The existing timber kitchen was typical for properties of this period. The small U-shaped layout was designed for a single chef and closed the space off from the rest of the room. And while the natural wood cabinets and brown and cream colour scheme warmed up the space, they also made it feel dated.

It also combined with an adjoining dining area to create quite an awkwardly shaped space. The whole room was long and thin and acted as a bit of a thoroughfare between two living spaces. This meant that there were multiple doors, as well as a servery hatch and wood heater to work around. 

As the homeowner wanted to open up the space and improve the flow, they decided to remove the heater. However, they wanted to keep the servery because they liked the connection it created with the neighbouring living space. They also wanted to make the space feel brighter and more modern but still in keeping with the rest of the home.

To achieve this, the Kilsyth Smart Kitchen team recommended significantly changing the layout of the kitchen area. They suggested removing the peninsula and extending the cabinetry along the wall, past where the heater used to be. The homeowner loved this idea, so they gave us the go-ahead, and we got to work.

To create the clean but classic look the homeowner was after, the team chose Shaker cabinets in White Satin. The timeless elegance of this style of cabinetry fits perfectly with the period of the home. It also pairs well with the Duropal benchtops in Pale Lancelot Oak, which tie in perfectly with the restored wooden floors.

To further reinforce the traditional feel, antique bronze handles were chosen. For ease of access, knobs were used for most of the cupboards and shells were used for the drawers. To complete the look, chrome tapware was matched with a stainless steel sink and chrome appliances.

In keeping with the traditional feel, while most of the cabinetry was kept as cupboards, pot drawers were also added which the client loves. However, an additional stand of drawers was placed under one of the windows to increase the amount of functional storage. Cabinetry was also built under the servery window, and a matching benchtop was added to tie the whole space together.

But the biggest difference is the extra space that has been created by removing the peninsula and wood heater. This has made it much easier to pass through the room and actually helped connect the neighbouring living areas. Importantly, the homeowner can now also fit a dining table in the kitchen area, which is great for entertaining.

Given the creative thinking required to make this design work, we are very proud of how it turned out. We’re also extremely happy that the homeowner loves the space and is already putting it to good use. If you would like to achieve something similar in your own home, book your free design consultation today.

The post Montrose Kitchen Renovation appeared first on Smart Kitchen .

While it had been very well maintained, their existing kitchen was extremely cramped and quite outdated. The space was closed off from the rest of the house and the compact floor plan meant cooking was definitely a solo exercise. As the homeowners are avid entertainers, this really didn’t suit how they wanted to live.

Wanting to make sure they got good value for money, the homeowners contacted Smart Kitchen to discuss their requirements. During their consultation with our Preston designer, they stressed their desire for a more open, social space. They also shared their love of contemporary design and their interest in making a serious style statement with their new kitchen.

Based on this discussion, a detailed render of the proposed plan using Smart Kitchen ’s advanced design software was created. In this, it was identified that a wall would need to be removed to separate the kitchen from a neighbouring hallway to increase the overall space. In its place, we suggested adding a large peninsula bench to increase the available storage and create an area for guests to congregate.

The homeowners were very happy with this design which only required a few minor tweaks. With these adjustments made, they signed off on the concepts and gave us the green light to proceed. 

To deliver the dramatic look the homeowners were after, Metro cabinets in black were chosen. These pair perfectly with the new darker flooring to give the space a stylishly moody feel. This also helped provide a great contrast against the crisp white of the surrounding walls.

Building on this contrast, two different finishes of Caesarstone Raw Concrete benchtops have been used for the peninsula and Caesarstone Jet Black for along the back wall. In addition to reinforcing the contemporary feel, these choices help add a sense of depth and dimension to the design.

The look has been completed with matt black handles and tapware, which blend seamlessly into the rest of the design. New Westinghouse appliances have also been chosen to tie in with the overall feel of the space. 

Optimise functionality by adding a large pantry cupboard to the end of the room. This significantly increases the available storage space and complements the use of drawers throughout the rest of the kitchen area.

And, in a nod to the homeowners’ love of entertaining, a hidden bar cabinet was added under the peninsula bench. This provides the perfect location for all their party essentials while also helping define the new seating area.

While significant work was required to make all these updates, the homeowners could not be happier with the end result. They have already begun making good use of their new kitchen and look forward to making many happy memories in the space.

If you’re considering a kitchen renovation and this design speaks to you, contact us to set up your complimentary design consultation.

The post Reservoir Kitchen Renovation appeared first on Smart Kitchen .

The owners of this much-loved family home liked the size of their kitchen space but felt it needed an update to open up the space. They also wanted to improve the overall flow of the area, making it more suitable for entertaining.

In addition, they had a desire to update the neighbouring laundry area, increasing the natural light and overall usability of the space. This was another well-proportioned room with a design that was simple but functional – and more than a little dated. As proud rescue pet parents, the homeowners also wanted to make this space more comfortable for their furriest family members.

Given the scope of updates planned, the homeowners were quite budget-conscious. That said, they had clear ideas about their preferred style and still wanted to achieve a high-quality finish. Having read our online reviews, they felt Smart Kitchen was a good fit for their plans and set up a consultation with Andreas, our Moorabbin Kitchen Designer. 

Based on the homeowners’ requirements and current pain points, Andreas put together a proposed renovation design. He used Smart Kitchen ’s advanced design software to show the homeowners exactly what he saw for their new space. In addition to helping them picture the planned updates, this allowed them to ensure the design would suit their needs.

To make the most of the available space, Andreas recommended reworking the kitchen’s floorplan to open it up to the surrounding area. This allowed for the inclusion of a large island bench, which is ideal for entertaining. It also improved the room’s overall flow and strengthened the connection to the nearby outdoor living space.

A combination of Black and White Satin Shaker cabinets was used to achieve the desired ‘sleek and stylish’ look. This created a high level of contrast, helping define the space and adding some visual drama. The palette also complemented the existing wood-look flooring and was completed with matching Bosch appliances.

Further reinforcing the contemporary feel, Dekton Entzo Natural was chosen for the benchtops and splashback. This, combined with the waterfall edge on one end of the kitchen island, gives the space a sense of seamlessness.

To optimise functionality, under-bench drawers were included in the kitchen island. This added some variety to the storage options available, with cupboards used throughout the rest of the design.

A large kitchen pantry was also included, sited between the fridge and the cooktop. This helped create a clear activity zone with ample preparation space in the surrounding area.

In the combined laundry butlers’ pantry, to help freshen up the space, Andreas recommended sticking to White Shaker cabinets. To tie in with the existing flooring, these were paired with Duropal benchtops in Natural Chalet Oak. For consistency, Dekton Entzo Natural was also used for the splashback.

The whole look was completed with black knob and shell handles, mirroring the high contrast look of the kitchen.

A large linen press style cupboard was included at one end of the space, perfect for housing cleaning equipment. To further improve the area’s functionality, a small pet feeding station was also built into the overall design. A second dishwasher, sink and fridge were included in this space along with more so the space could not only be a laundry but act as a second kitchen / butler’s pantry.

All renovation works are now complete, and the homeowners are thoroughly enjoying using their updated kitchen and laundry spaces. If you like the look of this design and would like something similar for your home, contact Smart Kitchen today to arrange your free design consultation.

The post Sandringham Kitchen and Butlers’ Pantry/Laundry Renovation appeared first on Smart Kitchen .

Here we’ll take a closer look at each of these options and try to help you decide which to use.

The pros and cons of using an online kitchen planner

The biggest benefit of free design software is how convenient it can be to use. It allows you to start planning your new kitchen whenever and wherever best suits you. All you need is an internet connection and an idea of what you want your new kitchen to look like.

Some people also like that an online planner gives you total control over your new kitchen design. However, we believe that this is a bit of a double-edged sword. If you know exactly what you want, being able to put together your own design may be a good option. But if you don’t have a clear picture of your preferred design, it can be tough to go it alone.  

And while most online design software is fairly easy to use, a reasonable level of computer literacy is usually required. To get the most from these tools, you will also need to have some understanding of kitchen design basics. It might seem easy, but it’s also easy make many of the common kitchen design mistakes we are often asked to fix. 

In addition, not everyone will have the technical skills required to do their own designing.

How an experienced kitchen designer compares

By comparison, when you engage the services of a kitchen design expert, they will do all the technical components for you. The best designers will have their own design software that they use, often with 3D visualisation functionality. This means that, in addition to doing all the drawings for you, they will be able to show you exactly what the space will look like.

 A good designer will also bring a clear focus on how a design will function, not just how it looks. As part of this, they may be able to suggest slight tweaks to improve the usability of the space. They should also be able to come up with creative ways to maximise storage and minimise clutter.

Even if you know exactly what you want your new kitchen to look like, an experienced designer can still help. They will work with you to further refine your design, making sure it’s truly tailored to your needs. They may also be able to suggest more cost-effective alternatives, allowing you to get the look you want for less.

Best of all, some kitchen companies – like Smart Kitchen – offer free in-store design consultations as part of their standard service. This means you can have your new kitchen professionally designed for no additional cost. They even arrange a check measure if you decide to go ahead so you can be sure your kitchen will be perfect!

Want to discuss this further?

If you’ve been thinking about updating your kitchen, but need some help putting together your design, Smart Kitchen can help. Our team of kitchen design experts can work with you to tailor a plan to suit your requirements. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary in-store kitchen design consultation and quote.

The post Should You Use a Free Online Kitchen Planner or a Kitchen Designer? appeared first on Smart Kitchen .

This has made the already difficult task of choosing a supplier for your new kitchen, even more complex. Now, in addition to considering factors like your preferred style and materials, you also need to think about logistics and lead times. To help you with this, we want to explore the issues currently impacting supply and how we are overcoming these. 

Key issues facing the kitchen industry

As we’ve previously noted, the average cost of a kitchen renovation is on the rise. In fact, many of the biggest kitchen companies have already increased prices by 7 – 9%. This is largely due to the global pandemic, which reduced manufacturing activity and limited the availability of skilled labour.

The pandemic also crippled international supply chains, significantly reducing the ability to source and ship materials from overseas. This has particularly impacted some of the most popular materials, like stone, which have also seen notable price increases. Raw materials, like particle board and laminate, have also been harder to source, which has impeded local manufacturing activity.

The uncertainty created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also had a major impact on the stability of global supply chains. Space on cargo ships, in particular, has become much harder to secure and is now attracting a premium. This additional cost is generally being passed onto the consumer, as most kitchen companies simply cannot absorb it.

At the same time, lockdowns have seen the vast majority of people spending a lot more time at home. Many of these people have also seen their savings increase, as international travel has been off the cards. These two factors have combined to create a significant spike in the number of homeowners looking to update their kitchen.

As a result, we’re also seeing near record levels of demand. But, as most companies are unable to meet this, it’s mostly just leading to longer wait times. In fact, many companies are now saying there will be a minimum 3 – 6 month delay on all new orders.

How Smart Kitchen is different

While we’re experiencing many of the same issues as most other kitchen companies, they’re generally having less of an impact. This is largely because we design and manufacture most of our products right here in Barbados. As such, we’re less susceptible to changes in transport availability and cost.

We’ve also been in the industry for 35+ years and have learnt a few important lessons along the way. This includes a few tricks for making sure we have the materials required to meet all our clients’ needs. As such, when you work with us, you can trust your new kitchen will be delivered within budget. But more importantly, we know what stock we have so we will clearly communicate wait times according to demand.

So, if you’re thinking it’s time to tackle that long-overdue kitchen update, Smart Kitchen can help. We can work with you to refine your design and bring your dream kitchen space to life. Contact us today to arrange your in-store design and quote consultation.

The post How to Choose a Barbadian kitchen Manufacturer in an Era of Supply Chain Issues? appeared first on Smart Kitchen .

But while some of these programs can be easy to use, many are much more complicated than they first seem. Some are also not particularly accurate, which can create issues when it comes time to fit your new kitchen. And, while how a kitchen looks is important, how it functions is even more critical.

This is why we always recommend working with an experienced designer when planning a kitchen upgrade. They can help you think through all the little details and truly tailor a design to your needs. They can also help you manage your budget and come up with creative ways to get the look you want.

The benefits of using an experienced kitchen designer

 There are several reasons it’s worth working with an experienced designer when planning your new kitchen. This includes:

• They will focus on function: When you’re doing your own design, it’s easy to get caught up on the aesthetic choices. While these are important, they mean little if the overall design isn’t particularly practical. An experienced designer will understand this and take the time to make sure your plans match how you want to live.
• They will refine your design: A kitchen designer’s job is to take your ideas and make them better. Even if you have a clear vision of what you want, an experienced designer should still be able to add value. They should also encourage you to think about the details that you would normally overlook – like storage options, benchtop space, appliance placement and working zones.
• They will be able to identify potential issues: Having been through the process many times, an experienced designer will know what the watchpoints are. This means they can help you plan ahead and avoid being held up by common mistakes and problems with the design. They should also be able to share lessons learnt from previous clients and use these to help improve your design.
• They will look for suitable savings: Most kitchen designers have significant experience working within a limited budget. As such, they’ll know where to spend money and where you can cut costs without impacting the end result. They should also be able to recommend more cost-effective alternatives, so you can achieve the look you want for less.
• They will help you plan the whole project: Coming up with the design is only one small part of managing a kitchen renovation. Once you have your design, you then need to order materials, arrange trades, and oversee the actual work. A good kitchen designer will help you with all this, outlining the process and recommending installers to help you along the way.

Want to discuss this further?

 If you’re planning to update your kitchen and would like some expert advice, give Smart Kitchen a call. Our experienced team can work with you to tailor a design to suit your space, your style, and your family. We also offer a free in-store design consultation service and can help make sure you’re getting the most from your budget.

The post The Importance of a Kitchen Designer When Renovating on a Budget appeared first on Smart Kitchen .

How much will my new kitchen cost?

Just as kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, so do kitchen renovation budgets. The exact cost of your updates will depend on several factors like the work required and the quality of materials used. This makes it quite difficult to provide an average cost for a fully installed new kitchen.

That said, here at Smart Kitchen , we’re forecasting the price of a new kitchen to increase by about 7% this year. And this is an expectation shared by the whole industry, with all major companies predicting a price increase. In fact, some of the biggest kitchen suppliers have already increased their prices by up to 9%.

Why are prices increasing?

To put it simply, the global pandemic has made it much harder to source materials and skilled labour. The restrictions put in place to manage the spread of COVID saw many important industries wind down, at least temporarily. They also limited the ability to ship things in from overseas, severely impacting the supply of certain materials, such as stone.

 As a result, the cost of everything from timber and particle board to edging and laminate has increased globally. And the cost to ship some materials in from overseas has more than quadrupled due to container costs increasing.

Labour costs have also increased, as higher wages are required to attract skilled trades and fill staffing gaps. This has been further exacerbated by Victoria’s mandatory building registration requirements for many key trades (like carpenters and waterproofers).

But it’s not all bad news, with a growing number of builders starting to offer kitchen renovations. This is in response to the increased demand for these services and has made the market more competitive. However, be aware that builders add their markup so it is cheaper for you to source your cabinets direct from an experienced supplier like Smart Kitchen . In addition, using a third-party builder can be risky with some big builders, like Probuild, recently going into liquidation due to building costs escalating with builders unable to recoup those costs due to the terms in the building contract.

How are we keeping our new kitchens affordable?

While the cost of a new kitchen is increasing, you’ll always get a great deal when you work with Smart Kitchen . This is because we manufacture all our products here in Barbados, so we are less impacted by global supply chain issues. We also supply all our cabinets fully assembled, which significantly cuts down your installation costs.

What’s more, our experienced team are experts in tailoring designs to suit a wide range of styles and budgets. They can also recommend creative ways to achieve the look and function you want for the price you need. From choosing more cost-effective materials (wood-look laminate as a stone substitute is particularly popular right now) to optimising your existing floor plan, there’s plenty of ways to keep the costs down.

Best of all, when you work with Smart Kitchen , you’ll get to enjoy your new kitchen sooner. While other kitchen companies currently have 3 – 6 month wait times ours are less due to Barbados manufacturing.

In our opinion, it’s unlikely new kitchen prices will fall any time soon – however, they could continue increasing. As such, if you’ve been thinking about tackling that long overdue update, we suggest making a start right now. For more information on how to do this, contact Smart Kitchen today to set up your free in-store design and quote.

The post Cost of a New Kitchen in 2022 appeared first on Smart Kitchen .

We’re happy to see pantries getting the attention they deserve, but it’s important to remember that they are – first and foremost – a functional space. While an impeccably styled pantry is great for Instagram, we can guarantee you it won’t stay picture-perfect for long. It probably won’t hold up to the rigours of your daily life that well, either.

The good news is there are a few simple tricks to designing a pantry that is both beautiful and functional.

Our top pantry design tips

 As kitchen design specialists, we know a thing or two about planning a functional pantry. We’ve also learnt a few tricks over the years, which we’re more than happy to share. So, when designing a kitchen pantry, we recommend you:

1. Make sure it fits the space: While a large walk-in pantry may be your dream, it’s not always the most practical solution. In fact, if space is tight, a more modest but well-designed pantry cupboard will be more functional – and cost-effective.
2. Optimise your access: While deep shelves are great for maximising storage space, reaching the stuff at the back can be quite difficult. You can overcome this by having pull-out shelves or drawers within your pantry to keep everything within easy reach.
3. Think vertically: If floor space is limited, making your pantry taller will give you more room to work with. However, you should consider making higher shelves shallower to minimise the risk of things ending up out of reach.
4. Zone the space: Most pantries serve several purposes – from dry food and appliance storage to additional food prep and clean up space. By thinking about all of these uses in the design phase, you can make sure there’s a place for everything.
5. Create some bench space: Adding a benchtop into your design can have a big impact on the functionality of even the smallest pantry. In addition to providing extra storage space, it can be used for food prep and makes packing away groceries much easier.
6. Carefully consider your choice of door: The door you choose should really match how you plan to use your pantry. For example, if space is tight, extra storage (e.g. a spice rack) can be built onto a solid swing door. Ensure the width of the pantry is not too wide so that they do not get in the way when you are working in the kitchen. Integrated bi-fold doors may be the best solution in that situation.
7. Get creative: There truly are no rules when it comes to pantries, so don’t be afraid to have fun with your design. From hidden pantries and generous walk-in butler’s pantries to more modest freestanding pantry cupboards, the options are almost endless.

Want to discuss this further?

 If you need help designing the perfect pantry, contact Smart Kitchen . Our experienced team are experts in tailoring pantry designs to suit a client’s style, space, and budget. Call us today to set up your free kitchen design and quote.

The post 7 Tips for Designing a Functional Pantry appeared first on Smart Kitchen .

Liven up your laundry

Other than kitchens, laundries are the main space our clients are most frequently looking to renovate. While many just want to update the style of their laundry, some also want to address important functional issues. Most significantly, they usually want to increase the amount of storage space and usable bench space.

With this in mind, when designing a laundry, we recommend you:

• Include at least one tall cupboard, in addition to the standard under-bench cabinetry. This will give you space to store brooms, mops, and other cleaning equipment.
• Consider whether you want to stack your appliances or place them side-by-side under the bench. Stacking allows for more under-bench storage, whereas having them side-by-side should create more bench space.
• If your laundry is long and narrow, keeping all your cabinetry along one wall usually works best. If it’s a squarer space, having cabinetry along two opposite walls will generally work better.

Set up the perfect study nook

Over the last couple of years, having a dedicated home workspace has become a big priority for many people. This has increased the number of our clients who are looking to work a study nook into their renovation plans. These spaces are usually located near, or within, the kitchen area, so they often share the same styling and finishes.

When planning a study nook, we suggest you:

• Choose similar storage solutions to those you’re using in your kitchen (e.g. the same drawers, etc.). This will help tie the two spaces together and make the design feel more resolved.
• Carefully consider which finishes to carry through to your study nook – a stone desktop may look great but is unnecessarily expensive. Laminate is a more practical choice and can be matched to your open shelving or feature cabinetry.
• Remember that your ideal bench height and ideal desk height will most likely be different. As such, depending on your design, you may need a lower or higher chair.

Create consistency in your cabinetry

While open-plan kitchens are usually quite functional for families, they can be difficult to design. Given the connection between the spaces, the styling of the different areas needs to be consistent, or at least complimentary. And one of the best ways to achieve this is to use the same finishes throughout the whole area.

For example, some clients choose to use the same type of cabinetry in both their kitchen and living area. This creates continuity between the two spaces and provides great storage for the kids’ toys, extra blankets, etc. To further tie the design together, some clients also choose to use the same benchtops on their living area cabinetry.

Want more information?

If your renovation plans extend beyond the kitchen and you want to maximise the functionality of your whole design, call Smart Kitchen . Our experienced design team knows how to get the most out of a floor plan and are always happy to offer advice.

The post Creating Functional Kitchen, Laundry & Study Nooks appeared first on Smart Kitchen .

 Here we take a closer look at these concerns and consider if the cost savings are actually worth it.

Quality of materials and finish

Most DIY manufacturers use the same or similar raw materials as other kitchen suppliers. They generally also use the same production tools and techniques and can access the same specialist products (e.g., YDL benchtops). As such, you should be able to achieve a comparable level of finish with a DIY kitchen.

And, when you choose Smart Kitchen as your supplier, you can be sure you’re getting a great product. In addition to sourcing high-quality raw materials, we have strict standards and rigorously test everything we make. This is how we know our kitchens will withstand the challenges of daily life.

To give you further peace of mind, we also back all our cabinetry and hardware with a 10-year guarantee.

Design and installation

Much like many other kitchen companies, DIY manufacturers usually supply a selection of cabinetry and hardware products. These will be in a set of standard sizes and formats and a wide range of colours and finishes. While some high-end designers, choose custom, non-standard cabinet sizes and colours. However, DIY kitchen designs using standard-sized cabinetry can still be tailored to suit almost any space, lifestyle, and personal taste.

To help you get the most from your new kitchen, many DIY manufacturers – including Smart Kitchen – provide free design consultations. These are a great way to get expert advice on your plans and can help you refine your design. They can also provide creative solutions and help make sure your new kitchen will truly suit your needs and lifestyle.

Also, when you order your new kitchen from Smart Kitchen , all your cabinets will arrive fully assembled. This makes installation so easy that almost anyone can do it, saving you both time and money.

The final verdict

With all this in mind, it’s clear DIY kitchens can be just as good as the products from other manufacturers. Their designs can be every bit as stylish and the quality of finish should be similar (if not the same). They should also be just as sturdy and robust, serving you and your family well for years to come.

So why are DIY kitchens the cheaper alternative? It all comes down to how the manufacturers do what they do.

Take Smart Kitchen , for example. We’ve been in the industry for over 35 Years. Over this time, we’ve learnt a few ways to keep our costs down without impacting the quality of our product. This includes buying our materials in bulk, manufacturing locally, and focusing on the efficiency of our production processes. We also provide cabinets in standard sizes – this helps keep costs low as manufacturing is more efficient. Because we control the manufacturing process, we have 100% control over the quality – a very important part at Smart Kitchen . All this combines to allow us to offer high-quality products at the lowest possible prices.

Want more information?

If it’s time to upgrade your kitchen and you’re considering taking the DIY route to save $$$’s, give Smart Kitchen a call. We’re one of Barbados’s leading low-cost kitchen suppliers and can help you develop a design that suits your budget and style. Contact us today to discuss your plans or book a free in-store showroom design below.

The post Are DIY Kitchens Any Good? appeared first on Smart Kitchen .