5 tips for kitchen design to combat cost of living rises
Credit - pixabay.com
If you’ve put aside hard-earned savings to renovate your kitchen, it’s important to get it right. There are lots of things to think about, from functionality to aesthetics.
But right now, with the cost of living rising rapidly, one of the most crucial things to consider is energy efficiency.
Here’s a roundup of expert tips to help you design a kitchen with low running costs:
1. Make the most of natural light
It’s free! So rather than building in lots of lighting, prioritise your spending on windows, doors and skylights to make the very most of the natural light available. It may not always be possible, but even a small extra window can make a big difference.
2. Choose energy efficient appliances
This seems like an obvious tip, but there are a couple of key things to remember. The first is that the energy efficiency rating scheme for appliances has changed. It’s now much more straightforward, running from A-G (where A is the most efficient). Some products are still being sold under the old system, which had ratings up to A+++. So, you’ll need to do a little research. The Energy Saving Trust website has some useful information.
It's also important to think about the size of appliance you need. Here are some questions to start asking yourself:
3. Consider installing an instant boiling water tap
While a bigger initial investment than a kettle, instant boiling water taps can be much more efficient. This makes them less expensive, as well as being more convenient.
4. Design out food waste
So much of the food in our cupboards and fridges ends up wasted simply because we don’t know its there. By ensuring easy access to all your cabinets and drawers, you’ll be able to keep on top of it. When designing your kitchen, it’s worth doing a rough plan of what will go where.
Budget-permitting, you can also look at getting a smart fridge. These have clever features to help reduce food waste, such as monitoring expiration dates, planning menus and creating shopping lists. Some even have designs to keep food cooler for longer.
5. Be prepared to compromise on design
Designing a new kitchen at a time when money is tight can be difficult. There may be some elements you really want, but simply can’t justify when it comes to the cost. This is where compromise will be essential. You’ll need to focus on things you really need, with all those ‘nice to have’ elements pushed further down the budget priorities list.
Finalised your plans? Now it’s time to think about fitting. Get in touch with expert Manchester kitchen fitters A&J Kitchens for a chat about your design.
But right now, with the cost of living rising rapidly, one of the most crucial things to consider is energy efficiency.
Here’s a roundup of expert tips to help you design a kitchen with low running costs:
1. Make the most of natural light
It’s free! So rather than building in lots of lighting, prioritise your spending on windows, doors and skylights to make the very most of the natural light available. It may not always be possible, but even a small extra window can make a big difference.
2. Choose energy efficient appliances
This seems like an obvious tip, but there are a couple of key things to remember. The first is that the energy efficiency rating scheme for appliances has changed. It’s now much more straightforward, running from A-G (where A is the most efficient). Some products are still being sold under the old system, which had ratings up to A+++. So, you’ll need to do a little research. The Energy Saving Trust website has some useful information.
It's also important to think about the size of appliance you need. Here are some questions to start asking yourself:
- Do you really need a full-size dishwasher, or will a slimline one do?
- How often do you really use a dryer?
- Can you afford the running costs of a large range cooker, or would a single oven be a more practical choice?
3. Consider installing an instant boiling water tap
While a bigger initial investment than a kettle, instant boiling water taps can be much more efficient. This makes them less expensive, as well as being more convenient.
4. Design out food waste
So much of the food in our cupboards and fridges ends up wasted simply because we don’t know its there. By ensuring easy access to all your cabinets and drawers, you’ll be able to keep on top of it. When designing your kitchen, it’s worth doing a rough plan of what will go where.
Budget-permitting, you can also look at getting a smart fridge. These have clever features to help reduce food waste, such as monitoring expiration dates, planning menus and creating shopping lists. Some even have designs to keep food cooler for longer.
5. Be prepared to compromise on design
Designing a new kitchen at a time when money is tight can be difficult. There may be some elements you really want, but simply can’t justify when it comes to the cost. This is where compromise will be essential. You’ll need to focus on things you really need, with all those ‘nice to have’ elements pushed further down the budget priorities list.
Finalised your plans? Now it’s time to think about fitting. Get in touch with expert Manchester kitchen fitters A&J Kitchens for a chat about your design.
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