Home & Garden

In today’s economy, people are becoming cash strapped as they spend their income on big homes, flash cars, fancy food and entertainment. In this post we are going to explore why you should consider living small and how to go about moving to a minimalist lifestyle.

Why you should live small

Modernisation and industrialisation were both a blessing and a curse. Even though today we are extremely fortunate for the useful gadgets, fancy foods and spacious homes that we have, we don’t actually need them to lead a fulfilling life. If you look back to hundreds of years ago, our ancestors lived very basic yet happy lives with basic food supplies, a small home and only enough changes of clothes to last a week or less.

Think about the amount of stuff that you own and never use such as clothes, toys or electronics. All of these things had to be made using processes and materials which all contribute to a negative impact on our environment. Plus, by not spending as much money on things you don’t really need, you are able to save more for your future.

While we don’t need to step back into another time to live small, there are ways that we can reduce our carbon footprint on the world, spend less and save more, and ultimately live a happier life.

How to live small

1) Do you really need that much space?

Large homes are often a symbol of success, but usually a lot of the space goes unused. Tiny homes are becoming extremely popular with people who want to live small and there are some great designs to make excellent use of space. And instead of using traditional building materials, you can opt for more cost-effective options such as used shipping containers.

2) Get rid of clutter

Many of us hate the thought of throwing things out, but then we end up with a house full of clutter and not enough space to store things. Take a weekend to declutter your home and throw out or give away to charity anything you don’t really need or haven’t used in a long time.

3) Think about the food you buy

Food waste is a huge problem. The more food you buy, the more you spend, and the greater strain on our resources. Before heading to the supermarket, make a weekly meal plan and decide exactly which items you need to buy and the quantity so there will be zero waste at the end of the week. You should also consider the types of food you buy. Eating organically is not only better for you but is also better for the environment.

4) Learn to be content with what you have

Rushing out to buy the new iPhone may seem like something you need to do, but is there really anything wrong with your current phone? Too often we want the latest and greatest things, but we can be content with the things that we have if they are still in working order.

Living small can have different definitions for different people, but it doesn’t need to be as scary as you might think. If you start to consider your spending and lifestyle habits, you can gradually move to a minimalist lifestyle that is kinder on your wallet and the environment.

If you spend all the time and money it takes to purchase a home, you’ll want to do all you can to make sure that home stays in good repair for as long as you occupy its space. Keeping up with the maintenance on your home will also work to save you money over time.

You won’t have to pay to replace the big-ticket items in your home as often or as soon when you take the necessary steps to preserve their condition. Take a few moments now to read through a brief look at some home maintenance tips you’ll want to follow in order to be a responsible homeowner.

Monthly home maintenance routines

There are things around your home that you should do regularly every month. If you’re new to homeownership, consider these tasks each month to maintain the integrity of your house.

• Check the HVAC filter (and change if dirty).
• Clean out the sink disposal.
• Spray for pests to avoid termite damage in your home.
• Inspect your fire extinguisher.
• Test the auto-reverse function on your garage door.
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.

What to check annually on your home

Winter – Check for air leaks around doors and windows to keep your home warm and your energy costs down during the winter. Keep an eye out for ice buildup around your home that may cause damage to the exterior of the structure.

Spring – Get your HVAC unit ready to combat the heat of the summer. Consider having it serviced at least once per year. Check and clean residual debris from your gutters, and give the garden a little pick-me-up.

Summer – Get outside in the sunshine to look over the integrity of your deck and other parts of your home. Check that all your plumbing is functioning with ease, and clean the exterior portion of your dryer vent. Lint buildup is a fire hazard.

Fall – When the leaves fall in the Autumn, your gutters can get mucked up. Inspect and clean out your gutters. Flush out the hot water heater to remove excess sediment buildup. Clean out your chimney for warm nights by the fire, and check your sump pump to keep the basement dry.

Look at these things every couple of years

You should test your hot water heater’s pressure release valve every two years. It’s good to know it will work in the case of an emergency. Check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and vacuum the dust off of your refrigerator coils.

Take steps to defend against water

Water is your home interior’s worst enemy. More homes deal with damage from water than any other perpetrator. Also, understand the maintenance and function of your home’s sump pump to protect against basement water leaks.

 

When you purchase a new home, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement of it all. A new place to call home, a new level of stability, and a new financial responsibility are enough to keep your brain thoroughly occupied.

However, there are other issues to attend to when you become the owner of a new home. Whether the property is brand new or just new to you, there will always be certain improvement and maintenance details to understand.

Take a moment now to read through a brief summary, featuring some helpful home improvement/maintenance tips for those who are new to homeownership.

Yard maintenance for the seasons

Depending on the time of the year, your yard needs different types of care. As a new homeowner, you should familiarize yourself with the various yearly upkeep tasks you’ll need to complete to keep your yard looking lively and in order.

If you have a lot of trees in your yard, for example, you’ll need to invest in tree care throughout the year. You don’t want your trees dying or looking shabby.

Your HVAC unit is vital

The cost of total replacement for your home’s heating and air unit could put quite a strain on your bank account. It’s wise to educate yourself on the proper upkeep of your unit, so you can get as many good production years from it as possible.

Change your air filter every month on the same day. Have your system cleaned and inspected at least once every few years. Look after your HVAC system, and your home will remain comfortable for many, many years.

Mind the gaps in your home

Gaps in your home allow airflow from the outside to interfere with your interior environment. An unstable environment could make room for mold, and gaps make it more difficult to control the temperature in your home.

Make a trip around the house yearly to inspect for air leaks and gaps around windows or doors. Energy consumption in your home will be much more manageable without the trouble of leaky windows, doors, or crawl spaces.

Finish the attic or basement

If you’re looking to invest in some home improvement, you can start high or low. Finishing the attic or basement in your home will add to the square footage. You’ll gain equity by completing a new room in your house.

Small maintenance tips

There are several small-time maintenance tasks you should complete around your home throughout the year. For instance, you’ll need to clean out your dryer vents, clean up your refrigerator coils, and clean out gutters and downspouts every few months to keep everything running smoothly.

 

Once you become a homeowner, the drive to better your property begins. Everything you do to upgrade or repair your property will add to the resale value from the moment you take ownership.

Your home is not just a safe space for you and your family. It is a long term investment. Take a moment to look over a short list of some of the most impactful updates you can make to your home. Boost your equity and your living space at the same time with these helpful hints.

Upgrade your garage door

You may not consider your garage such an important part of your home, but homebuyers value a well-maintained garage area. Try updating the garage door and it’s components to add an extra appeal to future home buyers.

Give the house a fresh coat of paint

It won’t cost you much (in perspective) to give your home a fresh coat of paint before you choose to sell it. A new paint job will boost your home’s curb appeal while shedding several years off of its aesthetic.

Add energy efficient appliances

Adding energy efficient appliances to your home may cost you a bit of dough in the beginning, but you’ll make your money back over time. The trick is to install the upgrades long before you plan to sell your home.

Get the use out of them, and then get even more benefits from them once you resell the property. You may also create an opportunity for a tax credit by upgrading your appliances to Energy Star energy efficient machines.

Finish the attic/basement area

There’s never a bad time to add a little extra to your floor plan. Extra square footage means that your home is worth more on the market. Finishing the attic or basement space also means that you and your friends/family will have more room to congregate.

Add some gorgeous landscaping

Adding some trees, bushes, and perennials to your yard will spruce up the curb appeal of your home. You may think it only matters when it’s time to sell, but maintaining your yard has other benefits.

You didn’t purchase the property to spend all of your time indoors. Enjoy the surrounding land, and invest in upgrading your landscaping.

Install new windows and doors

If you’re living in an older home, it may be a good time to replace the windows and doors in the place. It’s not the most inexpensive upgrade for your home, but it will add value to the property.

Do a minor bathroom remodel

You don’t have to do a major overhaul if it’s not necessary. A minor bathroom remodel can be quite beneficial to your home’s equity as well. Try replacing the vanity and refurbishing the bathtub, and you’ll be well on your way to a “new-to-you” bathroom setup.

 

Getting a kitchen door may be one of the most daunting tasks during your furnishing phase. This could be attributed mainly to the fact that several considerations, such as the door material and its material properties, are to be considered. Thankfully, IKEA has a lot of doors designed for this very purpose. However, the challenge becomes finding which of these doors best suits your needs.

If you want to get yourself a kitchen door, then the recommendation would most definitely be an IKEA kitchen door.

What is IKEA?

IKEA is a home furnishing store with over 70 years of experience in the business. They are an authority in the furniture business, producing perfectly designed furniture. They are the perfect solution to all interior furnishing and decorating challenges, plus you can pretty much install any product yourself. With IKEA, you can be sure to find something within each category that is fitted to your style and taste.

IKEA KITCHEN DOORS

Based on the properties which we would like to have in a kitchen door, we will take a broad look at some of the factors that make IKEA kitchen doors worth the investment.

WHAT ARE IKEA KITCHEN DOORS MADE OF?

IKEA KITCHEN DOORS are primarily made from fibreboard. While a couple of other materials are used in the production of these doors, the fundamental component in the many of the IKEA kitchen doors available is fibreboard. A fibreboard is made from compressed wood or plant fibre- the process of making fibreboards is simple. It’s the compression of plant or wood fibre into sheets that can be used as building materials. Due to its primary material, it’s very durable and flexible.

There are basically three types of fibreboard: the particleboard or low- density board, the medium density fibreboard (MDF), and hardwood. The particular type used in the IKEA kitchen doors is the medium density fibreboard (MDF).

Apart from being used in the making of IKEA kitchen doors, the medium density fibreboard (MDF) can be used for low-slope roofing, sheathing of walls in the home, and flooring amongst a host of other things. It’s preferred for its smoothness, strength, flexibility, and consistency.

WHY USE MDF?

For a company that has been in the business for over 70 years, IKEA’s choice of material is most definitely more than a mere aesthetic hunch. In truth, most of the IKEA doors are beautifully made yet are functional in their regard, ensuring that you get the best looking door at an affordable cost, and with all the functionality you require from the door.

Here are a couple of factors that make IKEA kitchen doors from most others.

1. Affordability

The cost of processing MDF is relatively cheaper than a lot of other wood types. This makes it a cheap replacement for wood. This also means that most of the products and furniture made from MDF more affordable. Hence, regardless of your income level, you can afford to purchase an IKEA kitchen door, which would be as functional as it is aesthetically appealing. You don’t have to empty your treasure chests to get a great door!

2. Insect resistance

The chemicals used in the production of IKEA kitchen doors makes it resistant to most insects. This means that your kitchen door may last for as long as you live, based on its durable properties.

3. Eco-Friendly

IKEA kitchen doors are mostly made from recycled wood materials. In a time where there is a critical need to keep it green, the MDF, which is a fundamental material in the production of IKEA kitchen doors, serves as a better option to cutting down trees. This simply implies that IKEA’s kitchen doors are Eco-friendly.

4. Design friendly

The MDF is more design-friendly than your regular wood. This makes it easier to cut into different shapes. It’s also easier to make depictions on this wood, thus making it a better material for aesthetic purposes.

This is especially evident when you take a look at any IKEA kitchen door. They tend to look well cut to finish and are very sleek and beautiful.

5. Consistent in size and strength

Another reason why IKEAs kitchen doors are worth the investment is the consistency of the material used in manufacturing the doors. It does not shrink and expand like normal wood due to changes in weather. So, there is very little to worry about in regards to having to deal with a bent door.

CAN YOU PAINT IKEA KITCHEN DOORS?

Yes, you can. Due to the structure of the material that it’s made of, it takes paint well and looks a lot better than regular wood. So just in case you feel like giving your kitchen a lift, you could decide to paint your kitchen door.

YOU CAN RENEW YOUR KITCHEN

Talking about changing doors, you can renew that kitchen you built in the Stone Age to look like a modern-day kitchen, with little or no major expenses. Simply get IKEA kitchen doors and cabinets and save on the installation costs if you are a DIY junkie.

CAN YOU REPLACE IKEA CABINET DOORS?

If you have an older IKEA cabinet, all you have to do is change all the cabinet doors to new ones. No one except you, me, and IKEA may ever know of your sneaky upgrade. Don’t worry you can trust us to keep your little secret forever. You don’t really have to do much to give your kitchen the perfect lift that you desire. Just an IKEA kitchen door and some cabinet doors will do. Plus, in case you wish to change the look again, you know what to do.

There you have it. You can make your kitchen look just the way you want it to. Functional, alluring, yet affordable.

 

 

Christmas is fast approaching, which means it’s time for the decorations to come out! If you are looking forward to welcoming winter into your home – minus the cold – but need some guidance in how to make your house look magical, we can help you to create a winter haven. Here are some top tips on how to design your very own winter wonderland at home.

Make a good first impression

While the majority of the decorations will feature inside your home – there is nothing to stop you from making your outdoor area pretty too. With items such as light up reindeers and neon style polar bear lights available at the likes of Cox & Cox, you can make your front garden just as gorgeous as your front room.

Light up your rooms

From decorative pre-lit trees to sparkling string lights, there are some beautiful light up pieces that you can begin to collect during the festive season. Wrap twinkly lights around your bannister or pop a light up birch tree in the hallway for an instant winter wonderland feel.

Start collecting unique pieces

No matter whether you prefer cute penguins, cheeky snowmen or red-nosed reindeers, Christmas decorations come in all shapes and sizes – the more unique, the better. Place them on windowsills, shelves or even on the Christmas tree to give your home that magical feel.

Get crafty

Get creative and make your own paper snowflakes. Not only will you save money on decorations, but you’ll keep the kids entertained for hours too. Once you’re done, tie some clear string around them and hang them from wherever you like.

Find your signature scent

Transform the ambiance in your home with a beautiful scented candle. No matter whether you’re a fan of nutmeg, cinnamon or vanilla, there are so many different scents these days to choose from!

Get cosy

Have you been meaning to pick up a beautiful new fluffy rug for a while now? Or perhaps you’ve been wanting to upcycle that old table that never gets used? Before Christmas arrives, create a gorgeous space perfect for the whole family and get cosy together.

And there you have it – your winter wonderland is complete! Once you’ve hung up your decorations, found the ideal spot for your tree and picked up some scented candles, there’s hopefully only one thing left to worry about – cooking your Christmas dinner!

Yes, this is where we’re at now – even cleaning a roof has its own environmental pitfalls. This might not mean much if, like most people, you’ve never even considered cleaning your roof. However, once you’ve learned a little about why roof cleaning is important, and how eco-friendly roof cleaning is even better, it might become something you do as part of your regular property maintenance regime.

Why clean a roof in the first place?

Well, first of all – it looks good. A sparkling roof means greater curb appeal for your property… not that this alone is reason enough to start cleaning your roof (unless you’re selling the place, that is). Secondly, and getting into the important stuff, cleaning a roof removes mold and algae that can start to eat away at your timber, if allowed the opportunity.

Plus, if this occurs, the scent of damp wood alone actually attracts pests. Remember that myth from school about hair lice only being attracted to clean hair? Well, now you know that woodlice can actually be deterred by the scent of a freshly cleaned roof.

And finally, getting on to the eco-friendly, in addition to the home-friendly benefits of regularly cleaning your roof, a dirty roof is actually less energy efficient than a clean one. A filthy roof, covered in debris, isn’t actually reflecting energy from the sun away from its surface as effectively.

Instead, your property is absorbing more heat, so in the summer months you may find it harder to regulate temperature inside the property – and your loft space could become more prone to holding moisture. And conversely, during winter, you may find that having the heating on leads to an awkward distribution of warmth on different levels of the home.

The eco-friendly cleaning option

More than this though, the method of cleaning itself plays a big part in the impact you have on your local environment. The quickest method of cleaning a roof is a power wash, and chemical spray, which covers every inch of the roof’s surface. However, even if you leave your kids and pets inside while this takes place, the chemical run off ends up in your garden, all over your windows, and any local fauna unlucky enough to be nearby.

Products like detergents and bleach solutions can prove to be particularly damaging for plants, and the tiny beasties that live nearby, which are often food for birds and squirrels (if they aren’t killed by the chemicals first!). So, even though you’ll have a wonderfully clean roof, a simple consumer decision on the products used to clean the roof could help you to not only protect your roof – but keep your garden in top nick too.

So, when you’re looking for specialist roof cleaners, or roofing companies that offer a full range of services, like Findley roofing contractors in Darlington, ask them about what they’d use to clean a roof. There are plenty of excellent, environmentally-friendly products available, so there’s no reason a reputable company should be saving a few pennies by continuing to use harmful, chemical cleaners.

Finally, if you decide to clean your roof yourself, shop around for most environmentally friendly cleaners available, and give both your home and your garden some TLC in the process.

 

 

In Summer your air conditioning system works it’s hardest to keep you cool inside. If your system isn’t running at its best you may find your electricity bills increase and the system doesn’t work properly. Here are ways to lower electricity bills, save energy, increase comfort and maximize effectiveness when your air conditioning system needs the most help to keep you cool in the heat of Summer.

1. Call an Air Conditioning Expert

Every air conditioning system should be serviced annually which includes –

• Cleaning the RA Filter
• Inspect and clean condenser coils if required.
• Check zone system operation
• Check operation of heating/cooling
• Check indoor and outdoor fan operation
• Test air on/off reading to confirm correct refrigerant levels
• Check Duct and unit conditions
• Inspect electrical connections for unsafe hot joints
• Quote for any additional repairs

Servicing your air conditioning system in Spring is our recommendation for air conditioning clients in Mandurah and surrounding areas. Services should normally cost between $130 – $180 depending on the system type and access. Make sure that your air conditioning Mandurah expert can handle it all.

2. Check your filters

The most important thing to do with your refrigerated air conditioning system is to check your filters every 1 – 3 months. This is ultra important during the heat of summer when dust and pollutants are airborne. If the filter becomes dirty it could become clogged which means your system will have to work harder to supply the same amount of cool air. We have seen at times air conditioning filters so clogged that the performance of the system is running at only 10% of it’s capacity.

Replacing the filters is one of the easiest and most effective methods of ensuring your refrigerated air conditioning system is running efficiently. It is also critical for ensuring the long term health of your air con system.

3. Keep your A/C in the shade

Refrigerated air conditioning systems have an outdoor unit. These systems can be installed in the sun and will still operate however with proper shading can run more efficiently. Usually we install these systems under eaves or on the south side of the home for our residential clients. Air in a shaded space is cooler in Summer than the surrounding air which will allow your air conditioning unit to have an easier time cooling the air.

4. Don’t let your thermostat take the heat

This is a simple tip but one that most people don’t think about when operating their air conditioning system. Don’t place lamps, TV sets, or other heat-producing appliances near your thermostat. The thermostat is located either on the wall controller, remote or inside the return air filter. The thermostat senses the heat causing the air conditioning system to run harder and longer than necessary. If you have a ducted refrigerated air conditioning system we recommend not allowing any outside heat to be sucked in through the return air grille.

5. Do touch that dial to save some money

Remember that each degree you dial below 23 increases your energy consumption by about 8-10 percent. If your bi-monthly electric bill to run your air conditioning system is about $300, you’ll save $25 per bill with EACH degree you can stand above 23. While it is tempting to run your air conditioning system at 18 degrees during a hot 40 degree day, this is going to make the compressor scream and in-turn give you scary operation costs.

6. Consider a programmed response

Most of our air conditioning systems have timers and programs which will allow the client to set the unit to come on at specific times at a specific temperature. Ideally if you have a decent solar power system installed (which we also specialise in) and you work 9-5 we recommend setting the air con system to come on at around 2:30pm to get your house cool before you get home. This way the first hour of running the system which is often the most ink-efficient will be offset by your free solar power electricity.

7. Is it time to replace your old air con system?

You may find your old air conditioner is not working like it used to. Consider replacing your air conditioning system with a new R32 inverter energy-efficient model. Pricing on new systems are highly competitive and because they use less energy, you save in the long run, too.

When replacing your A/C, make sure you get a correctly sized unit. If you install an air conditioning system that has too much capacity, it will cycle on and off — reducing the efficiency of the system. In-turn, if you install a system that is too small it will be running at maximum operation capacity more often.

8. Make sure the home is closed up

You want your cold air to stay inside and hot air to stay out of the house (or room) you are cooling. Some basic steps can prevent air loss when you need cool air the most include simply making sure all the doors and windows are closed, Seal air leaks with caulking and weather-stripping.

9. Look out for debris

With refrigerated air conditioning systems, keep plants, shrubs, and other landscaping about 1 meter away from your outdoor unit to ensure adequate airflow. If the outdoor unit has no room to circulate air properly it will work harder to cool the gases and liquid which will cost you more to run your air con system.

10. Feel the breeze from your fans

If your home has ceiling fans, switch your ceiling fan to run counter-clockwise in the summer. This way they will push the cool air down by pulling the hot air up. You can run a ceiling fan half the day for about $3 a month which is a fraction of the cost of air conditioning if you don’t have solar panels to offset the running costs.

11. Install window film to save energy

A great home improvement idea is to install home window tint to the insides of your windows. This is particularly important on the North and West facing windows as they tend to cop the heat of the day. Not only can it help keep your house cooler in the summer, but also warmer in the winter.

If you are interested in getting air conditioning installed in Mandurah and surrounding areas contact iBreeze for a competitive quote and obligation free honest advice!

 

Things have been extravagantly easy with the introduction of online shopping platforms. One can buy absolutely anything from trusted shopping platforms, plants, and seeds are no exception. There are way too many platforms online that will help you buy flowering plants.

Also, let’s not ignore the fact that physical nurseries have pretty limited stock. So, if you want something unusual, you might get home disappointed. Well, this is not the case with digital platforms, everything, including low-selling and high-selling plants, are available all the time.

But before you go crazy online and fill your cart with almost anything, read this. Here are some of the tips that you must consider if you are just starting out as a gardener. This will help you get through with everything with the utmost smoothness. So, to get the best gardening experience, make sure you keep all these points in your mind while you buy plants online.

Without any further ado, let’s dig right into the article.

Consider Your Space

When you buy flowering plants online, the first thing that must be kept in mind is the gardening space. If you buy anything that does not fit your gardening space or seems like it does not belong there, it will be a total waste of money and effort both. Also, overloading your garden will not be pleasing to the eyes as well. So, if you have small gardening space, try being a minimalist. Buy plants that look beautiful and complement your space.

Try And Test First

If you are new to online shopping, relying on something you haven’t physically analyzed can leave you doubtful. So, the best way to ensure the quality of any product is by buying small portions of the product. Altogether, you can continue to buy plants online if the end quality of the products you receive are acceptable. Practicing such things will help you save money in case the product does not stand on the quality standards.

Read The Details Carefully

Details of the product play a very vital role when you buy flowering plants online. All sellers are required to put valid information and descriptions of the product over the website. This is practiced for the benefit of the buyer; reading these descriptions will help you make a sensible decision. Generally, the description contains information about the size of the plant and other important information.

Read The Seller’s Terms

The pictures on the website are generally for reference purposes. They mostly show you how your plant will look when flowers bloom or when they grow completely. So, there are good chances that your plant might come in a very basic form. The seller’s terms of sale will help you understand the structure of your parcel. It states whether you will receive just roots or seeds. Also, this will prevent all further confusion and hassles as well. So, make sure you are going through the seller’s information before you buy any flowering plants.

Consumer’s Feedback

None of us would like to make online purchases if the website does not have a good reputation. Any website’s reputation is assessed by the consumer feedback it receives. So, before clicking the ‘Buy Now’ option, make sure you are checking customer reviews. You need not go through all the reviews, just a couple of them will help too. Once that’s done, and you feel satisfied with the reviews, you can proceed further with your purchase.

Summing it up, these are some basic points that you must keep in mind, also it helps you while deciding to buy plants online.

 

When it comes to the kitchen, it can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time to plan for a much needed renovation. The thrill of looking at kitchen design inspirations and putting together ideas for your future kitchen can be amazing, but if you are quite lost on the execution part of the renovation, it is a great idea to consult with a kitchen designer to make your dream kitchen into a reality. But what is a kitchen designer and why is it a good idea to hire one?

What a Kitchen Designer Does

Kitchen improvement is a big project, especially considering how significant it is to the home. Entrusting your kitchen to an expert not only ensures that your cooking area will be designed to your specifications, it also ensures that ease of use, functionality, and style will be combined in a cohesive manner by a design expert. This means that the end product will not only look well-made and striking, but will also complement your needs as you move around in your newly renovated kitchen.

Why Hire a Kitchen Designer?

Kitchen designers are trained to translate client ideas and specifications into reality, whilst keeping in mind logistics and style. If you are struggling to decide on how you want your kitchen to turn out, not only would they be able to provide you with helpful suggestions to level up your cooking area, but they will also be able to work with your existing kitchen to improve it without sacrificing key aspects of the cooking space that you have grown to love. Not only that, but things that may miss your attention, like safety features such as ventilation, electrical wiring and plumbing lines, will also be included in a kitchen designer’s consideration of your cooking space.

Aside from this, a professional kitchen designer should also be able to present to you some of their existing designs as they have been brought to life. From their portfolio of renovated kitchens, you should be able to deduce that not only do they have experience in kitchen improvement, but that their execution is better, as they will come with an entire team of experts that will be skilled in their respective positions, therefore bringing together a carefully constructed and well-made cooking space as a result that can only come from a group of skilled individuals coming together to work on your vision.

And because you’ll have a team of talented people working on your kitchen, not only will the job be done in a reasonable timeframe, but you won’t have to worry about having to fix unforeseen issues as they will have the expertise to both address concerns as well as prevent problems from occurring during your renovations.

Where Can I Find Good Kitchen Designers?

Good kitchen designers may feel like a rarity, but they are definitely around if you take the time to sift through your options. Look through home improvement magazines, ask for recommendations from friends and others in your community, do a simple search online and you’ll find a myriad of kitchen design companies available in your area. As with all major home improvement projects, it really pays to take your time and do your research. Give yourself time to look through their websites, where there should be examples of their best work thus far. Think about the vibe that you want for your cooking area, and whether or not the design company you are looking at has previous work that aligns with the aesthetic that you wish to achieve.

Aside from this, look at their reviews. Do they have happy clients at the end of their projects? Have their designs been recognised by professional bodies and been awarded for excellent execution? These things may seem trivial, but the mark of a good designing company can arguably be that their designs have been recognised by other designers to be high standard and timeless. And great designing companies not only create beautiful kitchens, but they prioritise the client’s vision and work with them towards a cooking space that will fully satisfy the client’s requirements and specifications.

Don’t be afraid to set up appointments to consult with a number of kitchen designers. It is understandable to want to hire someone that not only knows their stuff, but also understands your personal perspective and shows a dedication to translating your ideas into beautiful design. Consulting with possible kitchen designers of Perth not only gives you an idea of which companies are best in terms of design execution, but you will also be able to gauge whether the designer will be a good match and great to work with towards the renovation of a highly personal part of your home. Bring examples of kitchens that you feel really emulates the look that you are going for, to aid you in this process, and help the designer to fully understand what you want to see in your kitchen. Being upfront about what you wish to see also helps the designer to give you a possible timeframe for the project, as well as its possible costs, which you can then compare to your budget.

And when you finally decide upon the kitchen design company that you feel best suits you and your needs, you need to be open to collaborating with your kitchen designer so that they can address the nitty gritty details- what needs to be changed, what needs to stay the same, how your family uses the kitchen, even what types of hardware need to be changed! Kitchen designers need to be thorough in order to provide you with a kitchen end result that you will be happy with, and because kitchen renovations are sometimes a costly endeavour, being fully transparent will not only help your designer narrow down your dream kitchen, you’ll also play a big role in its conception. Remember, the more involved you are in the selection process, the more likely you’ll be satisfied with the end result!