Common mistakes to avoid in kitchen renovations

Avoiding Renovation Regrets

The heart of the home, the kitchen is where families gather, meals are whipped up, and memories are made. So, when it comes to renovating your kitchen, you want to ensure it ticks all the boxes for functionality, style, and longevity. But with so many exciting design options, it's easy to overlook crucial aspects. Here's a look at common mistakes South African homeowners can avoid to achieve their dream modern kitchen.

Isolated Cooking Space

South Africans love to braai and kitchens often double up as prep areas for these social gatherings. When planning layouts this social aspect in mind can get lost in the planning process. At Inside Living we prioritize an efficient placement of your food storage, cooking space, and prep area, minimizing unnecessary cross-overs while cooking/braaing. Cooking orientation to exterior views or social hubs in the house is extremely important to create an inclusive space where the cook does not magically appear when the food is done. The goal is to create a luxury kitchen space where guests and cooks are together.

Ignoring Storage Solutions 

Roll-down dressers, pocket sliders and pull-out drawers & organizers make a world of difference. Consider your cooking habits and the number of utensils you own. We do not understand the importance of planning vertical space and tall cabinets from the start.

Underestimating Lighting Needs

Layered lighting is key. Recessed lights provide general illumination, while pendant lights over countertops and task lighting under cabinets ensure you have the right light for every activity. Lighting should not be an afterthought when planning a kitchen renovation.

Neglecting Ventilation 

Invest in an extractor fan in an efficient position to keep your kitchen fresh and free of lingering smells. Traditional extractors or modern downdraft extractors positioned close to where the smells are created are key to efficient extraction.

Trends vs Timelessness and Practicality

While a trendy splashback or statement colours might look amazing now, will it in five years? Opt for classic styles that can be refreshed with accessories. Kids who like greasy colourful snacks, and push to open handless fronts are a sure way to get stains all over your new kitchen. With an older more trained lifestyle handless fronts might make more sense.

Countertops

When it comes to kitchen countertops, understanding the pros and cons of different materials is key. Natural stones like marble and granite offer timeless beauty and exceptional durability and heat resistance but require regular sealing and are susceptible to scratches and edge/corner chipping. 

Engineered options like sintered stone and quartz boast a wider range of colors and patterns, with low maintenance and high resistance to scratches and stains. However, quartz and sintered stone are more heat-sensitive than marble or granite, while sintered stone comes at a premium price. Ultimately, the best countertop material will depend on individual priorities and lifestyle.

Forgetting About Appliances

At Inside Inside Living as part of our service, we consider our client's appliance dimensions and functionality fully before finalizing your new kitchen layouts. To ensure there's enough space for them to open comfortably and consider future upgrades when choosing cabinet sizes. Appliances are the biggest item volume-wise that govern the space in the kitchen.

The purpose is often of a renovation is to simplify and make the space more liveable, if done right you won’t notice it’s even there. Adding in a double-door standing fridge after the fact versus a integrated double door fridge is a much better option to create a cohesive seamless modern look.

Sacrificing Counter Space

Counter space is prime real estate in a kitchen. Don't be tempted to cram it with appliances. At Inside Living we plan for ample prep and serving areas to avoid feeling cramped when cooking or entertaining. Kitchen islands are a great spacer saver if the space permits and can hold cooking and sink elements within with storage.

Ignoring Plumbing Limitations

Moving plumbing fixtures can be a costly exercise. We work with your contractor to understand the existing plumbing layout and design your kitchen around it if major changes aren't feasible.

Sticking to a Rigid Budget

Unexpected costs can arise during renovations. Factor in a buffer of 10-15% on top of your initial budget to account for unforeseen circumstances that unfortunately do occur with renovations.

At Inside Living, we provide a 10-year warranty for our kitchens. This provides our clients with peace of mind for a much longer period, knowing the investment for their kitchen renovation is protected.

A Well Planned Kitchen

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can transform your kitchen into a beautiful, functional space that reflects your personal style and brings joy to your home for years to come. Remember, a well-planned imported kitchen renovation is an investment that adds value to your property and enhances your quality of life. So, dream big, plan carefully, and get ready to love your new kitchen!