A ‘Bakers Dozen’ of top tips for a well planned new kitchen
Recent months may have put pay to many well-loved reality TV programs being filmed, but one of the most popular cooking shows was back on our screens last night!
After an eagerly anticipated wait, the Great British Bake Off has finally returned! Producers expect this series to be as popular as ever, as more and more people turned to baking whilst in lockdown! In fact, during lockdown many novice chefs and wannabe bakers re-discovered their love of cooking, finding it a welcome distraction from the uncertainty of the worrying situation. Whilst many of these chefs and bakers had to ‘put up’ with their far from adequate kitchens during lockdown, high on their priority list once restrictions eased was to seek the services of an established kitchen showroom, to create the kitchen of their dreams! Even if cooking isn’t your ‘thing’, a well planned kitchen is something we yearn for, especially as it is one of the most used rooms in your house, and at the heart of every home.
At Ray Munn Kitchens, we specialise in designing stunning kitchens, so even if you consider your kitchen to be more for ‘show’ than functionality, each and every kitchen that we design incorporates both aesthetic looks and luxurious touches.
What really makes a kitchen well planned and the envy of every budding chef or baker?
Firstly, it’s got to suit your style!
Unlike many kitchen showrooms, at Ray Munn we offer both contemporary Italian kitchens, with all the style and flair so often associated with Italy, along with British made, handcrafted kitchens, where design details and craftsmanship come together. So, whether your baking forte is French patisserie or Devon scones, you’re sure to ‘bake better’ if you love your kitchen!
2. The overall layout…
Unless your plans and budget include building an extension, your kitchen has to be designed around its current footprint. Rather than plan a ‘like for like’ design, at Ray Munn Kitchens we look at the overall layout with fresh eyes!
3. Is there room for an island or peninsular unit?
Whilst a freestanding island unit requires a lot of space, if your kitchen can’t accommodate one, a peninsular island might be a good compromise. It’ll be an area that family members or friends will naturally migrate to, meaning that you’ll have company whilst enjoying your new found love of baking or cooking!
4. A home for everything…
Equipment that is easily accessible will ensure that it get used regularly – after all, even a favourite mixer or food processor stored at the back of a cupboard will not only be cumbersome to lift out but is likely to get little use!
5. Kitchen storage for the ‘gadget’ fiend!
We are often influenced by thinking that the latest gadgets are somehow going to improve our baking or cooking skills! Likewise, how often does that fondue wedding present ever get used? All these purchases also need to be stored somewhere – a clutter free kitchen is bound to look aesthetically better!
6. Let’s talk appliances…
With so many appliances available, such as ovens that are offered with the benefit of pyrolytic cleaning, it’s no surprise that many of our customers simply don’t know which one is right for them. At Ray Munn Kitchens we will always offer you our opinion as to the best appliances available and explain any queries that you may have.
7. Plenty of workspace…
A well planned kitchen can ‘never’ have too much workspace! It’s used for a multitude of purposes including preparation, serving and as a temporary space before crockery and pans are put away. And, if your hobby evolves into a business, it could become your cake decorating station!
8. Bespoke for you!
Most chefs would cite their collection of knives as their essential tools, whilst cake decorators might choose their piping bag and nozzles! By working with suppliers such as Davonport and Arredo 3, we can request that drawer dividers are tailored to your bespoke requirements.
9. So much more than just your kitchen!
With so many people choosing to make their kitchen a truly sociable area, a place to eat, and even a home office area over more recent months, a seating area, integrated sound system or TV console may be desired.
10. Your other family members matter too!
We take the time to get to know you a little better, so whether your current household includes young children, elderly relatives or is simply you and your partner, we will ensure that the designs we create take into account the way in which you and your family life operates.
11. Is this your ‘forever home’?
If your current property is simply a stop gap, that you envisage living in for a minimal term, rather than your ‘forever home’, your budget, and indeed the style of kitchen that you choose is likely to reflect this!
12. Built to last…
13. A kitchen can actually add value to your property
As well as the cost of your kitchen being effectively added to the overall value of your home, a well planned kitchen can actually add more value than just the outlay!
Like many tradespeople who might blame their tools, a badly planned kitchen is a ‘recipe for disaster!’ At Ray Munn, each and every kitchen that we design is as unique as our customers, so if you’re looking for a new kitchen and based in London, why not give us a call?
