Lansdowne Boards: The Top 5 FAQ’s To Designing A New Kitchen

If you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen, you may have tons of questions, and that is okay. You are not alone. We asked the experts from Lansdowne Boards to answer a few of the big questions that come up when it comes to designing a new kitchen…

1. How do I make my small kitchen seem bigger while maximising the cooking/entertainment space?

While it often isn’t possible to physically extend the kitchen, there are some nifty tricks that can be used to make the space seem bigger. We would suggest utilising the full height of the walls with wall units as a first step i.e. opt for tall units that reach almost up to the ceiling to maximise storage space but make sure you don’t overcrowd the space with wall units on every available wall as this can make it seem smaller too, mix in some open shelving or create a bit of open space so there is balance but maximum storage too. You can also opt for glass doors on some of your wall units with downlights within that way it’s another layer of lighting and glass makes them seem less bulky.

Smart storage is essential in small kitchens for instance hidden corner pull outs, pantry units, etc. so consider spending on these to make sure you make the most of the space.

Foldable, extendable and stackable furniture works really well and is common place in Europe where space comes at a premium. It allows you to keep the layout flexible for ease of use during the day and then when it comes to dinner you can bring out the folding chairs and extend the dining table or island and turn your kitchen into a dining area.

Smart use of lighting can also help make the space look bigger and it’s worth considering built-in appliances which will give the space a cleaner and less cluttered look.

2. How big does my kitchen need to be to be able to fit an island?

An island is such a great addition to a kitchen but it doesn’t work for all space.One way to check if you do have enough space is to ensure that there is a minimum of 850mm (up to 1100mm) between opposite kitchen units otherwise you might find that you can’t open your oven door fully or dishwasher door or you’re scooching and squashing past each other to try make your way around the space.

If you are dead set on an island or need some extra work space why not consider a moveable island/cart on wheels that you can wheel into the centre of the space when you’re cooking and then move it up against a wall when you’re not. They can be fabulous unique looking pieces that add an industrial or traditional feel to the space so definitely worth looking at!

3. Is the “working triangle” really essential?

The main reasoning behind the working triangle is to make your life in the kitchen more efficient. Having your essential items at hand when you’re working means you don’t need to constantly walk up and down to get things from the fridge or pantry cupboard etc. Everything is within reach. It’s all about ease and making the best use of your space.

4. How do I know if I am making the most use of my space?

We touch on this question in our eBook, it all goes back to analysing your current kitchen. There isn’t a one size fits all for kitchen storage. What do you do in it? What annoys you about it? What do you love about it? What do you want to be able to do in it?For instance do you love to cook every night? Then you will need to ensure there is enough space for food storage, a pull out pantry/butler unit will be essential and spice pull outs near the cooker. If you love baking consider that you will need a cupboard to fit your blender, baking tins, scale, etc. If you can tick the boxes on all of your essential/favourite tasks then you’re doing well!

There are also a whole host of nifty in cupboard/drawer storage options like drawers within drawers, storage boxes that you can neatly label (great for those high up wall units that hold less frequently used items), plate organisers, etc.

5. Can colour work in a small kitchen or should we keep it all white?

The simple answer to this is definitely YES! Colour can be brought into your kitchen in so many different ways depending on how brave you are. You could simply opt for the new neutral: all 50 or more shades of grey or go two tone and bring in a darker colour option for the floor units and make it lighter for wall units or chose a specific unit (such as the island) to make a contrasting colour, you could opt for a bold cooker or toaster & kettle combo (Smeg’s range of fabulous primary colours is always a win!) or go with one of the most popular colours of the past few years: green whether its deep forest or sage, green is such a calming colour in the home and a great addition to the kitchen!

Tiles are another great way to add colour whether it’s as a splashback or floor tiles, in fact it’s a key trend for kitchens in 2020 and gives you a chance to add your personal touch to the kitchen.

There are a whole host of ways to bring colour into your kitchen! We say go wild! It’s a space to be enjoyed by friends and family and feel happy there and colour can definitely contribute to that!

We hope this helps answer some of your questions. For those that are ready to get going with their dream kitchen why not head on over to the Lansdowne Boards free planner!