I have created kitchens for more than 25 years. They are a passion of mine.
I try to create kitchens that last longer (thanks to a ‘timeless’ design and the use of solid, best quality materials.)
The most important part is the design of the kitchen.
I like to do this together with my clients. Every kitchen is different, everybody uses them in another way. I ask my customers to observe themselves in the kitchen they are using now/ what works, what doesn’t. Are the benches a good height, is there enough room round the sink/ stove. Is the fridge too far away, is it easy to store your shopping….?
I like island benches; they create a very social kitchen; including a Pantry in the plans saves money; don’t put too many drawers into your kitchen: they are quite restrictive, its hard to find things. I often use pull out shelves behind doors: you open the doors and see what’s in the whole cupboard, the shelves then work like drawers.
Who uses your kitchen/ do you cook with your kids?
I keep overhead cupboards simple. Think about lights, the placement of the fridge…
Next we have white goods: I advise to buy a good brand, but not the top model: you pay for functions you will not use.
Buy a good range hood, listen to it (a cheap one will not work): consider a double oven (or two), an extra wide ones don’t make much sense, you have to always heat a big space. Take your favourite lasagne dish to the shop/ will it fit? (European ovens are often quite small/ they are better insulated).
Consider an induction cook top: they are the most efficient but you cannot use all your old pots on them.
The fridge shouldn’t be too big; they run more efficiently when full. Don’t put the fridge into the pantry, they heat them up (I’ve built drying racks above fridges).
We haven’t talked materials yet: I use environmentally friendly materials: timbers for the fronts (new and recycled), some times Plywood. I use plywood for the cupboards and drawers: it lasts longer, is waterproof, there are no edges that come off. I oil my timbers with linseed oil, a natural finish that is very easy to care for and to repair.
For the Bench tops I use Timber, often recycled (Tas Oak is the hardest), again oiled. This makes it safe to handle food on them. Other bench top materials are Stone and Stainless Steel. I like to use this materials in combination (I try to avoid using timber round sinks).
I often use timbers my customers have collected or which come out of the house.
How it works: You ring me. I visit you, we look at your current kitchen, see what works for you what does not. We look at photos, discuss the job, timing etc.
The more prepared you are, the better.
I measure, grab your plans etc., take it all home, draw your kitchen, put an estimate on.
I present the plans to you, we change things, decide on white goods (that’s not so urgent, most are standard sizes). Then we talk about splash-backs, electrician, plumber etc. (I have tradies on hand but am happy to use yours). We make a time plan.
When everything is decided on I give you a quote: this includes all work, materials and delivery. Installing will be extra charged, you’ll get an estimate.
Well/ then we coordinate the other trades, install the kitchen (that usually takes about 2 days).
Job’s done!
Cabinetmaker specialising in kitchens, bathrooms and anything made from timber.
Bernd Farasin 