Most kitchen companies offer FREE kitchen design services so try to visit a number of kitchen companies. Even if you don't use them you should come away with some great kitchen design ideas.
Kitchen design companies
Before you go to any company for kitchen design services:
- Take exact measurements of where services are e.g. gas and water
- Note down ideas about what you do and don't want in your kitchen
- Think about how you want to use the kitchen space practically and socially
- Take extracts from magazines of kitchens you like
- Use the JuggleFrogs kitchen ideas gallery for inspiration on kitchen design
- Take pictures of your current kitchen so that they can see the space you currently have
Don't be afraid to go back two or three times until you're 100 per cent happy with your kitchen design - and don't be pressured into extras you don't think will work for you. As for using kitchen fitters if the price is right it can be best to go for the company's recommended fitters. That way, if kitchen parts don't show up or there are problems, they can usually fix things more quickly, which means less stress for you.
CAD kitchen design - DIY
Another great alternative you can do at home - lots of companies now have online CAD kitchen design services so you can freely play with your kitchen design. IKEA has a pretty good one that is easy to use. Although it uses their kitchens it helps to see in 3d how the space might look.
Kitchen design services
Depending on your kitchen budget there are loads of options. Firstly, use our kitchen ideas gallery to help find the kitchen style you are looking for. It allows you to filter by style, colour, price and so on to give you ideas for the kind of kitchen you want. It's time to ditch the scrap book!
- Wickes have a range of kitchen cabinets
- Screwfix always great prices on kitchen products
- Kitchens Direct huge range of kitchens
- Don't forget IKEA
- MAGNET just launched a huge new range for 2008
- William Ball visit the stores for ex display models on sale.
- MFI - check out new kitchen range
If you are looking for accessories, Professional Cookware have some great offers.
Top tips when buying a kitchen
- Make sure you know what you want. Spend time researching advice and ideas for design and style - the more you prepare the happier you are likely to be with the end result
- Consider using professional kitchen design services
- Measure your space and take all details with you when you shop
- Document any questions you have so you are well prepared when talking to designers. Some of them will play hardball so you need to be ready
- If you go for end-of-line products be prepared to compromise... And make sure you check for any damage
- If they won't budge on price they are more likely to throw in some extras, a pull out cabinet for example or upgrade your work surface
- Above all it's a big decision so don't let anyone rush you
Good luck and if you need any help finding kitchen design services lets us know.