Know thyself!
Whether you’re thinking of renovating or contemplating a kitchen as part of a new build, Sandy of Sandy Eagle Design, shares her top tips for designing the most frequently used room in the house.
Before you get too far down the path of kitchen design, it’s well worth pausing to consider how to make your kitchen distinctly yours. There are many ways to incorporate your unique lifestyle and design tastes into your kitchen, while not compromising the flow of how you work. It’s well worth the time to think these things through.
These are indeed the sentiments of Sandy Eagle, director of Sandy Eagle Design. Sandy is an award-winning kitchen designer and has been designing kitchens for over 20 years. Sandy says her expertise in the building industry has helped her hone her craft and provide the best possible kitchens for her clients.
“A kitchen is so much more than just a design,” says Sandy. “It’s a place with an emotional heart, and that needs to be captured to the full.”
Sandy recommends initially to start thinking about how you live day to day, how you entertain in your kitchen, what sort of lifestyle you have and how that moulds and shapes your kitchen space. This will dictate the layout, the overall function and flow.
“I love sitting down with clients and finding out who they are and then reflecting that in their kitchen design,” says Sandy.
STYLISH STORAGE The owners of this country kitchen love the amount of storage that Sandy has provided for them.
Secondly, think about the ‘look’ you want. This boils down to what you feel most comfortable with. Do you prefer a country kitchen or industrial or contemporary spaces? Whatever resonates most with you will be the right fit for you. “For me, I think it’s less about hooking into the latest trends or colours, and more about focusing on what feels right to my clients. How does the kitchen flow into the rest of the living spaces? What does the home look and feel like? What sort of furniture do they have? What’s their lifestyle and family size?”
Sandy has experience with all spectrums of design. She says the owners of this country kitchen never tire of the room Sandy has designed for them, with plenty of storage for appliances and homewares. The modern kitchen featured here is in keeping with the rest of the home, which has an industrial style.
Country versus contemporary
"Whatever resonates most with you will be the right fit for you."
Finally have a look at appliances, accessories and materials. There are so many choices available; it’s often helpful to consult an expert to see what works well together. Sandy has extensive knowledge which she can outline and discuss with clients.
“None of my kitchens are the same,” says Sandy. “Each is created with its owner in mind and with my preferred joinery and benchtop suppliers, we strive to ensure that the clients are delighted with their new kitchen that works with their needs and lifestyle.”
Personalised and well thought-through design are what will make your new kitchen your favourite room to walk into. It’s well worth getting the experts in to help create a space that you love.
027 710 6900 | sandyeagledesign.co.nz
