Is it time your Mosman home had a kitchen makeover? Kitchens generally last between 10 and 20 years before they either start to look very dated or the cabinetry begins to lose functionality. An overhaul takes some careful planning but can be an enjoyable experience.
Here we discuss the essential steps to create a luxury kitchen that is a delight to cook and spend time in.
Find inspiration
Sites like Pinterest and Houzz.com will have you excited about what’s possible for your kitchen makeover. It is a good idea to decide on a style then build a collection of the images you like. For example, a contemporary statement kitchen may look fantastic in your home. You could decide on more of a Hamptons feel with timber and light colours or work to incorporate the decade your home was built, be it during Federation times or in the 1950s.
Once you have a look-book of ideas, find a kitchen provider who can work with you to design a kitchen that optimises space and functionality. It can be a good idea to also hire a project manager to oversee the job, which will save you a great deal of time and energy.
Take your time on the design phase and ask lots of questions so you don’t end up with regrets.
Choose materials
Once you know the style of kitchen you want in your Mosman home, it is time to select materials.
Do you want stainless steel benchtops for an industrial look or will you incorporate a beautifully treated piece of timber? Marble is a top-of-the-line option for benches, however you may wish to go with similar-looking engineered stone, which is less porous and therefore less susceptible to stains and chips.
A porcelain sink can look very stylish, as can chrome or copper tap ware. Having a style and colour palette in mind will narrow down your options but take the time to examine the pros and cons of each material before you make a final decision.
Select your appliances
There are a few factors to consider when it comes to appliances and it is likely you will have to compromise on some of them. For example, you may have your heart set on a particular brand of oven but it may clash with the style of your kitchen or be too large for the space you have.
The recommendation is to select the best appliances you can afford, and ones that will suit the way you wish to use them.
Fortunately, there is a huge range of brands and styles of appliances to choose from. If it is just you and a partner at home, choose a split, two-drawer dishwasher that will save you from doing half-empty loads. If you love to entertain, include plenty of cooktop options and even consider the luxury of a second oven so you can prepare a full roast meal with less fuss.
If you’re not planning to cook with gas, induction cooktops are popular right now. They reduce cooking time while reducing the risk of hot surfaces causing burns. You can also be very specific with temperature control when you invest in this technology. Plus these cooktops offer a flat surface and are easier to wipe down.
Current kitchen makeover trends
Right now, on-trend kitchens are sleek and functional, with soft-closing drawers and clean, square lines. Many designers are incorporating large kitchen islands that can double as a family dining area.
Dishwashers, rangehoods, microwaves and even fridges can be cleverly hidden within cabinetry to give your kitchen a minimalist look. Elle Decor recommends pewter or gunmetal hardware and suggests renovators be brave and move away from plain white cabinetry.
In terms of technology, the Internet of Things is making its way into the kitchen. Many appliances can be controlled via an app (very handy to allow you to turn the dishwasher on from the office if you need to). Smart fridges allow you to tap on the door and see inside, and to control temperature remotely.
When looking for connected appliances, remember to read reviews from other buyers. As this technology is in its early stages, you need to make sure the products are reliable and offer good value for money rather than gimmicky features that you won’t use for the long term.
Finally, statement pendant lights will add the finishing touches. Exposed bulbs or geometric covers are in vogue right now, or you can choose a fitting that reflects your personality. You can afford to be trendy with this feature as it is easy and cost-effective to replace.
Above all else, the kitchen in your Mosman home must be a space you love and find easy to use. Choose a style that will give you a good decade or two of happiness and don’t skimp on quality – you’ll be spending a lot of time there, after all.
Planning to sell?
If you are after a quick sale of your Mosman home, now is not the time to invest in a state-of-the-art kitchen. Instead, talk to your real estate agent about giving it a cosmetic facelift. This may mean replacing cabinet doors without redoing the space completely, or adding a good-looking but cost-effective new splash back for a more contemporary look.
