What do you want out of your new room?
What style do I want?
Whilst many interiors tended to reflect the period of the home, this is no longer seen as the done thing – a contemporary bathroom can look sensational in a Victorian home and equally, a painted kitchen with a homely feel will look ‘at home’ in a new build.
What’s on my wish list?
Once you’ve decided and defined the role of your new room, consider which of the following you might like:
- Dedicated dining area or a breakfast bar in your new kitchen?
- An island unit if your kitchen can accommodate it?
- Separate integrated fridge and freezer or an American fridge freezer?
- How many ovens will you require?
- Twin basins in the bathroom?
- Separate shower enclosure and bath?
How do I know if I can fit in an island unit in my new kitchen?
It is very unlikely that a slim galley kitchen can accommodate an island unit, but there might be a compromise to achieve a similar look. Employing the services of a kitchen designer is paramount, especially to maximise the overall layout and feel of your new kitchen.
Should I have a bath or shower?
If the bathroom has to accommodate a lot of morning rush traffic then it might be wise to consider having a separate shower enclosure if space permits. If you have the luxury of more than one bathroom then perhaps consider having a bath in one and a shower enclosure in the other.
A freestanding bath is a great way to utilise the space under a window or sloping roof and can look sensational. Equally, showers can take up a much smaller footprint when space is at a premium. The key is to go for what is right for your room, your family and your lifestyle.
How do I get the most efficient layout?
Only then will the designer start to plan your new room, creating zones in a layout to ensure the smooth running of your kitchen or bathroom. Equally when planning a new study or bedroom, the flow and best use of space to maximise storage is always the priority.
This layout planning will be undertaken, whilst planning and considering all hidden issues such as effective drainage, the location of the gas, the electricity supply in your kitchen, bedroom and study and where electrical points are required for each appliance.
Where do I want my lights and heating?
Lighting can totally change the feel of a room and be used as both accent lighting and functional. It’s vital to get the lighting right in your new room, as you will need functional lighting to be able to see clearly while you’re cooking, choosing an outfit or applying make-up! Decide whether you need direct lighting over the work surfaces and general spots from the ceiling. Consider the possibility of some feature element lighting in the plinth or on the walls, or dedicated lighting in areas.
Whether you opt for underfloor heating or plinth heaters, radiators or towel warmers, it’s a must to decide on the positions for these at the outset. It can be costly to reposition or divert your utilities once you’re at installation stage and that’s one of the key benefits of employing someone to project manage. It may seem more costly initially to use a project manager, but undoubtedly there will be many issues that you simply forget to consider, which could have all been considered on your behalf.
What type of flooring can I use?
Tiles are an obvious choice and very easy to maintain, but can be quite cold and so consider having under-floor heating.
Natural wood flooring is also highly desirable, but solid wood does require maintenance to prevent water damage. For a slightly easier life, consider engineered wood with a lacquered finish or try a wood alternative such as wood-effect vinyl or porcelain tiles.
A carpet tends to be the preferred choice in a bedroom or dressing room as it is warm underfoot.
Likewise in a study, a carpet or wooden floor is preferential, both from a warmth aspect but also for ease of moving an office chair around the room.
Do I need Planning Permission?
Smaller scale changes, such as removing partition walls and chimney breasts or installing an extractor can be left with the project manager to oversee.
Helping you to decide?
Whilst it might seem daunting to have to choose so many items, the help, advice and direction of your designer will ensure that you don’t make snap decisions that you may later regret.
How long will the installation take?
Once plans are in place and agreed, we will be able to advise you of an approximate timescale.
How to look after my furniture and workstops?
Do you obtain your materials from sustainable sources?
At Steve Hills Design we source our materials wherever possible from responsibly maintained sources here in the UK. All our furniture is sourced and made in the UK and all our timber products are FSC Certified.
Let us help make your dream kitchen,
bedroom or bathroom
a reality
Call us on 07812 389 896 or