Free shipping on orders over $500 (excl Wovenpanel)Shop Now!

Loading...

Top 5 Design Tips on How to Refresh Your Kitchen

Top 5 Design Tips on How to Refresh Your Kitchen

If you’ve lived with your current kitchen for long enough, you may be looking for ways to refresh the space. We spend a great deal of time in this part of the house, so it’s important to make it feel welcoming. In the process, it’s a prime opportunity to add a few functional changes as well.

Not to worry, a complete renovation is not always needed to breathe new life into a kitchen. At Archant, we are happy to help with projects big and small.

With some clever design tips and a bit of creativity, it’s possible to make a huge splash without a large budget. The results will not only benefit the kitchen but elevate the entire home’s appeal as well.

In the tips below, you’ll find some excellent design ideas that can be applied to kitchens of all shapes and sizes. Whether you tackle all five, or just a handful, you’re certain to enjoy the impact of these updates.

8372-1

1) Add Visual Interest with Wovenpanel™

With the unique look of wire mesh, you have the potential to bring a wide variety of sophistication to your design. There are seemingly endless ways to apply Wovenpanel™ to a home.

Even when used sparingly, it can draw attention to important areas of the space, or work as a transparent divider. By allowing both natural and artificial light to pass through, you create separation without closing off areas entirely.

The warm tones of the architectural mesh are a beautiful compliment to monochromatic colour palettes, providing necessary contrast subtly. Coupled with the unique look and feel of the textured surface, those areas which once lacked visual interest become focal points.

Another fantastic place to use Wovenpanel™ is on the face of your cabinetry or pantry area. We’ve even seen it applied to custom light fixtures. How do you see Wovenpanel™ fitting into your design?  Let your creativity flow, and we can help bring your vision to life.

WillowParkShowhome_003_2700x1600
WillowParkShowhome_004_2700x1600
WillowParkShowhome_002_2700x1600

2) Soften Hard Elements with Decorative Handles

We love working with designers who share their vision for various kitchen design projects around New Zealand. In talking with them, a common theme is usually discussed. It involves using small thoughtful details to soften the otherwise harder benchtop and island surfaces. At Archant, we offer some extremely well-designed handles that are a big step up from the generic options found at home improvement stores.

Whether you’re working towards creating a modern or traditional space, there are handles for every style. These include antique and rustic finishes that add character and minimalist options that seem to vanish in the design.

You can use white to match existing appliances, or darker tones to introduce contrast. For a warmer quality, you’ll want to check out the bronze and brass finishes. While these items will certainly enrich your design, they are budget-friendly with a wide price range of options available.

Archant_Swell_Shot4
Archant_Fade_Shot4
Archant_Fade_Shot7

3) Update the Sink for Added Form and Function

If you think about how often your sink is used, it’s likely where you spend most of the time in the kitchen. Why not make it a space that you enjoy and find convenient to use? Updating the sink is a sure win for any kitchen, and there are styles for just about any design you can imagine.

From the farmhouse style of butler bowls to more traditional stainless-steel models, or even the modern look of EcoGranit, there is something for everyone. Take it a step further with the flexible configurations of reversible sinks, and your workspace becomes a whole lot easier to work in.

Some love the simple look of a single bowl, but larger double bowls provide ample space for washing and drying large pots and pans efficiently. Then, to further refine the design, consider the mount style for your sink. You can opt for a traditional top mount or the more modern undermount or flushmount style.

Remember, the sink is the primary workhorse of your kitchen. A small investment here will pay dividends for the foreseeable future.

Metropolis-Dark_JR-Kitchen_17_
Heritage-Hardware-Kitchens-Kaiapo-Road-043
Heritage-Hardware-Kitchens-Kaiapo-Road-010-Adjusted-01

4) Upgrade the Tapware

As you get deeper into your design, pay attention to key elements like the tap. These often-overlooked aspects of a space can be used to introduce small pops of colour, and shape. Our tapware range combines function, elegance, and innovation for a distinctive look.

With mixer taps available in classic, modern, and designer styles from quality brands, you can rest assured they’re up to the task in even the busiest of kitchens. You can also consider adding hot/cool water systems, filters, and filtration systems for fresh, purified water at home.

At Archant, we believe these important details can be used to make a profound impact on your design. With their clever shape and position, a well-crafted tap will also make washing dishes and cookware less clumsy.

Archant_Solari_Web-17

5) Explore Different Colour Palettes

It’s amazing to see how a fresh coat of paint can transform a space. If nothing else in your kitchen changes, it’s still possible to make it feel new by working with a different colour palette. You can create a cohesive look with a single colour throughout.

For example, use bright colours to match your light benchtop. This is clean and modern with a feeling of airiness. There will still be plenty of opportunities to punctuate the design with the tips noted above.

Alternatively, you can look at adding bold contrast to your kitchen. Darker paint colours set against lighter stone elements or white cabinetry can be quite striking. Another approach is to use light shades of paint to counter the deeper tones of existing benchtops and islands.

Colour sets the overall mood of a room, and the kitchen is no different. Think about the atmosphere you’d like to create. We’ve seen grey palettes that were calm and soothing, bright inviting spaces in white, and sophisticated kitchens in darker tones. There are no shortages of creative ways to utilise the colour palette to your advantage.  

1P0A7269-18-Florim-Stone
Heritage-Hardware-Kitchens-Kaiapo-Road-006
Salmesbury_

What’s Next?

We enjoy talking with homeowners and designers about all aspects of kitchen design. You are therefore encouraged to stop into one of our inspiring New Zealand showrooms to discuss your project with a knowledgeable showroom consultant. From updating existing kitchens, to full scale renovations and new builds, we welcome the opportunity to guide the process.


Your feelings about the post?

Archant Update - 16th September 2019
Previous article

Archant Update - 16th September 2019

Next article

The Problem with Small Kitchens and Solutions to Improve Them (A How-To Design Guide)

The Problem with Small Kitchens and Solutions to Improve Them (A How-To Design Guide)