At HMK we have always felt that designing your dream kitchen should be a fun and stress-free experience. Our amazing design team is here to help you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final installation. Each one of our projects is unique and designed for the individual client, working in the overall aesthetics of the home. We love what we do and are proud to manufacture all our cabinetry by hand in England.
There’s no doubt about the kitchen being the centre of the home, as it’s the room where family and friends come together, gather and unwind reflecting on the day. The kitchen space is an ever-changing environment due to it being the most used in everyday life, so we need to know and recognise what the kitchen needs are.
Starting the process
Starting the design process for a new kitchen can be exciting but a daunting task. Take a look at some steps to follow to get started. By following these steps, you can start the design process for your new kitchen and create a beautiful and functional space that meets your needs and preferences.
- Consider how you use your current kitchen and what parts you want to improve. Think about your lifestyle, cooking habits, storage needs, and any other specific requirements you have for your new kitchen.
- Determine how much you can spend on your new kitchen. Having a budget will help you narrow down your options and make choices that fit within the money you have available.
- Browse inspiration online, in home interior design magazines, and on social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. Make a mood board with all the images that appeal to you and make notes about what you like and dislike about each design.
- Think about what style you want for your new kitchen. Are you after a more modern look, or keeping a traditional vibe? Is there a specific colour scheme or material palette you are after?
- Consider hiring a professional kitchen designer to help you with the design process. A designer can help you create a functional layout, choose materials and finishes and coordinate with contractors and suppliers.
- Work with the designer to finalise the design of your new kitchen. Make sure the layout words for all your needs and all materials and finishes are selected.
Choosing the right kitchen designer
This is one of the most important stages of preparing to build your dream kitchen as it can greatly impact the success of your kitchen renovation.
- Look for a designer who has experience in designing kitchens and specialises in them. Check out their portfolio of completed projects – see if any of the design styles align with your tastes.
- Check out their reviews and ratings to get a sense of their reputation.
- Choose a designer who communicates well and listens to your needs and preferences.
- Ask for a detailed quote that outlines the cost of the project, including materials and labour – this will help you determine if the designer’s services fit within your budget.
At The Handmade Kitchen Company, we provide outstanding service to our customers, putting you first as it’s your kitchen after all. Our personal approach, from the very first telephone call or email, right through the design process, manufacturing, installation and completion of your kitchen will be managed by our highly skilled and experienced team, ensuring you are delighted with your investment.
What to take with you to a showroom meeting
- Take measurements of your current kitchen space, including the size of the room, the placement of doors and windows, and the location of electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures. This will help you determine what features will fit in your space.
- Bring any inspirational photos, magazine clippings, or Pinterest boards that you have collected to show the designer – this will give them an idea of your style preferences and help create a design that meets your needs.
- If you are well organised and have already chosen materials such as flooring, worktops and colours, bring samples with you to the showroom. This will help you visualise how different materials will look together and ensure that they complement each other.
- Have a clear budget and what you are willing to spend on your kitchen renovation – this will help the designer recommend products and materials that fit within your budget.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask the kitchen designer. The questions can include materials, installation process, warranties, and any other concerns you may have.
Creating a wishlist
When creating a wishlist, this is the stage where you can roughly choose your dream kitchen style, play with colours and materials and list out storage preferences. When designing your kitchen we will do our best to include all of your personal preferences whilst adding our expert advice / opinions and design flair.
Choosing the style
The kitchen style is down to personal choice, however incorporating factors such as the artchitecture of the property and the overall interior styling also helps determine what style to go for.
Whilst we have always delivered the finest finish possible, no two kitchen have ever been the same. Choosing the style you favour empowers us with an initial design-led brief, set jointly with you, that will lay the foundations for your kitchen’s unique design aesthetic. Your kitchen furniture will be truly bespoke – the design details should be unique to you!
Classic Shaker – the simplistic door design is the most noted feature of our Classic Shaker style.
Traditional Shaker – the doors feature a raised centre moulding.
Handleless – incorporating clean lines and pronounced mouldings with a traditional panelled design.
Our team are ready and waiting to bring your kitchen design ideas to life throughout the renovation journey. Contact us today for more information.
