Hi all
Basically, I am overwhelmed but excited about the prospect of designing a new kitchen and am looking for your tips and tricks, do's and don'ts.
Our ideas so far...
- We like modern as opposed to traditional shaker kitchens and particularly materials such as stainless steel. I am kind of in love with Reform CPH's Reflect range (www.reformcph.com/en/designs/reflect-jean-nouvel) but the idea of buying a kitchen from another country based on our own measurements from another country based off a sample piece of metal is a bit nuts (I think we would get someone in to measure just to be sure). They do an IKEA solution with the METOD range but the carcasses aren't exactly the expensive part (i.e. we might as well go with Reform for everything!)
- Our plan is to do the IKEA design service (they also do the steel VARSTA range which is another option) in any event, as it is one of the few free kitchen design solutions that we have found. We are also looking at a few local bespoke kitchen companies to get a sense of other quotes as going down this route does seem to take the stress away and may not be as extortionate as we think.
- See plan attached below - The kitchen is a U shape, with a window to the north (i.e. the 'gap' of the U) with the sink looking out, and we intend to have the hob/oven to the left of the "U" on an extended worktop which looks towards the dining area, a double-door built in pantry at the bottom, and fridge at the right of the "U"
- Not a fan of bar stools as they will never get used so the worktop where the hob is, is more for people to stand around not sit, and if we need more space we are thinking of potentially having drawers this side as well (for cutlery etc, as this will face the dining table.
- We really like fridge drawers having used them in some airbnbs - Liebherr have them but not many options, so we may end up going with a standard upright. www.appliancecity.co.uk/refrigeration/fridges/integrated-fridges/liebherr-uiko1550-integrated-built-under-pull-out-larder-fridge/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxveXBhDDARIsAI0Q0x2bnKKtbM9az2dJhy3xR6W_yg8gqbWEbZJFuZpULQU889VPfd3wHPYaArLoEALw_wcB
- Flooring is likely to be bamboo parquet to match the colour of the floorboards in the rest of downstairs. Simply Bamboo and Bamboo Flooring Company come up on here a lot and it is affordable and looks good quality from the samples we've got.
What say you hive mind on our plans? Any corkers or anything you would advise against?
Any design advice, things we should be aware of, or any experience with the companies or ideas listed above?
Thanks in advance