skip to main content

What matters most when choosing a kitchen designer?

5 years ago

If you were looking to have your kitchen re-designed, what would be the deciding factor when choosing a kitchen designer/retailer?

Price: I'd shop around based on price - it needs to be good value

Quality of their previous work: I'd choose based on examples of their work

Brand(s): I'd choose based on brand preference

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

PRO
OnePlan
5 years ago
Nb- times have changed - Kitchen designers can be totally separate from retailers too (we design kitchens - but don’t sell products!)
BLANCO UK thanked OnePlan
GJ Dee
5 years ago
To be a kitchen designer, as with any coach, you need to listen to the needs of the customer. If they want a designer kitchen but don't cook that can be organised. If they actually cook you need to know the needs of a chef and organise it accordingly.
BLANCO UK thanked GJ Dee
Related Discussions
What would you most like to change about your kitchen?
Q
Comments (25)
The lack of bench space, and I'm not sure which category of the poll that fits into. Layout maybe, since we'll need to move things around to make it work. Our kitchen is enormous, but it's all storage - one whole wall is floor to ceiling pantry-style cabinets. On the other all the stovetop and the sink take up a full half of the bench top, so there is just enough room for one chopping board and bowl on what's left when you are cooking. The crazy thing is, it's not even a tiny galley kitchen, but the space in between the two walls is only just big enough to squeeze an island in, so we are trying to decide between being cramped, or knocking down walls and completely remodelling. Can't quite bring ourselves to pull the trigger on the latter, though, as all the cabinets and cupboard are in great shape.
...See More
kitchen design: choosing cabinets and countertops colors
Q
Comments (17)
Having looked through your idea book, I would say that 70 percent of the pictured have a similar style to them, broadly speaking. Warmer tones, some darker wood / walnut, many of them handleless. As a next step, I would go back to all the pictures and write down the elements that appeal to you, and be quite specific. If there is one picture that stands out to you as having the right overall balance you can use this as a template when planning your kitchen, even if for example it has shaker doors, but you might want handleless. You also need to consider how the kitchen will look against existing elements in the room, and things you might be planning for the living area. Then consider the practical elements, ie pros and cons of different doors, finishes, worksurfaces etc. Some of this will depend on your circumstances, do you cook a lot, want easy to clean etc? There's lots of articles on Houzz covering that kind of thing. Budget will also play a big part. For my part, I went with a handless German kitchen, with a matt finish with a quartz worktop. I cook a lot and have found this combination very easy to keep clean.
...See More
What is the most desired kitchen addition?
Q
Comments (16)
I have a franke boiling tap and yes you do have to change the filter, but in a house with 5 adults, this is a must have. Kettles have had their day! I love my tap, it's easy to use and does what it says on the tin. I purchased mine on the Internet from franke and got it at half the price than a kitchen retailer, this enabled me to spend money in other parts of my dream kitchen.
...See More
What do you need the most help with when designing a new scheme?
Q
Comments (0)
Where do you need most support when you are designing a new scheme?
...See More
Ellie
5 years ago
Unfortunately there is no qualifications to be a kitchen designer. Not all of them listen to your needs or have good layout ideas, yet they should. I have come up with a better layout than 2 kitchen designers did for me recently.
BLANCO UK thanked Ellie
Ribena Drinker
5 years ago
I do feel that sometimes, that a lot of "designers" attached to/associated with retailers don't necessarily listen and understand the needs or wants of the buyer, but are more about just fitting their product in the space - often irrespective if it's the best use of that space or the most pragmatic solution.

I often think that if more people were to be brave enough to grasp the nettle and design their own kitchens (apologies to OnePlan!), those poor designers may up their game.
BLANCO UK thanked Ribena Drinker
Jonathan
5 years ago
I agree that it is the design that makes the most difference. In my opinion the big shed general try to fit in as many units as possible and the independent showrooms are where the best design can be found.........and OnePlan
BLANCO UK thanked Jonathan

Sponsored

More Discussions

How could be best layout our kitchen/diner/hallway?

12

roof lantern location

6

Opinions and suggestions on Howdens Kitchen Design

16

Kitchen diner garage access help

3

Does anyone know of a washer dryer that is less than 45cm deep?

0

United Kingdom

Tailor my experience with cookies

Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. By clicking ‘Accept’ I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking ‘Manage Preferences’.