We have collated some of our favourite kitchen tips to help you with your next renovation.
The kitchen is the most fundamental part of your home design, at AXI we always begin by establishing the kitchen concept and materials - this becomes our base for the whole home.
Pictured above: 'Collina' designed by Alicia Xiberras Interiors
Tip #1 - The Work Triangle
This rule is not a secret in the design world, and it is followed for a reason. Keeping the three most important elements; your fridge, sink and cooktop within a workable area is key to a functional kitchen. Especially when renovating a smaller kitchen, Alicia advises how important it is to balance these elements and consider your usable bench space.
Pictured above: An example of the Work Triangle by Alicia Xiberras Interiors
Tip #2 - Start Simple
The most impactful kitchens will often only have 2-3 different materials. There is an infinite number of styles and materials out there to suit your personal home. Alicia suggests starting with your simple joinery finish, natural stone and then a feature – maybe a contrasting joinery colour or textured element.
Pictured above: Alicia Xiberras Interiors Kitchen Design
Tip #3 - Function First
When tackling a kitchen renovation, one of the first question’s Alicia asks is,
“How do you use your kitchen?”
The second question she asks is, “How would you like to use your kitchen?”
Take some time before your renovation to really think about the practicality of your kitchen and how you like to use the space, do you like to have the bin on the left of the sink? Dishwasher on the right? Do you have appliances that you use every day? These simple questions, when accounted for early on, will make your new kitchen your dream kitchen. Don’t just settle for how you have always done things – renovating is the time to make your kitchen work for you!
Tip #4 - Light It Up
Lighting is one of the most important elements in the kitchen, both task lighting and feature lighting. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to even know where to begin.
Task lighting is critical when cooking; it is the bright, direct light that allows us to concentrate without strain and illuminates the risk of injury. Think about incorporating LED strip lighting or downlights in your work areas.
Incorporating feature lighting in your kitchen area will elevate your home to a luxury level.
Choose a focal area; whether over the island, or even wall lights next to your rangehood. Feature lighting should work seamlessly with the kitchen design and fixtures of your home. Try not to blend too many different finishes.
Pictured left to right: AXI Projects 'Luxury Hills' and 'Art Deco Opulence'
Tip #5 - Important to Integrate
Alicia recommends setting aside some of your renovation budget to allow for integrating your appliances into your joinery. Integrating appliances like your fridge, allows for other areas of your kitchen design to stand out. This is especially important in smaller kitchens where it can feel like the refrigerator overwhelms the space – not to mention, no more little hand prints or messy magnets.
Pictured above: 'Kurrajong Kitchen' designed by Alicia Xiberras Interiors
We hope you have found these tips useful and interesting. Be sure to let us know if you incorporate any of these 5 kitchen tips into your next renovation. We appreciate your time spent reading. AXI
Well done to the AXI team!