The inside scoop on elevating your kitchen design
The beginning of a new year is the time when most people consider a fresh start. This can extend to all areas of life, from looking for a new job to becoming committed to working out more regularly, changing your style, getting a pet, or deciding you want to start saving more money in the new year and starting to budget. For many, the much-needed change comes from changing their living environment, with the kitchen being one of the main contenders for an upgrade.
It can seem quite challenging in the beginning, though, because things are pretty much set in the kitchen, and a refurbishment can take much longer than in the case of the other rooms, require higher expenses, and come with a higher degree of discomfort. But if you are looking for ways to elevate your space and make it more elegant in 2025, it would be a shame to not even give it a try. Here are some of the things you should consider.
The furnishings
The cabinets and cupboards are the most noticeable items in your entire kitchen, the ones that guests will see first when they set foot inside, and the ones that serve as the central piece of the entire design. Since the kitchen sees a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis and is prone to damage from stains, steam, and hot pots and pans mistakenly being placed directly on the countertop, you will probably need to replace yours every few years to keep your kitchen looking good. Branksome Cleaning Services who offers commercial cleaning in Dorset thinks that in many cases, damaged furniture can also become unhygienic as it breaks down and splinters, so it is also a health hazard aside from not looking aesthetically pleasing.
Choosing the perfect kitchen units shouldn’t be a hasty decision. Instead, you must give yourself plenty of time before settling on something. There are many designs to choose from, like the modern shaker style, high gloss, textured wood, and solid oak. Some styles are more traditional, while others are far more modern. You must also determine if your cabinets of choice will look good in your kitchen by thinking of the space available and the layout you’re working with. You don’t want to make a small kitchen feel overcrowded and claustrophobic by filling it with furniture that seems oversized for it. The colour palette is essential as well. Light hues are the best for a tiny kitchen because they create the optical illusion of a larger, airier space.
Keep in mind that you should always look after your furniture if you want to keep it in good shape and avoid frequent replacements. Wood polishes and conditioners enhance the natural beauty of the materials and prevent them from becoming dry and brittle. If you love antiques and vintage items, you will most likely need to do this regardless as part of the reconditioning process.
The hardware
When it comes to kitchen hardware, good finishes and high-quality items are the way to go. Many people seek to achieve quality and purchase sturdy items for a small price, but this is very rarely a good strategy. It is preferable to look for premium quality from the very beginning and pay more upfront because it saves you money in the long run. Getting something cheaper can seem like a good idea until you notice how much you’re paying for repairs and replacement pieces anytime something breaks down.
Although chrome is one of the most popular options among homeowners nowadays, you might want to look for something more interesting and which has a little more personality to it. Solid brass is one of them, a highly durable material that is very resistant to corrosion and tarnishing so that the hardware maintains its appearance for many years. The mix of golden and orange tones evokes the sun and sand, which can serve as a complementary colour to your kitchen ensemble. Nickel is yet another alternative, with the polished version being a timeless classic that never goes out of style.
You can mix and match two or more metals in your kitchen if you think it suits the design.
The textures
Monochrome designs have become increasingly popular over the last few years, and while the most common colour to choose is white, there are people who enjoy all green, brown, blue, or burgundy. It is a good idea to break the pattern by making the walls a complementary colour, the lighting appliances, chairs, countertops, or splashback. Another way to elevate the style even further is to play with different textures. This can include anything from a textured ceiling design made to look like honeycombs, geometric, or even random patterns to adding different textiles so that the kitchen towels contribute to the beauty of the overall design as well.
Make sure to always use good quality materials to create the best finishes. They are also much more likely to assemble sophisticated and elevated results so that plaster and paint don’t start to peel off a few months after you’ve applied it.
Lights
Most people don’t think about lights when it comes to their interior design choices, a huge mistake that can make the room feel like it is missing an essential detail you cannot pinpoint. It may well just be the overlooked lighting and lighting appliances that impact the way in which it works both practically and aesthetically. The lights set the mood and atmosphere but also serve a pragmatic role, so you should, ideally, mix and match the lighting appliances in your kitchen.
Standard, strong lights help with food preparation and ensure you don’t become injured while handling a knife or working with the oven and hot oil. If you like to entertain guests at dinner parties, you should invest in more subdued lights to create a warm, welcoming, and relaxing atmosphere.
Creating an elegant kitchen doesn’t need to be an incredibly expensive endeavour. Just make some changes in the looks of your furnishings, and make sure to prioritise quality and craftsmanship in all the items you choose. Do that, and you’ll see the kitchen of your dreams begin to materialise in front of your very eyes.