How to future-proof your kitchen redesign

When it comes to kitchens, one of the top buzzwords is undoubtedly ‘timeless’ – but what does that mean? Every homeowner knows that a kitchen is going to be one of your property’s bigger expenses and so, naturally, you’d like it to last as long as possible, whether that means opting for durable materials or a design that will outlive your attention span.

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‘Timeless’ can often mean avoiding trends, but unless you’re creating something completely off-the-wall and avant garde, there really is no escaping trends. Even a classic and ‘timeless’ Shaker style kitchen is a trend, just one with  more sticking power.

So, when it comes to future-proofing your kitchen, there are a few things to consider.

If you want something that’s really going to stand the test of time, the first trick is to work with a good kitchen designer.

You might have planned out your initial design online, but the experience working with a kitchen designer who really knows how to structure a space ergonomically is invaluable. Overlooking a seemingly minor detail could leave you with a space that’s awkward and cumbersome to use, so always pay heed to a designer and their spatial planning expertise.

You don’t have to keep a blank canvas to achieve a timeless quality, but try to think more long-term and not to stick to one ‘defining’ décor scheme. If you can think of two or three different ways you could dress a space, then it leaves you with options to reinvent it in the future – tying all your finishes to one idea corners you in a way that’s harder to change up further down the line.

If you’re not sure what the future will hold, opting for some freestanding kitchen elements can give you more versatility to change up the space. Whether that means moving pieces around, or re-purposing them for other rooms, a freestanding option will offer a flexibility that fitted pieces can’t, without completely foregoing your storage space.

In terms of durability, it’s all about materials.

Work surfaces that don’t stain or chip easily should be your go-to and cabinet quality is key. A really good cupboard framework really will last a lifetime, even if you choose to replace the doors in the future. It’s easier to repair and touch up solid material doors from inevitable scratches and dents, and something like a solid wood Shaker door will stand up to re-painting if you do decide to give the space a fresh look.