Bathroom & Kitchen Guide

It's important to keep in mind that there are no short cuts when planning a kitchen. And you need to be realistic - there's no point in planning unrealistically based on some kind of fantasy about how your life should be. This article will help you focus your mind on the best way to achieve the results that you desire in your kitchen.

Realistic Kitchen Design

Don't plan your kitchen around appliances and ideas that are inappropriate to both your lifestyle and the kitchen space. While it might be tempting to cram as many high-end appliances into your studio apartment kitchen as possible, you'll just crowd yourself out of precious working space and accumulate a bunch of expensive objects that you rarely use. Instead:

- Think about how your kitchen works now. Realistically, how would you like to improve it?

- Don't get caught up in the romance of a certain idea. Look carefully at all the options that you have.

- Look carefully through magazines and search the internet for ideas that might work in your space.

Finding a Kitchen Designer

You should check out a variety of kitchen designers before settling on one, and when you do take more than just price into consideration. A designer will be your guide through the often complicated world of kitchen renovations. Good designers will have done many projects and have a deep well of ideas that you can use.

- Check through their portfolio and ask for testimonials. Also, talk to friends and family - have they use someone they would particularly recommend?

- Many designers have websites where you can check out what they've worked on in the past.

- Your designer will be your best source of information on how to get the look and functionality that you want within the budget you have set. Don't be afraid to give them the true figure - this is essential information for them to do the best job possible for you.

- Once your designer has your budget, they can advise you on the type of goods that will meet your requirement. But don't take everything your designer suggests as gospel. If they suggest something you don't like, say so and see if there's another option available.

- Try to avoid locking yourself into a fast-moving fad or trend. Kitchens with classic design elements tend to age well - those based on fleeting and trendy ideas may look dowdy within five years.

- If your designer is constantly making suggestions that you hate, it will be necessary to sit down with them and work through exactly what it is that you want. This is never pleasant, but it's necessary if you don't want to end up with something you're not satisfied with. If the issue cannot be resolved, it may be necessary to seek the services of another designer.