While kitchen facilities may be nightmarish economically, it cannot be denied that it is the focal point of the home. This common ground deserves all the attention and the expense. A wise investment, besides the style factor that is so important these days, the utilities play a significant role. Property values are going to increase significantly, if the occasion arises to sell and relocate, maybe to greener pastures.
Begin planning!
It is important to be clear about what is expected from the new kitchen. Perhaps the layout of the old kitchen was limited. Smart space utility would turn it around. Structural alterations may be needed. If needed, a window and door may need to be bricked up if they are getting in the way. Plan the locations of the cooking range, worktop and the floor storage units, the sink and the overhead shelves. Size matters for sure and the older homes traditionally have smaller kitchen spaces, maybe 4 m X 3 m. It would be a test of imagination to figure out what goes where.
Sketch a detailed floor plan to scale to visualize what the arrangements would look like. What design would be feasible? Ventilation is crucial and lighting too. By bricking up the windows and door, I now got two complete walls. French doors would lead to the back garden.
Budget reasons made us decide that the plumbing expense may be reduced by keeping the worktop and sink in the same position. The fridge would remain where it was and the possibility was of more cupboards and working space with the two walls. A breakfast bar would also serve as a working table. The sketch being ready, the work could commence.
Installing the cupboards
You can imagine the mess while the builders were at work. Along with the plumber, the electrician and plasterer did their work. I was busy planning the cupboard positions. I know carpentry and would save some expense with the IKEA kitchen units. DIY experience does help.
At the end of the sink would be the breakfast bar in an L shape with two stools. Extra space came from the washing machine that was now in the bathroom.
Cupboards went next to the cooking range on the wall and floor, under the sink and above the sink. Frying pans, sauce pans and oven dishes need to be conveniently near the cooking area.
A feel of the outdoors
Along with the French doors leading to the back garden, an awning would create greater space dimensions and fuse the inner and outer ambiances.
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