Food for thought: creating the perfect kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s got a pulse, and a large one at that. In recent years, kitchens have become largely open-plan, multipurpose living spaces to accommodate everyday activities and home entertaining, so finding the right balance between comfort, a beautiful aesthetic and functionality is key. Leading Australian décor brand Laminex has created six tips to help you build your dream kitchen.

Know your budget

It is common to invest a lot of time and money into the kitchen as it sets the tone for the entire house. Having a clear budget will help you decide which products and finishes you use early on in your project to ensure you have an incredible end result.

If you are working with a limited budget, remember small upgrades, such as changing your cupboard faces and just replacing your countertops, can also go a long way to transform the mood and tone of your kitchen.

Layout

This means thinking about how you interact with your kitchen – are you an avid cook? Do you need a lot of storage? Do you want an open kitchen plan, or would you prefer it to be separated from your living space?

These are all questions you should consider when designing your dream kitchen. To visualize your design, imagine yourself cooking and socialising with friends and family in the space.

Choose your style

When choosing the style of your kitchen you should try and think of the new space as more than just a place where you cook and store your food. The kitchen is a communal household space where you often sit down with family and friends. As a result, it is important to choose a style that reflects your personality – whether you prefer a soft, white palette or a dark, moody aesthetic.

Don’t forget you should always choose a style that feels comfortable in your home.

Getting the colour palette right

Once you have chosen your overall style aspirations, the next step is to choose the right colour palette for your space. From a classic white or stunning contemporary black for your cabinetry, to a striking carrara marble, Laminex has got you covered.

Choosing products and materials

Laminex design marketing manager Catherine Valente says that when choosing products and materials for your new kitchen, you need to remember that functionality is equally important as achieving the right aesthetic.

If you are planning to revamp an old kitchen, look for existing focal points in the home that you love that will assist in creating a seamless style. If you’re looking to create a new point of interest, consider adding some open shelves or boxes in a contrasting colour or texture.

Choosing appliances, tapware & sinks

To narrow down your choices, be sure to consider how you and your family use the kitchen. Do you prepare food often? Would you prefer minimal cleaning? And how many people live in your household? These are all important questions to consider in this phase.