When we moved into our current home one of the things we said we’d do — when we had the money — was a kitchen makeover.
Our old kitchen just didn’t work for our needs; the look and feel of it was OK (ish) but the layout of it was awful.
For a keen chef (my boy, not me, I hasten to add!) it just hadn’t enough storage for all the cheffy items he uses (and doesn’t use — breadmaker anyone?).
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What’s Wrong With Your Current Kitchen?
The first step when planning a kitchen makeover is to work out what’s wrong with your current kitchen.
Doing this will give a clear indication of what to keep — and what to ditch — when planning your new kitchen.
Here is everything that was wrong with our old kitchen…
There was very little worktop or preparation space and ancient wooden cupboards that I painted when we moved in.
I liked the fact that they’re painted units but the fact that they’re cupboards?
This I don’t like! I’m the girl who leaves the doors open, then bangs my head because I’ve forgotten about it! Idiot.
When we re-did the kitchen in our old house, we did away with top cupboards entirely and replaced the base units with huge, deep drawers.
Perfect for pans and stacks of plates. Our old kitchen was designed to suit our needs and worked perfectly — and is poles apart from the one we have inherited here.
On a positive note, one thing did have, that I do love — but takes up an inordinate amount of room — is a gigantic AGA.
It’s a beast of a thing and is three base cupboards in width. It’s a huge use of space, particularly as half of it is switched off for 6 months of the year.
But we love it.
In the winter, cosying up to its glorious warmth and warming your gloves and socks on is heavenly. What you lose in space — and practicality — you gain in quirky charm.
And warm feet.
A fair trade-off, I think.
What Would You Like From Your New Kitchen?
Similar to writing a list of things you dislike about your current kitchen, writing a list of everything you do want from your kitchen makeover will ensure you don’t miss anything!
Points To Remember When Planning Your Kitchen Makeover
Set a Budget
Determine how much you are willing to spend on your kitchen makeover. This will help you make decisions regarding the scope of the project and the materials you can afford.
Are you going to go for a bespoke kitchen? Or off the peg? Companies such as DIY Kitchens offer a great alternative, as you can create a high-end, bespoke look for a fraction of the cost of a fully bespoke kitchen.
Set Your Goals
Consider what you want to achieve with your kitchen makeover. Are you looking for a complete overhaul or just minor updates?
Do you want to improve functionality, enhance aesthetics, or both? Clearly defining your goals will guide your decisions throughout the planning process.
Gather Inspiration
Look for inspiration in magazines, online platforms (such as Pinterest or Instagram), and even in other people’s kitchens.
Save or bookmark images of kitchens you love to help develop a cohesive design concept. This will help your builder — or kitchen designer/maker — when you’re ready to create your new kitchen.
Assess Your Space
Evaluate your existing kitchen layout and identify any shortcomings or areas for improvement.
Consider the traffic flow, storage needs, and work zones. Assess the condition of your appliances, cabinets, worktops, and flooring to determine whether they need to be replaced or can be refurbished.
Develop a Design Plan
Based on your goals, inspiration, and space assessment, create a design plan for your kitchen makeover. Determine the colour scheme, materials, and finishes you want to incorporate.
Decide on the style (modern, traditional, farmhouse, etc.) and consider the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. Again, using images from Pinterest or IG will help to consolidate this.
Research and Select Contractors
It may be that the kitchen company you’ve chosen is a one-stop shop and will take care of every aspect of your kitchen makeover. But, if not and you plan on hiring professionals for certain aspects of the project, such as electrical work, plumbing, or cabinetry installation, research and select reputable contractors.
Obtain multiple quotes and check references to ensure you choose reliable and experienced professionals.
Choose Appliances and Fixtures
Select new appliances, lighting fixtures, taps, and other hardware for your kitchen. Will you choose aged brass? Contemporary chrome? There are so many fantastic options to choose from. Make sure you do your research.
And remember, there are affordable ways of creating the look you want just by thinking outside the box. Instead of super expensive aged brass handles, you can age your own brass and bronze yourself at home.
Consider energy efficiency, functionality, and style when making your choices. Ensure that the sizes of the chosen appliances fit within your existing or planned cabinetry.
Determine Materials and Finishes
Decide on the materials and finishes for your worktops, tiles, flooring, and cabinetry.
Visit showrooms, consult with experts, and collect samples to help you make informed decisions. Consider durability, maintenance requirements, and longevity. Limestone flooring may seem like an expensive option initially, but it will last forever and will never need replacing.
Create a Timeline
Develop a timeline for your kitchen makeover, considering any necessary permits, contractor schedules, and the availability of materials.
Be realistic about the time required for each phase of the project to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth workflow.
Plan for Temporary Kitchen Arrangements
If your kitchen is out of commission during the makeover, make arrangements for a temporary kitchen setup.
Set up a space with essential appliances, a sink, and storage to help you prepare meals while the renovation is underway.
Execute Your Plan
Once you have finalised your design plan, obtained the necessary permits (if you’re knocking walls down, you may need planning permission — or need to have the work signed off by building regs at the very least), and secured contractors, it’s time to start the renovation.
Follow your timeline, communicate effectively with your contractors, and monitor progress to ensure everything proceeds according to plan.
Finishing Touches
After the major renovation work is complete, focus on the exciting bit! The finishing touches.
Add accessories, such as curtains, rugs, wall art, and plants, to enhance the overall ambience of your new kitchen.
Some Kitchen ‘Must Haves’ to Consider
This is all subjective, obviously, but here are some kitchen ‘must haves’ you might like to consider when planning your kitchen makeover.
A Larder Cupboard
A larder cupboard, or ‘pantry cupboard‘, is a freestanding (or built-in) storage unit typically found in kitchens or dining areas.
The primary purpose of a larder cupboard is to offer a dedicated area for storing and organizing dry food items, perishables, and kitchen essentials.
Larder cupboards often feature adjustable shelves, drawers, and compartments, allowing for efficient organization and easy access to stored items.
They may include specialised features like spice racks, wine racks, pull-out baskets, or hooks for hanging utensils. Some larder cupboards also have built-in cooling systems to provide a cool environment for storing perishable goods.
The design and style of larder cupboards can vary greatly, ranging from traditional and rustic to contemporary and sleek. They are available in different sizes and configurations to suit various kitchen layouts and storage needs. Larder cupboards can be standalone furniture pieces or integrated into the kitchen cabinetry, offering a practical and visually appealing storage solution.
Technology
Consider a hot water tap. These space-saving devices offer state-of-the-art technology. Why take up valuable worktop space with a kettle when your tap can give you boiling water?
Fabulous Clever Storage
Storage is key. Maybe think about replacing cupboards with deep, wide drawers fitted with clever racks and holders for your equipment.
Plus integrated recycling bins to negate the need for boxes and bags all over the floor.
A Kitchen Island
OK — a lot of folk just don’t have the room (or the money) for luxuries like this! But a kitchen island can offer so much more to a busy family home than just a glorified food prep area.
It can house your bins (and recycling) and give stacks of storage whilst offering a great place to dine, chat, and do homework — let alone a place to prep the dinner!
1. Storage Baskets — CP Kitchens
2. Quooker Boiling Water Tap — Quooker
3. Deep, wide drawers — painted in a beautiful colour
4. Integrated recycling bins — CP Kitchens
To have a look at more ‘dreamy’ kitchen ideas, I’ve put a little Pinterest board together— pop over and have a look.
Follow Listed Home’s board Kitchen Ideas on Pinterest.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
That larder cupboard is just gorgeous. I now desperately want and need one. I also have one of those magic boiling water taps, but alas being in a rented house, that will never be.
Isn’t it?! Aaah I love it Tracey — we have something similar bit not nearly so smart!! You could always fit a Quooker tap in your rental then take it with you when you move on ;)
I have always wanted an Island! Love them! Also love that stylish larder cupboard! Never seen those before, and its painted a lovely colour too! #HomeEtc xx
Aaah me too!! We could have one in our current kitchen but we’d have to lose the giant farmhouse table in the middle of the room!!! To be honest, the table is more important at the mo. I don’t know what we’d do without it!! Kids meals, painting and craft — plus it’s extra workspace for me :)
We’re in need of a new kitchen. Just need to save up! I love your ideas. #HomeEtc
Aaah Lyn — us too!! Kitchens are SO expensive aren’t they? We’re not going to do it until we can afford to do it properly either. I may be waiting some time ;) xx
How funny, I’ve been dreaming of a kitchen update lately too – the post I just linked is v similar to this! Your post has inspired me even more. And how lovely to have an AGA, we had one growing up and I loved it on winter mornings! #HomeEtc xx
I keep meaning to do a proper kitchen tour so people can see what our current kitchen is like… when I can find the time, that is next on my ‘to do’ list!! :)
Aah I cannot WAIT to have my dream kitchen in my ACTUAL kitchen H!!! ;) Our current kitchen is OK — I think a lot of people would love it — but it’s just not for us. I’m not keep on the ramshackle country kitchen look ;) xx
What great choices for space saving and organisation, we too have very little worktop space and it really discourages me from actually going anything in the kitchen at all. Remember dreams can come true ;) X #HomeEtc
Hahaha!! I LOVE that!! ;) YES. They certainly can — although I think I’ll need a lottery win first!! :) It’s definitely the heart of our home but it’s not stylish as I’d like, that’s for sure!! ;)
I love looking at dream kitchens. But you do need the space in the first place. We have a lovely designer kitchen as we have a new-build flat, but it’s tiny, like just one side of the living area wall. So we definitely need those space saving things. Those recycling bins look good! Sabrina xx #homeetc
Aah me too! Our kitchen’s nearly 18ft x 11ft so it’s not small… at the min it’s laid out SO badly though. To me in feels much smaller than it is — I can’t WAIT til we can afford to do it properly!! x
I love your ideas. I wrote a really similar post to this back in January (http://homeheartharmony.com/?p=757) but we’ve since had to shelve all our plans (VERY sad face!) I’m now trying to get a modified, and cheaper plan past the hubby. It’s so hard to accept that I can’t have my dream kitchen but hopefully we can create something fabulous anyway! I’m off to check out your pinterest board! xx
Thanks so much Sue! I’ll pop along and have a look — I always love looking at other people’s wishlists! :) It’s SO hard isn’t it, when you have your heart set on something? We’ll get there eventually, I’m sure! :)
I created a mini version of our dream kitchen a few years back but one thing I would love is an aha, food always tastes better cooked in one! #homeect
I absolutely 100% agree!! WHY is that though??? Food cooked on an AGA tastes totally different to food cooked in a normal over — it’s so weird!!! x
It’s always sad when you have to leave behind a kitchen you’ve designed yourself. I still miss our old one – it was perfect, whereas our kitchen now is more about making do. I massively envy your Aga – one day, in my dreams… #HomeEtc
Aah I’m gutted about it — it was *perfect* and our new kitchen is poles apart from it!! The AGA is something that I really love — and we’d install one if the next house didn’t have one! ;)
It’s a pain to do your kitchen but once you get it right it’s so so worth it. We’ve got the undercounter recycling bins and they are worth losing half of the cupboard under the sink, as it means you we no longer have the unsightly kitchen caddy on the worktop. My top tip: try to do it over summer so you can use the barbeque and have somewhere to plug the microwave in! Thanks for hosting #homeetc
The recycling bins — and the pan storage is something that I’m *definitely* going to have. I get sick to death of seeing the recycling everywhere!! LOVE your tip too!!!! Thanks so much xx
I would love that Island too. I am posting about my kitchen next week , I’m half way there with white units, I just have to wait now to paint the walls but as soon as I can they are going to be white too. Lovely ideas and thank you for hosting x
So gorgeous isn’t it? We could have one but it would take up the entire room!!!! I think I need a bigger house ;)
Oh, I have always wanted an Aga! I loved looking through your Pinterest board. We currently rent, but I’m always planning for when we finally buy our own home :)
Thanks for hosting #HomesETC
It’s a lovely thing to have — expensive to run — but lovely :) There are not many ovens that prompt people to wrap their arms round it, are there?!!! So glad you liked the Pinterest board — a girl can dream eh? ;) xx
Lovely, lovely ideas. Ive been SO lucky to have two amazing kitchens in my last two homes, and wow do I love being in them!! Agree that a good chef needs a good kitchen! Exciting times! Thanks for co-hosting, and making this linky such fun :) Jess xx
#HomeEtc
My boy is (thankfully) a GREAT chef!! But he comes with a LOT of gadgets!! How I wish we could have bought our old kitchen with us and put it in this house!! Thanks for hosting with me pet :) It’s such a fun linky :) xx
There is nothing better than having a beautiful crisp and white kitchen to prepare family meals in. Lovely pictures. We are also wanting to redo our kitchen and actually extend it too… we have just laid a new floor which has made a world of difference x
Aaah I totally agree. Our inherited kitchen work surfaces are horrible. Old and stained — not a nice place to prepare food. That said, it’s a nice room — it has beams and an AGA — and when we replace everything else including the floor (which is HORRIBLE!) it will be lovely xx
We were lucky enough to inherit huge kitchen drawers for pans and woks at The barn and I LOVE them. We don’t have an island but it’s a U shaped countertop that lends itself to people standing at one side while I cook which is fun and sociable. I love the larder cupboard you pictured – stunning! #HomeEtc
Aah I sincerely wish we’d bought our old kitchen units with us!! The only cupboard I had was under the sink. Glasses, plates, pans, food, ALL went in huge wide drawers. I really miss them. Such a better use of space!! No more reaching into hard to reach cupboards!! (Haha! I sound like an advert!!! ;) ) xx
Oh my, that larder cupboard is beautiful, I didn’t know such a thing existed but I would love one. It must be so nice to have an AGA too, I think it would take some getting used to but I bet you wouldn’t be without one now. xx
Aah I’m OBSESSED with larder cupboards!! We had one in our old house — not as lovely as that one — but it housed most of the dry/tinned food. We’d got a veggie basket in a drawer — and a herb drawer — but everything else went in the larder cupboard. We’ve got something similar now but not nearly as smart.
And yep — the AGA was a nightmare to get used to!! But we totally wouldn’t be without it now!! Absolutely love it :) xx
Looks alot like my idea of a dream kitchen too, beautiful. and how amazing is the tap with boiling water! x
Aah I can’t WAIT to have a Quooker tap with boiling water!! Bye bye kettle!! ;) xx