Choosing a new kitchen can be an exciting venture when it comes to renovating your home. If you don't know what you are doing then it can become stressful, time-consuming and expensive. From picking the right style, deciding to do it yourself or picking a designer and agreeing the layout, there is a lot of information and jobs to deal with.
Here we've put steps together to help you break down the planning process, it's suitable for a first timer and even someone on their third project who wants to streamline how they work.
How to plan a kitchen - your step-by-step guide
Assess what you need Sometimes you don't need as many cupboards as you think you do. Have a good clear-out, if you haven't used an item for years, then it's time for it to go.
Take a look around your kitchen and make a list of the things you like and dislike. It could be a lack of storage, too much storage, feels too closed in, not enough floor space, closed off from the rest of the family, colour, appliances, door handles etc. This will help you focus on what you need your new kitchen to achieve.
If the space just doesn't work for you, or you don't like being stuck in the kitchen cooking while the rest of the family are in another room, you may want to consider removing a wall between the kitchen and adjoining room, or extending your kitchen so it becomes a multifunctional area.
Consider the things you just can't go without. You may want sleek worktops, a statement island or need lots of cupboards. There may be appliances you need, to make life easier, such as an oven at waist height.
By writing your priorities down you are making it easier to tailor your kitchen to your family's specific needs. Your list will also help when you speak to a kitchen specialist, like Bloomsbury Court Interiors.
Photo: Ballerina Kuchen, Montana
Think about plumbing and heating Are you planning on keeping sinks and washing machines in the same place? If not you will require additional pipe work. If you are building an extension, opening up two rooms, or putting in an island you will need to make sure all your plumbing, electricity and gas pipes are in place before you do anything else.
You'll also need to work out where you will want to have your plug points, including the ones below your worktops.
Wherever your sink is, your washing machine and dishwasher will need to be under or as near to it as possible. It helps to keep the plumbing simple and tidy as well as keeping costs down. You may decide there isn't enough room for radiators but your room gets too cold in winter. A popular choice for kitchens is under floor heating to save space. Again this is something that needs to be installed before laying the kitchen floor.
Photo: Gallery By Symphony, Cranbrook
Consider your lighting options You may need extra lighting in certain work areas, or you might choose to have statement lighting above an island. It's best to have a flexible lighting system, where you have control of individual areas instead of one switch for all lights. Secondary lighting, such as spots placed under upper work cabinets or above cooking and preparation areas are very useful.
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Photo: JJO ECO Collection, Gloss Oyster Halifax
Inspiration Do an internet search for 'Kitchen ideas' and you'll see lots of images where you can get inspiration from. There are plenty of magazines available in the supermarkets where you can cut out photos you like and pin them to a mood board.
You could also take cuttings of materials you like, or make notes about surfaces and accessories you've seen that work well together.
Don't worry about cost right now, just put things together that make you feel inspired, it won't be long before you notice a pattern to the things you like that will define your style.
Photo: Laura Ashley, Harwood
Visit a kitchen designer Consulting a kitchen designer will make sure you maximise your space and get the most from your budget. Their experience and expertise will give you plenty of innovative ideas that you probably haven't even considered.
Kitchen designers, like Bloomsbury Interiors, have the knowledge and access to the latest products, that they can source on your behalf.
Photo: Ballerina, Flair S
Advice about working with a designer Only agree to a quote for the design and installation of your kitchen once the designer has looked at the space. Once they finish the design, make sure you have a full quotation for the cabinets, worktops, accessories and installation and anything else they are providing. Check what is and isn't included in the costs.
A deposit will be required, be prepared to pay 25% of the total value upfront, ask for a payment plan so you know when the designer will be expecting each instalment. Never pay in full until you have received delivery of all your goods.
Guidelines for choosing a kitchen company:
Visit a company with a showroom. They would have installed all the kitchens on display themselves, allowing you to have a look at the quality of the product and the workmanship of the fitting and finish.
Choose a retailer with a track record of good installations and ask to speak to previous customers
Obtain a written quotation that covers every aspect of the job, including structural changes.
Never sign a contract until you have read everything including the terms and conditions, once you have signed it you are confirming you are prepared to honour your side of the contract. Check for cancellation clauses and how much it could cost you if you back out of the contract once signed.
Keep warranties and any certificates in a safe place in case something goes wrong.
Photo: Linear By Symphony, Trend
Budgets Be honest about your budget, that way your designer can help you decide where to save and where to invest.
Your budget will need to cover installation fees as well as the cost of the kitchen units, worktops, appliances, accessories and any building work.
And you'll need a contingency fund to cover any unforeseen costs. This should be at least 10% of the cost of your kitchen. Example: A £1,000 kitchen will require £100 for contingency making your total budget £1,100.00.
Here are our top tips about where to spend your cash, and where you can make savings:
Always go for the very best worktops you can afford because they take a lot of punishment. View it as a good investment that could last a life time. Hard wood, granite and engineered stone have a long life expectancy and they don't tend to go out of fashion. They will also instantly make your kitchen look luxurious.
Cabinets should also be good quality. Thin carcasses do not last very long as they have to carry a lot of weight and deal with movement.
You can save money on cheaper doors, handles and accessories.
Spend wisely on appliances too, ovens and hobs should be good quality so it's ok to splash a bit of cash here. You can save money on a washing machine, the ultra deluxe coffee machine, wine cooler and American style fridge freezer and ice maker.
If your budget is tight it's important to spend on the things that matter than the added luxuries that go out of fashion quickly.
Call in the professionals You've sorted out your designer, you've made your choice on layout and style and you've paid your deposit. Now you need to find a team to install it if your retailer or designer doesn't do it all for you.
The first place to start looking is always with friends and family recommendations, especially those who have kitchens that look fabulous. You can also source a skilled person through a registered trade association, such as the Federation of Master Builders. When the specialist shows you photos of their completed projects ask if you can talk to or visit that customer to see the finished work. Follow up and have a chat with their customers, also find online reviews about them so you get a good picture of how they work and the likely finish you are going to get. Don't be put off by a couple of bad reviews, some people can never be pleased, but if the majority of the reviews are positive then they should be added to your list of people you would work with.
The fitter you choose will make the difference between your kitchen looking terrible or amazing, no matter what you have spent on it.
If you have a big project, then you might have builders, electricians, plumbers, tilers, decorators and flooring fitters to consider managing. You have the choice of finding a project manager, do it all yourself, or use your kitchen company or architect. Everyone will need to be clear about what needs to be done and when. The last thing you want is delays or mistakes that could end up costing you more money.
Many companies offering bespoke services will not undertake electrics or plumbing, but some of the higher-end bespoke companies do offer a full service, where they will co-ordinate all building, plumbing and electrical work but be prepared to pay a premium for this service. Always check with your kitchen company before you pay your deposit which services they can provide.
If you are planning a larger refit or build, you may also need Planning Permission or Building Regulations approval. Visit the Planning Portal on the UK Government website www.gov.uk/planning-permission-england-wales for further information. You'll have to contact your local council to find out if you can make your proposed changes, as well as having an inspection, if required, before certain aspects are finished, such as a support beam being inspected before it is hidden and decorated.
Choose your finishing touches This can make or break your kitchen look. You can pair a timber breakfast bar with wooden stools, or use fabrics on your seats that tie in with your splash backs or blinds. If your kitchen units are white, they will look good with wooden work tops, flooring and door handles.
You don't have to buy everything from the same supplier either, furnishings and accessories can be sourced from multiple places, or you can create your own to get that personal bespoke look.