What Are 5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Kitchen Design?
What Are 5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Kitchen Design?
Whether you’re working on a spring refresh, or just want to breathe new life into your kitchen, check out these 5 easy design ideas. If cost is a concern, don’t fret. These proven methods won’t impact your budget in a big way but will prove quite effective in making your kitchen shine.
At Archant, we talk to homeowners quite often who are looking for tips and tricks to elevate the style of their space. The methods are not at all complicated and can be done over a weekend.
1) Organise and Tidy
We know this tip sounds obvious, but sometimes it takes an outside perspective to see what’s right in front of you. As homeowners, we become so accustomed to our surroundings that it’s easy to miss areas of improvement. For example, if you love to cook but your spices are spread across two cabinets and your bench, that’s hardly efficient.
This is where decluttering becomes so helpful. Experts suggest removing all items from your surfaces and questioning if they need to remain out. You might be surprised at how much you can consolidate. In this process, you’ll make valuable space for items that should be easily accessible.
"Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful. – John Maeda, Designer
2) Deep Clean the Sink and Benchtops
Calcium and lime build-up can tarnish the look of your stainless-steel sink over time. Thankfully, this material is quite resilient and can be made to look new again with just a bit of effort. If it’s been a while since you did a deep clean, be sure to review our tips here:
If your sink is one of the more modern EcoGranit models, it’s important to complete daily and monthly care to keep it in great condition. For the monthly maintenance, use our convenient EcoGranit cleaning kits or dissolve a “Finish” brand dish tab into 2-3 cm of hot water and leave it to soak overnight. Scrub thoroughly the next day with the magic sponge, rinse and dry.
For more on maintaining an EcoGranit sink, check out this article:
Our Quartz and Porcelain benchtops are quick to maintain daily. Generally, a wipe-down with warm soapy water and a sponge does an effective job. Yet, benchtops will also benefit from a thorough clean every so often.
If you own porcelain surfaces, we offer a unique product that makes clean-up a cinch. For easy and effective cleaning of ceramic surfaces such as kitchen benchtops, countertops, vanity tops, and porcelain tiles, check out the Archant Porcelain Cleaner.
All benchtop materials will have different recommendations for the proper products to use, and those to avoid. Be mindful of this as there are many cleansers to choose from. With engineered stone, it’s best to avoid harsh abrasive solutions that can mar the finish.
3) Consider Updating Cabinet Hardware with Stylish Handles
Small details such as handles, and knobs are an affordable way to add a big impact to a kitchen. By switching out your cabinet hardware, you can change the overall vibe of the space.
We have stylish handles that are modern, contemporary, traditional, and of course the latest trends with knurled and textured finishes. For starters, be sure to check these articles about cabinet handles:
- 5 Ideas to Completely Revamp Your Kitchen with Stylish Cabinet Handles
- A Review of the Best Kitchen Cabinet Handle Trends of 2022
- The 5 Best Affordable Luxury Kitchen Cabinet Handles in 2022 (Pricing/Reviews)
4) Upgrade to a More Efficient, and Functional Tap
If you’ve been struggling to fit a large pot in your sink or feel limited by the flexibility of your tap, you will be pleasantly surprised at the number of stylish taps we have to offer.
From the popular gooseneck models to flex spouts, L shapes, and classic designs, these are all guaranteed ways to make your kitchen more functional.
If you’re not yet familiar with these options, be sure to review our informative article here:
Our team at Archant believes that great design can inspire the soul and infuse a space with vibrant energy. Some may not recognise the importance of a tap, but it’s one of the most used elements in the kitchen.
Updating it will not only add style and convenience, but many of our taps are also extremely efficient in terms of water pressure. Be sure to check the WELS rating to see how it can save water and reduce your carbon footprint.
5) Change the Colour Palette
It’s often said that a coat of paint can do a world of good, but the question remains: What colour is best for a kitchen?
Interior design, like all forms of art, is up to the individuals’ preferences. There are some general guidelines and rules, but feel free to break them to try something new in your space.
Some of our favourite projects here in New Zealand used a wide variety of colour palettes. Here are a few that we found truly inspiring:
- A bright and sunny space, the Exquisite and Extended Bungalow – Ash Road Residence makes great use of a mostly white colour palette with hints of contrast throughout.
- The organic tones of nature are on stunning display in this kitchen in Wanaka. Blending Natural Appeal with Modern Design - Akitu Wanaka Residence
- For a more monochromatic look, check out this beautiful kitchen transformation. The Calming Beauty of Cement Grey – Disraeli Street Residence
Of course, these are just a few ideas of how colour can be used to infuse a space with a distinct mood. Be sure to check our project page each week as we add new designs weekly.
DESIGN: Lisa Gloeckner | Wanaka CABINETree
PHOTOGRAPHER: Sampford Cathie
We Can Help with Your NZ Kitchen Design Needs
As you can see, these five tips are easy ways to spruce up your kitchen. We believe these can make a real difference to the overall aesthetic of an existing space.
If however, you are thinking about eventually working on a larger renovation, we can help with that too.
Download a free copy of our complete catalogue here for ideas and inspiration that can be applied to your home.
