How do I start a kitchen makeover
Are you thinking of having a kitchen overhaul? I was mulling over the complexities of a kitchen declutter. I have a system that simplifies the challenges and cuts through the overwhelm - like a hot knife through butter. Sorry, I had to say that didn't I!
A declutter is essential before a kitchen makeover. There is no point in getting a new kitchen before you have assessed what you have. Once you have decided what you want in your space, you can look at storage. It is always that way round! Even when it doesn't seem possible to wait until you have done the clear before going out and getting involved in the glossy inviting kitchen brochures, this is what needs to happen.
How is the kitchen accessed?
Do you arrive in the kitchen from the back door? Most houses do tend to have the kitchen at the back of the house leading into the garden. Does yours? Do you want it to? Are you able to look at the other rooms in your house and reallocate roles?
How do you use your kitchen now?
First off is to think how you use your kitchen now and if there is anything you want to do differently but don't at the moment - i.e. is everything positioned where you find it works. Do you prepare food and eat in the kitchen? Is the kitchen a source of nourishment for the garden as well. Do you store all your cleaning items in the kitchen or do you have a utility room. How multi purpose is your kitchen?
Is cooking preparation in the right part of the kitchen for you to be sociable/not sociable at the same time?
Is the kitchen sink where you want it - many people like it by the window - but is that right for you?
Who else uses your kitchen ? This might seem like an unusual question - but think about all the members of your household - dog/cat included - and those who visit. How does it work for them? You can embark on some interesting conversations to discover more information here.
Do kitchen machines serve their purpose?
Kettles
Making a cup of tea for instance is always done a certain way - but might there be an easier way. Do you have everything grouped close to the kettle or is it easily accessible.
Fridge and Freezer
Do you use your fridge and freezer as much as you want - is it the right size for your lifestyle? Do you need more room for cold items or less??
Gadgets
Do you use some kitchen equipment but not all of it? Are there machines that are unwanted? The juicer/the slicer/the spaghetti maker/the ice cream maker etc etc
Are there others that are wanted but have not arrived yet!
Heating
Do you have an aga in your kitchen which heats the house. Does this make the kitchen THE room to be in? Or is it a tremendous waste of space.
Washing machines
Does your washing machine and dishwasher live in your kitchen or do you have a utility room?
If you have a pet, how do they integrate into the management of your kitchen?
If you have a dog and their first appearance into the house from the garden is via the kitchen, is this workable or would you like to explore alternatives? Does your dog return from a walk and come straight into the kitchen, mud and all?
Storage boxes
Do you use tupperware or similar? Are you wanting to become more eco and use glass or other products?
Do you have enough boxes or not enough?
Crockery and Cutlery
Do you need everything you have - or do you in fact need more of something you dont have? Often people have too much china or glassware for their lifestyle - one client had enough glassware for a banquet but only cooked for a maximum of four!
Food storage
Do you need to store your food in different places for different members of the family? Snacks for instance for children might be kept somewhere different from cooking ingredients. What height do shelves need to be for you/for anyone else living with you. Is that what you have or might this need to be assessed - step ladder or reconfigure?
Other
Are there kitchen items that are stored elsewhere that might be better placed in the kitchen
Is there anything around your house that might better be placed in the kitchen? or vice versa!
Are you happy with where they are currently or would you like to change this?
