New kitchen in planning? Start with these 11 basic questions

So that you have the upper hand in kitchen planning: Two experts give tips on what matters in the consultation

If you have decided on a new kitchen, sooner or later you will talk to the expert of your choice about the concrete realization. So that you do not go into the counseling interview unprepared, it is important that you think about your own wishes in advance. Kitchen experts Frank Klocke from Klocke Interieur and Kerem Menemenci from Studio Küchentraum give advice on which 11 basic questions you should ask before planning your new kitchen.

1. How much may the new kitchen cost?

Even before you start planning and imagining your new kitchen, you should set a budget. At Houzz Kitchen Study 2017, 39 percent of respondents said they spent between 10,001 and 25,000 euros for their new kitchen. Of course, the costs vary considerably depending on personal requirements and options. But in any case, it's important to start planning the kitchen based on your budget, not the other way around. Only then can the kitchen expert present you with realistic designs.

" The variety of products around the kitchen is incredibly large. To help you plan your own kitchen, where to start, what is possible and useful, you should have an idea of the planned budget, "says kitchen expert Kerem Menemenci from Studio Küchentraum, who designs kitchens every day. From him also comes this single-row and handleless monolithic kitchen.

2. What is the purpose of the kitchen?

The cornerstone of successful kitchen planning is the demand analysis. Among other things, kitchen experts determine which purpose the kitchen must fulfill for you. Therefore, consider how often and why you use the kitchen. If the oven is more likely to warm up a frozen pizza, it does not have to be the very latest professional oven that can conjure up 5-course menus. "We plan according to the principle: Form follows function. The most important thing is the purpose and functionality of the kitchen. Then we find an aesthetic solution that pleases the customer, "says Menemenci.

When it comes to the question of the purpose of the kitchen, of course, it is not just about how it is cooked. It is also important, for example, whether a seating area is needed - and if so, in what form. "Do you have a separate dining room or even one that connects directly to the open kitchen? Or should the children be able to do their homework at the kitchen table after school? "Asks kitchen designer Frank Klocke from Klocke Interieur.

3. How much space is available?

The right dimensions are crucial - that's why a thorough survey of the room is one of the basic pillars of kitchen planning. Only in this way can it be decided which kitchen form makes sense and how the individual elements can be arranged. The measurements must be correct: Just a few inches too much or too little can cause unpleasant surprises during installation. Many kitchen studios therefore offer a professional oversize.

4. What are the spatial prerequisites?

Kitchen planning is not just about the look. Important are the consideration of the entire room and the interplay of architectural elements with the kitchen equipment. This includes the wall and floor design. "Flooring is the foundation of the furniture, so every good kitchen studio should have a choice of different floors in the program. The combination of floor covering, fronts and worktop shows which combination best suits or works ", says Frank Klocke.

Kerem Menemenci agrees: "The result only looks harmonious if you match the individual elements and insert them into the entire room. This also means not obstructing the space but giving the kitchen space to work in. "So plan on doing it from scratch. Consider the floor covering as well as the splash guard, kitchen fronts or worktop in your considerations. They are all design elements that must be carefully selected and matched to each other.

5. Where are the connections?

If you would like to replace your existing kitchen with a new one, it is first of all important to know where the connections are located - as this is the only way to properly plan the water inlet and outlet and place the electrical appliances in a suitable location. Here you are in doubt somewhat more limited, if the landlord does not approve the flipping of connections. But even if the conditions limit you severely, you will find a suitable solution with a kitchen planning expert.

If you have just purchased a property and want to build it, it is best to plan the kitchen with an expert during the design phase. This way, you can put the connections where you need them later during construction and live out your design wishes.

6. Which kitchen style do you like best?

" At the beginning of every kitchen design is the style. Would you like a purist or classic kitchen or do you like the country house style best? This has a lasting effect on the planning, " says Frank Klocke. After all, the planning of a kitchen depends on the respective style. "While, for example, modern kitchens are usually handleless and reduced to one or two colors, have clear lines and a continuous joint pattern, we plan for country kitchens with wood, frame fronts and decorative pilasters, " says Menemenci.

Tip: in our kitchen photos Among other things, you can have the results filtered by style, collect your favorite images in an Ideabook, and then work together with a kitchen expert.

7. What does your dream kitchen look like?

Have you always wanted to have a kitchen island, but the space was not enough for that? Who knows, maybe there will be a solution. Do not hesitate to paint your dream kitchen in detail and in the consultation also mention the wishes that you consider to be unattainable. Sometimes there are conversion possibilities that you have no idea and that can make your wish possible.

Finally, according to Houzz Kitchen Study 2017, 48 percent of respondents increased their kitchen during remodeling or renovation, creating more space for cooking. Decisive for the advice is also that you know what you really want to change. " You should ask yourself what you liked about the old kitchen and what bothered you about it" Says Klocke. So you can plan a kitchen tailored to your wishes and preferences, which will give you a lot of pleasure.

8. Which electrical appliances do you need, and where should they stand?

" It is important to first set the desired electrical appliances, because they define the space requirement. The furniture is then planned so that it fits, " said Klocke. " Would you like to raise the stove? And what about the dishwasher? You probably use that much more often. "

This is how, for example, this kitchen was created, in which all devices can be reached at a comfortable height and no constant bending over is required. Small electrical appliances such as toasters and kettles are hidden in a built-in cupboard, which is equipped with sockets, drawers, shelves and an additional work surface. When it is used, its sliding doors will save space in the laterally recessed pockets.

9. How much storage space is needed?

"Today it is common for all devices to be on the worktop. Previously there were only the toaster and the coffee machine. Today joins mixer, kettle, juicer and Co. added. But all these devices take away precious space. Think about whether you really use everything daily, or if you can store it in a closet and get it out only when needed. This not only creates space, but also frees space, " says Frank Klocke. " If you decide to stow the equipment, remember the dimensions of the equipment in the kitchen design. Finally, the cabinet must be divided accordingly. "

But not only the electrical appliances have to be stowed. Think about how many pots, pans, plates, glasses and cutlery need to be accommodated in the kitchen. Maybe there is a separate buffet in the dining room for your good porcelain, and only the everyday crockery takes up storage space? Many kitchen designs include customization of the interior of drawers to meet the organizational needs of customers.

10. Where are the supplies coming from?

The storage of the stocks also wants to be well considered. Is there a pantry or do you need a well-divided pantry? " T he new kitchen should provide space for everything and be particularly practical. That's why it's also important to have a location for the supplies, after all, your way should be as short and effective as possible, " says Menemenci.

11. How much time do you want to spend cleaning?

Even though the arrangement and accommodation of your belongings might be the most important thing for you at the moment, you should also consider how easy care the new kitchen should be. The way in which it is housed plays an important role (open shelves need to be cleaned more thoroughly than closed cupboards), as well as the materials used for fronts and worktops. After all, the choice of materials is not only an aesthetic but also a practical question. "Generally, the smoother and glossier the surface of worktops and kitchen fronts, the easier it is to remove stains and grease," says Menemenci.

Have you recently planned a new kitchen or are you in the process? Share your key findings and questions with us - in the comments.