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Posted on 16 May 202311 November 2024 by Paul Redfern

Kitchen lighting – it’s so important!

Kitchen Lighting – It’s So Important!

Each area within your kitchen serves a different purpose, that’s why planning your lighting might seem like a bit of a challenge. You probably want your kitchen to feel warm and inviting as the central meeting place for your home, but at the same time you want it to be illuminated with strong, bright lighting for food preparation. Here’s our tips for getting your kitchen lighting right!

1. Don’t Leave It To The Last Minute
We suggest not leaving your kitchen lighting decisions to the last minute and underestimating the importance of the overall lighting design to your new kitchen space. If left to the last minute and you’ve left lighting out of your design this can cause a whole host of challenges when your kitchen gets to the build stage.

If you want to make the most of the natural light in your home, you may need to swap walls for glass or install the correct structures for certain lighting fixtures, which is why it’s so beneficial to have planned your lighting early in the design process.

Look into the three main types of kitchen lighting; ambient, task and accent and look at the best areas to incorporate each into your kitchen design, in advance.

2. Take Advantage of Natural Lighting
Making the most of the natural lighting in your home is always a good idea, plus it’s also a cost efficient solution to lighting your home. Help the sunlight really shine in your home with a skylight or by swapping out walls for glass to encourage as much natural light as possible to light up your kitchen! Don’t forget the sun moves though so you can’t rely on it all day long.

3. Illuminate Cooking & Preparation Areas With Task Lighting
When there’s a job to be done it’s important that you’ve got the right lighting to get it done easily. That’s where task lighting comes in. Casting a clean, bright light into your work spaces and illuminating the areas designated for preparing food, task lighting is a must.

Bright light throughout the whole kitchen can be a little overwhelming but task lighting can easily be limited to areas of the kitchen designated to prepping and cooking, leaving the other areas still feeling warm and inviting. We recommend installing task lighting over benchtops, your rangetop, cooktop and sinks, areas that require easy navigation and sufficient illumination.

4. Let There Be Ambient Lighting
Getting ambient lighting right is important, too harsh and your guests will feel like they’re in the spotlight but too light and you can’t get anything done. Ambient lighting is generally the main source of lighting in your kitchen so it’s important that it’s placement is planned out correctly. A pro tip is to cast ambient lighting as evenly as possible throughout the space. This can be achieved through chandeliers, pedant lights, recessed lighting and flush mounts.

Pendant lights are such a great option, they can really really transform a space. If you’re concerned about lights dangling down, don’t fret, we know the perfect height for any pendant lights. A general rule of thumb is to position your pendant lights leaving at least 77cm to 82cm between your countertops, islands or tables and the fixture’s lowest hanging point.

5. Create Visual Appeal With Accent Lighting
Often forgotten about, accent lighting can add so much character to your kitchen and emphasise special points of interest in your space. Use accent lighting to focus light directly on objects making them a focal point. Subtly is the key to getting your accent lighting right. Make people notice the object you’re lighting, not the way that it is being lit.

Mastering the layering of task, ambient and accent lighting will require you to dedicate time to creating a lighting plan but it’ll also help you achieve a truly beautiful new kitchen space. Create you new kitchen design with a great lighting plan today, shop now and build your own DIY kitchen with Luma.

Posted on 16 May 202311 November 2024 by Paul Redfern

What’s the best kitchen layout for your home?

What’s the Best Kitchen Layout for Your Home?

No kitchen is the same, they come in all different shapes and sizes. And how you choose to lay out your kitchen is all about what works best for you. But we’d suggest that the best place to start is with your zoning priorities. And, think about what is important to include in your new kitchen versus what is just a nice to have. Are you an entertainer and need more bench space? Do your kids do their homework at the bench whilst you’re making dinner? Is storage the most important for you?

So what shape is the best for you and your family?

U-Shaped
Choosing a U Shaped kitchen is a great choice for families that need more storage and also spend time together in the kitchen. A U-Shaped kitchen makes use of three walls or cabinet sections. It works well as a separate area, or within an open plan design. This design allows you a good deal of benchtop space, and often a breakfast bar too.

Sometimes, this design can feel a little more cramped than other kitchen layouts. The deep corner cabinets are a little more difficult to access, but this can be fixed with cabinet accessories. You won’t generally be able to accommodate an island bench in a design like this either, unless you have a really large space.

L-Shaped
For those of you who love open plan living, the L-shaped kitchen could be the solution for you. Use a table and chairs to create a social atmosphere or put in an island bench for additional storage and benchtop space. This layout works perfectly in smaller homes and apartments.

One thing to remember when you decide to go with an L-shape ktichen is that your perfect cooking triangle will not be possible, making moving around your kitchen a little harder. If you need more workspace, you’ll definitely need to add an island.

Galley
If you’re all about maximising space, the Galley kitchen will tick all your boxes. This layout is so functional you’ll never want to leave your kitchen! The kitchen triangle is at its best in a galley kitchen, you’ll have access to everything in the shortest and fastest way. Integrate all of your appliances into your cabinetry and you’ll have a stunning space. It’s no surprise most chefs prefer to work in a Galley kitchen.

For some people, the compact design and size can be a drawback. While it’s efficient, you may prefer to have more space to move around and interact with family and friends while you cook or entertain. And you may require more storage and counter space. A small island on wheels can add space to a galley kitchen, however it requires enough room to move around it which will need to be considered when designing the kitchen floor plan. Consider opening up part of a wall so you can still interact with your guests and family whilst cooking.

Single Wall
The single wall kitchen layout has become a favourite for those living in apartments or with small spaces. Using just one wall, the cabinetry and appliances are built along it – efficiency! Designs are innovative with many clever storage solutions using vertical drawers. A single-wall kitchen is popular when paired with an island bench for more food prep and entertaining space. It’s not designed for a traditional work triangle, and it suits plain, basic cooking styles.

Single wall kitchens are best known for their compact size and in smaller apartments can even house the washing machine.

Take you kitchen to a new level with a DIY kitchen from Luma. Shop now.

Posted on 16 May 202311 November 2024 by Paul Redfern

Getting your cabinet finish right

Getting Your Cabinet Finish Right

We believe that the cabinet finish you choose when designing your new kitchen is the most important design decision you’ll make through the whole process. Not the colour, size, style or handle types. The finish is definitely the most important part. Let’s face it, it sets the tone for your whole kitchen design. What you choose can dramatically change the style and create a whole new look.

So, let’s take a look at some of the options you can choose from and why we think they’re great!

Available materials
Regardless of the material you’ve chosen for your cabinets, there’s also a number of finishes you can choose to achieve the look you’re after. For example, if you’ve chosen solid timber doors you can simply seal them with a coating of oil, or for a more durable finish, can be painted with clear or coloured polyurethane. It depends on your preference.

Laminex and Polytec both offer a huge range of options so you won’t be short of colours and finishes to choose from to create you dream new kitchen.

Painted MDF cabinets are another stunning option. Paint them with a matt or gloss paint to achieve the look you’re after.

Now, the biggest decision, will you go with Matt or Gloss finishes?

High-gloss
High-gloss cabinets are as in-demand now as they were in the 1970s when they were the trendiest thing in kitchen design. We think this type of cabinetry is best suited to a contemporary style kitchen with handle-less cabinets.

Reflecting the light and having a shiny finish, high-gloss cabinets are in demand with customers. The ability to add a pop of colour with a stylish benchtop or on-counter appliances, as well as the clean look are just more reason to keep high-gloss cabinets on the list.

Pros and Cons of High-gloss cabinet

Tips for high-gloss cabinets

If you’re worried about fingerprints and scratches we have a great solution for you, try high-gloss wall cabinets and match with a matt cabinet on the bottom. Gorgeous!
If you want to incorporate a darker colour into your kitchen and really have your heart set on a gloss finish, then consider mixing it with a lighter colour. Position the darker colour cabinets at eye level where they are out of reach of sticky fingers (especially if you have children), and keep the lower-level cabinets a lighter colour, which won’t show fingerprints as easily.

Matt

Oh country-style kitchen, we love you! If you’re looking for a country-style or traditional style kitchen a matt-finish is what you’ll be choosing. Matt-finish cabinets don’t reflect the light like a gloss cabinet does so they can appear flatter than a gloss kitchen. But if shaker-style cabinets is what you’re after then a matt-finish will work best.

No matter what style kitchen you want to create, a matt-finish on your cabinets will work well in them all. Handless cabinets in a matt-finish look so different in a matt kitchen than a gloss but work just as well to create that contemporary style.

Pros & Cons of Matt

Tips for matt-finish cabinets

To add some depth and interest to your kitchen choose a shaker-style cabinet. This will help it not appear too flat.
Mix two colours together to create contrast and a point of interest.

Could semi-gloss be the answer?

Still not sure? Let us throw another option at you…semi-gloss. All the advantages of high-gloss cabinets and some of the matt-finish too. Not being as light-reflective as their high-gloss counterparts, semi-gloss reflect the light a little but you won’t see as many reflections. Goodbye fingerprints!

And, just like high-gloss cabinets, they’re nice and easy to clean!

Check out our range today and choose the cabinet finish to suit your new Luma kitchen!

Posted on 12 April 202111 November 2024 by Paul Redfern

Maximizing space in smaller kitchens

Maximising Space in Smaller Kitchens

Having a small kitchen doesn’t mean you can’t think big when it comes to making the most out of the available space! The best bit? Most of these space-saving ideas are quick, affordable and easy to utilise right away.

Small Kitchen Design Tips

When you start thinking about redesigning your space there are a few design guidelines to keep in mind:

Use compact appliances.
Do your research and work out which style will give you the most functional design for your smaller space.
Don’t be afraid to go for smaller accessories and fixtures, this will help to make your space look larger.

We all love storage and having a small kitchen doesn’t mean you have to compromise, it just means you need to be a bit smarter with your storage solutions.

Make the most of your cupboard space

If you’ve ever tried to squeeze pots, pans or containers into an overcrowded drawer or cupboard in your kitchen, you’ll be able to appreciate the power of added space. Luckily, enjoying a little added room in your kitchen cupboards can be easier than you think.

For corner cupboards, consider installing a carousel unit that will help you maximise the available space and allowing all stored contents to swing out in front of the unit.

Consider installing tall cupboards in awkward spaces or overhead cupboards to give you even more room and keep your work areas clutter free.

Pull out pantries have become a serious game changer in smaller spaces. These great space saving ideas work well in small spaces where a full pantry isn’t possible or necessary. You’ll save a ton of space and have everything in one neat little space.

Swap cupboards for drawers

We’re big believers in functionality and convenience. With this in mind, we choose to work with partners such as Blum, who offer superior drawer and cupboard technologies.

So, why are drawers a good choice for maximising space in your kitchen? There are a few reasons:

– Easy access: no more lost objects languishing in the dark recesses of your cupboards. Instead, everything is at hand and accessible.

– Organisation is key: drawers make it easy for you to organise the contents within, with a range of dividers available.

– Secret storage: shallow drawers make for great storage solutions for baking trays, linen, chopping boards and other flat items. Shallow drawers are a great way to utilise otherwise wasted space.

If you do choose to use cupboards, innovative kitchen storage technologies can help you keep everything within easy reach, and effortlessly access cupboard contents with one smooth action.

Rethink the sink

Is your double sink really worth the loss of bench space, or could you live quite easily with a single sink? This will afford you more workspace within your kitchen, or allow you to enjoy a little more countertop storage for appliances.

There are so many kitchen sinks for you to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your kitchen, regardless of size!

Or, get a cover for your sink so it can be used as additional work space. Add chopping boards or strainers to your sink to make your workspace a bit more functional.

Take advantage of wall space

Your kitchen might lack cupboard space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of some free wall space instead!

Consider installing some open shelving to hold glasses, crockery or other small items. If you need more space to store pots, pans and other larger items, consider installing a pegboard or hooks so you can hang these items easily.

Clear the clutter

When was the last time you took a good hard look at everything stored within your kitchen cupboards and drawers? If you’re struggling to find space, perhaps it’s time to purge some of the clutter. Whether it’s chipped crockery, display plates you never use, or appliances you can do without, it’s time to say goodbye! You’ll be amazed at how much space this can give you.

Looking for more ways to maximise the space in your kitchen? Make sure to view our photo gallery for some inspiration.

Ready to get started on your next DIY kitchen with Luma? Shop Now.

Posted on 12 April 202111 November 2024 by Paul Redfern

Choosing the right benchtop colour for your new kitchen

Choosing the Right Benchtop Colour for Your New Kitchen

If you’re renovating for the first time, choosing the benchtop colour to suit your new kitchen can be a daunting idea. Knowing what colours are going to work well together and what to stay away from can be a pretty big decision in your kitchen design process.

The good news is that our 3D design software will help you get a feel for the best benchtop to match your new kitchen cabinets. Plus, there’s loads of Instagram accounts and pinterest boards dedicated to kitchen design so you can get heaps of inspiration and decide what you like.

Here’s a few ideas to help you make your decision:

Match your benchtops to your cupboards

Choosing to match your cabinets and benchtop colours can look stunning! If an all-white or all-black kitchen is your thing then this is the option for you. Matching your cabinet and benchtop colours creates a well-balanced kitchen.

To break up the single colour you might want to consider a mirrored or coloured splashback. Or, use coloured appliances and bar stools to warm up the space.

Neutral doesn’t mean boring

A neutral colour scheme does not in any way mean boring! This warm, homey colour scheme is timeless because you’re not choosing colours that are strong or overpowering. These colours tend to create a soft and inviting kitchen that you won’t get tired of.

Neutral benchtops allow you to choose bold coloured cabinets or just keep it simple and go neutral throughout your whole kitchen.

Go bold

If standing out in a crowd is more your thing then making a statement with your kitchen benchtop will be fun! Think black, charcoal, stone with stunning grains in it or even what some might consider a blemish but to you is just perfect. Bold contrasts in your new kitchen can be used as a major design element and a talking point style feature.

Bold and dark benchtops can be matched with loads of different cabinet colours so all you have to do is start imagining what could be and we’ll help you bring it to life.

Why not try a little contrast?

You may want to have another design element within your kitchen as the feature, rather than your benchtop. That’s ok too. Perhaps you have an amazing splashback design or a graphic you want to feature. In this case, you may want to choose a benchtop colour that contrasts with the other design features in your space to create a coordinated kitchen design.

For example, if you choose a bold colour splashback or walls, look for a more neutral benchtop material to avoid having clashing colours and too many overpowering colours in the one space.

Two-tone brilliance

One of the most popular design features at the moment is the two-toned benchtop. We’re talking one colour for the island and another colour for the rest of the kitchen. Consider coupling this with different cabinet colours too and you’re in for some real wow-factor.

If this is the option for you, we recommend opting for similar patterns and shades to ensure a cohesive look throughout your whole space.

Ready to take you kitchen to a new level with a DIY kitchen from Luma? Shop now.

Posted on 12 April 202111 November 2024 by Paul Redfern

Staying on track with your kitchen renovation budget

Staying On Track with Your Kitchen Renovation Budget

There’s no doubt a kitchen renovation is an equally exciting and busy time. With so many different things to consider before you get started, it’s so important to ensure you have a set budget to stick to, so you can avoid any unnecessary complications. Of course that’s sometimes easier said than done – which is why we’re here to help you with 4 ways you can stay on budget when renovating your kitchen.

1. Write everything down.

To start with, write down a list of your wants and needs for your renovation. Don’t forget to include the things you don’t think you can do without, and ones you’re willing to be flexible on.

Then, once you’ve figured this out, get researching. We recommend you utilise the design software available on sites to help determine a cost for the kitchen you design up. This will you utilise your budget and available space to its full advantage.

2. How will you use the space?

This is very important. Are you the entertaining type? Then you’ll need to make sure you have the space for friends (and their drinks). If you’re an aspiring chef, or just love home cooking, then you’ll want to ensure you set aside room in your budget for quality appliances and make sure your kitchen is set up so everything is easily accessible. If you’ve got a growing family, you might need more room than others for storage (plus bench space to get things done). Deciding from the beginning how your kitchen space will be best used will lead the design of your new kitchen.

3. Choose your colours carefully.

What kind of style are you looking for in your new kitchen? A minimalist, classic look, or something a little more colourful? Whatever colour scheme you go for, make sure to make your decision before you finalise your design.

One thing that can impact your budget is changing your colour choice mid-way through – so make sure you do your research carefully. Try and choose colours and styles that complement your whole home and will be easy to accessorise once the renovation is complete.

4. How long are you planning on using the space?

Is your kitchen renovation something you’re planning to enjoy for many years to come, or is it a way to add extra value to your home before you sell? If it’s the latter, you should try to choose a design that will appeal to a wide target market, think neutral tones and timeless design. Opting for a more ‘niche’ look if you’re planning to sell soon might put potential buyers off. If you’re planning on using the space for many years to come, make sure you factor in your changing circumstances (such as a growing family) and design your kitchen with these in mind to increase its longevity.

Ready to take your kitchen to a new level with a DIY kitchen from Luma? Shop now.