Designing your kitchen is one of the most exciting challenges any homeowner faces. Be it in an existing house or a new house, the possibilities are endless. Failing to plan is planning to fail. As with any project, start with a road map: concept, design, detailing, costing, and implementation.  The question is, can you design your own kitchen? And the answer is, yes – you can!

Concept and Design  

Your available area will determine the best layout. Do you have enough room to accommodate a scullery? Where are the plumbing services located? How much storage space do you require? Do you have large appliances that need to be housed? Do you want to watch Nigella cook while making dinner? Will you accommodate your guests around your kitchen island?  

There are a few popular kitchen layouts:  

1. U-shaped  

1. L-shaped  

1. Island kitchen  

An effective kitchen layout will work on a three-point layout between the fridge, work area and stove. If the three-point layout is too far spread, the practicality of the kitchen is in jeopardy.   

We prefer to have a scullery hidden from your main kitchen and dining area. Keep all the dirty dishes away from your preparation area. When the scullery is hidden it is also practical to accommodate a prep bowl in the main kitchen for you to wash your vegetables and fruits without using the scullery sink.  

Another point to remember is to accommodate your fridge freezer. Today there are a lot of products on the market. The opening should be designed for the appliance that you would accommodate in your kitchen. If your fridge freezer incorporates a water and ice dispenser, keep in mind that a water point should also be provided on the back wall with the electrical plug. Regulations are stipulating how far a water point can be placed from and electrical plug, so please ensure that your plumber and electrician are registered to issue you with certificates of compliance after installations.  

Detail and Costing  

The cost of a kitchen can range from entry-level with a few thousand to spend, to top of the range with a few hundred thousand to spend. The costs are affected by your appliances as well as your finishes. Your kitchen manufacturer will assist in cost exercises, providing you with options. The main cost item is the ironmongery to be used. Do you prefer soft-closing, one-touch opening doors and drawers, or will you be happy with manually opening your cupboards?  

The Cost  

Appliances can also be a shock if you have not considered the line items in your budget. The installation of a gas hob and oven should also be done by a specialist for you to receive the certificate of compliance after the installation. A kitchen designer will help you with the layout in terms of drawers, cupboards, and overhead cupboards.  

Implementation  

A kitchen redo can be very invasive to your privacy, so you need to accommodate your temporary kitchen and living arrangements in a dust-free, worker no-go zone. Specialists involved in the kitchen renovation process range from architect or designer, cupboard manufacturer, plumber, electrician, gas installer and counter installer.  

Coordination for a smooth installation is critical. It is a good idea to have one point of responsibility, otherwise, chaos can reign on a building site.  

A kitchen is an investment. You would not ask your school friend how to invest your hard earned mula, unless he is an investor. Make sure you ask the right specialists for your kitchen renovation to maximise your return on investment!  

Contact architect Carina Botha for more information here or visit the Boaz Architect website. 

082 920 3158