There are a million and one pages on the internet on this topic, some of which Imperial Kitchens agree, some of which we don’t. Here is our own list that will be part of our design process with you.
One of the most common mistakes in mid to high-end kitchen design is prioritising aesthetics over functionality. While it's crucial to have a beautiful kitchen, it should also be practical and efficient. Consider the kitchen work triangle (the relationship between the sink, stove, and refrigerator) to ensure a smooth workflow. High-end kitchens should seamlessly blend form and function.
Large kitchen islands are cool and trendy, but they can become a hindrance if not properly designed. An oversized island can disrupt traffic flow, making it challenging to move around the kitchen comfortably. Ensure there's enough space around the island for easy movement and that it serves a purpose, such as additional storage or seating. Placing it too close to countertops, walls or doors is a huge mistake. If you don't really have space for one then you shouldn’t have one and will advise not to even if you really want one.
Inadequate or poorly planned lighting can ruin the ambience and functionality of your kitchen. plan on incorporating a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create the right mood and ensure sufficient illumination for various kitchen activities. Under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights, and chandeliers can add both style and functionality.
Lighting is commonly under-budgeted and undervalued but very effective and complimentary lighting that can change the perceived size and ambience of your kitchen can be done very cost-effectively.
Kitchens should offer ample storage options to keep the space clutter-free and this is often a top priority and reason for people when getting a new kitchen designed and installed. Custom cabinets with pull-out shelves, pantry organisation systems, and hidden storage solutions are essential. There are plenty of ingenious options from top kitchen suppliers and we can custom design them into your plan.
Most modern cabinetry has all sorts of amazing ways of increasing the efficiency of your storage but there will always be compromises. When planning this is one of the main areas you should be budgeting for. Increasing or having more storage will be one of the biggest factors in the satisfaction of your new kitchen. Trust us, we know this from experience!
Proper ventilation is often underestimated in kitchen design. High-end kitchens often feature powerful cooking appliances, so investing in a high-quality ventilation system is crucial to maintain air quality and prevent the buildup of odours and grease. A sleek, integrated hood can be both functional and stylish as well as window vents, ceiling fans, air-con and the layout itself should all be factored into your design. This is often quite tricky but Imperial Kitchens will help you with this.
Ergonomics plays a significant role in kitchen design. Ensure that the height of countertops and appliances is comfortable for users. Pay attention to the placement of appliances, such as ovens and microwaves, to minimise bending and reaching. Think about your heavy items, commonly used items and how far apart they are.
Ergonomic design elements contribute to a more enjoyable kitchen experience. The placement of storage to each other can make a big difference in usability, especially when factoring in age, height, and disabilities so even handles and switches can make things easier to use or access due to better ergonomics.
While it's tempting to incorporate the latest kitchen design trends, be cautious about going overboard. Trends come and go, and a beautiful kitchen should have a timeless quality that is important to you personally. Incorporate trends in small, easily replaceable elements like accessories and fixtures, keeping the main design elements classic and enduring.
Lastly, one of the most significant mistakes in the kitchen design process is attempting to do it all yourself. Consulting with a professional kitchen designer can help you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve a truly excellent high-end result. If your local expert kitchen designer is advising something, it’s usually for a good reason. Utilise their experience and knowledge rather than just having a wish list you want ticked.
In summary, creating a mid to high-end kitchen is an exciting project, but it requires careful planning and consideration. Get a free kitchen consultation with Imperial Kitchens's expert designer and start on a path of kitchen design that will avoid all these issues.
Technically yes, but we usually strongly recommend that you don't. Installation is a serious skill and so is project management. There are so many big and easy mistakes that can be made that will seriously harm your cost, timeline and worse; your kitchen itself. We do strongly recommend you leave the whole process to Imperial Kitchens, it usually works out cheaper in the long run and saves you all the stress and hassle. Besides, we love it, and most people don’t
We aren’t a budget kitchen company, we provide mid to high-level kitchens and joinery using some of the world's leading suppliers. Our kitchens will last a lifetime and are very good value for the money considering we handle absolutely everything from the design process through to installation.
In saying that, there are different ways to reduce costs and our designers will have ideas on how best to achieve your budget
Once you have booked an appointment, usually the initial consultation will take from 1 to 2 hours. From then we will work closely with you to complete your perfect kitchen design to fulfil your needs and your budget. The consultation process can be in your own home or at our showroom (by appointment only)
After your initial consultation, the complete design process can take as little as a week or as long as a month, depending on how complex your kitchen design is and other variables like having more than one option of layout or style. Some people have a very good idea of what they want, other customers rely on our design skills to help them realise their dream kitchen
Yes, all the steps in the entire process are undertaken by Imperial Kitchens. Installation of your joinery is included in your quotation
