honestbydesign

SOCIABLE KITCHEN IDEAS

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 12:03:00 GMT

HOW TO DESIGN A SOCIABLE KITCHEN LAYOUT

Open plan kitchens are still very popular – and not surprisingly, given the benefits of combining smaller spaces into one big multifunctional layout. Families can spend more time together, even while partaking in separate activities; parents can cook while they help children with their homework, or family members can spend time together while baking in the kitchen, watching TV, listening to the radio, or working from home; and big open plan spaces provide the perfect entertaining space for friends and family. So, for a successful open plan space, it is essential to design a sociable kitchen layout. In this article, you will find our top kitchen and interior design tips for creating a sociable kitchen.

A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO SIT

For a sociable kitchen, it needs to be a room where people want to spend a lot of time – and who wants to spend time sitting in an uncomfortable spot? It is important that the seating in your new kitchen is not only comfy, but also offers a variety of seating options: bar stools , sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, bench seating, etc. This creates a multifunctional space; from casual seating at the island or breakfast bar for a coffee or quick breakfast, to a more formal dining experience at a kitchen table, and – if you have the space – a place to lounge out and relax on a comfy armchair or sofa.

COSY KITCHEN & AMBIENT LIGHTING

As with comfortable seating, it is important to make the space a cosy and inviting place to be – ensuring you and your guests enjoy spending plenty of time in the kitchen. In an open kitchen, your interior design is crucial to create a welcoming and beautiful space to enjoy. Depending on the size of your space, add colour and soft furnishings appropriately for a cohesive design, and consider defining different ‘zones’ with clever use of lighting, rugs and complementary colour schemes. For larger spaces, see more on this in our blog post on open plan spaces: MAKE YOUR KITCHEN THE HEART OF YOUR HOME ; and for smaller spaces, see our top tips on kitchen interior design for small kitchens: HOW TO MAKE A SMALL KITCHEN LOOK BIGGER.

Most importantly, add subtle personal touches and accessories such as photo frames, art, plants, candles and books, for a homely and cosy space. Open shelves and sideboards are the perfect place to display these items without creating clutter in the kitchen. Equally, lighting has a huge impact on the space – add ambient lighting for a cosy and warm atmosphere with pendant lights over the island, under cabinet LEDs, wall lights, and/or floor lamps – particularly in the seating areas of your space. You’ll need some bright task lighting too, for a functional kitchen, but it is crucial to include a variety of lighting options to accommodate different uses within the space.

CABINET LAYOUT

When designing a sociable kitchen, function is just as important as the aesthetics – or perhaps even more crucial. The cabinet layout needs to accommodate seating and be planned perfectly for a sociable cooking experience, where the chef is not separated from the rest of the space, or spending their time cooking with their back to guests. Before deciding on your kitchen layout, think about how you spend your time in the kitchen and plan accordingly; do you spend a lot of time washing up at the sink, stirring sauces at the hob, or chopping and preparing food elsewhere? With an island kitchen layout, it is common to position either your sink or your hob in the centre of the island, but think carefully about how you use the kitchen.

Unless you wash up very regularly, we don’t usually recommend a sink on the island – dirty dishes and water splashes are not the prettiest focal point for an open plan space! Equally, whilst many would choose to set their hob into the island, this is not for everyone – we find a lot of our clients actually spend more time standing away from the hob doing their food prep on a longer stretch of worktop, so if you have a small island, you may end up spending more of your time with your back to the room. Wherever you spend more time while cooking, you want this to be in the most sociable spot – whether that’s on an island, peninsula, or just the closest spot to your casual seating area, so that you can spend your time in the kitchen with everyone else.

Don’t forget to consider the most sociable spot for your bar stools or sofas too, depending on how you want to use the space. Bar stools should always be facing into the kitchen, or perhaps towards a view of the garden, but bear in mind circulation routes around the kitchen too, so that guests sitting on stools are not in front of your fridge or blocking your access to the utility room etc. You may want sofas in a separate ‘zone’ for a slightly more broken open plan , but if you are looking for a sociable layout, make sure your sofas or armchairs are in a good position from the kitchen.

FREESTANDING FURNITURE & CONNECTION BETWEEN SPACES

For a multifunctional open plan space, consider including some freestanding furniture; particularly in smaller spaces where you may need to rearrange the seating to accommodate additional guests. Keep the space flexible, and don’t try to cram in too much furniture on every wall – a spacious layout maintains a relaxing and inviting environment, and some free wall space can be useful for floor lamps, indoor plants, wall art and other homely accessories . If your circumstances ever change and you wish to use the space for another purpose (for example your children’s play area to become a snug, bar area or coffee lounge as they grow up), freestanding furniture will be more accommodating for a new layout or design.

With the layout of your kitchen, consider the connection between other rooms in your home. For example, if you have a utility room or downstairs toilet connected to your open plan kitchen/living/dining space, you probably don’t want to access these through your cosy living areas – ideally, your utility room/toilet should be accessed directly from the kitchen area if possible. Avoid creating any ‘corridor’ effects through the seating areas or working zones in the kitchen, and instead try to direct traffic through more logical routes. The connection to the garden is also important; consider using colours that will tie in with the garden, and maximise natural light with reflective surfaces and mirrors.

In smaller open kitchens, it can also help to use glazing for a more spacious feel, and it is crucial to consider the interior design of the connected rooms to ensure a cohesive flow throughout your home. Try to avoid blocking sight lines with tall or blocky furniture, such as fridge freezers and larders, particularly near any doors and windows to allow as much light in as possible, and think about the view of a room as you enter the space; create beautiful focal points with features such as pendant lights, panelling, tiled splashbacks and decorative shelves to achieve that instant ‘wow’ factor as you walk in. A beautiful and functional kitchen will create a space the whole family want to spend time in, encouraging that sociable and inviting feel in your new open plan layout, no matter the size!

For further advice on planning your new kitchen or interior, check out our previous blog posts , including open plan kitchens, small kitchen design, Edwardian interior design, cabinet layout, kitchen extension ideas and more! If you are looking for a kitchen architect or designer, get in touch to take advantage of our expert kitchen design services.

~ Nikita & Katie, December 2024

How to make a small kitchen look bigger – 12 tips & ideas

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:31:27 GMT

Are you planning a new kitchen in a small space, and worried about it feeling cluttered and claustrophobic? Read our kitchen renovation tips & ideas to make your new kitchen feel spacious and inviting!

1. hidden storage

It is a common misconception that small spaces should avoid wall units, and opt instead for open shelves. Not only is this impractical (unless you enjoy dusting and don’t mind your mugs and glasses getting dirty!), but it can actually make a space feel smaller. Cluttered, busy shelves look messy and attract more of your attention, whilst wall units in a light colour practically disappear and keep everything neatly hidden away.

Instead, reserve open shelves for display; position them somewhere as an attractive feature and use them only for pretty things! Open shelves look great with a few decorative accessories, books and pictures, but keep them fairly sparse to give the feeling of space at eye level.

2. good layout

It’s no secret that the key to a successful kitchen is a good designer – the layout is essential in emphasising a spacious feel in a small kitchen to avoid it feeling cramped. Your designer will avoid creating pinch points and tight spaces, keeping easy circulation around the space and an easy flow of traffic through to connecting spaces such as a living room or garden. A good layout will include clever storage solutions and make efficient use of any awkward corners, exploring all options for maximising the space in your new kitchen.

3. clever storage solutions

Storage is key to a practical kitchen, and in a small space it is even more important to include some smart solutions to your storage requirements. Awkward corner cupboards can be better utilised with pull out mechanisms; pan drawers are the most efficient use of space wherever possible; and internal accessories such as spice racks and pull out bins make the best use of every inch of space available. If you have lots of small appliances cluttering the worktops, consider an appliance garage to hide them away without losing precious worktop space. Think about how you use your kitchen and what you need to store away – your kitchen designer can incorporate these ideas into your design and make sure there is a perfect home for everything.

4. choose colours wisely

Contrary to popular belief, a small kitchen doesn’t mean it has to be white! Yes, white does encourage the illusion of space, but it can also feel very cold and clinical. Don’t be afraid to add colour, just be careful about where you use it; consider a darker or bolder colour on just your base cabinets, keeping your tall and wall units light and bright for a spacious feeling at eye level. Horizontal surfaces will reflect more light, so opt for a light coloured worktop, and don’t go too dark on the flooring.

If you prefer to keep your cabinets neutral for a timeless look (which we would also recommend if you might change your mind on the colour later on), you can add pops of colour instead by introducing an accent colour on your splashback tiles, soft furnishings and accessories. For a small space, it can also help to choose a softer, complementary colour palette, instead of dramatic contrasting colours – try not to break up the space with colour, ‘zoning’ the space as you might in a bigger open plan kitchen will make it feel smaller. Instead, carry your colour palette throughout the space evenly for a naturally cohesive design and spacious feel.

5. sideboards and bench seating

Consider adding a sideboard somewhere to prevent clutter; this can be a handy spot to put things down so they don’t clutter your worktops, as well as offering storage for miscellaneous items so they are not left lying around. Further storage can be provided by bench seating – an ideal space saving solution for small kitchens. Built in bench seating creates a comfy, cosy dining nook, whilst making more efficient use of floor space, not requiring the circulation around the table to pull chairs out and therefore tucking the table further into a corner of the room for a more spacious feel.

6. reflect light

Natural light helps to make a room feel spacious, so bring in as much light as possible with some reflective surfaces. Polished light coloured worktops will really bounce the light around, and mirrors and glazed tiles can help to reflect light throughout the space. If you are not too overlooked by other houses, we would recommend leaving windows and doors without blinds or curtains – even when open, they can block out the light and make the space feel smaller. If you have doors into other rooms that let in a lot of light, consider putting in glazed doors between rooms to allow the light to filter through the spaces uninterrupted.

7. connection to the garden

As well as letting light in, a connection to the garden through glazed doors will help the room feel more spacious. If you have doors to the garden directly from the kitchen, make sure to keep it feeling open and easy to access, and consider the flow from inside to outside. Bringing some green into your kitchen’s colour palette will help tie into the garden, and some comfy patio furniture that complements your new kitchen will help the inside-outside spaces blend together for the illusion of a bigger space.

Equally, if you have dining or living spaces connected to your kitchen, ensure that the design flows seamlessly between them for a cohesive interior. With glazed or open doors, you will be able to see into the connected spaces and feel less closed off or separate, making the kitchen feel bigger. Your interior design throughout the whole space is important; not just in the kitchen – make sure you have a kitchen designer who can advise you on a cohesive interior , with a style that you love throughout your entire home.

8. sleek design

For a tidy, uniformed look, consider a minimalist approach to your kitchen design, with simple, clean lines. A fussy kitchen with lots of small details is likely to make a small space look too crowded, whilst a simpler design will keep it feeling more spacious. Don’t introduce too many different materials and colours, as this will make the space feel busy and cluttered – keep a simple palette and pick up the same materials and finishes throughout the space for a sleek, cohesive look.

9. integrated appliances

Integrated appliances will also help to keep the design sleek and simple – with doors to match the rest of your kitchen design, fridges; freezers; washing machines; dishwashers; extractors and bins can be hidden away from sight. This increases the feeling of space in a smaller kitchen, with a more uniformed look and no bulky appliances breaking up the neat lines of your cabinets and drawing too much focus. Microwaves can also be hidden in an appliance garage with other small appliances, or these can even be built into a cabinet to save worktop space.

10. add height

Taller cabinets and features such as pendant lighting h elp to draw attention upwards, emphasising the height of the room for a more spacious impression. Taller cabinets will also offer additional storage, using the space more efficiently, and pendant lights can provide ambient lighting for a cosy and inviting space. Under cabinet LED lighting can also provide cosy lighting, drawing focus to a feature splashback.

11. think about flooring

If opting for tiled floor, pick a large format tile to keep the flooring sleek and simple; smaller tiles can look too busy and make the kitchen feel smaller. Lighter flooring is best for a spacious feel, but consider adding warmth with beige tones or wood effect flooring if you are keeping the rest of your space light and neutral, to avoid a cold and stark space. Keep the flooring the same throughout the space, a transition between kitchen/dining for example can break up the space into smaller zones, making it feel smaller and less cohesive.

To maximise floor space, consider some freestanding furniture on legs, such as sideboards or dressers – seeing the floor underneath some sections of cabinetry can help to enlarge the room by creating the illusion of more floor space. As well as creating a more open feeling, freestanding furniture is more flexible in a smaller space that may need to be multi-functional, allowing you to re-arrange dining or living areas depending on the space’s requirements.

12. find a great designer!

As we have already mentioned, a designer will think about all of these important tips and more – taking all of the stress out of your mind. Find a designer who will take time to learn the way you use the space and how your lifestyle will influence the perfect kitchen for YOU. At Honest by Design, we don’t just design kitchens, and our interior design background is reflected in our designs, with an attention to detail and focus on a cohesive design throughout your entire home – not just one room. So – if you are looking for your dream kitchen and are worried about getting it just right – get in touch with us to start discussing the design for your perfect kitchen! We look forward to hearing from you…

~ Nikita & Katie, October 2024

8 Common Kitchen Design Mistakes - the 'do's and 'don't's of kitchen design

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 08:32:49 GMT

Planning and designing your new kitchen should be fun and exciting, not stressful and daunting. However, there are so many things to consider and decisions to make, so here is a list of our top tips of common mistakes to avoid – to create a new kitchen that you will love for many years to come!

1. DECISION MAKING

DON’T – make decisions too quickly

Particularly when moving into a new home, understandably, you want to get your new kitchen fitted as soon as possible! However, this is more likely to result in mistakes or regrettable decisions. We have many clients come to us for design advice before the purchase has gone through, but you never really know how you will use the space until you start living in it. On the other side of things, we have clients who have lived with the same kitchen for so many years, and are so used to it that they can’t imagine anything different!

DO – Take your time to consider a variety of options

Whether it’s a new home you have never lived in before, or a kitchen that is so familiar to you that anything else would feel too different; make sure you keep an open mind and consider alternative layouts and designs before making a decision. A kitchen designer should offer you a variety of ideas and options for your space, and something you have never considered before might just be the perfect solution! Don’t rush into a quick decision – tape out the size of the island in your space, or use cardboard boxes to get used to the idea of a different layout, use anything that helps to imagine using the space in a totally different way to make sure you are making the best decision on your kitchen layout.

2. STORAGE

DON’T – skimp out on kitchen storage

You may think you have enough storage in your current layout, and consider cutting back for your new kitchen – perhaps you want a bigger dining table, or a door into another room, or more seating; so you have considered compromising on the storage in your new space to accommodate other things. However, the last thing you want in your new kitchen is clutter and mess!

DO – add more than you think you’ll need and consider clever storage solutions

If space in your kitchen is tight, ask your kitchen designer for advice on more efficient, space saving storage solutions. Pan drawers, pull outs and larders can hide more than you think! Consider additional storage in bench seating or built in cabinetry in the dining or living areas, to take pressure off the kitchen. If you have high ceilings, take the tall and wall units right up to the ceiling, and upgrade your utility room (if you have one) to completely maximise storage. The secret to keeping a beautiful, tidy kitchen is plenty of storage!

3. OPEN PLAN SPACES

DON’T – go completely open plan

Open plan layouts are very popular for sociable family living, and it’s the perfect solution for smaller rooms to feel more spacious. However, opening up the whole space to kitchen-dining-living can also have its drawbacks. With no separate rooms, noise travels into every space, so you might not be able to listen to the radio while you’re cooking if someone is watching TV in the living room. Cooking smells will also fill the space, and the living room will be less cosy when it’s open to any mess leftover from cooking. After all, who wants to sit on the sofa and look at the washing up?

DO – consider keeping a separate living room or snug

We love open plan layouts for a flexible, multi-functional space, and open plan kitchens are definitely the most popular option in houses both big and small. However, we always recommend keeping at least one separate living space; a small snug allows other family members to have their own space when needed, and provides a cosy space for cold winter evenings and movie nights. A utility room is also a very valuable addition if you have the space; it keeps noisy laundry appliances out of the main sociable space, and offers more functional storage to take the pressure off the kitchen. Check out our previous blog post Utility Room Design Ideas for find out why we love utility rooms!

4. FLEXIBILITY

DON’T – forget to consider the long term potential of your space

How you use your space is likely to change with you and your family; if you have children, they will get older and you might end up using their playroom as a snug, home cinema, bar, or gym – the options are endless! We often have clients avoid stools at the breakfast bar, worried their young children will fall off – but they won’t be so small forever, and you’ll be wishing you designed your kitchen with a breakfast bar when they need help with their homework or want to help you bake a cake.

DO – plan for the future with a more flexible design

Think about how your lifestyle might change in the next 5-10 years and how that will affect the space. Freestanding furniture can be useful for multifunctional spaces that might change over time, and your kitchen design should start with the end in mind. If you eventually want to change the layout, make sure your new kitchen will accommodate that change later on, instead of having to start again. For example, if you think you might outgrow the space and will potentially add an extension onto your kitchen-diner, consider installing your new kitchen in a part of the space that will not be affected by this change; a dining table or sofas can then moved around and even possibly an island added to the kitchen.

5. BUDGET WISELY

DON’T – overspend on pretty things

As tempting as it is to spend more money on the pretty things – the perfect handmade splashback tiles; beautiful bespoke dining chairs; stunning pendant lights – the important spends are on the quality of materials and installation for a long lasting kitchen. Don’t get carried away with spending your budget on things that can easily be upgraded later on, and don’t be tempted to skimp on the installation, flooring and building work, as these are the essential costs that will ensure a good quality, long lasting kitchen. A cheap quote for installation may result in your brand new kitchen falling apart in less than a year; a good kitchen should last decades!

DO – budget for the highest quality you can afford on the bigger, important expenses

We provide a fully itemised quote from the very first initial design, and although this may change along the way as we amend and tweak your design for the perfect kitchen, it is a perfect starting point to plan and prioritise your budget. There are areas that are down to preference – where one client may choose laminate worktops over stone, another client may choose budget appliances and opt for quartz worktops. There are always options to reduce costs, but the integrity of the design should not be compromised. Installation and high quality materials for the bigger costs such as cabinets, doors and flooring are crucial for a kitchen that will last a lifetime, but soft furnishings, accessories and additional furniture (for example sideboards, built in bench seating and shelves) can always be added at a later date if the budget does not allow for these initially. It is essential to start with the end in mind to plan for your dream kitchen!

6. WORKTOP SPACE

DON’T – be sparing on worktop space

Maximum worktop space is key to a functional kitchen, and whilst you should include as much storage as possible (as we previously pointed out), not enough worktop space in your kitchen will make the space stressful and difficult to use. Often there needs to be a compromise between storage and worktop space, and it can be tempting to add a tall larder or eye level ovens to your new kitchen instead of additional worktop.

DO – allow for as much worktop space as possible

As well as food preparation, bear in mind space for small appliances such as toaster, kettle, air fryer, and places to put things down; every kitchen needs a ‘dumping ground’ to avoid clutter in the cooking areas of the kitchen, for which we usually suggest a sideboard somewhere. To save space on the worktops to allow more food prep space, there are also options such as a boiling water tap, an integrated microwave in a wall unit and an appliance garage. Appliance garages can be the perfect solution for the storage/worktop compromise, as your small appliances can be hidden away whilst not in use, but still kept on the worktop for easy use when needed.

7. CONSIDER LIGHTING

DON’T – forget to include a variety of lighting

Of course, the best light is natural lighting. However, not all spaces have the best natural lighting, so it’s not only about when it gets dark that you need to consider. Lighting can often be an afterthought, and spotlights are generally used in most new kitchens – whilst spotlights are fantastic task lighting, they are not very cosy and generally not suitable all the time for living/dining areas. Don’t forget to consider what else you will be using the space for, and make sure to accommodate a variety of activities in your lighting options.

DO – think about task lighting and ambient lighting for a homely space

As well as bright, functional task lighting in the cooking areas, you may want some in the dining area or at the island/peninsula for working from home or children needing help with homework. Consider dimmable pendants for the flexibility of more ambient, cosy lighting for eating dinner or having drinks. For dining/living areas, particularly if floor space is limited for freestanding lamps, wall lights can be the perfect addition for cosy feature lighting. Think about the temperature of your bulbs too; warm lighting creates a cosy glow, whilst cold light can be more practical for your task lighting. The colour of your lighting will also affect the colours in your space – make sure to look at colour samples in a variety of different lighting!

8. THINK ABOUT THE FLOW OF YOUR SPACE

DON’T – design your new kitchen as a separate space to the rest of your home

It is easy to forget about the rest of your home whilst designing a new kitchen, looking at the design as completely independent to everything else. But it is crucial to think about how the new space will interact with the other rooms in your house (and the garden), to ensure a functional kitchen. You might be planning to change things in the rest of the house once the kitchen is finished, but don’t wait until you have designed the kitchen to consider how the rooms will work together and the flow from one space to the next – this is important in terms of both layout and style, and your design needs to factor in your lifestyle and how you use every room in the house.

DO – consider the flow of your home and how your kitchen will connect to other spaces

Your home needs to work as one space, and the way you use it will impact the design of your new kitchen. For example, if you have a separate dining room or utility room, access to these from your kitchen needs to make sense. Access to the garden is also important, not just to enjoy the views or keep an eye on the children whilst you’re in the kitchen, but also for the position of your washing machine to easily hang the clothes outside. A downstairs toilet, if you have one or plan to add one, should ideally not be directly next to your dining table, and access to the utility room is more practical from the kitchen area than a living space. Get advice from a kitchen designer to make sure your new kitchen is the perfect layout; thinking about the space as whole and considering the flow throughout your home.

~ Nikita & Katie, August 2024

Kitchen Extension Ideas

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:32:58 GMT

Layout to suit your lifestyle

Think about how you want to use your new space – perhaps you have a large extended family or lots of friends, who you need to accommodate for parties and dinners, or perhaps you have young children who like to play in the same room with you whilst you’re cooking, or teenagers who need their own space.

How you currently use your home will be the most important deciding factor for what you wish to achieve with your new extension, and at Honest by Design, getting to know you is the starting point for any kitchen or interior design.

Plan for the future – flexible space

Don’t forget to consider the future potential for your space, too. As your family grows and changes, as will the requirements for your home. Keep the future in mind and consider a flexible, multi functional room layout ideas – for example, when the children grow out of their play room, this can become a snug or cosy seating area.

It is important to think about the future with the kitchen design too – if you are worried about small children falling off the breakfast bar stools, don’t forget they won’t be small forever! Your kitchen designer can help ensure you future proof your home with a flexible and timeless kitchen design.

Accessible storage

Adding more space to your home with an extension provides the opportunity to add more storage, because you can never have enough! Plenty of storage helps to keep your home tidy, and it is important to consider purposeful storage for specific items – such as children’s toys, small kitchen appliances, shoes and coats, hoover and mop, etc. Each family will use their home in different ways, so it is important to think about your own particular needs when it comes to practical and easily accessible storage.

Incorporate a utility room

Often the most effective way to incorporate plenty of storage in your new extension is the addition of a utility room. Where possible, consider using a small portion of your new space (or re-purposing an existing room) to include a utility room – no matter how small, a utility room is a highly valuable addition to any kitchen.

This keeps noisy appliances out of the kitchen and takes pressure off the kitchen with additional storage and worktop space, maintaining a relaxing, sociable space in the kitchen. For more advice on utility rooms (and why you should definitely include one), see our previous blog post: ‘ Utility Room Design Ideas’ .

Improve relationship to garden

Adding an extension to your home provides the opportunity to open up your space to the garden – consider bi-folding doors for maximum effect, and plenty of windows to admire the view. The layout of your kitchen can also be impacted by the relationship to your garden, including the best location for your seating to enjoy the garden, as well as your colour scheme and décor.

Consider flow through the rest of the house

Another key consideration is how the rest of your house works with the new extension. Think about access and flow of traffic, making sure to keep walkways clear of bulky furniture, and keep in mind the relationship between each room. In an open plan space , think about the natural order of the room as you walk through from kitchen to dining to living (or vice versa), and design your interior logically depending on how you are likely to use each area within the space.

Zone your space with open plan living

For open plan kitchen-living-dining, it is often easier to design an oddly shaped room, as a big square extension can feel quite sparse and lack cosiness. In this instance, it is especially important to zone your areas so that each space feels separate whilst keeping the room open and sociable.

Top tips for zoning open plan spaces include using colour and light to create focal points; rugs to create separate sitting areas; pendant lights and wall lights for cosy lighting; and island/peninsula kitchen layouts to create a clear distinction between areas. For more advice on open plan spaces, see our blog post: ‘ Make Your Kitchen the Heart of Your Home ’.

Consider lighting – natural & artificial

When adding an extension to your home, it is advisable to introduce additional lighting, particularly natural lighting, to ensure the ‘middle section’ of your home doesn’t end up feeling dark and moody. Skylights are the most effective addition, as they bring in more daylight than standard windows, and glazed doors are a good option for floor to ceiling light.

Don’t forget about your artificial lighting though – you will need a variety of lighting for a flexible interior, including bright task lighting and cosy ambience from warmer lights. Consider pendants over the island for an attractive feature, and wall lights and lamps in your living/dining areas to create cosy nooks.

Budget – spend more money where it counts, buy well, buy once

If you are on a tight budget , it is essential to spend your money wisely. The big spends should be on the quality of your build, including the kitchen, flooring and installation. If you cut back on the important spends, it will cost you more in the long run, having to replace it in the not-too-distant future. Instead, cut costs on items that can more easily be replaced when you have more to spend, such as soft furnishings, additional freestanding furniture and luxury items. These can all be added at a later stage, or bought second hand as a temporary stand in.

You also have the option to stagger the build – perhaps starting with the most important interiors first, such as the kitchen, then later adding a utility, boot room, snug or play room. Smaller features such as tiled splashbacks, wallpaper, bespoke bench seating, sideboards, can also be added at later date. This is why it is crucial to start with the end in mind; even if you don’t plan to do it all at once, it gives you an end goal to aim for, making sure you buy well to only buy once.

Speak to a designer before finalising architect plans for input on interior options

Often our clients are not sure where to start with designing their extension or interior renovation, but we always advise to start with the end in mind; it is beneficial to speak to a kitchen or interior designer before finalising your kitchen architect plans, as a designer can help you make decisions on the architectural layout. We can suggest a more efficient use of space, as well as smaller details such as door and window positions, as these will impact the interior layout.

A designer will also offer advice and interior design tips on how to use the existing space more effectively; if you are unsure whether to go ahead with an extension, we can help you visualise your space and advise whether it is actually necessary to extend. So if you’re not sure where to start, get in touch for our Honest advice and design help!

~ Nikita & Katie, July 2024

Utility Room Design Ideas

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 09:40:30 GMT

WHY INCLUDE A UTILITY ROOM IN YOUR NEW KITCHEN DESIGN?

TAKE PRESSURE OFF THE KITCHEN

Incorporating a dedicated separate utility room into the design of your new kitchen provides a functional space that means your kitchen doesn’t need to work as hard – a utility room provides additional storage and a home for larger appliances, keeping these out of the kitchen.

Locating your washing machine and tumble dryer in the utility room saves space in the kitchen for more convenient storage or extra seating. These noisy appliances can also be shut away in the utility to avoid disturbance when spending time in the kitchen, making your new kitchen a more enjoyable and sociable space.

PRACTICALITY

Not only can your kitchen function more smoothly, but a utility room can provide a versatile, multifunctional space to make a variety of tasks easier. Along with additional storage and large appliances, a utility room can include a secondary sink, laundry drying space, and smaller, less used appliances such as your microwave, air fryer and slow cooker.

We have designed a variety of multifunctional utility rooms for our clients depending on their lifestyle – think outside the box and consider what you and your family would benefit from; your utility room can be anything from a boot room, a porch, a laundry room or even a dog grooming area.

Adding a utility room, no matter how small, can also add value to your house if you plan on selling. There are many ways to use a small space efficiently to make the best use of your new kitchen and utility room – read on to find out our top tips for designing your utility room.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR UTILITY ROOM

- Noisy, bulky appliances including washing machine and tumble dryer

- Less frequently used smaller kitchen appliances such as microwave, air fryer and slow cooker

- Storage, storage, and more storage!

- Sink for messy washing up to keep your new kitchen clean and tidy

- Consider bench seating for shoe storage

- Overhead drying racks in a laundry room can help preserve floor space

- Ironing board slot and suitable tall storage for hoover, mop and other cleaning essentials

TIPS FOR YOUR UTILITY ROOM DESIGN

To ensure maximum space is retained in the kitchen, utility rooms are usually small spaces, meaning they need clever planning and storage solutions for an efficient layout . Here are a few of our design tips to make your utility room practical and functional.

- If you have separate washing machine and tumble dryer, these can be stacked to use less floor space, but make sure your washing machine is on the bottom due to the weight when it fills up with water.

- Maximise storage by using the full height of the room – as well as stacked laundry appliances, include some tall larder units and consider taking the cabinets all the way up to the ceiling.

- Consider the location of your utility room and access to the garden – this will make it quicker and easier to hang out washing, as well as providing a ‘messy entrance’ to keep your kitchen clean and tidy, especially if incorporating a boot room with storage for shoes and coats.

- Including a window in your utility room is ideal for lighting and ventilation, but this is not essential – if a window is not possible, ensure to incorporate plenty of practical task lighting.

- Bespoke carpentry or open shelving and baskets can ensure no wasted space and use all available space for maximum storage, particularly if your utility room contains any small or awkward corners.

- Consider pocket doors or sliding doors to separate your kitchen and utility room – these are the ideal space saving solution to maximise floor space.

- Use the same doors (or a similar style in a cheaper range) as your new kitchen to ensure continuity and flow throughout your space – utility rooms can be beautiful as well as practical!

- Most importantly, consult a designer to create the most efficient layout and suggest clever storage solutions – please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

~Nikita & Katie, Jan 2024

7 Reasons to Consider a Galley Kitchen Layout

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 09:51:22 GMT

GALLEY KITCHEN LAYOUT

Find out why we love galley kitchens! The simplicity of a galley kitchen has so much to offer in style and function; here are 7 reasons you should consider this practical layout for your new kitchen.

1. Practical & functional

Galley kitchens keep all the essentials within reach, so cooking is quick and easy. There are no awkward corners or pinch points, so moving around the kitchen is effortless, and with everything either in front or behind you, there’s not much need to move around anyway!

2. Simple & sleek

The simple aesthetic of a galley kitchen creates a perfect blank canvas for design – modern or traditional , galley kitchens are easy to style and look great! For a contemporary kitchen, go for slab or handleless doors, and keep a sleek minimalistic design with symmetry and clean lines.

A more traditional look is achieved with shaker doors and more intricate details – consider a feature tiled splashback and a Belfast sink to break up the straight lines in a galley kitchen, and pay extra attention to small details such as handles and decorative panelling to add interest.

3. Space saving

Galley kitchens are generally quite compact, either using every little bit of space available in a small kitchen, or allowing more space for dining or living areas in an open plan space. In a small kitchen, a galley layout is usually the most effective use of space as it uses all available wall space for cabinets to provide maximum storage and worktop without creating tight, awkward spaces to walk through.

In a kitchen diner, a galley layout is the perfect space saving solution as it avoids any wasted floor space. With just two parallel runs of kitchen and a corridor in between, the galley kitchen creates a functional kitchen whilst opening up the rest of the space for any freestanding furniture such as a dining table or sofa.

4. Separate open plan spaces

It is not only small kitchens that benefit from the practicality of a galley kitchen – in fact, for large open plan spaces , a galley layout can be the perfect solution for zoning separate areas and creating a divide between kitchen/living/dining. In a larger space, the run of cabinets to create a divide becomes even more useful, as this can become a deeper stretch of worktop with additional storage on the back of the kitchen cabinets, and maybe even stools tucked under for a breakfast bar.

Other ways to help zone a large open plan space include feature lighting, such as pendants over the breakfast bar; soft furnishings and accessories such as rugs, to create separate seating areas; and contrasting colours in living areas that compliment the kitchen colour scheme.

5. Storage

A galley kitchen provides storage that is easily accessible, without annoying corner cupboards or impractical storage. For additional storage, consider height – tall larders, wall units and shelves maximise storage options, and if you have high ceilings, you could even opt for extra tall units and take the cupboards right up to the ceiling.

6. Worktop space

The two straight, parallel runs in a galley kitchen provide the option for two long stretches of practical worktop space. This is essential for food preparation and small appliances, whilst offering space to position your sink and hob in the most efficient layout for your kitchen. If you prefer to keep your small appliances neatly tucked away in a cupboard, consider an appliance garage ; this provides extra storage whilst maintaining the long expanse of worktop inside the cupboard for easy use.

7. Cost effective

As galley kitchens tend to be fairly compact kitchen design solutions, they offer the most storage and worktop for the lowest cost. An equivalent U-shaped or L-shaped kitchen will cost a little more as they are more complicated to install, and despite having more cabinets – therefore increasing the overall cost – the awkward corners can reduce functional storage and accessible worktop space. With galley kitchens, simplicity is key – sometimes less is more!

Get in touch to discuss your project and find out how your new kitchen could benefit from a galley layout!

~ Nikita & Katie, Dec 2023

Why Hire a Kitchen Designer? 11 reasons you need a designer for your new kitchen

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 10:25:56 GMT

WHY HIRE A KITCHEN DESIGNER?

Are you planning a new kitchen and wondering if you should just DIY it? Here are the top 11 reasons a kitchen designer can save you time, money and stress – and create your perfect dream kitchen !

1. Project management takes the stress out of planning a new kitchen

A kitchen designer will project manage every element of the process, so any of the usual site hassles will not be of your concern. This includes preparing for product lead times, potential delivery issues, organising sub contractors and managing any delays or unexpected complications. A designer will schedule the project and arrange all tradesmen for an efficient process – ensuring your new kitchen is ready for you to enjoy as quickly as possible!

Hiring a kitchen designer to manage your project allows you to step back and leave the responsibility to someone else, taking all the stress out of the process. Instead of spending months doing stressful, time-consuming research, planning and organisation, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the excitement of choosing door styles, colours and accessories for your new kitchen.

2. Communication will be easy and efficient

To ensure smooth sailing and efficient planning, your designer will be responsible for liaising with builders, plumbers, electricians , architects , installers and any other subcontractors. Throughout the design process, your designer will get to know your style, likes and dislikes, and priorities. This allows them to confidently manage all elements of the project, answering various onsite queries from radiator sizes and pendant light positions to cabinet handings and appliance specifications.

Communication is essential for the project to run smoothly and quickly, so your designer will ensure all parties involved have clear and precise instruction, responding to queries promptly to avoid delays or misunderstandings and guarantee a perfect result, without overwhelming you with all the specifics.

3. Valuable knowledge & expertise

Kitchen designers have years of experience with design and project management – this knowledge is at your disposal to create the perfect kitchen. A designer will recommend the best products for your budget, understand your brief for the best use of the space, and get to know your style and preferences to add your own personal touch to the design. You will not need to spend hours researching which appliances to go for, or the best place to put your hob. If you plan to sell your house, a designer can help you make the right choices for potential buyers – after all, they know exactly what consumers want.

A designer can help you make tricky decisions, even before you speak to an architect. If your current space is not working for you, a designer can assess your current space and its potential – you may not need to extend, as there are often solutions that you may not have even considered. From the architect stage, a designer can also ensure you are making the most functional and efficient use of space – they may have suggestions for window and door positions, as the external layout will affect the interior design. The options are endless, and without speaking to a kitchen designer, you may not realise the full potential of your space.

4. Creative, innovative design & new ideas

You may have had a new kitchen before, maybe you already know exactly what you want. Perhaps you have done plenty of research and don’t think you need a designer. You will be surprised! Kitchen designers are creative problem solvers – your kitchen designer will introduce new ideas and innovative solutions , and there are small details you may not have considered. Kitchen design incorporates both function and aesthetic, and every designer will have different ideas – it is important to think outside the box and keep an open mind!

5 . New perspective

You will be accustomed to the existing layout of your space, particularly if you have lived in your house for a while before thinking about a new kitchen. The current kitchen is likely to influence the way you see the space, whereas a designer will see your kitchen with a new perspective, as a blank canvas, making it easier to visualise new possibilities and a better use of the space.

We often find that clients who have a strong idea of what they want in the kitchen are pleasantly surprised to find how dramatically the space can be transformed by a completely different layout. Many clients are stunned how much space they actually have when the kitchen has been designed more efficiently, and it is not always best to stick with what you know, as you might not know what you’re missing!

6. Stick to your budget

We know how quickly costs can add up, and how easy it is to get carried away with your wishlist! However, a designer can work to your budget and make sure you stick to it, by suggesting only suitable products and not presenting ideas that are out of reach. Without a designer, it can be easy to lose track of how much is being spent and where, but with a fully itemised kitchen design quote, your costs are broken down clearly and you can be confident your new kitchen will stay within your budget, with no additional unexpected costs.

7. Value for money

Not only will a designer make sure you stick to your budget, they will suggest the best bang for your buck – every client has different priorities, and it is important to allocate the budget accordingly. There are always options to cut costs, but a designer will make sure you reduce the costs without compromising the integrity of the design. For example, some people would prefer quartz worktops and cheaper appliances, while others may opt for high spec ovens and hob, saving money on laminate worktops.

A designer will advise where is best for you to spend your money and make sure you spend it right; the way you use your kitchen will dictate where your budget should be allocated, and a designer will help you make these decisions.

8. No upselling

With a kitchen design service, you get what you pay for; a kitchen designer wants to create the perfect space for you, so will get to know you and design your space accordingly. If you are on a tight budget, they will not try to convince you to spend unnecessary money just to meet sales targets, or sell you a £1000 tap if it’s not on your wishlist. Instead, they will listen to your wants and needs and tailor your kitchen design to your personal tastes and functional requirements.

9. Bespoke design to suit your lifestyle

Kitchen designers often offer options for bespoke or made to measure furniture. This provides the opportunity to make the best of use of awkward spaces, include maximum storage, and create a unique and personal design for your new kitchen. This can include made to measure kitchen cabinets or bespoke furniture built onsite by a carpenter to fit your space perfectly.

With off-the-shelf kitchens, you will be restricted to standard sizes – this can be a challenge to include everything on your wishlist and use all the available space. If you need to stick to standard sizes for your budget, a kitchen designer will find the most efficient way to make it work, and will have a few tricks up their sleeves to work around awkward spaces – and make them attractive features instead of eye sores – such as open shelves and panelling.

10. Sustainability

Using a kitchen designer means your new kitchen will be made to last – with high quality installation and a perfectly designed layout tailored to your lifestyle, you won’t be finding a reason to replace it any time soon! Kitchen designers create kitchens to last a lifetime, saving you money in the long term and contributing to a greener lifestyle by not discarding a perfectly good kitchen just because you are bored with the style or find the layout impractical.

Your kitchen designer will guide you on how to design a timeless kitchen that will not go out of fashion – most importantly, you should only choose things you love, not the latest ‘trend’. Keeping the expensive parts (cabinets, doors, worktops) neutral is a good option if you think you might change your mind on the colour scheme; colour can then be added with accessories, soft furnishings and even splashback tiles, as these are relatively easy and inexpensive to replace.

11. Avoid costly & time consuming mistakes

If you are still not convinced it’s worth hiring a designer, consider cost – yes, it is often actually cheaper to hire a designer than do it yourself! At Honest by Design , we don’t charge you any extra for project management – if you are ordering your kitchen through us, we include project management as part of our service because we want your new kitchen to look amazing! We use our own installers and only recommend the best subcontractors, as the quality and longevity of your kitchen relies on the quality of the work.

So hiring a designer will not cost you more, and you can be assured that your new kitchen will be perfect. Without a designer, you risk making mistakes that end up costing you more to fix – this could be caused by a delay in the process that has a knock on effect to other stages in the project, a misunderstanding with a subcontractor, or simply an incorrect measurement. This will cost more money and time, so why not hire a designer to take all the responsibility and save you that stress?

~Nikita & Katie, Nov 2023

PERIOD PROPERTIES: Edwardian interior ideas you might not have considered

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 16:08:16 GMT

Modern homes are not known for their character and charm like period properties. Designed to be built as efficiently as possible, new houses are often lacking in decorative features or style – and although they are designed for modern family life, and arguably more suited to contemporary living, they are not as desirable as popular period properties such as the Georgian , Victorian , and Edwardian homes discussed in our previous blog posts.

However, that doesn’t mean modern homes aren’t capable of their own character and charm – here’s our advice on adding some Edwardian-inspired appeal to your modern home with these interior ideas you might not yet have considered.

The edwardian-style boom

Edwardian homes had more large, open spaces than the homes of the 19th century, and interiors were simple and elegant. This makes Edwardian interior design the most effective period style in a modern home without needing to make major structural changes.

The 20th Century brought a boom in construction, with Edwardian homes covering a range of housing including terraced, semi-detached and larger detached properties – therefore serving a range of social classes. The availability of gas and electric led to a focus on lighting, and a change of décor; moving away from the dark, warm colours of the Victorian era, the Edwardian period favoured more pastel colours and bright, spacious interiors. Edwardian style was inspired by the earlier Georgian interiors, deviating from the cluttered, busy interiors of Victorian homes, and focusing instead on simplicity, elegance and timelessness.

Edwardian interiors ideas and how to add them to your home

Fireplaces

Arguably the most important feature of any period home, fireplaces are rarely featured in newer homes, with modern houses often built without chimneys. False chimneys can however be added – with the additional benefit of being able to choose the best spot in the home!

Original Edwardian fireplaces can be found in antique shops for a stunning feature that adds genuine Edwardian character, and the space can be filled with logs, candles, or flowers for a decorative element. Alternatively, a bespoke fireplace inspired by Edwardian style can be designed to fit your space; this can be electric, or a bio-ethanol fire for an authentic look.

architectural detail

A modern home is a blank canvas – whilst new homes can initially be devoid of character and personality, they can also provide the perfect opportunity for adding Edwardian architecture and striking features. Common features in Edwardian homes include ceramic tiles, parquet flooring and decorative moulding such as dado rails and coving. Adding these small details to your interior contribute to the overall design to create the impression of heritage and timelessness, whilst providing touches of character and charm, instead of the plain walls and sleek interior of a modern home.

luxurious touches

With their spacious, elegant interiors, Edwardian homes were all about luxury. Select premium finishes and sumptuous fabrics like rich velvet, silk and chiffon – include plenty of soft furnishings in these luxury fabrics including long curtains, cushions, throws and upholstered furniture. An abundance of fabrics, materials and textures will soften your interior and add a homely touch, whilst your choice of colours and finishes can add some Edwardian elegance.

brighten and lighten

An important feature of Edwardian homes is light – both natural and artificial. Edwardian interiors favour bright pastel colours, floral designs and are very spacious – escaping from the darker colours and cluttered-look from the Victorian era. Enhance the natural light coming into your home with bright, reflective surfaces and plenty of glass and mirrors. Keep your furniture away from doors and windows to let the sunshine in and make sure to incorporate plenty of space in each room to make your home feel light and open, avoiding dark colours and heavy, oppressive furniture.

Artificial lighting is also crucial – wall lights, pendants, lamps, lanterns, candles – a variety of options provides flexible lighting from cosy ambiance to bright task lighting, and can completely transform your space. It also provides an opportunity to add striking features to your design: choose elegant lighting that complements the rest of your interior, with interesting textures and finishes coordinated throughout.

bespoke furniture

A great way to add Edwardian style to your home in a way that feels natural and seamless is with bespoke furniture. Furniture that is built to fit perfectly into the spaces of your home is not only an efficient use of potentially otherwise unused floorspace, but it can be the perfect opportunity to add an Edwardian touch.

Opting for a classic style, with traditional details and natural materials, bespoke built-in features will create the impression of being an original part of your home’s architecture, appearing as genuine period features. Bespoke sideboards, bookcases and cupboards can also provide ideal storage solutions and display space without bulky furniture, maintaining the essential neat lines and simplicity of Edwardian interiors.

detail, detail, detail

Don’t forget the small details – modest decorative features can be crucial to the overall impression of a space, and it should feel effortlessly timeless. Featuring simple Edwardian designs, such as a traditional skirting around your furniture and continuing this around the rooms throughout your home will make your bespoke items a seamless addition, whilst adding subtle touches of the classical Edwardian style without too many fussy details. You could also do this with wood panelling, window seats and picture rails.

edwardian art influences

Art Nouveau is a popular style that influenced interior design in both the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Soft shapes and curved arches are commonly found in Art Nouveau styles, as well as organic shapes and inspiration from nature.

Edwardian furniture saw the growth of mass production, and with it, more affordable furniture inspired by Art Nouveau. Art Nouveau furniture was originally handmade and high-priced, requiring a lot of skill – this was a luxury only accessible to the upper classes in the 19th century. But with the manufacture of reproducible, simplified designs in the Edwardian era, the Art Nouveau style made its way into more middle-class homes.

Add some Art Nouveau inspired furniture or accessories with original features to your home to enhance the Edwardian influence throughout your interior. Based on nature, Art Nouveau heavily features leaves, flowers, vines, insects, animals and other organic forms; along with the emphasis of encouraging light into their homes, Edwardians were bringing the outside into their interiors. Indoor plants can provide colour, nature and beauty into your home, so they should be a crucial element of your Edwardian décor – complementing the touches of Art Nouveau in your interior design.

other things to consider

sustainability

Our impact on the environment is an important consideration in contemporary living. Fortunately, new homes tend to be designed with elements of sustainability in mind – double glazed windows and all-electric heating systems are standard in most new-builds for eco-friendly housing, with the bonus of helping homeowners save energy costs.

But when designing your interior, it is still crucial to bear in mind the effect your decisions may have on the sustainability of your home. Research the manufacturers you plan to buy from to ensure they use renewable materials in production, and use designers and builders who value sustainability.

There are plenty of things you can do yourself to ensure an environmentally friendly design too; reuse and upcycle existing furniture, buy second hand furniture from local charity shops or antique stores, and choose recycled materials. Buying locally saves pollution from transporting items from elsewhere, as well as saving costs from buying used items and avoiding travel expenses. Antique shops can offer many unique items that will perfectly complement your Edwardian interior – period pieces and handmade furniture are among the many treasures you may discover for your own home.

If you are planning to discard any items from your home – be that old appliances, furniture, scrap materials etc. – try repurposing it elsewhere or giving it away instead of taking it straight to the tip. Local communities often have groups on Facebook, or you can post it on Gumtree or take it to a charity shop. You might be surprised how valuable these items can be to someone else, even if you no longer find them useful! After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure .

Recycling is a huge part of sustainable design, including recycled and recyclable items. Bamboo is an example of an eco-friendly material that was introduced in the late 1800s, meaning it was often used in Edwardian Art Nouveau furniture. Adding bamboo furniture to your home will maintain the Edwardian inspired design whilst contributing to the sustainability of your interior.

don't forget you

Don’t forget to add a personal touch! As we always say, your home should be filled with things YOU love, so make sure to pick out some unique pieces to add to your interior that will make it your perfect haven.

If you are looking for more inspiration, check out the rest of our blogs and follow us on Instagram for frequent updates! For a chat about designing your interior, g et in touch – we would love to hear from you.

~Nikita & Katie, February 2023

PERIOD PROPERTIES: adding a kitchen extension to your Victorian house

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:39:18 GMT

This is the second instalment in our PERIOD PROPERTIES blog series – see our previous post for How to Decorate your Georgian Home ! In this segment of the series, we will explore the options for extending the kitchen in your Victorian home, offering our Honest advice on both function and design.

THE CHALLENGES TO CONSIDER FOR KITCHEN EXTENSIONS IN VICTORIAN HOUSES

Victorian houses are popular for their charming features – often including ornate fireplaces, stained glass windows, colourful brickwork and bay windows. Built in the years of Queen Victoria’s reign between 1837 and 1901, Victorian homes are a popular period property for their stunning architecture, but unfortunately don’t come without their drawbacks!

Little Natural Light

Victorian homes are well designed, and often don’t need major structural changes for modern living. However, increased population during the Victorian era meant that builders needed to fit as many houses on each street as possible; this led to the long, narrow footprint of Victorian houses – most of which are terraced or semi-detached for the most efficient use of land. Gardens tend to be a modest size, with small, dark kitchens at the back of the house, making kitchen extensions the most common addition to Victorian houses.

But with a long narrow house and a small garden, kitchen extensions pose a challenge. Extending the back of your home can make the middle section very dark, so lighting and windows are an important consideration, as well as the overall layout. We always recommend starting with the end in mind – in this case, it is essential to think about what you want to include in your kitchen before planning your extension. A single storey extension on the back of your house may seem like the best way to add extra space to your kitchen, but as well as restricting the light, it will make a long, narrow kitchen even longer and narrower, meanwhile reducing the size of your garden.

Side return extension

An alternative option is a side return – there may not be a large space to extend the width of your kitchen, but you will be surprised how much bigger the space will feel from adding even just a little extra width. This will also give you a potentially better proportioned kitchen space to work with. Of course, in a semi detached Victorian house, you may be restricting side access to the house, but this all comes down to your preferences. You must set out your priorities and what you wish to gain from your extension at the very start, considering the areas worth compromising.

Planning permission

Planning permission is also a consideration – particularly in a listed property. Hiring an architect can help you explore the options available and they will be able to advise you on planning permission and building regulations. A designer can also help plan the layout of your kitchen to decide whether a side return or back extension is a better fit for you and your property.

tips for a kitchen extension in your victorian home

At Honest by Design, we always start our projects by learning everything about our clients: your lifestyle, wish-list, needs, dreams, reasons for renovating your interior, and most importantly how you want the finished space to make you feel.

how will you use the extra space?

When planning your kitchen extension, think about how you wish to use the space and what you are looking for in a kitchen: a family-friendly space to include a play area and dining space? A sociable kitchen to entertain guests with comfy seating or bar stools? Think outside the kitchen too: perhaps you are outdoorsy or go on muddy dog walks, so you may need a separate entrance to function as a boot room or utility.

When you have figured out how you want your kitchen to work for you, it will help to decide the best extension of the space.

do you need a side return extension?

For the greatest possibilities in redesigning your kitchen, you could of course combine a side return with an additional back extension – this will give you a bigger, more proportionate space to play with, as well as the potential to add a separate utility room. However, if you wish to preserve the side access to your house and opt for a back extension, or if you’re worried about blocking the light into the house and reducing the size of your garden so prefer a side return – there are still plenty of options to make the space work for you!

In a smaller side return, the extra width can provide the opportunity to completely reconfigure the space. You may have space for an island or a dining table, and there are lots of different kitchen layouts to consider – u-shape, g-shape, l-shaped… See our previous post on The Ideal Kitchen Layout for tips and ideas. If you are leaning towards a back extension and worry about the narrow width – don’t despair! There are lots of clever ways to make efficient use of the space, and whilst you may not fit an island, a peninsula can be just as effective to provide more worktop space and a breakfast bar for casual seating.

consider using the dining room space

In both options for extending, you may also consider knocking through to the adjacent dining room. This can help light filter through the house and provide a larger open plan kitchen. However, if you want to keep a separate dining room or make this room a snug, play room or office space, large double doors can be a good compromise for a flexible space.

Glazed doors will help the space feel bigger, as well as letting light through so it’s not too dark, and the option to have them open or closed can alter the function of the room. When entertaining guests, this room can be treated as an expansion of the kitchen, but when wanting a bit of privacy or more cosiness, it can be easily shut off from the kitchen.

exterior and interior design style for a victorian house

traditional or contemporary?

The two main options for extending your Victorian house are either constructing a contrasting modern addition or building the new extension in keeping with the rest of the property. This is ultimately down to your personal tastes and how you wish to furnish your new kitchen. If you like contemporary design, a modern extension is an effective way to combine traditional and contemporary styles, and this can look very striking. This will, however, be more difficult to pull off than a sympathetic design that complements the Victorian style of the rest of the house.

Whichever option you choose, the flow of your interior is an important consideration, and you want to avoid a clashing transition from one room to the next. With a traditional style, this will be easier to pair with the Victorian features and architecture, but there are ways to balance old and new to add a contemporary kitchen to your Victorian home. In our previous post on open plan spaces , we discuss many of the techniques for creating a good flow throughout your interior, but there are a few more things to consider when mixing old and new.

consider the space as a whole - not room by room

The key to remember is always look at the overall impact of the space, instead of designing separate rooms or zones individually – the interior should be designed as a whole to ensure each area flows well into the next. Mixing old and new should also not be done half-heartedly, an in-between style very rarely works. Embrace the contrast and emphasise the differences between traditional features and contemporary styles – don’t be afraid to really go for it!

To avoid the stark transition from one space to the nex t, choose harmonious colours that complement each other from room to room. You can add accents of traditional furniture or accessories in your contemporary kitchen to really highlight the contrast between the two styles. Pieces of art; accessories and soft furnishings such as rugs and cushions; styles of lighting; and colours and finishes can be mixed and matched between the two spaces to tie it all together. These should not just be scattered throughout to jumble up the mix between modern and classic designs – each room should be clearly one style or the other, with the contrasting accents creating a bold feature in the room.

interior decor and details

Traditionally, Victorian homes would have been adorned with patterned wallpapers, colourful tiles, pictorial tapestries, and ornamental decorations – Victorians favoured bold, rich colours and luxurious furnishings and their homes were filled with eclectic designs and demonstrations of their wealth. Today’s interiors generally lean towards a cleaner look and more reserved colour palettes, with fewer ornaments and less clutter. There are simple ways to embrace the Victorian heritage of your home in a way that suits more modern tastes.

Accentuate the feature fireplaces and Victorian architecture in your home with small touches of Victorian inspired design – a bold patterned wallpaper can create a cosy living room, but it doesn’t need to be on every wall if you prefer a simpler look. Or consider decorative fabrics on an accent chair, with a pop of bold colour in your accessories and tiled fireplace surround. Ornate mirrors and antique furniture can add Victorian luxury and upcycling these items can add a personal touch to your interior. Don’t forget to only include things that you love for your perfect interior!

For more advice on home renovations, come back for the next post in our PERIOD PROPERTIES blog series. If you just can’t wait until then, feel free to get in touch and chat to us about your renovation project!

~Nikita & Katie, November 2022

PERIOD PROPERTIES: HOW TO DECORATE A GEORGIAN HOME

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 14:44:34 GMT

WHAT MAKES A HOUSE GEORGIAN ?

Technically, any house built during the reigns of George I, II, III and IV – between the years 1714 and 1837 – is Georgian. But what is so special about the houses built during this era?

Georgian homes are popular and often romanticised in the UK, with the architecture of the Georgian era portraying the classic English country home, exuding elegance and charm through its distinctive design.

The epitome of essential English design, Georgian architecture is recognised for its symmetry, simplicity and classical motifs. Often with tall sash windows, painted front doors, high ceilings, and grand staircases, Georgian homes are full of character and kerb appeal, making them beautiful renovation projects. The harmonious proportions of a Georgian home make for a practical space that can be transformed into the perfect family home, so it’s no surprise they have been voted the UK’s most desirable homes !

HOW TO PRESERVE YOUR HOME'S GEORGIAN CHARACTER

If you want to update and modernise your Georgian home, it is important to prioritise: whilst some original features may not make the cut, think about your project as a whole and decide where compromises are worth making. Don’t just gut the interior and replace with new – renovating a period property means spending the time and effort to restore its former glory!

Removing too much of the original architecture can leave the property feeling devoid of character and charm. New is not always better: in fact, period properties were built with high quality materials and designed to last, unlike today’s mentality of fast fashion and budget materials.

If you are planning to approach your project in stages, take a look at the bigger picture and start with the end in mind. It may even be worth living in the property for a while before making any drastic decisions, to see how you use the space. For more on tackling a large project in stages, see our previous post on the period property we are helping our clients renovate – Modernising your Edwardian Home .

When it comes to the layout of your home, it is vital to consider the future of your home, and how your lifestyle may change in the years to come. Open plan spaces are a popular option for creating a flexible and future-proof layout that can be adapted to suit multiple lifestyles.

HOW TO UPDATE AND MODERNISE WHILST MAINTAINING THE GEORGIAN CHARM

Not only is it crucial to preserve some of your home’s stunning classical design features, but you can enhance your home’s Georgian character by accentuating the architectural elements that you plan to keep. You can do this through restoration of the existing features, or finding Georgian furniture, Georgian fireplaces, and other items in antique shops to upcycle and renovate. To emphasise the Georgian character in your home, use complementary styles in your interior design – traditional panelling, authentic fittings and finishes, vintage accessories, and a cohesive colour scheme that signifies your home’s extraordinary heritage.

Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean everything in your new home has to be old! Old and new can work well together, and creating this balance is all about complementary design – the styles should not compete against each other, but work in harmony to create an elegant and calming interior. Soft furnishings and accessories are key to creating a homely environment, and they should be chosen wisely to accompany the Georgian style . Choose styles of fabric that are influenced by the Georgian era and find coordinating accessories that you love, because the most important thing about your home’s interior is that YOU love it.

Don’t forget to consider the practical aspect of your home: combine function and aesthetic in plenty of storage and clever design. Modernising your home should make it work perfectly for the way you plan to use it, and whilst we suggest keeping original period features, modernising the interior provides the opportunity to use contemporary design to your advantage, creating the perfect layout and maximising the function of each room.

Georgian families had very different lifestyles, impacting the typical layout of a Georgian home. You will often find the second or third floor to have smaller rooms and lower ceilings, as these would have been the servants’ quarters. For a modern family, the existing layout is likely to be impractical, and it is common for renovated homes to have smaller rooms knocked into larger, open plan spaces – particularly with Georgian kitchens. Whilst today, we all dream for a spacious, sociable, family friendly kitchen, Georgian families kept the dirty, hard-working areas of the home separate from the comfortable living areas.

With its symmetry and simplicity, Georgian buildings and architecture provides the ideal opportunity to create the perfect family home, as the large, square rooms can easily be optimised for family life without worrying about the small nooks and crannies or narrow hallways more commonly found in Victorian homes.

PERSONALISING GEORGIAN STYLE HOMES

Unique and original items add interest and ensure your home is not the carbon copy of some Instagram ‘dream home’ – finding inspiration from social media, websites, blogs and magazines is brilliant, but don’t be afraid to mix and match, and only ever include things that you love. Ignore the latest trends; they go out of fashion so quickly and you will be left with an outdated and uninspiring interior. You will never grow bored of a design filled with things you LOVE!

The best way to make your period home’s interior stand out from the rest is with upcycling and restoring. Get interior inspiration by trawling antique shops, car boot sales, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Etsy for some truly unique discoveries. Breathing new life into old furniture and accessories will not only create stunning features for your home, but provide the opportunity to customise them with your own personal touch.

You can find inspiration from the existing Georgian features in your home and restore your antique finds to coordinate with the rest of your interior. As a bonus, upcycling is a fun and sustainable way to help save the planet !

Ultimately, this is YOUR home and should reflect your tastes and personality – the best way to add character and originality to any home is with a personal touch. The best accessories you can add to your home are those that inspire you and make you happy!

If you are renovating a period property and looking for advice, watch this space – we will be regularly updating our website with more period home tips and ideas in our new PERIOD PROPERTIES blog series.

Alternatively, get in touch ! We would love to help you with your exciting renovation project.

~Nikita & Katie, October 2022

Timeless Kitchens: designing your kitchen to last a lifetime

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 10:42:33 GMT

There are two key reasons that a kitchen will not stand the test of time: style and function. It is not uncommon for the colour or style to be out of fashion after a short time, or simply not to the taste of new owners if the house is sold. Alternatively, the issue could be an impractical layout that doesn’t function effectively, or perhaps the cabinets are falling apart from excessive wear and tear. If you are planning to update your kitchen but worry about the longevity of your design, follow these useful guidelines to ensure your kitchen will endure the test of time!

NEUTRAL DOES NOT MEAN BORING!

The obvious advice to ensure your new kitchen will not go out of style is to keep it neutral. However, this can be detrimental to its longevity, because you (or future owners if you plan to sell ) will simply grow bored of the design and replace the kitchen anyway. It is important to keep the costly items such as cabinets and doors fairly neutral, to allow the colours and accessories to be changed. But this absolutely does not mean it should be boring! You can still add splashes of colour and personality to your design in so many ways:

1. Fittings and fixtures

Add some interest with different colours and finishes – brushed nickel, gold, antique brass, matt black – there are so many alternatives to polished chrome that can be coordinated throughout the design with taps, pendant light fittings, handles and accessories to add a touch of luxury. Consider upgrading your plug sockets and switches from white plastic to match too.

2. Splashbacks

The walls provide the perfect opportunity to inject a bit of personality into your design; tiles are a relatively easy and inexpensive option to replace if you wish to change them later on, and they can make a huge impact on the design. Tiled splashbacks can create a stunning feature with their multitudes of different colours, patterns, textures and shapes. Other options include stone, antique mirror, or glass splashbacks.

3. Soft furnishings and accessories

Finishing touches are so important; curtains, blinds, sofas, rugs, cushions and other accessories can be changed so easily when you fancy a change of décor, but make a major impact on the overall design and feel of the space – their warmth, texture and cosiness are crucial to creating a homely environment. Pictures and posters, decorative shelving, lamps, potted plants – anything can be coordinated with the style of your kitchen and add more touches of personality without making a permanent impact on the design.

4. Classic style

For a timeless kitchen, the style should be classic and simple – go for styles that have been around long enough to know they are not a just a recent trend that will go out of fashion quickly. A simple shaker door is a popular option for timeless kitchens, as it can be complemented by traditional or modern accessories to suit your tastes accordingly, and will never go out of style. Exceptionally modern designs are risky because they may become outdated in a few years depending on the trends at the time.

Never go for whatever is ‘fashionable’ as it will quickly be replaced with the next new fashion trend and go out of date anyway! Do something that you love, so you will never grow bored of it – your kitchen should reflect your own tastes, with personal touches that make it feel like home.

THE PERFECT LAYOUT

As we have discussed before, there is no such thing as the perfect layout (see our previous post WHAT IS THE IDEAL KITCHEN LAYOUT? ). However, there are ways to optimise the layout so that it can be multifunctional to suit different potential users of your kitchen. Thinking carefully about the various possibilities for your space, you can make some clever decisions that will help your kitchen last.

1. Future planning

An important consideration for the design of your kitchen is how you (or future owners) may wish to use any other available space. For example, if you have an adjacent dining room, it may be sensible to consider an open plan layout - or adding glazed doors between the kitchen and diner could provide a flexible option of adjoining rooms. This means that your new kitchen will not be affected by the removal of a wall further down the line!

2. Multiple uses

A multifunctional space is the best way to keep your options open for future use. Including space for a dining table or living area allows the function of the space to be changed accordingly – where you may currently use the space for comfy lounging armchairs, this could be adapted into a desk area in the future, or maybe a drinks bar or coffee area. A variety of seating will also increase the flexibility of the space – stools at a breakfast bar are perfect for entertaining guests, casual meals or somewhere for children to safely help out in the kitchen.

3. Fitted or freestanding

Whilst it is important to consider other options for your layout that you may not require at the time (particularly if you are planning to sell), you can still make the space work for you without having to compromise on your most important elements of the design. If there is a feature you would love to include but you don’t think it will benefit future owners (or you simply know you will change your mind at some point!), then consider freestanding furniture that can be changed to suit different demands as and when needed.

4. Think practical

To ensure the kitchen will not need replacing in a few years, the design must be functional and the space should be used efficiently. Make sure your kitchen will include plenty of storage, particularly easy access solutions such as pull outs and pan drawers. Plenty of worktop space for food preparation is also essential, as well as a spacious design that allows accessibility and movement around the space to avoid traffic. Lighting should be practical and ambient – include bright task lighting as well as cosy dimmable lamps and/or pendants to provide flexible options. A kitchen designer can help you make sure all of these considerations are incorporated into your design for the most efficient kitchen that will last a lifetime.

QUALITY AND DURABILITY

Of course, if you are planning to keep your kitchen looking beautiful for years to come, it is vital to consider the quality of your kitchen. Certain elements of the design will be more important than others, and if you are updating your kitchen with a modest budget you will need to prioritise (see our earlier post FINANCIALLY SAVVY KITCHENS for our Honest advice).

1. Installation

Make sure that the installation of your kitchen is carried out to the very highest standard. A kitchen that has not been put together properly is more likely to start falling apart from very little wear, and an experienced fitter will ensure the kitchen is built to last. If you are having new flooring or other work done at the same time, this can also have an impact on the longevity of the kitchen: ensure any major works are completed to a high standard to prevent the kitchen being damaged in potential future repairs.

2. Materials

Your choice of materials will affect the durability of your new kitchen, so think carefully when making these decisions. The carcase construction and door materials should be well built and hardwearing to last for many years. Worktops should also be durable and it is advisable to research the materials for heat resistance – if you plan on putting hot pans straight onto the worktop, granite would be a much safer choice than laminate!

3. Budget

If you need to prioritise, spend to the top of your budget for the most important elements: cabinets, doors, worktops and appliances should be the best you can afford to ensure they last. If your budget is tight, you can always add other bits like furniture and accessories later on instead of doing it all in one go. You kitchen designer can help advise you on the most important expenses, and where you can more easily cut costs .

SUSTAINABLE CHOICES

Trying to achieve a long-lasting, timeless kitchen not only saves money in the long run by not having to replace your kitchen every few years – it is also a more sustainable choice, meaning that by choosing to buy once and buy well, you are helping to save the planet! Sustainability is so important to us at Honest by Design, so rest assured that when we design your kitchen, we will give you our Honest advice to strive for sustainable choices. If you are planning a new kitchen and want a design that will last a lifetime, then get in touch – we would love to work with you on your exciting new project!

~Nikita & Katie, September 2022

What is the Ideal Kitchen Layout? 15 Top Tips on Kitchen Layout

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 15:25:05 GMT

The ideal kitchen layout – it does not exist. Every home is different, and every person is different. This means that the ideal kitchen layout is impossible; what works for one person in their home could be a world away from what works for someone else. So how do you decide what layout works for you?

When we design a kitchen, the first – and most important – step is to listen. We take our time to get to know you, preferably face to face (or on Zoom !), and find out what makes you tick. This isn’t exclusive to how you use your kitchen – it is helpful to learn about your general likes and dislikes, your favourite styles and colours, as well as how you use the rest of your home. Often, the layout of your entire house can make a huge impact on the way the kitchen works for you. We also like to know about your family; how many of you regularly use the kitchen, how often do you have guests, do you like to cook together, do you have any pets?

After getting to know you, we can help you figure out the best layout that works for your space and allows you to get the most out of your home. However, we also know how difficult these decisions can be, particularly in a new home – if you’re not sure what you’re looking for in a new kitchen, it can be daunting to talk to a designer . But don’t worry, we don’t expect you to know all the answers! If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas to inspire you.

1. Where do you stand in the kitchen?

This may seem like an odd question, but it really does differ from person to person. Some find they spend most of their time at the sink (I guess that depends on who does the washing up!), whilst others stand at the hob or preparing food on the biggest area of worktop available in the kitchen. If you are considering an island or peninsula in your kitchen, this is something to think about – would you like your sink or hob on the island or prefer a large worktop space?

A hob against the wall will have better options for extraction, whilst a sink can look messy on a central island, so people often prefer to keep the island or peninsular free for food preparation. However, if you know that you spend a lot of time standing at the hob stirring and like to keep your eye on the pot while you chop onions, it might make more sense for you to position your hob on the island, particularly if you plan on incorporating stools for a sociable layout – you don’t want to stand with your back to your guests!

2. Corners

L-shape, U-shape, G-shape - some of the most common layouts for efficient use of space involve a lot of corners! This allows for maximum storage, but potentially not the most practical storage. However, there are plenty of options for clever corner pull outs for these hard-to-reach spaces, so don’t be afraid to incorporate as many corners as necessary.

3. Flow of traffic

Be aware of circulation when considering a kitchen with lots of corners – these layouts will work well for smaller kitchens, but for a room with various access points (for example back door, hallway entrance, dining room, utility room), it may mean walking around awkward corners or getting in the way of the cook while busy in the kitchen. In this instance, think about the routes through the room and ensure your new kitchen layout won’t negatively impact the way you use the garden or adjoining rooms.

It is always a good idea to think about the flow of traffic through the house, and not just the kitchen. This is where it is important for us to know more about how you use the rest of your home. For example, if you often go out for muddy walks, and use your back door more than your front door, this will make a big impact on the design of your kitchen layout. Where guests enter the kitchen when entertaining is also important; this would be the best place to position sociable seating such as stools at the island, to encourage guests to sit down and not linger in doorways or get in the way of cooking!

4. Types of seating

Seating in a kitchen creates a more flexible and sociable space: whether this is casual seating at a breakfast bar, a formal dining table or comfy sofas, it will change the way you use the room. Stools are very popular for both big and small kitchens, as they are such a versatile option that can often use very little space. Stools at a bar are handy for casual meals, coffee breaks, children doing homework or helping in the kitchen (whilst staying safely out of the way), and generally positioning stools at an island or peninsula offers an additional stretch of deeper worktop space.

How you use your kitchen is up to you; don’t let current trends convince you otherwise! Comfort, style, convenience – your priorities are personal to you and what you consider important may be different to what others want in their kitchen. For example, for a client who finds the height of stools uncomfortable, we have designed a bespoke table height section on a peninsular with two comfy chairs that mean they have a comfy spot to sit whilst keeping the sociable layout offered by seating at the peninsular.

Bench seating is another popular option that we design for clients looking for flexible seating; with foam padding and throw cushions, bench seating is comfy and casual, but also practical for sitting at a table for dinner. This can be in a cosy corner or even backing onto the island or peninsular for a space with fewer walls.

5. Open plan zones

Particularly with larger open plan spaces, zones are important for dividing the room into usable sections. What those zones may be is completely up to you: the classic open plan layout is kitchen-living-dining, but the sky is the limit. Some people don’t want a TV in their kitchen, but maybe a sound system or record player could create a dedicated music zone, or perhaps you would like to spend time with your children whilst cooking – why not kitchen-diner-playroom? For more on open plan spaces, see our previous post MAKE YOUR KITCHEN THE HEART OF YOUR HOME .

6. Galley kitchens

OK, so a galley kitchen might not be on the top of your list, but keep an open mind! To make the best use of a space, galley style kitchens can be a really efficient layout when designed well. A galley style in a smaller open plan kitchen for example can create a natural divide between kitchen and dining, and keep small children safely out of the cooking zone. Two parallel runs of cabinets can also create a convenient cooking area with plenty of worktop space and storage, whilst the simplicity of a galley style kitchen can make the space feel larger, and avoids awkward corners.

7. Appliances

Your choice of appliances will have an impact on your design from the very beginning, so it’s important to consider how these can influence your kitchen’s layout. For ovens, eye-level appliances will require a position for tall units that won’t compromise the light entering the space or feel obtrusive in the room, whilst built under ovens can go anywhere along a wall or in an island. Range cookers often need to be positioned against a wall for extraction and may need a flue on an outside wall. Induction hobs require more power than an electric hob and a new cable may need to run from the fuse board, making some positions potentially more complicated (and costly) than others.

Fridges and freezers are a very personal choice that, again, have a big effect on your overall layout – an American fridge freezer takes up a lot more space than your standard 70/30 fridge freezer. Or perhaps you need a full height fridge and a full height freezer? That will also need a good amount of wall space that doesn’t impact the rest of the room. Additional appliances like microwaves, warming drawers, and wine fridges are also a consideration if they are items you wish to include.

8. Appliance garages

A clever storage option for smaller kitchen essentials such as your toaster, kettle, coffee machine, blender, etc. is an appliance garage. This consists of a dresser unit with bi-folding doors that sits on the worktop, with all your messy appliances hidden inside. They are plugged into a socket inside the cabinet, so you only need to open the doors to use your appliances, then you can simply shut the mess away when not in use. This is the perfect solution that provides storage without losing worktop space, and is super practical for regularly used items.

9. Laundry

If you have the space, it may be worth considering a partition or utility room (even just a small one) for your washing machine and tumble dryer. This is especially significant if you are planning a kitchen-diner or open plan living space, as laundry appliances can be quite noisy! Having these in a separate area can free up more storage in your kitchen, and if it does require adding an extra wall, it can provide space for an extra run of cabinets in the kitchen, or a shallow sideboard for display.

10. Reuse or upcycle existing furniture

If you already have furniture that you wish to reuse, there is no reason it can’t be incorporated into your new kitchen – in fact, it could become a statement piece or a striking feature that inspires the rest of the design. Plus, there’s the added bonus that you are helping to save the planet with a sustainable new kitchen ! If you don’t have furniture to reuse, but love the idea of an unusual feature that contributes to an eco-friendly design, you can go bargain hunting in your local antique shops and find something really unique to add that special something to your new kitchen. Furniture can be refreshed and upcycled to breathe new life into old items, or it can add its own rustic charm to a traditional style kitchen.

11. Think vertical

If you have high ceilings, it is worth considering extra height wall and tall units to make most use of the space available. If you are not particularly tall, this storage may be useful for seasonal items that come out only once a year! In any kitchen however, it is important to think about your wall space – if you are looking for maximum storage, tall larder units, dresser units, appliance garages and wall units are going to be useful. These are not your only options though, display shelves can add a homely touch and still provide storage, or if you don’t like dusting shelves (because who does!), glass display cabinets can be a perfect alternative.

12. Curves

Especially if you are short on space, curves can be a great way to include additional storage without reducing the ease of circulation around the kitchen. Curved cabinets can also provide an attractive feature, and a symmetrical island with curved ends can look stunning. Limiting the pinch points and sharp edges can make a room feel larger and more open, without sacrificing large amounts of worktop space and storage, and they can work in a kitchen of any size or layout.

13. Consider light

The light pouring into your room will make a big difference to the feel of the space – bright, open and spacious makes for a beautiful kitchen, whilst a dark and gloomy kitchen can feel small and depressing. Keep tall units away from windows and doors where possible to avoid blocking the light, and choose open shelves over wall cabinets near any windows to keep it feeling open and bright. Placing a sink under a window may seem the obvious choice, but it all depends on how this works with the rest of the design. With casual seating, we always try to position stools and comfy chairs facing the view of the garden, whilst keeping a sociable layout.

14. Prioritise

Sometimes, you may need to choose between some of the items on your wish list. You must consider what is most important and think practical – if you have to compromise, would your new kitchen be better with more storage or more worktop space? Is it crucial to have some extra seating or would you prefer more space for circulation?

If you know you have lots of stuff, then storage needs to come first, and extra worktop space or additional seating is simply a bonus. If you often entertain, seating may be your priority. If you bake a lot of cakes or pies and need lots of worktop space, you may not be able to fit in a big larder – but we will help you with these decisions and suggest the best compromises to get the most out of your space. One person’s priorities will be completely different to the next person, which is why every kitchen is uniquely designed to suit your tastes and your lifestyle.

15. Think outside the box

You certainly don’t need to make any decisions yet – it’s helpful to have an idea of the way you use your home and how you like to work in the kitchen, but it is important to keep an open mind; we may suggest some new ideas you haven’t even considered! It’s our job to suggest the best design that works for you and your home, and sometimes that means coming up with creative suggestions to transform the space in a completely unexpected way.

It’s your home, and you take the lead: we will always make amendments to suit any requirements or preferences, and ultimately you make the decisions in the design process. But we will help guide you with our own experience and recommendations, and we will always give our Honest advice to help you make informed decisions and create a kitchen that you love !

~Nikita & Katie, August 2022

Modernising your Edwardian home: Tips and Ideas

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 15:30:16 GMT

Although we specialise mostly in kitchen design, we have been working on some exciting interior design projects. A particular three-storey Edwardian property in the depths of the New Forest has been taking up a lot of our time and we cannot wait to share it with you! Meanwhile, if you are thinking of starting your own renovation or are looking for some interior design inspiration, read on to learn some top tips about modernising your Edwardian home.

1. Decide which Edwardian features to keep

This three storey Edwardian property, once home to a wealthy lawyer, was split into four apartments, two of which were later combined on one side of the house – creating a respectably sized four bedroom home that extends into the eaves and contains an abundance of original features and stunning views across the New Forest.

The new owners wish to maintain many of the Edwardian character features – window seats, bespoke cabinetry and sloped ceilings – whilst modernising the interior and creating a more functional layout that works perfectly for family life. Before you start with any renovations for your Edwardian property, decide what features you most definitely want to keep, and what features you’re happy to compromise on losing.

2. CONSIDER the order of your renovations

The family who have recently acquired the property currently live in Singapore, and they are prioritising the renovation in stages – we are designing and managing the project to complete each stage in the process between their visits to England. It will be a long process and they wish to make their children’s bedrooms on the top floor first priority, as well as the family bathroom and a new bathroom to be added on the middle floor adjacent to the master bedroom. Separating a project out into stages comes with huge benefits, as well as a multitude of challenges.

The benefits of completing your renovation in stages include:

- Less upheaval : the house can be lived in without too much disruption to family life, with only a few rooms being stripped and renovated at once

- A modest budget can go further: each stage can be weeks, months or even years apart, meaning a new budget for each stage instead of stretching one budget across the entire project and not allowing for unexpected extras

- Insight : living in the house in the current layout before making too many major changes can help you discover the best ways to use each area of the house and what does and doesn’t already work for you

The challenges you may come across by renovating your house in stages include:

- End goal : it is so important to start with the end in mind, however, the insight from living in the house throughout the ongoing project may change plans along the way, and the longer the project, the more chance of losing sight of your original goals!

- Extending the project : of course, splitting a project into stages will take longer to complete the renovation, and likely require repeated visits from builders, electricians, plumbers, decorators – instead of being one job completed in a single timeframe

- Flow of the design: a project that is completed in stages is at risk of being designed differently at each point – this makes it even more important to keep the end in mind and ensure each stage is considered throughout the design process from the very beginning.

3. Renovating bedrooms and bathrooms first can make renovation projects more liveable

Starting renovation projects with the bedrooms and bathrooms first is a good way to go – these are unlikely to change purpose and living in the house beforehand is not necessary for the design. Due to the history of our client’s Edwardian house being split into apartments and then later combined, the downstairs layout is a little disjointed; the kitchen is small, the dining room large and there are two other reception rooms with no obvious purpose. Because of this, the ground floor will be the last stage in the project, to ensure the layout can be reconfigured for modern living and in the most practical way for the family – having lived in the house at various points between the two previous design stages, they will have a better idea on how they wish to use the space in the future.

4. Think about the future for your Edwardian home

Ultimately, working in stages can be just as effective as renovating a whole project in one go, it just requires more consideration of the bigger picture throughout the design process and flexibility for plans to change. For the longevity of the design, it is important to think about the future of your house, too – when children grow up, how will the playroom be used? Will the children’s bedrooms still be suitable for teenagers and/or guests? When you get older, is accessibility likely to be an issue? There are so many considerations that are even more crucial when planning in stages, and an excellent interior designer will make sure these important elements are not just an afterthought!

In our client’s New Forest renovation, the children are aged 9 and 15, so future planning is vital for upcoming changes. The 15-year-old’s bedroom is intended as a guest room while he attends boarding school, and later University, so it is important to design a flexible space that he can feel comfortable in as his own bedroom, whilst considering its suitability for guests. For the 9-year-old, floor space for playing Lego and extra beds for sleepovers are the current priority – however, including a desk and a king sized bed prepare the room to become the ideal space for a teenager to complete homework and spend time relaxing.

The family have spent many years in Singapore, where they have accumulated unique pieces of furniture; with the house’s countryside charm and character, they are looking to combine the style of a traditional English home with accents of Singapore. A variety of items of furniture are intended to be transported to England, making them a huge consideration within our designs – whilst not all of the furniture is currently in its place, we must plan ahead and ensure they will not just ‘fit in’, but become a striking feature of the design.

It is essential to consider the flow of your home right at the start of your renovation project. Particularly for our clients, whose renovations span across three floors and will be designed in three separate stages – if the flow throughout is not considered at the beginning of the project, there is a risk of each floor feeling disjointed from one other.

5. Choose colour schemes that COMPLEMENT the Edwardian style, whilst keeping it modern

In our client’s case, the top floor is the children’s floor/guest bedrooms, which are intended to have a calm, neutral feeling, with a nod towards a nautical theme – think Hamptons. Mostly blues and a soft, gentle colour palette will ensure a calming atmosphere. The middle floor will be similar blues and greens, bringing the views of the garden and New Forest into the master bedroom, but with a warmer palette and slightly more traditional English country feel.

Tongue and groove panelling and shaker cabinets in the top floor bedrooms will help tie the two floors together, whilst antique mirrors and treasured items of furniture brought over from Singapore will create striking features in the larger rooms of the middle floor. This will ensure flow from one floor to the next, without it looking too ‘samey’. Soft, neutral tones will compliment bold patterns, subtly bringing together the styles of English countryside and accents of Singapore, with comforting textures from velvets and woven fabrics creating a warm and inviting space.

We will create a cohesive transition from room to room and floor to floor with the mindful design of the hallways – neutral tones that compliment the colours in each room, with feature lighting, panelling and contrasting wallpaper in the upstairs window alcoves created by the sloping eaves. Often overlooked, hallways are a crucial part of any design – setting the tone and feel for each of the rooms before even entering, whilst linking each room together, hallways are key in ensuring flow throughout the designs of each room.

6. Make sure you add personal touches

A crucial element of the design, particularly for this charming Edwardian property, is the personal touch – your home should be a reflection of you, incorporating the things you love and finding inspiration from your style of living. The main inspiration here is the blend of cultures, combining the family’s history in Singapore with a traditional English country style. Designing a home with these personal elements makes a unique and stunning interior that represents the family’s adventures.

The challenge is in drawing these elements together without competing against each other – the styles must complement each other in a striking and cohesive design. As we are incorporating existing items of furniture into our designs, it is even more important to be mindful of clashing styles; the furniture is the starting point for each design, inspiring the rest of the interior, and it is crucial to be considerate of colours, materials and textures. Bespoke upholstery including window seats, bedding, cushions and curtains, allow us to select the perfect fabrics that complement the bold styles of the Singapore furniture and bring in the traditional English feel.

7. Consider upcycling and sustainable living

Another method of bringing styles together is upcycling furniture. Sustainability is so important to us, and there are so many unique and stunning items to be discovered in antique shops and car boot sales!

Soft furnishings can be reupholstered to complement your Edwardian interior, whilst wooden furniture can be sanded back, stained, polished, repainted, wallpapered – the possibilities are endless. Your new piece of furniture is sure to be a striking feature in your home. In this New Forest property, there are numerous doors from bespoke cabinetry already built in – we will be re-purposing many of these doors by stripping the paint and refinishing them, then finding a new home in the bedrooms as bespoke wardrobes.

8: Final tips for modernising your Edwardian home

Unfortunately, with big renovation projects, there are so many things that can easily go wrong. Particularly with an old Edwardian house, it is so important to take into account any surprises you may find along the way – until you start tearing things apart, there is no way of knowing exactly how much work is required to achieve the perfect home.

Unwanted discoveries

Firstly, consider these unwanted discoveries when planning your budget so that the job can run smoothly and not come to a halt if there are unexpected costs. When wallpaper has been stripped, the walls may be old and crumbling and need re-plastering, and any Artex ceilings are likely to contain asbestos and need plastering over too, incurring a few extra costs. Another common issue is old fuse boards not being certified or carrying enough power for your new appliances – updating the fuse board is another substantial expense that could risk limiting your budget elsewhere if not accounted for.

Timescales

Timescales are another important consideration – particularly if you are ordering anything bespoke or made to order, lead times must be taken into account at the beginning of your project to ensure things run smoothly and no waiting around! With large renovation projects, timing is everything; it will take months to years to complete your project, so any delays can be devastating, making forward planning absolutely crucial.

HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER AND PROJECT MANAGER

A project manager is the key to smooth sailing; someone who can organise people and timings will ensure the project progresses efficiently and successfully. As designers, we are in the ideal position to organise each step of the way – we always offer project management for all of our clients, no matter how big or how small. We use our own installers and carpenters; we work closely with upholstery companies and bathroom specialists, arranging every part of the process to keep things on track; and we subcontract people that we trust for building work, plumbing, electrics, decorating, and the rest.

As designers, the first step is getting to know you so that we can design an interior you love; in this part of the process we learn your likes, dislikes, your priorities and your passions. This gives us important insight that helps us manage your project – we know what is important to you and can ensure your priorities always come first, each step of the way. Living in Singapore, our current clients are not in a position to manage their own project, so we will be completing the renovation while they are abroad, with each new stage completed upon their return to England. This takes the stress out of a project and ensures smooth sailing throughout, even from another country!

As soon as we have completed the first stage of this project, we will be eager to share it with you. In the meantime, hopefully this was a helpful insight to the process of an Edwardian home renovation project – if you are planning your own, please get in touch and we would love to help with your design and project management!

~Nikita & Katie, July 2022

MAKE YOUR KITCHEN THE HEART OF YOUR HOME: 12 TOP TIPS FOR OPEN PLAN SPACES

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 10:13:47 GMT

Open plan spaces are making their way into many homes, and it is not surprising that they have become so popular. Whilst open plan is not for everyone, there are many benefits to knocking down the barriers (in this case, walls!) between kitchen, living and dining. However, blurring the line between the purpose and function of each room to create one big space can be challenging.

In this post, we will discuss key techniques to making an open plan space function in multiple ways, whilst combining these purposes into a room that flows as one. After all, an open plan space should not look like three separate rooms, but one large space that can accommodate a variety of uses and provide a spacious and sociable atmosphere to enjoy time as a family or entertain guests with ease. But first, let’s consider why you should opt for an open plan layout for your kitchen – as always, it is essential to start with the end in mind and decide what you are hoping your new kitchen can provide.

WHY SHOULD I CONVERT TO AN OPEN PLAN LIFESTYLE?

Yes, open plan living is a lifestyle – it will change the way you use your home and it will create a space where you can spend more time together, even whilst engaging in separate activities. For this reason, open plan is very popular for young families; parents can keep an eye on young children or help with homework whilst busy cooking; the whole family can eat dinner together in one space; and the chef never has to cook alone! The benefits to open plan living are not exclusive to families, however. For the social butterflies, an open plan kitchen provides the perfect space for dinner parties and gatherings; a larger kitchen accommodates more people and the various seating options offer opportunities for both casual and formal get-togethers.

In general, open plan spaces are more spacious and can make your home feel bigger and brighter. Fewer walls provides a clear path for sunlight to enter through the windows and connects the kitchen to the garden. Your kitchen can function as your living room, dining room, drinks bar, coffee area – the options are endless. This allows you to make more use out of the kitchen and enjoy spending time in a versatile and comfortable space, instead of reserving the kitchen solely for cooking.

FLEXIBLE OPTIONS FOR OPEN PLAN LAYOUTS

If you are unsure about committing to fully open plan, there are plenty of options to make the space flexible for your needs. If you are looking to make your space feel open and spacious but your partner wants to watch TV in the living room while you’re listening to the radio in the kitchen, glass panels or interior windows can give the impression of open plan whilst keeping rooms – and sounds – separated. Alternatively, install doors between your kitchen and living room to offer open plan living with the option to shut off one room when necessary. Pocket doors or bifolding doors can be the perfect solution if space is limited.

If you love the idea of open plan but are worried about the view of a messy kitchen from your sofa, the layout of your kitchen is crucial. In an L-shaped kitchen, the sink can be positioned in the corner, tucked away and hidden from view. Alternatively, the living room area can be situated furthest from the main cooking area, with the sofas facing out towards the garden instead.

An open plan kitchen doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing; consider keeping a separate snug to provide a cosy room reserved for cold, dark winter evenings. It can also be a great bonus to have more than one sitting area, particularly when children get older and more independent. A separate utility room is also a must-have if space allows – here, muddy Wellies and noisy appliances can reside hidden from view, so you won’t be sitting on your sofa listening to the washing machine!

DECIDE HOW YOU WANT TO USE THE SPACE

1. The first step is to think about what you want to include in your open plan space, as well as taking consideration for any separate rooms you wish to incorporate. Dedicate a purpose to each area of the room: it can be useful to ‘zone’ the room to ensure there is no empty, wasted space. For example, you’ll have a kitchen area, dining area and perhaps a living room, coffee area or breakfast bar.

CONSIDER LAYOUT

2. To make each zone work within the space, ensure they are cohesive but not mixed together; you probably don’t want your fridge on the opposite side of the room so you are walking through the dining or living area whilst cooking! This will also help to create a distinction between each zone by separating the areas.

3. Position furniture according to how you wish to use the space – for a sociable layout, face sofas, chairs, stools etc. towards the middle of the room or the main kitchen area. For a more separated space where people can share the room whilst engaging in individual activities, consider facing the sofas or armchairs away from the kitchen area, using the back of a sofa to create a natural divide, breaking up the space.

4. Make it functional – ensure easy access to all kitchen essentials when cooking and consider pathways through the room, allowing space in areas that are likely to have more traffic. Direct guests towards seating areas through the design of your kitchen layout to make sure they don’t get in the way of cooking. For example, stools on the back of an island close to the entrance of the kitchen will encourage guests to take a seat instead of standing around or walking through the cooking area.

5. Dividers such as bench seating, a kitchen island/peninsular, or a bookcase can provide subtle separation within open plan layouts if you are looking for a more flexible space. This can offer privacy and cosiness in areas of the room whilst providing extra storage, seating, work space or decoration whilst still keeping the room open and spacious.

USE COLOURS AND MATERIALS TO CREATE FLOW THROUGHOUT THE SPACE AND HELP DEFINE ZONES

6. Keep it simple and maintain a minimal colour palette – a large space can be overwhelming if it is too busy with lots of varying colours and materials; the space should feel open and calm. Material and colours should be consistent throughout the space to improve flow and create a seamless transition between the different zones. This is essential to ensure your open plan space works together as one, instead of feeling like various separate rooms in one large space.

7. You can add elements that introduce more pops of colour and pattern in the living area and soft furnishings to make it cosier and create definition between kitchen/living. These should still coordinate with the rest of the space and be from the same colour palette. Textures and patterns should complement the rest of the interior and not be too obtrusive.

USE ACCESSORIES TO DIRECT FOCUS IN THE ROOM

8. Features such as pendant lighting, tiled splashbacks, decorative displays and fireplace surrounds can direct focus to certain areas of the room. Creating a focus will draw the attention in a certain area towards something of interest, dividing the zones and highlighting the purpose and function of each section of the room.

9. Rugs are a great way to create defined zones and break up the room into smaller sections. Flooring should be consistent throughout to ensure the space flows, but a rug can help transition from kitchen to living areas. If you have a large room, multiple rugs can be very effective at breaking up the space and adding colour and texture to the room.

10. Include a variety of options for seating – stools for a breakfast bar/casual seating; formal dining at a dinner table; sofas/armchairs for lounging. Having a variety of seating options creates a multifunctional space that allows you to use the kitchen for more than just cooking. Armchairs and sofas are particularly valuable in creating a cosy sitting area that defines the room as a living area as well as a kitchen.

11. Lighting can also help define zones – ceiling lights, pendant lights, floor lamps, table lamps; your lighting should provide a variety of options to be flexible and set the mood. Allow as much natural light in as possible to make the space feel bigger and brighter, and include some cosy dimmable lighting as well as bright task lighting for a range of possibilities.

12. Another method of defining the zones within an open plan space is with colour: paint a feature wall in a darker shade of the colours already used throughout the rest of the space, or co-ordinate your sofa with colourful tiles in the kitchen. Bring in accents of wood to add warmth and texture on sideboards and bench seating in the cosier sitting areas of your space that will tie in with some oak shelves in the kitchen. Accentuating the colours using a darker or brighter shade in a different area will emphasize a transition between kitchen and living spaces without conflicting with other areas in introducing entirely new colours.

Whilst open plan spaces may not be the ideal solution for every home, there are so many possibilities to make it a flexible option for you. When designing an open plan kitchen, there are many important considerations, and it comes down to the way you want to use your space. It is vital to think about how open plan living can impact the way you use your home and what you can incorporate into a multifunctional kitchen-living-dining room – or whatever combination you choose for your space! The options are limitless and making your kitchen open plan can truly create the heart of your home.

~Nikita & Katie, June 2022

FINANCIALLY SAVVY KITCHENS

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 21:33:16 GMT

How much does a new kitchen cost?

When you start looking into the cost of a new kitchen, it can be off-putting, particularly if there is nothing really ‘wrong’ with your current kitchen. But it might be time for an upgrade, or maybe you have moved into a new house and the style is not quite to your liking. In this post, we intend to give you designer insight on how to be more financially savvy, and sustainable, when planning a new kitchen – because it does not need to cost the Earth!

So, how much does a new kitchen cost? We hear that a lot – and although it sounds cliché, how long is a piece of string? Your new kitchen can cost as much or as little as you are willing to spend, and we are here to help you figure out which parts of your kitchen are worth spending more on. At Honest by Design, we care about the environment too, so we will also advise you on how to keep sustainability in mind when designing your kitchen.

1. MATERIALS

Perhaps the most obvious way to have control over the cost of your new kitchen is in the choice of your materials. Worktops can be one of the most costly parts of a new kitchen if you are looking for a high quality stone surface that is resistant to wear and tear. Equally, worktops can be one of the biggest opportunities to make a saving and pocket some extra cash for your accessories! If you are not too fussed about the material of your worktop, you can opt for laminate worktops, which are not quite as hardwearing but can look effective, particularly in areas that are not used so often, such as a utility room. Somewhere in the middle, Solid Surface worktops are a more attractive option than laminate, without the hefty price tag of stone. Another option is to have stone worktops in your preparation and cooking areas, with oak tops on sideboards and breakfast bars, to add a bit of warmth and texture to the surfaces in your kitchen.

If you feel strongly about your worktops however, there are other ways to make a saving – if you are looking to replace a kitchen and utility room at the same time, you could go for a more high quality option for your doors and carcasses in just the kitchen and something cheaper for the utility, where you are less likely to spend as much time admiring your new cabinets! Your choice of splashback or tiles can make a difference in the cost of your kitchen too, so it’s worth looking into a variety of options – tiles, glass splashback, antique mirror, stone to match the worktops… There is a huge variety in price for a multitude of options, and you will be forking out more for a material matching your worktop or an antique mirror splashback than if you choose a simple tiled splashback.

At the end of the day, it is all down to your preferences – deciding which materials and elements of your kitchen have more value is a very personal choice. Simply consider which materials are more important to the aesthetic or function of your new kitchen and how they will change the way it looks or feels. Where you may choose to spend more can be completely different to the next person – there are so many elements to a kitchen that there are plenty of options on how much you want to spend and where.

2. NEW OR REUSE?

It can be tempting to buy all new appliances for your shiny new kitchen, but it can be more economical and sustainable to keep your old ones. If they develop a fault, you can then upgrade to new ones, or even buy a refurbished model. Not only will that reduce the costs on your new kitchen, but it saves perfectly good appliances from going to waste.

Furniture can also be reused, and your kitchen designer will be able to incorporate it into the new design – old pieces can be a vintage design feature unique to your space, or they can repainted, refreshed or upcycled, and given a new lease of life! Antiques and charity shops have plenty of original pieces of furniture that can also be transformed into a beautiful feature of your new kitchen, and this will not only make your new kitchen eco-friendly and sustainable, but perfectly unique!

3. PRIORITISE

Before you start your new kitchen design, it is important to have an idea what you are looking for (see our previous blog post IN 8 STEPS: HOW TO CREATE YOUR DREAM KITCHEN ). When it comes to deciding how much you want to spend, you may need to prioritise the items on your wish list – you should spend more money on the most important elements of your kitchen, and save on the areas that matter less to you.

We have already discussed where materials such as worktops can vary in cost depending on how important your new worktop is to you, but there are plenty of other areas to consider in kitchen design. For example, drawers and internal pull out storage systems come with a higher cost than a cupboard, and open shelves will cost even less, so it is worth considering the amount of drawers and pull outs you actually need depending on your particular storage requirements.

If you would be happy to wait for your old appliances to break before replacing them with new ones, you may also consider leaving some of the extra purchases until a later date. For example, once your old kitchen has been removed, you will need to replace the cupboards, worktops, sink and tap, but you might not necessarily need your new wine fridge straightaway. Extra furniture such as sideboards and shelving or decorative accessories can also wait until later. This option allows you to prioritise the important elements of your kitchen, without actually missing out on anything.

4. ALTERNATIVES

When you have sorted your priorities and figured out which parts of your kitchen are worth splashing out on, you may decide to cut back on the less important items. However, this may not be completely necessary – don’t forget to look into alternatives! For example, perhaps you liked the idea of a boiling water tap to remove the kettle from your lovely new worktop, but then realised that you don’t really need it, so it is not worth spending so much on a tap. Although you might not want to splash out on the price tag of a true boiling tap, you may consider a near boiling tap – this way, you can still get rid of your kettle, but without the full cost of true boiling.

There are lots of ways you can find alternatives and compromises that mean you can have your dream kitchen at a fraction of the price. If you find the perfect tile for your splashback, but are put off by the cost, why not mix and match with a more affordable tile to make it a special feature? If you decide to spend less on the door fronts in your kitchen, you could spend a little more on the smaller features such as handles, to give your kitchen high quality finishing touches.

5. CLEVER DESIGN

The design and layout of your new kitchen will have a huge impact on the overall cost. It is important to find a kitchen designer , who can devise the most economical design for your kitchen by considering the cost of more, smaller cabinets versus fewer, bigger cabinets, as well as offering advice on where it is worth spending more. A good kitchen installer is also key, and this will ensure that your new kitchen will be good quality to stand the test of time and save adding waste to the environment from replacing a quickly deteriorating kitchen.

For the longevity of your kitchen, it is important to ignore current trends and choose something you like! If your kitchen goes ‘out of fashion’, it is likely to be replaced in a shorter amount of time. Whilst this will cost more money, it is also not sustainable for the environment! Most importantly, your kitchen should be a reflection of your home, lifestyle and tastes, so you will love it for many years to come... Honestly designed with your life in mind.

~Nikita & Katie, February 2022

IN 8 STEPS: HOW TO CREATE YOUR DREAM KITCHEN

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 14:49:49 GMT

How do you create your dream kitchen?

Welcome back to our blog! So, you’ve Googled ‘kitchen design’. There are a million and one different posts, blogs, images, designers, adverts. Where on Earth do you go from here? In this guide, we will help you figure out what you might be looking for in your dream kitchen.

1. BREAK IT DOWN:

As easy as it is to scroll through endless images on Google, you will get lost in a sea of kitchens if you dive in without any kind of direction. Before getting into the nitty gritty details, you need to start simply. This is particularly important in online searches so you can narrow it down with some specifics. Have a look at a wide variety of styles and colours to get just an overall impression of what you do and don’t like – but don’t get too carried away with the little details just yet! Some styles to start considering would be: modern or traditional ? Light or dark? Handleless or shaker?

2. FIND INSPIRATION FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES:

Magazines can be the perfect starting point, especially if you get stuck – pick up a copy of Livingetc ; Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms ; Elle Decoration – whatever takes your fancy! Take your time to enjoy perusing a multitude of images and designs, keeping note of your favourite ideas. For further inspiration, Instagram is perfect for finding kitchens you love, and accessing more information on the styles and options available to choose from. You can also find advice on Houzz , where many professionals and designers are more than happy to help. Check out our gallery too, where you will find plenty of kitchens to help guide your inspiration!

Don’t forget – this is your home! Take inspiration from the things that you love – look around the rest of your house for styl e ideas. It will also improve the flow throughout your home to stick to the styles you are already using elsewhere. We are not a fan of “the latest trends” at Honest by Design – we believe your home should reflect you, and your kitchen is no different.

3. PICK OUT INDIVIDUAL FEATURES:

At this stage, you’re looking for inspiration, not decisions. Pick out images that you like and actually think about why. What exactly is it about each kitchen that draws you in? We’re looking for key features – the hob, the doors, the flooring, the worktops, but also descriptive words that may be key to realising what you want in your dream kitchen. What do the kitchens you like have in common? Are they cosy, warm, inviting? Are they sleek, clean and fresh? Are they family friendly, intimate, sociable? Think about how you want your kitchen to feel .

4. THINK PRACTICALITY:

Your kitchen needs to function, so don’t forget to think about how you use the space. Do you regularly entertain lots of guests? Do you have young children who like to help cook? How many chefs use the kitchen at once? Are you looking for an open, sociable space or separate formal, intimate dining? Make sure you consider how you currently use your kitchen and how you would like to be using it. Don’t forget to contemplate the importance of storage and worktop space too.

If you struggle to think about how you use your kitchen, it may be helpful to write it down. The same way you may write a meal planner or list, also write down your movements in and around the kitchen – consider how things could be made easier. For example, perhaps you avoid cooking certain meals because your kitchen makes it difficult – maybe baking a cake is something you would love to do, but you don’t have the worktop space, or sufficient storage for extra pans and utensils. Or maybe you struggle to reach the pots and pans buried at the back of a cupboard, and could benefit from some decent pan drawers.

If you can’t think of solutions to these awkward annoyances in your current kitchen, don’t worry! That’s what we are here for – a good kitchen designer can suggest all the ways you can improve the function of your space to fit your specific requirements.

5. MAKE A WISH LIST:

For the next step, enjoy feeling like a child at Christmas! Try not to get too hung up on any big ideas just yet though. At this point, you’re not necessarily looking for a list of ‘must-haves’, all of the answers, or what goes where - just ‘nice-to-haves’. Your kitchen designer will later help you decide which of these are worth having, and you can choose your priorities accordingly. This is where you can start to consider more detail – have you always wanted an American Fridge Freezer? Or does bending down to your range cooker aggravate a bad back and mean you would be better off with eye level ovens? A good kitchen designer won’t need you to have all of the answers, but it helps us if you have started to consider what you want so we are not met with blank stares to our questions!

We will also help you figure out where it might be worth making so me compromises - so please don’t be afraid to go crazy with your wish list! Whilst your space or budget may not allow you to incorporate every single item into your dream kitchen, it is helpful for a kitchen designer to know each desire. This way, we can work with you to include what is really important to you, help you find compromises if needed, and even suggest alternatives that can tick more items off your list in ways you hadn’t previously considered!

6. THE PERFECT BALANCE OF FUNCTION AND AESTHETICS:

When you have written your list, you may want to revisit the previous step – think practically about which of your desires are going to change the way you use your kitchen, and which will simply look good. There should be a bit of both! It may also be helpful to your kitchen designer if you can tell us whether you feel more strongly about how elements of the kitchen work well, or look beautiful. For example, a hob in an island can look great and be sociable – but if you also feel strongly about cooking smells being removed quickly there will need to be a discussion on what is more important to you, as a recirculated downdraft extractor will not fit the bill for this. We will listen to all the ideas you like, and help you decide which of those will be better suited to your own dream kitchen. At Honest by Design, we will always offer our honest advice – even if it might not be something you want to hear!

7. DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE PICKY:

So, you know what you want in your dream kitchen. You’ve had a look at other kitchens to decide what styles you like, discover possible new additions, and you’ve thought about how the way you use your kitchen will impact the design. Hopefully, you have compiled a list of ‘nice-to-haves’ and an idea of what is important to you in a kitchen. That’s it! You are ready to speak to a kitchen designer ( hello ) ! Call us, email us or send us a message on social media to book your free initial design appointment .

8. TIME TO GET EXCITED:

Seeing how the space can be transformed will help you decide exactly what you want. We will show you 3D, photo realistic images of your new kitchen, and work together to make the necessary changes until you are happy with the final design of your dream kitchen. So get in touch – we can’t wait to hear your ideas and work with you to create your dream kitchen.

-Nikita & Katie, November 2021

Where Do I Start?

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 12:02:14 GMT

Where do i start?

So, you’re thinking of a new kitchen – and you want to know where to start. How exciting! In our first blog post, as we introduce you to who we are and what we do, we will guide you through the first steps in the journey towards your new kitchen.

We are Nikita (Creative Director) and Katie (Assistant Designer) , and we design, supply & install kitchens and interiors. Welcome to our blog! Here we will help you with tricky decisions and give you insight into kitchen design and project management. We will share ideas for how to design your kitchen, buying once and buying well. As a Mum (Nikita) and an Auntie (Katie), we firmly believe your family should always be at the forefront of your design.

Where to begin? The first thing to do is simply talk ! It’s so important to discuss ideas, and gather inspiration. Something you have seen in someone else’s kitchen might not work in the space you have - but that’s not to say you can’t find an alternative. You need a sounding board – and who better to start with than an experienced kitchen designer? ( Hello! )

Our design process starts with a simple chat. We don’t charge for this – because we understand it is an honour to be invited into your home. Kitchens are expensive , and you need to get a feel for us before embarking on a design journey. It might surprise you how many thoughts crop up just by talking out loud in this meeting. You’ll never, ever hear us say, “we must place this order this month to hold this price” or, “we have a sale for a week - quick!” Yuck. We hate that, and when you are about to part with thousands of pounds we are pretty certain you do too! We encourage our clients to take your time; deciding too quickly might mean you change your mind later, and this can be a huge setback – especially if your new tiles are already on the wall when you decide you don’t like them...

At Honest by Design, the first thing we do NOT do is show you the new “trends”. We will listen to you and find out what you actually like, and more importantly, how you actually live! What works for you will not work for someone else – and that’s okay. It’s great, in fact – HOORAH for diversity and the reality that we are all different! We will point out factors you may not have considered and tell you why you might regret something that seemed like a good idea – and we will always suggest a better alternative. Our key role is to provide creative solutions that ensure you are happy with your new kitchen for years to come.

If something already works the way it is, you don’t have to change it. Equally, if your mum, your neighbour, your friend, your favourite Insta blogger all have the ‘latest fashion’ in their kitchen, but it’s not something you would usually consider… don’t do it! What use to you is a kitchen someone else likes? What’s the point in a kitchen that looks great but doesn’t have space for your favourite cookbooks? Your all-important coffee machine? YOU need to choose. But we know that can be overwhelming, so that’s why we are always HONEST with you. If you want lime green walls, or bright orange doors – it’s your kitchen; it’s your choice. We just might encourage you not to put those two colours together!

If you have made it to here – thank you for reading our first blog post! We look forward to sharing more of our world with you soon.

~Nikita & Katie, Sept 2021