Let’s talk decision fatigue
If you’re like most Australians, your kitchen is likely the heart of your home. Aside from being a meal preparation space, it’s probably also where you help your kids with homework, manage bills and other life admin, and even entertain friends over a glass of wine (or three!).
So, when it comes to renovating your kitchen, or starting with a completely blank canvas as part of a new build project, there’s a lot to consider. And all these decisions can quickly start to become overwhelming!
But the good news is there’s help at hand. Here are our top tips for planning your new kitchen without breaking the bank or going completely loco.
Tip #1: Get inspired!
In our experience, one of the fastest routes to decision fatigue is not having a clear vision for your project before you start. If you’re not sure if your vibe is cosy farmhouse or sleek minimalism, you’ll be cursed to agonise over the smallest details in your new kitchen forever more. Here at Ren HQ, we are HUGE fans of Pinterest and thoroughly recommend whiling away a weekend afternoon pinning up a storm. Settle in with your beverage of choice, create a new board, and pin whatever takes your fancy. As your Pinterest collection grows, you’ll likely find some common design elements and themes emerging, which you can use to refine your style and plan your new space.
Tip #2: Set your budget
There’s no getting around it, a new kitchen is an expensive proposition. According to Archipro, in 2024, a budget kitchen refresh could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, with a high-end designer kitchen starting at a minimum of $45,000. IKEA bases coupled with our Australian-made, beautifully finished Ren door and drawer fronts are an excellent choice for achieving a high-end finish without the custom cabinetry price tag, but it’s absolutely essential to be clear on your budget and manage your expectations accordingly. And be aware, construction costs have increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, so make sure you’re working from current data and prices to avoid any nasty surprises.
Tip #3: Create a plan and set a realistic deadline
In our experience, there is nothing more stressful than starting a project without a clear plan for how and when it will be completed. Believe us when we say that no matter how awful your existing space may be, you do not want to be living on two-minute noodles, barbequed sausages and cereal for the next three months because you got a little too excited with the sledgehammer one weekend and demo’d your kitchen without a complete project plan.
Find out exactly how long it will take for you to source the key elements of your new space: how early do you need to order the essentials such as cabinetry carcasses, door and drawer fronts and benchtops? How far in advance do you need to book your kitchen installer? What’s the lead time on those tiles or taps you’ve been drooling over? Map it all out so you know exactly what you need to do, and when, to avoid creating unnecessary stress for yourself.
Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to call in the big guns
And if it all starts to get too much, call for reinforcements. When designing a new kitchen, there is no shortage of professionals available to help you create a beautiful and functional space. Our friends at Burra Design are IKEA experts and will work with you to design a kitchen that fits your needs exactly. Whether you’re looking for clever storage solutions, hidden appliances or a beautifully functional layout, the Burra team can help you create your dream space.
And if it’s guidance on fixtures and finishes you’re after, you might like to consider booking an online consultation with one of our incredible interior design partners. The ultimate design hack, this 90-minute Zoom consultation will give you access to expert advice and help you bring your vision to life while keeping your budget firmly in mind. And even better, trade pricing for Ren fronts is available for all clients who use this service, which often means recouping the entire cost of your design consultation. Win!
So there you have it! Designing a new kitchen can be a daunting task, but by starting with a clear vision, planning your budget and space carefully and relying on our network of experts for impeccable advice and guidance, the space of your dreams is well within reach.
And by choosing Ren Studio, you’re bound to end up with a kitchen that exceeds your expectations and brings joy every time you step into it.
