10 Questions to Help You Get the Measure of a Kitchen Designer
A good designer should know the questions to ask about your kitchen project – but what should you ask them before signing up?
lwkkitchens
21 March 2023
Houzz UK Contributor. LWK London are a design-led German Kitchen specialist based in London. We supply a very high standard of service based upon the principals of professionalism, honesty, diligence and intimate design knowledge. All of our specialist team of people are extremely committed to this ethos; allied with our extensive range of high quality kitchen products this means we can offer our clients a first rate experience.
Aside from German kitchen furniture we also specialise in Siemens, Neff and Miele appliances; we are currently one of the only Siemens approved IQ700 Design Studios in London.
Houzz UK Contributor. LWK London are a design-led German Kitchen specialist based... More
Shopping for a new kitchen is exciting, but it can also be daunting, especially if you’re just starting out or can’t decide what you want. A skilled kitchen designer should be equipped with the right questions – about your lifestyle, cooking habits and daily routines – to help him or her build a picture of your home, your family life and your needs, in order to plan your perfect kitchen. But what should you be asking them?
As part of our Kitchen Planning guide, here are 10 questions our design team often get asked, and which we think will help you get the measure of your new kitchen – and your designer.
Beginning your kitchen project? Read How to Start a Kitchen Renovation
As part of our Kitchen Planning guide, here are 10 questions our design team often get asked, and which we think will help you get the measure of your new kitchen – and your designer.
Beginning your kitchen project? Read How to Start a Kitchen Renovation
1. What inspires you?
You’ll be working with your designer on something very personal, so you need to feel comfortable with them and confident in their ability.
When you first meet them, ask about their qualifications and to see examples of their past designs. If all their work looks similar or has an identical theme, you’ll need to decide if this appeals to you.
Ask what inspires them, to give you a further sense of their taste, passions and personality. You could also inquire about what kind of kitchen they have in their own home. A designer is creating a kitchen for you, not themselves, but it still helps to know what they like, and you might get expert knowledge of what really works.
More: How to Curate Ideas for Your Kitchen Project
You’ll be working with your designer on something very personal, so you need to feel comfortable with them and confident in their ability.
When you first meet them, ask about their qualifications and to see examples of their past designs. If all their work looks similar or has an identical theme, you’ll need to decide if this appeals to you.
Ask what inspires them, to give you a further sense of their taste, passions and personality. You could also inquire about what kind of kitchen they have in their own home. A designer is creating a kitchen for you, not themselves, but it still helps to know what they like, and you might get expert knowledge of what really works.
More: How to Curate Ideas for Your Kitchen Project
2. What’s popular right now?
Asking your designer what’s trending now will help to establish their level of knowledge and enthusiasm for design. If you want a very on-trend kitchen, you’ll need a designer who’s up to date with the latest styles and who can help you pick colours, materials and accessories accordingly.
Similarly, if you’re not interested in the latest trends, your designer should be able to suggest suitable alternatives. You could ask them what features contribute to a timeless style of kitchen and how best to create a look that will last.
When you’re ready to hire, find local kitchen designers, see examples of their work and read reviews from previous clients.
Asking your designer what’s trending now will help to establish their level of knowledge and enthusiasm for design. If you want a very on-trend kitchen, you’ll need a designer who’s up to date with the latest styles and who can help you pick colours, materials and accessories accordingly.
Similarly, if you’re not interested in the latest trends, your designer should be able to suggest suitable alternatives. You could ask them what features contribute to a timeless style of kitchen and how best to create a look that will last.
When you’re ready to hire, find local kitchen designers, see examples of their work and read reviews from previous clients.
3. How many people will work on my design?
A number of clients ask us how many designers will work on their kitchen plan – in other words, is it just one person’s ideas, or do a few different designers give their opinions?
Our clients only have one point of contact, but we have a number of designers look at any given design. That way, we gain fresh perspectives, and different ideas and ways of doing things that someone else might not have thought of. It also creates a checking system to ensure all details of the design are correct and will work, and nothing has been missed.
A number of clients ask us how many designers will work on their kitchen plan – in other words, is it just one person’s ideas, or do a few different designers give their opinions?
Our clients only have one point of contact, but we have a number of designers look at any given design. That way, we gain fresh perspectives, and different ideas and ways of doing things that someone else might not have thought of. It also creates a checking system to ensure all details of the design are correct and will work, and nothing has been missed.
4. Can you accommodate my budget?
You might not want to share your budget with a designer straight away, but if you don’t, you risk being presented with a beautiful design you simply can’t afford. Disclosing your budget early on means your designer can achieve the look you want but using materials and options within that budget.
For example, a quartz worktop, as seen here, can recreate the luxurious look of granite or marble, yet is a less expensive option.
Your designer can also offer cost-saving tips. If a full glass splashback is too costly, for example, they might suggest a glazed panel behind the hob with matching upstand instead, which involves less material and so costs less.
Your designer can also advise how much you need to allow for other components, such as flooring, worktops and sinks. Setting a budget and sticking to it is important, otherwise your project can quickly become stressful and unenjoyable.
More: Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Kitchen
You might not want to share your budget with a designer straight away, but if you don’t, you risk being presented with a beautiful design you simply can’t afford. Disclosing your budget early on means your designer can achieve the look you want but using materials and options within that budget.
For example, a quartz worktop, as seen here, can recreate the luxurious look of granite or marble, yet is a less expensive option.
Your designer can also offer cost-saving tips. If a full glass splashback is too costly, for example, they might suggest a glazed panel behind the hob with matching upstand instead, which involves less material and so costs less.
Your designer can also advise how much you need to allow for other components, such as flooring, worktops and sinks. Setting a budget and sticking to it is important, otherwise your project can quickly become stressful and unenjoyable.
More: Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Kitchen
5. How many design options will you present to me – and in what format?
When planning your kitchen, you need a designer who is willing to show you different options until the design is right for you. You might be unsure of altering an existing layout and need to compare different possibilities, or you might want to consider changes in cabinetry or worktop colours. Your designer should work through every aspect of your design with you, tailoring it until it’s right.
The presentation of designs is also important – and CAD (Computer Aided Design) drawings, like this one, should be of a high-enough quality, and show enough different room angles for you to truly visualise your intended space.
Bear in mind that some companies charge for designs. Find this out from the beginning, so you don’t end up buying from somewhere just because you’ve already incurred a design cost.
When planning your kitchen, you need a designer who is willing to show you different options until the design is right for you. You might be unsure of altering an existing layout and need to compare different possibilities, or you might want to consider changes in cabinetry or worktop colours. Your designer should work through every aspect of your design with you, tailoring it until it’s right.
The presentation of designs is also important – and CAD (Computer Aided Design) drawings, like this one, should be of a high-enough quality, and show enough different room angles for you to truly visualise your intended space.
Bear in mind that some companies charge for designs. Find this out from the beginning, so you don’t end up buying from somewhere just because you’ve already incurred a design cost.
6. What’s the timescale?
It’s important to research a kitchen company before committing to them, including how they operate, and the likely timescale this means for your project.
Timescales vary between companies. If you order a kitchen from a European company, it will generally take longer, because the kitchen has to be exported from outside the UK. Bespoke designs also take longer.
If you know the timescale for each phase of your project, it will help you plan for it and ensure it all goes smoothly. This includes knowing how long the fitters are likely to be on site, how long you’ll be without a working oven and sink, and how long any remedial works will take.
Knowing how long the project will take also means you can make sure you’ve chosen the finishing touches, such lighting or wall paint, in time. Your kitchen designer should give you an estimated completion date from the point of order.
More: How to Draw Up a Timetable for Your Kitchen Renovation
It’s important to research a kitchen company before committing to them, including how they operate, and the likely timescale this means for your project.
Timescales vary between companies. If you order a kitchen from a European company, it will generally take longer, because the kitchen has to be exported from outside the UK. Bespoke designs also take longer.
If you know the timescale for each phase of your project, it will help you plan for it and ensure it all goes smoothly. This includes knowing how long the fitters are likely to be on site, how long you’ll be without a working oven and sink, and how long any remedial works will take.
Knowing how long the project will take also means you can make sure you’ve chosen the finishing touches, such lighting or wall paint, in time. Your kitchen designer should give you an estimated completion date from the point of order.
More: How to Draw Up a Timetable for Your Kitchen Renovation
7. How can I add value to my home?
Designing a kitchen to suit your needs is different from designing one to add value to your home. You can achieve both, but for the latter, you might need to forgo some preferred features.
You might love bright red kitchen furniture, for instance, but this won’t appeal to a mass market. Instead, your designer will advise more neutral cabinetry, like the type seen in this all-white kitchen. Similarly, while a top-of-the range kitchen sound system might be key to you, it’s unlikely you’d recoup the cost when selling your home.
As well as advising what not to include, your designer should be able to help you go for features that make strong selling points. This might include a design to suit the space, colours and materials that are popular and unlikely to date, and recognisable brand names for appliances.
Designing a kitchen to suit your needs is different from designing one to add value to your home. You can achieve both, but for the latter, you might need to forgo some preferred features.
You might love bright red kitchen furniture, for instance, but this won’t appeal to a mass market. Instead, your designer will advise more neutral cabinetry, like the type seen in this all-white kitchen. Similarly, while a top-of-the range kitchen sound system might be key to you, it’s unlikely you’d recoup the cost when selling your home.
As well as advising what not to include, your designer should be able to help you go for features that make strong selling points. This might include a design to suit the space, colours and materials that are popular and unlikely to date, and recognisable brand names for appliances.
8. Where do the kitchens you design sit in the market and why?
Not all kitchens are created equal – a fact reflected in your kitchen’s quality and price, the service you receive, and the warranty.
There are different types of kitchens available, including off-the-shelf, flat pack/self-assembly ones, which are at the lower end of the market.
A mid-range style of kitchen consists of standard-sized cabinets, purchased ready-made and ready to fit. Custom kitchen designs are usually rigidly manufactured with glued and dowelled joints for all cabinetry. Having been engineered to a specific order, they are delivered assembled and ready for installation. Italian and German kitchen brands usually fall into this category.
At the very top end of the market are fully bespoke kitchens, like the one seen here. With these designs, there are no restrictions on shapes, finishes, colours, carcass size or materials. A bespoke kitchen may also include hand finishing on cabinetry, carried out after fitting, and according to exact customer specification.
More: How Much Does a Bespoke Kitchen Cost?
Not all kitchens are created equal – a fact reflected in your kitchen’s quality and price, the service you receive, and the warranty.
There are different types of kitchens available, including off-the-shelf, flat pack/self-assembly ones, which are at the lower end of the market.
A mid-range style of kitchen consists of standard-sized cabinets, purchased ready-made and ready to fit. Custom kitchen designs are usually rigidly manufactured with glued and dowelled joints for all cabinetry. Having been engineered to a specific order, they are delivered assembled and ready for installation. Italian and German kitchen brands usually fall into this category.
At the very top end of the market are fully bespoke kitchens, like the one seen here. With these designs, there are no restrictions on shapes, finishes, colours, carcass size or materials. A bespoke kitchen may also include hand finishing on cabinetry, carried out after fitting, and according to exact customer specification.
More: How Much Does a Bespoke Kitchen Cost?
9. What are my options regarding brand, range and manufacturer?
Whether it’s cabinets, appliances or worktops, there are many brand and material options to choose from. Your designer should be able to advise you on the most popular, safest and most reliable brands. They should also guide you through the options, recommending the best ones to suit your needs and budget.
For example, if you never cook and care more about how your kitchen looks, there’d be no point in your designer recommending a top-of-the-range oven with the best technology. Instead, they could suggest you go for an oven with a similar look, but with simpler functionality – and then spend the saving on a striking splashback or better grade of cabinet finish.
Whether it’s cabinets, appliances or worktops, there are many brand and material options to choose from. Your designer should be able to advise you on the most popular, safest and most reliable brands. They should also guide you through the options, recommending the best ones to suit your needs and budget.
For example, if you never cook and care more about how your kitchen looks, there’d be no point in your designer recommending a top-of-the-range oven with the best technology. Instead, they could suggest you go for an oven with a similar look, but with simpler functionality – and then spend the saving on a striking splashback or better grade of cabinet finish.
10. How do I choose the right style of kitchen for my home?
A kitchen design must work with the rest of your home’s interior. If you want to complement your property’s existing style, let your designer know this so they can work towards this goal.
If your initial meeting with your kitchen designer doesn’t take place in your home, bring some photos of it with you so they can get a real feel for it. They can then advise on what styles will or won’t work. For example, if you have an open-plan kitchen and living area, you might want your cabinetry, worktops and flooring to complement the adjoining space to create a flowing, harmonious feel.
Alternatively, you may want to create a contrast and firmly define the kitchen and living room areas as two separate spaces.
Whatever your end goal, it’s essential you let your designer know, so they can create your ideal kitchen.
Tell us…
What other questions for kitchen designers do you think would be helpful? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
A kitchen design must work with the rest of your home’s interior. If you want to complement your property’s existing style, let your designer know this so they can work towards this goal.
If your initial meeting with your kitchen designer doesn’t take place in your home, bring some photos of it with you so they can get a real feel for it. They can then advise on what styles will or won’t work. For example, if you have an open-plan kitchen and living area, you might want your cabinetry, worktops and flooring to complement the adjoining space to create a flowing, harmonious feel.
Alternatively, you may want to create a contrast and firmly define the kitchen and living room areas as two separate spaces.
Whatever your end goal, it’s essential you let your designer know, so they can create your ideal kitchen.
Tell us…
What other questions for kitchen designers do you think would be helpful? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Though not strictly to do with the design aspect if the company claims to be bespoke it’s worth asking where and how the kitchen is made. If they make it themselves feel free to ask to see the factory/workshop, it will really help to give you an idea of the quality of the product and may help you decide which company to work with. We frequently get people who say that a tour of the workshops was what made them choose to work with us.
I have a very small space where I would like a kitchen to go eventually (to turn a large kitchen into a kitchen/livingroom in a small flat. I have many ideas but really need a professional kitchen designer. However I am worried about the extra costs. How much do kitchen designers cost?
Hi Sarah, thanks for your message. The kitchen design service is usually free but some companies charge before they will release your plans to you, so you should always ask if this is the case, and if so what the costs are, before you start. We are a London-based company and don't charge for our services or plans- if you would like an appointment please let me know? Graeme, LWK Kitchens