When it comes to designing your kitchen, here are a few ideas that will help you to create a kitchen that’s good for you, your wallet, and the environment…
1. Use eco-friendly materials
As modern consumers, we have far greater choice than ever before about the materials used in our kitchen design. Selecting sustainable products, like this ABSTRAKT door from IKEA, are great for your kitchen, and for the environment.
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2. Plan plenty of storage
With so many fantastic appliances and gadgets available for the kitchen, it’s wise to plan plenty of storage space to keep them. The last thing you want is lots of clutter in the kitchen which only distracts from the overall design.
3. Go for a dual sink
Dual sinks are essentially two sinks, although they aren’t always directly next to each other. A second sink is so incredibly practical that it makes it very hard to go back to one sink, when you’re used to the ease and convenience of two. Whether for rinsing dishes or draining spaghetti, a second sink, like the BOHOLMEN from IKEA, is always worth including in your kitchen design.
4. Install a kitchen island
Kitchen islands are at the top of the list when it comes to modern kitchen design trends, and for good reason. Kitchen islands offer a practical extra surface for preparing food and serving meals, as well as being a prominent style feature. If you have enough room, plan a kitchen island into your design, it’ll add value to your home, and make you smile whenever you see it.
5. Buy energy efficient appliances
Reducing the energy consumption in your kitchen is a great way to save money on your bills, and do your bit for the environment. Look out for energy efficient appliances, like the NUTID OV9 oven, and the RENLIG DWTI60 dishwasher from IKEA, that come with an eco-mode specially designed to lower the amount of energy used. Another consideration when choosing appliances and fittings is water consumption. Choose taps, like the HOVSKÄR from IKEA, that reduce water flow by 30% without affecting the pressure.
6. Prioritise your budget
It’s always important to have a planned budget before designing your kitchen, but also have a think about the aspects of your kitchen that are most important to you. When you know the areas that mean the most to you, it makes it easier to prioritise your budget so that you can spend a little more on those extra special features.
7. Task lighting
Task lighting shifts the focus of your lighting plan from relying on traditional ceiling lights, to specific lighting used to illuminate areas where various kitchen tasks take place. Task lighting has become a regular feature in modern kitchens, and it’s a great idea to include task lighting in your kitchen design, regardless of the overall style. Spotlights, like the IKEA GRUNDTAL, can be used to light up your work tops, and pendant lighting, like the IKEA FOTO, are great over a kitchen island.
8. A consistent theme
When it comes to judging the success of a kitchen design, consistency and cohesion are factors than rank alongside practicality and aesthetics. For all your kitchen design decisions, it helps to keep a consistent theme in mind. So if you’re going for an ultra-modern kitchen, or a rustic farmhouse style, keep your overall theme in mind even when it comes to the smaller details.
Get ideas for finishing touches in your kitchen
9. Welcome technology
Welcoming the advance of technology into your kitchen design is a great way to conserve energy, and in many cases make your life a little easier. There have been some incredibly useful technological advances in kitchen appliances over recent years. For example, the FRAMTID OV10 from IKEA has a self-cleaning function, which is not only hygienic, but is also a wish come true for all those who’ve scrubbed away at their oven in the past.
10. Choose a quiet hood
Kitchen extractor hoods are a common feature in contemporary kitchen design. Extractor hoods are the unsung heroes of the kitchen, working away to remove grease, smoke, smells and steam from the air. When choosing your hood, select a model like the NUTID HF560 from IKEA that ensures an effective, yet quiet operation.
Learn more about kitchen hoods
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