What to Consider Before Cabinetry Begins
A new kitchen is a major part of any renovation or new home project.
While colours and finishes are important, the most successful kitchens usually begin with careful planning around layout, storage and everyday use.
Before your kitchen cabinetry is manufactured, there are several important things worth considering.
Think About How You Use Your Kitchen
Every household uses its kitchen differently.
Some people need large amounts of pantry storage, while others prioritise bench space, large drawers or room for multiple appliances.
Before deciding on the layout, think about:
- How often you cook
- How many people regularly use the kitchen
- What appliances you use most
- How much food storage you need
- Whether you entertain regularly
- What you currently like or dislike about your existing kitchen
These details can help guide the cabinetry design.
Plan Your Storage Early
Storage is one of the most important elements of kitchen design.
Consider what needs to be stored and where you would ideally like it positioned.
This could include:
- Pots and pans
- Plates and bowls
- Glassware
- Food
- Small appliances
- Cleaning products
- Recycling and waste
- Cooking utensils
Custom cabinetry provides greater flexibility to create storage around these requirements.
Consider Your Appliances
Appliance dimensions should be considered before cabinetry is finalised.
Common appliances include:
- Refrigerator
- Oven
- Cooktop
- Rangehood
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Coffee machine
If appliances are being integrated into the cabinetry, accurate specifications become particularly important.
Having appliance information available early can help avoid unnecessary changes later in the project.
Think About Bench Space
Bench space is another key consideration.
A kitchen should provide enough room for food preparation, appliances and everyday activities without feeling overcrowded.
Island benches can provide additional work space as well as storage and seating, depending on the room layout.
Make the Most of Available Space
Custom cabinetry allows the kitchen to be designed around the room rather than restricted by standard cabinet dimensions.
This can help make better use of:
- Corners
- Full-height walls
- Narrow spaces
- Island benches
- Pantry areas
- Overhead spaces
Small design decisions can make a significant difference to how functional the finished kitchen becomes.
Coordinate With Other Trades
Kitchen cabinetry often needs to work alongside plumbing, electrical, flooring, appliances and building work.
For renovations and new builds, good coordination between the cabinet maker, builder and other trades can help reduce complications during installation.
Providing plans and project information early is particularly helpful.
Choose a Design That Will Last
Trends can provide inspiration, but it is also worth considering how the kitchen will look and function over the longer term.
A practical layout, useful storage and finishes that complement the rest of the home can help create a kitchen that continues to work well for years.
Custom Kitchens in Seymour
Marshall Cabinets designs and manufactures custom kitchen cabinetry for homeowners, renovators and builders in Seymour and surrounding areas throughout the Goulburn Valley.
If you are planning a new kitchen or renovation, contact Marshall Cabinets to discuss your ideas, plans and cabinetry requirements.
