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There’s a Chinese proverb that goes ‘wisdom is a privilege of old age’. But you needn’t wait that
long and you should think ahead when buying your new kitchen. You’ll have the kitchen you decide
on for up to 20 years. Once bought, it’ll have to meet your demands every day.
So think carefully about what you’ll need later on in life and what you simply can’t do without today.
For example, I didn’t want to have to bend down anymore or crawl into the back of a cabinet to dig
things out. That’s why my base units all have drawers. Take time to think about design options and
then make a deliberate investment which will pay off every day.
To set things straight: autopilot is a very useful function but not when it comes down to buying a
kitchen! You need to take the initiative! Make the most of your visit to a kitchen shop to try out and
test as much as you can. How does it feel? What do you really like?
Imagine what it’ll be like in your new kitchen. Try things out and decide yourself what is best for you.
I discovered this new wall cabinet lift system by chance. I changed my mind at the last minute and
chose this system because it’s so easy to use and the motion is so elegant. So ask for innovations.
You don’t want to miss out on something that you’d like to have in your new kitchen.
A kitchen planner has been trained to understand your needs. But if you don’t tell him or her what
they are, he or she won’t be able to plan a kitchen that suits your needs. Tell your kitchen planner
everything about your new kitchen! What are your likes and dislikes? How do you cook? Do you
have any special wishes? I, for example, love to have a long breakfast, even during the week. To
make breakfasts quick to prepare, I keep everything I need together. That was just one detail my
kitchen planner took into account. If you work together, you’ll get your ideal kitchen. They’ll be able
to suggest solutions that really work for you!
Of course you look forward to buying a new kitchen! But from my own experience I know it can be quite
a challenge because you’ve got to decide on so many things. I did lose heart at times. So my advice
is to not forget your goal: a dream kitchen. Stay motivated. If you don’t like something, stick to your
guns. And take the time you need to decide. Your perseverance will pay off at the end of the day.
‘Think 20 years ahead.’
‘Don’t go on autopilot, try it out yourself!’
‘Work with your kitchen planner.’
‘Don’t forget your goal!’
Svea L., 60-year-old sinologist from Malmo, Sweden
David S., 48-year-old engineer from Milton Keynes, Great Britain
Anna D., 43-year-old ophthalmologist from Vienna, Austria
Fernanda J. 32-year-old housewife from Lisbon, Portugal
READY TO BUY YOUR NEW KITCHEN?
kitchen inspirations
