How to select a designer for your dream kitchen…

How to select a designer for your dream kitchen…

How do you avoid choosing the wrong kitchen designer? Someone that’s more interested in making money than designing a kitchen that’s right for you? We asked three industry insiders for advice on selecting a designer who will work effectively with you…

Ysanne Brooks, editor at Beautiful Kitchens magazine, says it is important to make use of the services available to you. This applies whether you are looking in the budget DIY stores or the high-end kitchen specialists.

She said: “Always make use of on-line or in-store design systems and visit several kitchen showrooms in your budget range to get quotes. Price can vary dramatically, too. Don’t always assume a kitchen specialist will be more expensive, as many of them stock kitchens in a range of budgets to suit all needs. Often, it’s their advice and expertise that can make the difference.”

Ysanne also highlights the importance of making your wish-list clear to your designer. “Make your requirements for your new space as clear as possible. Only you know how you’ll use the space and a good designer will ask about you, your family and how you envisage using the space, as well as more practical things like style, design and cost.”

John McNeil, of In-toto Kitchens Newcastle, echoes the importance of making your requirements clear. He says: “Be honest with your designer and you will be handed a wonderful kitchen. You need to be able to trust this person and let them guide you through all the options.”

A good indication is how much information your designer asks you for, says Ruth Ward, Marketing Director at the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA). She suggests: “Choose a kitchen designer that asks a lot of questions. A modern kitchen has to perform many duties and the best kitchen designers will want to understand how you want to use and live in that space.” She adds: “You can buy with confidence from a KBSA member as they are renowned for their top quality design and installation service.”

John advises it is also important to make sure your designer is designing for you, not for themselves. He says: “Of course I have my own personal preferences, but being a kitchen designer shouldn’t mean you impose your style on others. I try to understand the style and ideas of the client first and ensure I guide the client in terms of what’s on trend, what works or what doesn’t work.”

How did you choose your kitchen designer? What advice would you give to others?

2 comments on “How to select a designer for your dream kitchen…”

1. Majjie says:
   

   I am, of course, biased here … but the easiest way to make sure your kitchen designer is more interested in designing you a great kitchen than in selling you any old design … is to choose an independent designer who doesn’t sell kitchens!

   I’m not saying you can’t get a great design from a designer tied to a supplier - of course you can (after all I used to do that myself) - but tied designers are always limited to the ranges of units and appliances that their employer sells. Independent designers, on the other hand, will give you independent advice. You’ll have to pay for the design, of course, but the sums involved should be quite small. We don’t have to cover the costs of all those “free” designs which didn’t result in a sale.

   Anyway, shameless plug aside … the best way of choosing a kitchen designer is to ask them for some advice before you start. A good designer will always give you the benefit of their experience without expecting a sale (of design services or a kitchen). You can then judge the quality of the replies.

   I also agree with John and Ruth, that the best kitchen designers ask a lot of questions and try to get to the bottom of how you want to use your kitchen. That’s not enough, though. You ideally want a kitchen designer who will come up with interesting ideas of their own too. After all if you wanted a kitchen that just incorporated your own ideas … you could have had a go at designing it yourself!

   February 12th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
2. Tim Wood says:
   

   The first thing to sort out is what is your budget?

   If you have a medium to high budget you can look to the people who like us design and make a truly individually designed and hand made kitchen from scratch.

   By this I do not mean a “kitchen range” were the kitchen company claims it is “bespoke” and “hand made”, but a kitchen that starts off with a blank piece of paper.

   I will ask a client what their favourite aspects of their kitchen is, as well as things they do not like. When dealing with all designs whether a kitchen or a library, I will try my best to place myself in my clients shoes. This means taking a thorough brief, which means asking a lot of questions and explaining the pros and cons of various options.

   I design and sell kitchens and other furniture which is totally unique to each customer. For kitchens I think if is vital if you wish to get the best to go to a professional kitchen designer who is passionate about what they do!

   Also as in my case I was trained as a furniture designer maker by John Makepeace at Parnham in the early 1980’s and have designed, made and fitted various kitchens and other furniture since then. I can make everything we produce and am passionate about food and cooking. I often cook for my wife, four children and friends.

   The ergonomics of a kitchen are vital and what may suit one individual may not suit another. If you are ordering a kitchen then it will be “your kitchen” get what you what and get the best guidance and do not be bullied into decisions you are unsure of! You will have to use it, not the designer or for that matter your friends!

   Look at the designers portfolio see how they are at taking your brief. Quite frankly they should make you feel at ease and guide you through the whole process with total professionalism and giving inspiring solutions to your brief.

   February 14th, 2012 at 5:31 pm

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