Eye-catching Lighting Ideas

Eye-catching Lighting Ideas

Let there be light

Lighting is a critical consideration in any kitchen design. It’s not only important for illumination of your work spaces but will also influence the mood and character of your kitchen and any adjoining living areas.

PENDANT LIGHTS

Single or grouped pendant lights add style and a focal point in a kitchen.  They can be used to great effect over your bench top or as a feature over an adjoining dining area.  Pendant lights will not only provide specific task lighting, but they also bounce light around a room, improving the ambient light in general.

If you are thinking of including a trio of pendants, be sure to hire a professional installer as the last thing you want is these feature lights unevenly spaced and hung at the same height.

TASK LIGHTING

Downlights or LED strip lights are a great energy efficient solution and can be used in a variety of ways.  Placed under your overhead cabinets they’ll provide a shadow free work space, and are a great way to showcase your splashback and bench-top surfaces.     They can also be used to great effect on open shelving and to provide a shadow line along the kickback at the base of your cabinets.

NATURAL LIGHTING

If it’s feasible, try to incorporate some natural light into your design, particularly on a new build.   It’ll not only save on your electricity bill; it will also bring a welcome connection to and the outdoors and studies have shown natural light boost your mood and productivity.

 

A variety of lighting including white light (which emulates daytime lighting) and yellow light (which calms and relaxes) will give your space a layered look that complements your home no matter the occasion or time of day.

Don’t forget your pantry either – rummaging around in a dark space can waste time and a well-lit pantry is often achieved with inexpensive downlights or strip lighting.

 

Lighting is any easy and inexpensive way to add warmth and character to your new kitchen but does require careful planning to ensure you get the right balance of function and mood.

The Truth about Toxins

The Truth about Toxins

is your kitchen safe?

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, but unfortunately many of the most commonly used kitchen cabinetry and counter-top materials contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and other dangerous volatile compounds and resins that emit dangerous fumes into your home.

In this modern age we are surrounded by toxic materials in our environment every day, particularly in our buildings, and the industry is behind on regulations and certification of green credentials, so it’s important that you ask the right questions from your kitchen supplier to ensure you new build or renovation is as safe as possible for you and your family.

 

CREATING A SAFE PLACE FOR YOUR FAMILY TO GATHER TODAY AND TOMORROW.

As a minimum you should be ensuring all materials your considering meet Australian fire and safety standards.   It’s also important to ask your cabinet maker about the composite structure of materials to ensure these are toxin free wherever possible.

The best choices also need to be able to stand the test of time – this will ensure the best choice for the environment and your budget.

With so many great alternatives available an eco-friendly kitchen is now easier and more affordable to achieve than ever and should be a major consideration with and new kitchen build or renovation.

There are a range of affordable alternatives that can help you protect your health and the environment, and a few well-considered choices may make all the difference.

Our top choices include: –

  • Natural Stone, Stainless Steel or Timber for your benchtops
  • PET boards for cabinetry
  • Energy efficient appliances

 

Through thoughtful design and product selection you can create a healthier, green kitchen that will be a source of pride for years to come.

If you’d like more information on the best solutions for your kitchen, why not book a free consultation with us today.

We’re passionate about the environment and creating safe, eco-friendly kitchens that not only deliver on environmental credentials, but are also affordable, functional and aesthetically pleasing.    Because you and your family deserve better.

Kitchen Storage Ideas

Kitchen Storage Ideas

making the most of your space

Struggling to find enough space to fit everything in your kitchen?  You’re not alone, this is one of the most common problems many families face. But don’t despair there are many ways you can streamline your storage to maximise the space you currently have.

 

DRAWERS

Drawers are a very effective use of space and allow you to easily access a range of items.  If your current kitchen is short on drawer space, why not consider a mini-makeover and switch out a section of cupboards with custom built pull-out drawer units to house your crockery, utensils and pots and pans.  You’ll be amazed at how much more you can fit into the same space.

Instead of simply tossing items loosely in your kitchen drawers, utilize compartment dividers to keep them organized and tidy.

 

WIRE, WICKER AND FABRIC BASKETS

Store extra items in baskets either below or above your countertop – whether on open shelves or inside your cupboards, by grouping items like napery, storage containers and cooking equipment you’ll not only make them easier to find, it will free up valuable space. Especially if you do your research and find the right sized baskets that will fill the full height and depth of your cabinets or shelves.

This is also a great way to make the most of your pantry space – group your spices, sauces etc in shallower baskets so they are easy to access.

You can get creative with all manner of re-purposed items here – think office supplies like filing and document trays, or an empty Champagne box.   Don’t forget to add labels – you can buy simple mail tags and attach these with string or clips so that everyone (including the kids) knows what goes where!

 

 

COUNTERTOP STORAGE

 There are so many in-expensive but decorative storage containers available in many homeware stores.   By grouping your most used items and perhaps arranging them together on a tray will ensure everything is in its place and on-hand when you need it.

Another great solution is a magnetic knife strip on your splashback – this will clear up valuable bench space and keep your knives sharp, safe and easy to access.  You can also store other metal handled utensils in the same fashion.

 

HANG IT

An overhead hanging rack is a simple and cost-effective way to store your pots and pans.   Wall mounted narrow shelves or plates racks are also a great way to make the most of smaller spaces, and don’t forget the inside of your cupboard doors – mounting hooks, shelves or brackets to the inside of your doors is a great way to store cleaning suppliers, spices or smaller items.

By taking the time to plan and organize your kitchen you’ll save precious time and make the most of your available space.

If you’re thinking of renovating or a mini-maker, and want some advice on the best solutions for your space,  why not give us a call today.