Home Improvement and Renovation

The kitchen sink is a vital part of your kitchen and is the workhorse of your kitchen. 

The amount of time you spend at the sink will probably be the highest out all the parts of your kitchen.

From washing up to meal preparation, to rinsing vegetables, even getting a glass of water. 

When you are buying a kitchen sink you need to think about these 5 things. 

Designing a kitchen can present you with a number of challenges.

One of the main challenges is to design and build a kitchen that is not only modern for today but will stand the test of time.

You want a kitchen that is functional and practical. That frees you up to enjoy your home, family and friends but also allows you to enjoy your time in the kitchen.

Here are our 7 favourite trends for designing a kitchen that will be relevant for today and into the future.

When selling your home you want to do a much as you possibly can so that prospective buyers see your home in the best possible light.

Here are 16 tips to help present your home in the best light 

Over the years we have helped numerous people select the right appliances for their home, family and budget.

Planning a new kitchen is very exciting. You get the opportunity to build something new that matches your lifestyle, desires and family habits.

It is generally easier to plan for a smaller kitchen then a larger kitchen but no matter what the size the process is generally the same.

The starting point is to think about all the jobs or activities that you perform in the kitchen and then to lay them out accordingly.

There are tasks that we all perform in the kitchen such as cooking,  washing, food preparation, storage for food and pots and pans, cleaning etc.

Then there are activities that you may do that are special to you, such as cooking with kids, making pasta, cooking pizza, making sauce.

Step 1:  List your main tasks

Here are the general tasks that occur in any kitchen:

Cooking/Oven Use:  Ensure you have flat, bare counter space adjacent to the stove/oven for placing hot food.  Ideally, you’ll have sufficient space for placing your dishes on plates or in serving dishes without having to truck hot pans and pots any distance.

Ensure you have flat, bare counter space adjacent to the stove/oven for placing hot food.  Ideally, you’ll have sufficient space for placing your dishes on plates or in serving dishes without having to truck hot pans and pots any distance.

Ideally, you’ll have sufficient space for placing your dishes on plates or in serving dishes.without having to truck hot pans and pots any distance.

You do not want to have to carry hot pans and pots any distance, as this may lead to spillage or a serious accident.

Washing:  This is simple.  Place the main sink close to the dishwasher.  Ensure there is ample counter space next to the sink.  You also want disposal near the sink (which is a long-standing garbage/recycling placement).

Place the main sink close to the dishwasher.  Ensure there is ample counter space next to the sink.  You also want disposal near the sink (which is a long-standing garbage/recycling placement).

Ensure there is ample counter space next to the sink.  You also want disposal near the sink (which is a long-standing garbage/recycling placement).

You also want your rubbish disposal near the sink. 

Food Preparation:  If you chop and/or bake, you want counter space close to the refrigerator.  

If you chop, cut, slice bake, you want counter space close to the refrigerator.  

Ideally the preparation area will be close to a sink for rinsing and washing food.  One thing to include in the prep zone is a space for a computer (laptop, tablet or something similar) so you can follow recipes.  

Given the increase in mobile devices and laptops, you may want to think about including in the preparation area a space for a computer (laptop, tablet or something similar) so you can follow recipes.  

Your preparation area should allow for displaying all your ingredients. If you ever watch a cooking show the top chefs always have their ingredients set up and ready before they start cooking.

This makes the cooking process a lot easier, gets you prepared and is a good habit to get into when you are cooking.

Storing:  

You should include sufficient storage so that the tools you require are only an arm’s length away.  

For example, if you have a baking zone, have nearby storage for your baking appliances and implements.  

The refrigerator/freezer is a storage unit.  Their use is enhanced with counter space adjacent to them when pulling out a lot of food or putting in a lot of food (i.e. grocery shopping day).

You may have unique storage requirements such as wine, recipe books, small kitchen appliances, etc.  

List out your storage requirements and apply to the applicable zone(s).

Additional tasks unique to your home and kitchen operations:

Guest/family zone:  

This is big if you like cooking with guests and/or your family around.  A simple solution is a counter or island bar.  You might even consider a sofa off to the side.

Specialty food preparation:  Do you routinely prepare types of foods that have a unique process?  If so, plan accordingly.

Kitchen appliances:  It doesn’t take too many small kitchen appliances to clutter up a kitchen.  

Be realistic about which ones you want on the counter (only those you use regularly) and those you can store.  

If you use an appliance regularly, plan a zone around it.  For example, if you’re into juicing, creating a small juicing zone near the refrigerator with a sink nearby.

Computers:  It’s handy having a computer or iPad in your kitchen for online recipes.  

If you’re designing a kitchen, seriously consider creating a space for your computer.

Generally, the food preparation zone is best.

Step 2:  List everything you need for each task and plan the task zone accordingly.

This refers to appliances, implements and anything else you might need for each zone.

 Don’t forget counter space, storage, floor space and complementary zone access.

Planning your kitchen may require some specialized advice, but planning out your kitchen zones requires careful thought and planning.  

Be thorough because proper zone planning can radically enhance your kitchen for you.

Additional kitchen layout suggestions:

Islands: If you have the luxury to do so, create kitchen islands.  This is a terrific convenience when two or more people are in the kitchen.  

Bench space is a premium:  You can never have too much bench space.  One universal requirement with pretty much every kitchen task.  This is a huge benefit to large kitchen spaces.  While storage is great, more bench space is often better.

One universal requirement with pretty much every kitchen task.  This is a huge benefit to large kitchen spaces.  While storage is great, more counter space is often better.

This is a huge benefit to large kitchen spaces.  While storage is great, more counter space is often better.

While storage is great, more counter space is often better. With storage, if you have too much you will collect a number of tools and appliances that you may only use once and it will not see the light of day again.

With bench space, you will always find a use for it.

Your kitchen’s users’ height:  Are you or anyone in your family tall?  

If so, pay attention to overhead cabinet placement, island height, counter height and lighting.

Doors and openings:  With every door, cabinets, kitchen, refrigerators take into account the arc of the door and how it swings in your kitchen. 

Sometimes you can have too much storage and then on other times you never have enough storage.

You always need storage for your containers, pots and pans, food, knives and forks. Sometimes you can have too much storage and then on other times you never have enough storage.

Like everything in life if you can get the right balance and combination of the different storage options then this will make your time in the kitchen a wonderful experience and not a frustrating one.

You must plan your storage around your workflow or how you want to operate in your kitchen.

Always come back to making your kitchen and home match your lifestyle, not the other way around.

You know you and your family best,

how often and where you will eat at home,

school work, entertaining and other parts of life.

It is important to style your kitchen to match these. This will lead to less frustration and despair down the track.

Your storage options:

1. Cabinets

You can have cabinets both on the floor and upper cabinets, which are suspended or attached to the wall.

Your cabinets will generally have either swinging or sliding doors. Today there are a number of different options you can have with wood, glass, painted or a combination.

You can buy your cabinets 3 different ways:

1. Stock – these are generally purchased in a flat pack and you install it.
2. Semi-Custom – you order with the ability for some small changes
3. Custom Made – here your cabinets are built from scratch

You can have the following cabinets:

1. Base: these sit on the floor and are mainly around the wall
2. Wall or Upper: Attached to the wall
3. Tall: generally your pantry
4. Island: in the middle of the kitchen

Check our post on Cabinet Doors

2. Drawers

Kitchen drawers are where you store smaller items such as utensils, towels, small kitchen implements, pots and pans.

The beauty of drawers is that they can vary in size to cater for your cooking requirements.

You can have small drawers for your utensils and large drawers to handle your pots and pans.

There are a number of options to ensure you are not wasting space and having clutter with specially made inclusions such as cutlery trays, display racks.

When planning your drawers be certain to think about the amount of weight you will be placing on the drawer base and the runners.

You don’t want to end up with warped drawers in the future. If you are having custom made drawers discuss this with your manufacturer.

3. Pantry

You can have either a tall cabinet as a pantry or have a walk in pantry.

This will depend on the size of your kitchen. The pantry will be where you can store your dry food, crockery, storage containers.

If possible consider having an integrated refrigerator as this is essentially a pantry but for your cold and frozen products.

You don’t need to have a big refrigerator that is fully exposed; a nice integrated refrigerator will add a nice touch to your kitchen.

Locate your pantry as close as possible to your food preparation area. 

Consider how and where the door will open to. Maybe a sliding door is an option.

Look at racks that can move in and out so that you fully utilise the rear of your pantry.

4. Kitchen Islands

Kitchen Islands can give your more bench space (you can never have too much bench space) and storage options. 

They will also enhance the style and function of your kitchen.

You can have your kitchen island as a permanent structure or a mobile option.

If you decide to have an island then let your imagination determine if it should be a different colour to the rest of your kitchen, work are for the children, stand for your cookbooks, storage for your microwave, kettle, have multiple levels.

Your storage options are can be wide and varied. Carefully think about how you plan to use your kitchen and then plan your storage accordingly. Remember it is your kitchen and your rules.

In Australia, around 14,000 children under five years of age are admitted to hospital each year with kitchen-related injuries in Australia.

This is a sobering statistic.

If you are designing your kitchen you need to be practical yet stylish and consider child-friendly options.

Think about how your children will move and access the kitchen.

Here are 5 Steps to make your Kitchen Child safe

1. Think About Safety

• The more people using the kitchen, the more opportunities there are for something to go wrong.

•  If you have a toddler, view the room from their perspective. Sit on the floor of your present kitchen and survey the scene. You’ll probably see cabinets and drawers begging to be explored, sharp corners and lots of tools and objects that might look interesting to a curious child.

• At a minimum, you want to make sure things like cleaning supplies, knives and small appliances are out of reach or in cabinets that lock, and that any unused electrical outlets are covered.

• If you are thinking of child proof locks for cabinet doors keep in mind that as your toddlers grow up, you will want to easily deactivate these locks, thus be sure to make an allowance for this.

• Shallow base cabinets make it easy for your kids to reach their cups, glasses and plates without having to climb on a countertop to get items from a wall cabinet or interrupt your dinner prep.

2.  Look At Your Space

• The most family-friendly kitchens have a place for kids to work on homework, craft projects or just play without getting in Mom or Dad’s way.

• How much space this requires depends on several factors: the age of your children, the number of children and others using the room on a daily basis, and the activities that take place? A family with preschoolers has very different needs than one that has teenagers.

• Younger children most likely need a play space while teens need a computer. The bottom line is that there are no hard-and-fast rules for the amount of space that should be devoted to these various activities. If your children don’t do their homework in the kitchen, there’s really no reason to allocate space to that function.

• A homework station could be an oversize dining table with electrical outlets nearby for powering laptops, or it could be a complete desk that matches your kitchen cabinetry set off in its own corner.

• A play space could be as simple as a toy-filled drawer just above the kickboard, or it could be a corner cabinet fitted with shelves for craft supplies, books and playthings.

• When planning a desk or homework area, make sure there is plenty of surface for spreading out books and papers and don’t ignore the wires. The last thing you want is a cord stretching across the room.

• A message centre is crucial in a family hub. It could be as simple as hanging a chalkboard near the door, but most families need a way to handle all of the school papers, notices and mail that tend to pile up on counters. Maybe install a cabinet fitted with a plate rack and designating each section to a different family member. Place a corkboard below for important reminders and notes. You can even hide the corkboard on the inside of a cabinet door.

• Kitchen islands can make great kid-friendly zones, as they tend to have at least one end that's not in your work zone, and they can be planned with your particular family's needs in mind.

• The back of this island leaves plenty of space for older or taller children to pull up a counter stool and enjoy a healthy after-school snack. Counter-height seating won't work well for smaller kids who can't — or shouldn't — climb up, or for wheelchair users.

• If you’re renovating, pay particular attention to the materials you select. Always round the corners on countertops. Consider counter heights as standard heights may be too tall for a child to reach without a stool.

• To avoid creating an environment where kids have to climb to reach everything, consider working in a seating area centred on a table rather than a counter.

3. Appliances

• If you have an under the bench oven ensure that it is triple glazed door that is cool to touch.

• Ensure you have the oven and sink and bench tops in close proximity to minimise the carrying of hot dishes and to prevent scalding. Always remember your work triangle

• Position electrical outlets close to the bench surface where appliances are

• Explore a new technology, like induction cooking. “With induction, no heat is generated unless there’s a pot on the burner. It’s the pan that gets hot, then, not the cooking surface, so when the pan comes off, the burner is cool. Check out our induction cooktop here

• Refrigerator drawers (or mini fridges) are also great for your kid-friendly kitchen zone. It means your youngster can help him or herself to a drink after school or play without opening the main refrigerator. You can also store healthy snacks like carrot sticks and have them on hand for your child.

• Putting a microwave at the end of the island keeps the child out of your workflow, creating a safer kitchen environment for your young one. Check out our Inbuilt Microwave here.

• You can see our full range of appliance packages here

 4. Keep It Clean

• Think about upkeep.

• Stainless steel may have a nice, modern look, but it’s a chore to maintain, especially when you have lots of little hands touching it. Avoid using natural stones like granite or marble in highly trafficked family spaces because they stain too easily.

• Bench tops should be made of solid surface or quartz.

• Cabinet finishes should not be too shiny. A cabinet with a glossy sheen is definitely scrubbable, but it will show everything—you’ll be scrubbing it often. Consider  semi-gloss, which has a more muted look.

• Choosing durable materials that are easy to maintain and won’t easily scratch.

 5. What Happens In Your Kitchen

• Know how your family plans to use the space, think about how these activities—a seating area for watching television, a craft corner for the kids, plus preparing and serving food—will work together in the space, and how individual areas or zones should interact. For example, cooking and food-prep areas are sacred space. “The cook or cooks should be able to move from refrigerator to stove to sink without having to step over toys or move piles of paper out of the way,”

• If your kids like to cook, design an area that’s sized so they can help. Maybe a lowered section of counter, or a low shelf that pulls out from an island. Make sure there’s a drawer or cabinet nearby to hold their supplies.

• Island seating or a kid zone where it won't interfere with someone working at the range, wall ovens or main kitchen sink.

By thinking about these 5 steps you will be well on your way to making your kitchen child safe and a fun place for everyone in your family. 

We all want our dream kitchen. That lovely kitchen that is flows easily, great to cook in and is the natural magnet in your home that attracts all your family and friends.

To help you design and build your new kitchen we wanted to share with you a number of different ways you can save money, your back or your time when building and then using your kitchen.

These 3 articles will give you plenty of ideas and ways to help with your kitchen renovation. 

Sneaky Kitchen Design Ideas That'll Save You Serious Money by Apartment Therapy

Kitchen design and planning is a daunting task. We often know the look we want, but many times our budgets aren't as large as our wish lists are long. But that doesn't mean we can't have remarkable spaces— we just have to get smart. Each of these kitchens reached deep into their bag of tricks for savvy ways to get full-on style with a much smaller price tag. Learn more

No matter what your kitchen style, layout, budget there are many ways to get the look that you are after. With all these kitchens a little creative thinking and use of materials allowed for some lovely kitchens to be brought to life. 

21 Kitchens with Eye-Level Ovens for a Safer and More Ergonomic Kitchen by Home Stratosphere

Here's a collection of 21 photos of kitchens with eye-level ovens that make cooking and baking more comfortable and a better ergonomic experience. Learn more

We favour installing the oven in the wall as against under the bench. It is much easier, safer to have the oven at eye level. You can easily check your dishes, lift them out of the oven and to clean the oven.

You don't need to bend down and put pressure on your back. 

29 Walk-In Kitchen Pantry Designs by Home Stratosphere

Incredible gallery featuring 29 amazing walk-in kitchen pantry designs and ideas. This is the ultimate kitchen storage feature. Get inspired here. Learn more

When it comes to kitchens everyone is so caught up with storage and where they are going to place everything. Remember the more cabinets you have the more money the renovation will cost you. Why not save so money by having an open walk in pantry. That way you can save some money, easily see what you have in the cupboard and not have to open and close doors. 

You know the style and type of new kitchen you want.  

You have a basic plan developing further every day.

You just know your kitchen will be amazing after the renovation is completed 

You know how long you can survive without a kitchen. You and your family are ready to go.

Materials and colours and appliances are selected. You are really excited and enthusiastic and you want to start now. Sure, you are still working on your budget. You should be.

You have now come to a decision that can add substantially to it. How much, if any, of the work do you plan to do on your own? This is a serious question. The answer to it is not general. It is based upon each individual. It relies on various factors.

How much money you have will also affect your choice of going it alone or hiring a professional.

Another influential aspect is the extent of the project. If it is a small remodeling job, it may require little to no external involvement.

Time also becomes a factor in your decision to hire a professional or not. If you do not have the time to handle the renovation yourself, you will call in others to do it for you. 

However, this is not the first question you should ask yourself. 

The most critical question you need to seriously consider is this. "Can you handle the work essential to completing the work required?" 

"Are you capable of doing all the necessary work involved?"

When you decide to renovate your kitchen, you are undertaking a complex task.

The initial question is "What are your skills?"

The second question is "How good are you?"

You not only need to answer these questions, you must be completely honest. If you are not, you are doing yourself and your kitchen a disfavour. Not only could it produce a disastrous result aesthetically and practically, it could be a financial catastrophe or at least a calamity.

You can avoid it by doing the following:

Before you decide to work on the kitchen by yourself do the following:

• Sit down
• Grab a pencil or use the computer. 
• Take a deep breath
• Look at the overall job.
• List the specific requirements for the various tasks
• Detail what you can handle on your own. Be honest. Be very, very honest. 
• Note what you cannot do. 
• Note what you feel uncomfortable doing. 
• List the professionals who can do these specific jobs. 
• Look at your preliminary budget. 
• Factor in the costs and reconfigure it. 
• Repeat the whole process again. 

You may have to rework the budget several times until it balances. Keep in mind, however, that you may save money in the long run if you hire a professional. 

In fact, there are many good reasons why you should hire a pro. 

• You get the job done right.
• You can sometimes save money.
• You save time and energy.
• You will not be spending all your time working on the renovation.
• For some, paying others to work frees them up. 
• You may have more time and less stress if you allow someone else to take charge of the actual work.

A kitchen renovation can involve a variety of experts. 

They can be contractors, subcontractors, electricians, plumbers, tilers, cabinet makers, carpenters and other specialists, rubbish removal.

It depends on the renovation, your skill level and your budget. You may bring in one particular type of professional close to the start of the project. This is the Kitchen Designer.


Kitchen Designer
A Kitchen Designer is a professional. They are certified. 

The services a Kitchen Designer offers are available through a variety of sources. They may be allied with contractors of the various trades, architects, builders and even retailers. You can find one

You can find one through the usual means:

• Recommendation of a friend or builder 
• Through checking specialty periodicals. Many provide before and after pictures or feature specific kitchen designs. The name of the designer may be provided in the article. They may even be prominent in the article or be the author of the piece. 
• Ask a local contractor for a referral. If you plan on hiring one, see if they have any particular preference. 
• Visit retail or kitchen supply shops. Some of these stores have a Kitchen Designer on staff. They could also recommend one to you. 
• Visit show houses or model homes. Ask them whom they use if you like the style. 

If you decide to opt for a professional designer, select at least 3 to interview. 

• Set up a meeting. 
• Bring what you have to show. 
• Discuss the project frankly with them. 
• See how well each candidate communicates. 
• Do they understand your goals? 
• Do they see your vision? 
• Can they put it on paper? 
• Moreover, can they indicate what is wrong suggest a workaround

.
The perfect candidate will ask the right questions. 

They will ask about the style of cooking and the purpose of the room.

They will seek to know the size of the family.

They will want to know about who cooks, who uses the room and how busy it gets.

The Kitchen Designer will also want to hear about the problems and your intended solutions. 

If the individuals do not ask you any questions, they may not really be listening to what you have to say. Their responses will help you single out one from the other.

Narrow down the field by checking out their previous projects. Ask them for a portfolio. See if they have anything posted online.

Talk to former customers. Are they versatile? Can you see them turning your dream kitchen into a reality?

Remember. Your designer needs to thoroughly understand what you want. The more they know and can relate to, the more conceivable it is you will achieve a good design.

After you have made your final choice, the work begins. Bring your materials to cement this relationship. Do not leave out any detail.

Be sure to include these materials:

• a file containing the information you have so far 
• a picture of your existing kitchen 
• a description - verbal, pictorial, virtual or written, about what you want 
• any preliminary plans
• your budget. Do not forget your budget - ever.

A Kitchen Designer is a flexible contractor. 

They can look at your dream kitchen and decide whether it is workable.

They can provide a floor plan or specify materials. They can oversee the entire renovation or just contribute with their expertise.

Benefits of working with a Kitchen Designer

• Allows you more time to concentrate on the actual construction of the kitchen
• If you have little or no designing skills then the Kitchen Designer can provide this
• Help take the edge and stress off the job
• They have contacts in the building and renovation industry including appliance suppliers
• Can provide  a high-tech drawing of your new kitchen
• Generate a list of materials you will need to complete the job successfully

You may not wish to hire a Kitchen Designer. The cost will be another addition to your budget. You may have some talent in the area of design. Furthermore, if you are computer savvy, you may be able to create your own design with the help of the various design softwares now available.

Furthermore, if you are computer savvy, you may be able to create your own design with the help of the various design software now available.

CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS

If you are not willing or able to handle the renovation job on your own, you have a couple of options. You can hire a contractor or several subcontractors.

A contractor is a person who generally handles the entire project from start to finish. They will hire, fire and schedule all the various trades needed to complete the job.

In fact, the contractor will be responsible for a great number of things. These include but are not restricted to:

• obtaining all supplies and materials 
• scheduling and coordinating all the different trades 
• contracting with all subcontractors
• obtaining all the necessary permits 
• arranging for the various inspections throughout the people for the renovation. 

The specifics will be set down in a contract. This is a binding document tying both parties together. There are legal obligations to be met by both.

Both parties must adhere to the letter of the law as placed in the contract. Make sure when you or a lawyer prepare  it and that it contains the following basic information.

• The details of the work to be done 
• The responsibilities of the contractor and the employer 
• An approximate date for starting and ending the project 
• A clause for binding arbitration 

If you decide to be your own contractor, you may wish to subcontract the rest or parts of the work out. A subcontractor is some- one who works for a contractor. 

These individuals may be plumbers, carpenters, electricians, floor layers or work in other similar occupations.

They, too, will require contracts specifying their responsibilities. Do not forget to address such things as site clean-up, material purchase, pick-up and/or delivery.

Always try to provide specific dates for beginning and finishing the work.

Do not forget to address such things as site clean-up, material purchase, pick-up and/or delivery. Always try to provide specific dates for beginning and finishing the work.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO WORK WITH

Whether you are picking a contractor or subcontractor, you can follow the same procedure. 

• You check out the possibilities in the white pages, through trade papers and on the net.
• You can ask neighbours and other people who have had their kitchen recently renovated

Once you have a list - 3 is the bare minimum, you set up interviews. 

Prior to the interview, you ask for a quote 

Be sure you provide all the necessary information. This will ensure greater accuracy in their quotes. 

You then set up the meeting. 

Prior to the meeting, you need to look into such things as their reputation in the trade. Ask at building supply centres about their credit, skill and adherence to dates.

See if they have any complaints listed in the Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce.

During the meeting,you will ask about credentials and past renovations

Question them about their experience. See how well they relate to your design. 

Are they honest in their opinion? Do they see what you envision? 

If you feel you can trust them, that he or she is the right person for the job, the project is on its way sooner than you think.

OPTIONS

If you do the entire work on your own, you can set you own pace. Many home remodelers, however, may decide to either hire someone or take on certain aspects of the job. 

If you decide to combine your efforts with those of the tradespeople, be sure you have a specific timeline in mind. 

You will want to do your portion in such a manner as to not interfere with the work of the trades. You can do so if you keep the deadlines in mind and are organised.

If you do participate, consider doing the demolition work before construction begins. Tear out walls, fixtures and ceiling tiles. Remove all appliances. Disconnect the sinks.

If you are doing preparatory work, make sure you have the drywall up and ready for the next step. After or between certain types of work, you can finish such things as painting, wallpapering, staining and laying down the new floor.

With all this behind you, you have one more step in your scheme towards creating a better kitchen. This is the last chance to alter and change everything from your budget to your design elements. You are now making the final approach.

Whatever option you decide to pursue make sure all parties understand your requirements for your new kitchen.