Research for your new kitchen

A bit of research is vital and will really help when you make your ‘Wish List’ and talk to a designer.

The best places to start are magazines, the internet, visiting showrooms and talking to friends.  Having said that, take everything you learn with a pinch of salt and with your head firmly on your shoulders!  I’ve lost count of the number of times clients present me with their research and ‘Wish List’ having lost sight of where they live and the size of the space…

1.  Magazines are a great source of inspiration so cut out pictures of what you like and even start a scrap book or folder.  Some magazines can be a bit unrealistic though – they would have us all believe that everyone has polyurethane kitchens with marble bench tops (or that kitchens can be renovated in a few days).  Look at specific renovation magazines as well as Design and Life Style ones.

2.  The internet is another good tool and there are some great sites like Pinterest or Houzz.  

3.  Visit showrooms but please don’t be a slave to fashion!  A word of caution here too:  When you are approached by an assistant, be firm that you are just gathering ideas.  Some companies are very professional but others are keen to make an appointment for someone to come out and see you.  You might think it’s a good idea so you get a rough idea of design and price.  ‘Free Design and Quote’ after all…, but just remember there is no such thing as a ‘free lunch’ as the old saying goes!  This can be very traumatic as there are some very slick sales-people who dream up all sorts of ‘hooks’ and incentives to make you ‘sign on the night’.  Don’t fall for it; suppliers price increases or a company trying to bolster sales in the quieter months are usually the only feasible reasons for price savings and a sense of urgency.

4.  Talking to friends can be useful too.  Ask for their experiences and look at what they have done.  Please don’t ask too many friends though!  It can get confusing and they all suddenly become experts!  This won’t help the professional design process and it makes it hard for you too.

This research might make you think that there are limited choices or that you really ought to get what is currently in vogue.  There are many choices.  If you need a kid-friendly or hard working kitchen, don’t believe the media OR your friends with adult children (who eat out every night) and think anything other than polyurethane and marble will make you look totally out of touch!  It’s your home and you know how you live and what you want to achieve so have faith in yourself and don’t be swayed!  A professional designer with lots of experience will be able to guide you and make your dream a reality as well as being practical.

Once you’ve done all this you are ready to make your ‘Wish List’.  Good hunting!