Why Now Is the Best Time to Build or Renovate Your Kitchen

Last June, the Federal Government unveiled its homebuilder stimulus scheme, which grants up to $25,000 for people to build or renovate their homes. The HomeBuilder package is expected to benefit more than 27,000 projects and provide work for the residential construction sector. As such, this is the perfect time for home projects such as kitchen renovations. Perth residents can avail the HomeBuilder package in conjunction with other state and territory grant programs, among many others, so you can go all out.

What Are the Requirements of the HomeBuilder Package?

• You must be an individual and not a company or trust
• You must be a current or prospective owner and occupier of a property
• You must be an adult Australian citizen
• You must earn a taxable income of $125,000 or less annually if single, $200,000 or less (combined) if living with a partner

In addition to the above requirements, the building contract must be between 4 June and 31 December 2020. Moreover, the construction must start within three months of the contract date. The grants must also be spent on non-investment properties.

For those building completely new homes, the total value of the residence should be less than $750,000 including land. Renovations, on the other hand, must cost between $150,000 and $750,000. The home should also be valued at no more than $1.5 million before the renovation. Finally, the renovations should be part of the original dwelling. It should improve accessibility, liveability, and/or safety. External additions such as swimming pools or sheds are not covered in the grant.

Different Kitchen Layouts or Styles

Once you’ve claimed the grant, it’s now time to plan the style and design of your kitchen. One of the most important elements to remember is the concept of the work triangle. It was first developed in the 1920s, devised as an efficiency measure for residential kitchens.

The triangle is composed of the food storage area (the fridge), the cleaning area (the sink), and the preparation or cooking area (the stove). Properly arranged, these three areas should have a clear path between them. Aside from ease of movement, the work triangle can also help ensure safety. It will also help you choose the most appropriate layout for your kitchen, which can be any one or a combination of the following:

One-Wall Kitchen

Those working with limited space will find the one-wall kitchen the most efficient. As its name implies, this kitchen layout consists of upper and lower cabinets or shelves set against a single wall. The sink is usually situated in the middle, flanked by the refrigerator and/or stove on either side.

L-Shaped Kitchen

Another good layout for small spaces is the L-shaped kitchen. The cabinets are installed on perpendicular walls, giving you a little more flexibility in where to put the work areas. L-shaped kitchens are also great for larger spaces, since the “leg” of the L can be made longer.

Galley Kitchen

The galley kitchen is composed of two walls of cabinets facing each other, which form the galley in between. Unlike the L-shaped kitchen, this layout doesn’t need any corner drawers or shelves so it’s easier to maximise all the available space.

Island Kitchen

If you have an open-plan home, an island kitchen layout is a great option. This layout has an “island” located in the middle of the kitchen, which can be utilised as a preparation area, cooking surface, or even a bar. The island can also help direct the traffic in the kitchen.

U-Shaped Kitchen

Another great layout for larger homes is the U-shaped kitchen. It provides plenty of storage space, since three adjacent walls are usually used for cabinetry. However, you may also opt to only install cabinets or one or two walls to prevent the kitchen from looking too confined. Another advantage of U-shaped kitchens is that they allow multiple people to use the kitchen at the same time.

Peninsula Kitchen

If you want an island kitchen but don’t have enough space, you can compromise with a peninsula kitchen. The peninsula extends from a kitchen counter connected to a wall or cabinets. The extra space can be used as a breakfast nook, food preparation area, or other functions just like a kitchen island.

Kitchen Design Inspirations

Once you’ve selected the most appropriate kitchen layout for your renovation project, it’s time to select a design inspiration. Below are just a few ideas:

Contemporary

The contemporary kitchen boasts of a sleek and sophisticated design. Often, it features reflective surfaces such as polished metals and glass, with touches of wood to evoke luxury. Acrylic and lucite are also popular. Colour-wise, blacks and whites are the go-to choices, with the rare splash of brighter hues as accents.

Modern

While contemporary is all about what’s popular at the moment, modern designs actually refer to a bygone era. It draws inspiration from the Scandinavians, with an emphasis on simplicity and function. Natural and neutral tones, such as browns and creams, are the colour palette of choice for modern kitchens.

Mediterranean or French Country

Mediterranean designs are all about romance. The tones are light and warm in terms of colour, while natural materials such as ceramics, wood, and wrought iron are used for furniture and cabinetry. Antiques are also popular in Mediterranean design to lend a classic, timeworn charm.

Country

If you’re all about shabby chic and eclectic designs, then a country kitchen is for you. It boasts of a comfortable, lived-in look, with a lot of cheerful elements. Country design is also not as strict when it comes to uniformity. Indeed, country kitchens lean toward the “mix” part of “mix and match.”

Cottage

For those who love cosy, homey designs, the cottage style is a perfect match. It’s informal and imperfect, creating that unique charm that makes you feel welcome. Soft and neutral colours such as eggshell, cream, mint green or blue, and taupe are perfect for this design style.

Are you ready to transform your home through a kitchen renovation? Get in touch with eKitchens today!