Aquariums have always been a beautiful centre piece of any room. Why not add one to your kitchen to create a space of peace and tranquility. Aquariums add colour, light and beauty to any space therefore in a kitchen it would make the space stand out. Whether you go for a tropical or a marine tank, either will give a focal point to your kitchen that will make your space stand out compared to other kitchens. When planning the kitchen around an aquarium it is important to go with a monochromatic space that will allow the aquarium to stand out. At Weizter we can plan your kitchen around your aquarium. Enquire today for a kitchen that stands out.

In the process of buying a kitchen there are multiple steps and things to consider. For first time buyers, this guide will help put those steps and things into perspective. 

Once the design is complete, the client is happy, the manufacturing process takes place – this taking (depending on the material chosen) can take anywhere between 2 – 10 weeks of manufacturing time which leads us to the next point

While we're busy manufacturing, the customer should be getting the space ready for their new kitchen, meaning, taking out the old kitchen, preparing electrical and plumbing points, breaking out any walls that need to be broken out. Of course with a guide given to the customer by us. Buying new appliances (that will fit in the design – because these appliances are what the design is centered around) buying new floor tiles etc, - although we prefer for the tiles to be installed after the kitchen, at least the square meters has been considered for the kitchen to be installed.

Now that the kitchen is manufactured and the space is ready to receive it, we need our team of installers to fit in the units, and get the stone measured and installed after a 7-10 working day period (because they are sourcing, cutting, polishing the stone before it gets to site) then only can you bring in your electricians, and plumbers to connect back the appliances – hob, oven sink/prep bowl. We, as Weizter don't hold any certification for these trades making it imperative to have those that have that certification connecting in your home. 

Everybody wants their kitchen to stand out from the rest in their neighborhood. Why not consider a retro kitchen design? You will be glad to know that retro kitchens are back in style. The classic retro theme could help you make the most of the retro architecture in your home or even pay homage to your grandmother's kitchen.

Typically, retro refers to any period that is older than the one you living in at the moment. There are different eras from that you can draw inspiration when redoing your kitchen. However, there are certain retro eras that are more popular for kitchen design. The 1930s, 1940s and 1950s are all popular eras to draw inspiration from. By adding period pieces, displaying artwork, and using a retro colour palette, you can give your kitchen a complete makeover with just a little bit of time and effort.

Before you redo your kitchen or if you are doing a new kitchen from scratch, you will need to do some research to find out the different elements of design used in the era you are interested in. Although you could try to create one that is faithful to its relevant era, most people like to use just a few key touches. Make note of which elements you like. You can use colour, cabinetry, and other accessories together or you can use just one element and combine it with design trends from other decades.

Featuring glass in you kitchen might look like a daunting experience, but it can exciting. Glass can break the monotonous one colour doors looking the same if you don't want to go for the two tone look. Glass in a kitchen has been around for a long time and it will go away any time soon - it certainly have it's place in the old as well as new.

Here are some tips on how you could bring some glass to the kitchen. The bigger your kitchen, the more glass cupboards you can bring in. There are no set amount of how many cupboards must be glass. But if you want to make the glass a feature, it would have more aesthetic to only have a few.

Glass-fronted cabinets not only break up the monotony of repetitive, solid fronted doors, but they add both form and functional appeal to the kitchen design, showing off your beautiful dishware and ornaments. They can also create an illusion of depth in smaller kitchens, flowing light into, particularly dark corners and shining up those prized pieces. They are also a great kitchen idea to access everyday essentials in a clever manner allowing you to see what you have and where you've put things and are a bonus in smaller kitchens.

You might think choosing handles for your kitchen is easy, But if you think about how many times a day you will be using that easy choice handle or that they can effect your overall look and the functionality of your kitchen. Maybe just add a few minutes to your choice of handle.

Handles come in a variety of materials and colours. From plastic to wood, stainless steel, brass, chrome and even glass. Like all the different materials they also come in different shapes and sizes. When choosing a shape of handle, think about who might be using the handles. Do they have big hands? Then maybe a shell shaped handle is not for your kitchen. 

You want handles that feel good to touch, that is easy on the eye and looks strong enough to open whatever door it is attached to. Consider how long you would want to live with the kitchen and those handles to know what to look out for. If you want to live a couple of years, then maybe not go for finicky, small or even wick like materials. It will not go the distance. 

 A splashback is important in a kitchen as it helps protect the walls from greasy cooking splashes and other grime. It also adds to the overall look of the kitchen. Mostly located above the stove, you can also have one above the sink and above counter spaces where you do your cooking prep.

You should keep two key things in mind when choosing a splashback: cost and maintenance. Some materials are more expensive than others, while some require more care and cleaning than others. Will you need a standard-size splashback or require a custom-made one? What about plug point cut-outs and installation – all of this will add to the total cost.

Most popular materials

Stainless steel – Modern and sleek, stainless steel is low maintenance and easy to install and keep clean. It's unaffected by grease and steam, but acidic spills (like tomato juice) can cause discolouration. It also tends to show up fingerprints, smudges, scratches, dents and water marks easily. Choose from polished and brushed to powder-coated in a range of colours and shades, including metallic, sparkle and mirror effects.

Glass – A popular choice for its reflective qualities, streamlined look and flexibility, glass is also easy to maintain. Choose from plain glass to textured glass, matte, gloss, frosted, back-painted glass, or a panel with a digitally printed image copied onto the glass. Back lighting for your glass splashback can also be installed to highlight certain areas, create moods or draw attention to an image. Stained or fused glass designs can be made and installed by hand to produce a stunning effect – albeit quite pricey.

Tiles – Most tile types are cost-effective and easy to install. Choose from ceramic and porcelain, to mosaic, glass, metal or stone materials in many different shapes, colours, patterns and textures. They hold up well to heat and most are easy maintain. On the downside, keeping grout clean can be a bother and there's always the risk of cracks and chips over time.

Wine cellars have become increasingly popular over the last decade, I have seen a rapid interest in wine cellars whether in a basement or as a room divider. Solid Wood has always been a popular option, however in the past several years we have seen a rapid change in opinion and chrome and metals have been used paired with glass.

Wine Cellars that are used as room dividers are popular as it serves as a functional space. When used as a room divider this can be functional as well as aesthetically beautiful. Wine cellars are popular as they can store a vast amount of wine bottles but not limited to wine, I have come across clients who pair their wine in the cellar with whiskeys, champagnes and expensive bottles of cognac.

While the traditional wine racks in a cellar are classical and will not date, I have found that majority of clients prefer to go with a no fuss simple design that is both contemporary and streamline, with hints of chrome, glass and accents of wood here and there.

Designing a Wine cellar can be challenging but at Weizter we will design the space to fit your specific needs and desires.

One of the most important design decisions when it comes to interior design in the home lies in the selection of your finishes. Every room typically needs the perfect floor or wall finish which becomes a feature or compliments the rest of the elements in your home.

Whether you have a blank space, stuck in an aesthetic rut, want a subtle hint of texture or would like to add an exquisite feature. A simple go to that does not require much thought would be the herringbone pattern.

It is a simple arrangement of rectangles creating a v-shape similar to a weaving technique. It originates from the Roman Empire where they were used in building the roads and some even date it back to the Egyptian jewellery designs. You would think this "ancient" pattern has become a thing of the past but its beauty still intrigues the eye and creates a sense or texture and movement.

This old school design element can be used in a unique modern manner in living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms or even bathrooms. As a wall finish, floor finish, kitchen or bathroom splash back, furniture design or even on doors. Its effect can be manipulated depending on your style through your colour and texture selection of material. Solid, dark, wood grain or light airy. It can also be combined with other patterns or solid colours depending on your preferences. It is a great tool to add a feature in any room. "Art is pattern improved by sensibility".

If you are a coffee lover, you probably enjoy a good brew at home rather than running to cafés to savor your favorite cup of java. You can create your own unique coffee station right in your own kitchen using your essential coffee making accessories. By selecting a special space to place all of your coffee making essentials, you will be able to enjoy your favorite cup that much faster and impress your guest as well! You can use your kitchen counter, side tables, carts, a cabinet, or have a coffee bar custom built to suit your style. Here are a few tips to help you organize and stylize your very own coffee station.

HOW TO CREATE THE BEST HOME COFFEE STATION

The Counter Coffee Station You can style your own coffee station right on your own kitchen counter! If your counter is small, use a base, like a tray, to put all your coffee essentials in a group to decrease clutter. You can also add a shelf above your coffee machine to place cups, coffee, and other essentials. If your counter is large, simply arrange your station in a way that expresses your individuality by adding a coffee pot, unique cups, and whatever you like.

Carts and Side Tables Using a side table or cart is great. They allow you to contain your coffee stand to a particular area creating a coffee station nook in your kitchen. Moreover, a large or medium sized kitchen can easily handle a rolling coffee bar created from a kitchen island on wheels. This can be fantastic if you are entertaining guests and want to display all the coffee making gadgets you use to make a great cup of coffee.

Customize It! You can customize your coffee station by creating a special cabinet to place all your coffee necessities. A customized coffee station is a great idea. You can close the station when it is not in use; thereby, making your kitchen appear less cluttered. There are many ways to customize a coffee space, built in cabinets and shelves with swing doors or a type of opaque roller blinds work too. You can have lights fitted at the top of your nook or use a lamp.

The evolution of "your kitchen" has taken a fascinating approach in terms of how it started its journey to where we have arrived, at what would be considered your "current-day" kitchen. Without too much of an exaggerated jump in time, if we were sent back a mere 100 years, what would the typical kitchen look like? 

Generally, the space was created with one thing in mind, preparing and cooking food. Essentials took on a different meaning altogether. We didn't have use for the defined storage spaces we have today. Washing machines, dishwashers, and fridges were nonexistent features back then. They needed a large stable workspace, a place to store utensils & cutlery along with a stove and some rudimentary form of refrigeration, usually an ice box (apparently they had ice delivered every few days through the services of "Icemen", read to the end to see one).

Today, the kitchen has become the heart of the home, often, the first room people gravitate towards when entering and in my experience, it's always where the house keys, car keys and cell phones end up. Coffee makers, Tall freezers, Wi-Fi routers, "home telephones" (if they are even still a thing), and all sorts of unique nuances that ultimately develop the character of the space itself have to be taken into account when creating your space in the world today.

Most kitchens designed within the last 50 years have incorporated the peninsula or island element, specifically to create a space to entertain guests, whether it's them helping with the food, doing homework under the keen watch of mom, or just a casual friend enjoying a glass of wine, it's become an essential in most South African homes today.

Since time immemorial and with the  expeditious advances in technology, appliances have had the most prevalent impact, from a kettle that boils your water to a washing machine that cleans your clothes, a trove of appliances is essential and usually makes up a large portion of your kitchen, whether it's through functionality or cost.

The standardisation of cabinets was another huge leap forward, essentially countertops were installed at whatever height was comfortable for that individual. Nowadays, each arbitrarily defined section of your kitchen is extremely customisable, with an emphasis on subjectivity and individual functionality over simple reason.

Every aspect of your kitchen today is highly evolved, from the materials used, to the method of production &  overall installation process followed. Current layouts are defined through decades of improvement and thorough scientific understanding, every detail, every variation, and almost every single option has been refined to maximise efficiency and aesthetic appeal. 

Next time you make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, just reflect and think to yourself, how easy was that?