Where do you Start when Planning your Dream Space?

There’s no question about it, but the kitchen is the centre of daily life as well as your home, hence the term “hub of the home”. However big or small your property is, it’s the room where family and friends come together, gather and unwind reflecting on the day.

A kitchen renovation is a big job and costs money but according to some research, it can potentially add up to 15% to the value of your home.

With the kitchen being used for almost anything in everyday life and the main room of the home, it is an ever-changing environment. When thinking about kitchens we know and recognise that the kitchen needs to be designed for modern living, serve multiple functions and suit you and your family’s individual lifestyle requirements.

To start a kitchen renovation you need to have some essential tips in mind, and this blog will share those with you, as well as preparing you in advance before sitting down with the designer to plan your dream space.

Mapesbury project

Starting at the beginning – the design stage

From the very beginning of your kitchen renovation journey, our talented kitchen designers will work closely with you to understand your needs, requirements and lifestyle. This is an important stage in creating your dream handmade kitchen, as it allows for a successful design that is not only functional but beautiful too. Every step of the way will be expertly managed, from the initial appointment to the final adjustments until you are completely satisfied that your overall vision has been achieved.

Preparing for the design meeting

When it comes to a kitchen renovation, it is one of the most exciting and yet time-consuming projects you can undertake. You can easily get carried away with unnecessary detail and missing crucial steps along the way. Most of the time before sitting down with a designer you would have visited us online or booked a showroom appointment to explore our beautiful collections and get an insight into the design process.

Preparing before a design meeting is key to a successful plan.

• Bring any architecture plans or room plans with dimensions. Incase of a new build or extension, we may have to be involved early in the planning stage so we can make suggestions. It is also good to know the location of electricity, water/waste so parts of the kitchen can be positioned accurately.
• Images of what the room looks like now. The more information our designers have, the better they can understand the project and give advice when needed.
• Mood boards that you may have created on Pinterest and any cuttings, images from brochures.
• Allow some time in the initial brief meeting with the designer. They are the most important where your wish lists are discussed and ideas turned into reality.
• Come with an open mind. This ensures we are able to create beautiful, brand new spaces that reflect your home and lifestyle.
• Have a rough budget as this will allow you to make decisions and prioritise certain aspects and areas of the design.

Creating and understanding your wishlist

Give your designer as much information as you can at the initial design meeting. Look around your existing kitchen and note down the pros and cons of the space. List your storage preferences from deep pan drawers to glazed cabinetry displaying cherished collectables or even a double pantry. Have you dreamt of top of the range appliances or cosy seating areas?

This stage is where you can roughly choose your dream kitchen style and play with colours and materials. We will do our best to include all of your personal preferences whilst adding our expert advice/ opinions and design flair.

Hadley Wood project

Planning the future of your home

If you are undergoing an extension, we highly recommend that you plan the kitchen before building work starts. Numerous kitchen layouts can be explored, with every kitchen being beautifully crafted for a millimetre perfect fit.

You need to think about budgets. If you are hiring trades in to complete building work, painting, tiling, flooring, plumbing and electrics these will all need to be factored in. We will give you a breakdown of the kitchen costs during the design process, making you feel comfortable and keeping you in control every step of the way.

You should also draw up a list of design elements that you may need in the future. For example, if you are thinking of growing your family, so the need for extra floor-to-ceiling cabinets, double ovens or a breakfast pantry is a must. The change in social behaviours may happen too, so you may opt for a larger island and a layout that allows easy access to all appliances and other areas of the kitchen at a safe social distance.

Hatfield Broad Oak project

Collecting ideas for your home’s interior

Digital mood boards are one of the easiest ways to show the kitchen designer your home interior inspiration. Pinterest is specifically designed for this, making it easier to relate back and visualise your dream home. Build your ideas around one image or key theme making you keep on track, and ask yourself is there a certain colour that instantly lifts your mood?

Physical mood boards such as magazines, material samples and colour swatches are wonderful ideas helping you too, to create your dream space.

Bishop’s Stortford project

Choosing the kitchen style

The kitchen style is a personal choice, however incorporating factors such as the architecture of the property and the overall interior styling also determine the style to go for.

Each of our truly bespoke shaker styles has a high level of design and elements that will fit into your home perfectly.

• Classic shaker – beautifully crafted in-frame shaker style with clean lines, a Georgian style beaded front frame, recessed panel doors and an in-line or recessed plinth.
• Traditional shaker – features a luxurious appearance with an exquisite deep-set and raised and fielded panel.
• Modern shaker – a fresh take on the traditional style with clean lines – multi-panelling on doors and drawers is possible.

We hand-paint our furniture from respectable paint companies such as Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, and we will give you design tips in additional extras such as lighting, seating, worktops and furnishings.

Clayhall project

We are here to help bring your kitchen design ideas to life throughout your kitchen renovation journey. Contact us today for more information – we look forward to hearing from you and creating that handmade kitchen you have always dreamed of.