Before you begin work on your new kitchen, consider these tips from the experts at Blue Tea.

1. Make a Wants vs. Needs list. Unless you have an unlimited budget, you will need to make tough decisions regarding purchases. For example, do you really need new flooring, or can you utilise what you have with coordinating cabinet styles and colours? Do you need to choose the most expensive door profile, or will a similar one do? A list of your wants and needs will help keep you on budget.

2. Plan for your home. Take a look around your home. Consider what look (contemporary, traditional, etc.) coordinates best with the furniture, general features and surroundings that you already have.

3. Plan for the future. Trends come and go. If you plan to resell your home, consider what buyers look for when you create your design. If this is your dream kitchen, then go crazy! Also consider your family. Are you planning on having more kids, and if so, how will the kitchen need to function (for example, will you need a larger pantry space, or easy to clean surfaces)?

4. Plan for practicality. Think about how you use your kitchen space, and plan your design accordingly. If you have a large family, for example, allow for a large pantry. Smaller families may not need a pantry at all.

5. Plan for everyday needs. Large drawer sets can hold cutlery, plates, pots and pans with a nice, streamlined look. Your rubbish bin can fit under the sink. And don’t forget to leave space for your fuse box.

6. Let some features do double-duty. Adding a 300mm overhang on your island bench top doubles your kitchen up as a casual dining area.

The expert designers at Blue Tea will work with you to create a custom kitchen that suits your needs and your budget.