliances, both big and small, are going to be
so you have plug points where you need them. Underfloor heating is an increasingly popular choice for kitchens as radiators can take up valuable space, if you opt for this you will need to have it installed before laying the kitchen floor.

How To Add Light To Your Kitchen?
Whatever room in your home you are planning an overhaul of lighting is important. When it comes to planning lighting in a kitchen it is a good idea to design it in a way in which you can regulate areas of your kitchen independently. Secondary lighting, such as spot lights above cooking and preparation areas are handy, they are both practical and can add a stylish feature. When it comes to plumbing, heating and plug points in your dream kitchen for appliances, think about where electric wiring is currently located – is it located in a sensible and accessible location which means you can add some light to your kitchen and aid you do what you want?