Designing a kitchen with the professionals

Although the appeal of creating our own kitchen designs may be very attractive, the final result could miss the renovation mark. Consulting with a kitchen designer will give you the best interior for your home.

1. Weigh up the risk of DIY kitchen design

Unless you know exactly what you need and are totally up to speed with the kitchen products available, it's advisable to seek the advice of a professional kitchen designer. It will cost less to use a kitchen designer than to re-do a disaster.

2. Could one meeting make a difference?

Even just one consultation - with a professional kitchen designer - to verify your thoughts could avoid some disasters. By using a kitchen designer, you're taking advice from a trained professional who has years of experience in the industry.

Kitchen designers are also continually updated on new colour schemes, materials, space-saving ideas and kitchen cabinetry, so they can make suggestions you may not otherwise know about.

3. Communicate with your kitchen designer

Are you afraid of having your favourite colour schemes discarded? A good designer will listen to your ideas and incorporate them into the design.

A good relationship with a kitchen designer is essential. Make a wish list and share it with the designer at the outset, keeping a copy to re-check before you sign off on the final design.

4. Know the difference between types of designers

Like architects, independent kitchen designers charge a fee and concentrate on designing for your requirements and budget. You own the plans and specifications, so you're free to obtain equitable quotes.

On the other hand, designers from kitchen companies usually operate on a commission basis and may try to influence your kitchen product choices. These companies are unlikely to release plans until you have signed a contract.

5. Find a great designer

Word of mouth and internet searches are great ways to discover a kitchen designer. It's also a good idea to ask the professionals to provide you with testimonials from previous clients who can vouch for their work.

6. Think big

It's no use having the perfect kitchen if your whole home is in need of renovation. A design concept by an architect is advisable, to avoid expensive alterations later on.

An architect specialising in the area will produce a creative design that explores a range of renovation possibilities for your short, medium and long-term needs.

Contact a kitchen designer and talk about how you can maximise your kitchen renovation: