People spend years just dreaming about ideas for their next kitchen – now they have a new web-based tool to help them create their perfect kitchen with the launch of www.mydreamkitchen.co.nz.

Created with design and simplicity in mind, key features of the My Dream Kitchen website include:
• a state-of-the-art 3D kitchen design programme
• inspirational kitchen images and themes
• ‘My Pantry’ - a scrapbook that lets consumers collate and share inspirational

images of the latest global design trends
• directory of service providers
• practical tips on finance, choice of materials and how to choose a builder
• exclusive competitions and promotions
• search function to identify content by budget, style, colour and size

My Dream Kitchen has been developed by The Laminex Group NZ, New Zealand’s leading supplier of laminate and panel products. The company has teamed up with well known brand partners including Smeg, Blum, Mico and Kitchen Things to provide consumers with access to a broader range of information about products for their dream kitchen. General Manager, Melle de Pater says:

“We know that Kiwis love their kitchens - demanding practicality as well as great style. Whether you are planning to create a new kitchen for your family or as part of a do-up project, My Dream Kitchen gives you all the tools you need at your fingertips. There is currently no other service in the New Zealand market like it and we are delighted to be the first to bring such a concept to fruition. The quality of our brand partners makes it a superb proposition for consumers.”

New Zealand celebrity chef Simon Gault, is already a fan of My Dream Kitchen and has used Laminex products in his Mal Corby designed kitchen. He says:

“My Dream Kitchen is a fantastic initiative. I have commissioned quite a few kitchens in my time and I wish there had been something like My Dream Kitchen around then – it would have been a massive help."

With a vast gallery of images, My Dream Kitchen provides inspiration for all budgets and incorporates a broad range of styles and colour schemes from traditional to urban, contemporary to industrial.

Bring your dream kitchen one step closer to reality with MyDreamKitchen.co.nz

Designing your dream kitchen

Whether you need a designer to design and draw up plans really depends on theextent of work being done. Major renovations will benefit from the design expertiseof an architect, architectural designer or architectural draughtsperson. Their ideascan help to maximise floor space, aspect to the sun, and flow. They can also adviseon materials and special design features, such as making the best use of naturallight, heat and other energy efficiency aspects.

Design Considerations

The Work triangle

Good layout is essential. Understanding the kitchen “work triangle” concept isessential for good kitchen design. The kitchen work triangle consists of the distancebetween the sink, refrigerator and oven or cooktop. The total distance from the sinkto the stove to the refrigerator and back to the sink should be not less than 3.6metres total nor more than 8.5 metres. Each triangle leg should measure between1.2 metres and 2.7 metres in length. The kitchen aisles should be at least x 1.2 metres wide to allow people to move around easily and for appliances to be openedwith ease.

Storage

When designing your dream kitchen it is key to include ample storage and countertopspace. The first place to look for extra storage space is your corners. In small, tightkitchens a blind corner cabinet can be used to get the most use out of the corner, especially if you use a lazy Susan, easy reach cabinet or ingenuous hardware solutions. Or, try adding rollout trays in your base kitchen cabinets to help accessyour pots and pans, or in your pantries so you can reach cans and dry goods moreeasily.

Top Kitchen Design Tips

• Collect pictures of designs you like through magazines, brochures andwebsites (such as MyDreamKitchen.co.nz)

• Discuss your requirements for a kitchen retailer or designer depending onyour budget and requirements• Ask your selected kitchen retailer or designer for examples of their previouswork

• Research different product options for cabinetry and bench tops to make sureyou have the right one for your requirements and lifestyle• Have a clear idea of what changes you want to make

• Consider issues such as energy saving and environmentally friendly features• Consider the future and how your needs will change over time