A Buyer’s Guide to Bespoke Kitchen Design

Whether you are building a new house, extending the space you already have or remodeling, getting the kitchen of your dreams can be both challenging and confusing. There are a lot of things to consider, least of which include the design, the contractor you get for the job, the cost, how long it will take, and much more. It is not always easy to know where to start, so we have put together a guide to help you get the bespoke kitchen of your dreams.

Visualize What You Need

Before you contact any contractors, it is always a good idea to know how you want the kitchen to work for you. The best place to start is by visualizing your new kitchen’s layout. Visualization is a very important tool because it will help you see how you will make the best use of your kitchen.

Next, think about all the things you do not like about your kitchen and how they can be changed to work better for you. All the little things that currently do not work in your kitchen should be noted down so the contractor knows to avoid them.

Think About Your Appliances

The appliances you have or choose to keep after the construction or renovations are done will dictate your new kitchen’s design to some extent. Start by listing down all the appliances you already have. Next, take note of which appliances you will keep or have replaced and then make a list of all the new appliances you need in the new kitchen.

The appliances you choose to keep or add to your new bespoke kitchen should match the way you will use the new kitchen. Do not add any appliances you will not often use because, in addition to taking up valuable space, they will be a waste of money if you rarely use them.

Consider Your Storage Needs

As with appliances, your storage needs will play a crucial role in the final design. Start by evaluating your storage needs. Take note of the areas that are cramped and which areas still have a lot of space remaining. Doing this will tell your designer what to change or how to design the new kitchen to make use of the whole storage space if some of the space is rarely used.

If you have kids or pets, you also need to think about their needs. For example, you need to have space to store phone chargers and other appliances as well as food for the pets.

Think About Lighting

Once you have an idea of what you will have in the kitchen, you need to think about the lighting. Good lighting can make a huge difference in how easy and enjoyable your kitchen will be to use or even be in.

Ambient lighting refers to the lights on your walls and ceilings. They illuminate the largest part of the kitchen and should be considered first as they are your primary source of artificial light. Ambient lights will give your kitchen its mood and should, therefore, be considered carefully so that they go with the rest of the house.

Task lights light up the areas where you will do most of the work. These include the sink, hob and worktops which should all be well illuminated. Although under cabinet lights are popular, ceiling spotlights are a great option if you would like a lot of light.

Accent lights illuminate a smaller area and are used to create different effects in the kitchen. Good examples include lighting inside the cabinets or strips of lights under the base of a kitchen island.

Gather Inspiration

In many cases, you might have an idea of what you want the layout to be and how you want the kitchen to work, but you may not have a clear picture of how you want it to look. A little of research can help. There are magazines and websites like Pinterest that can help you find designs that will inspire your new kitchen design. They showcase the different designs, aesthetics, looks and feels you can experiment with to get the kitchen you want.

Remember that since this is a bespoke kitchen you are having designed, try not to copy any design wholesale, but rather borrow a few ideas from each of the designs you like. This will help you have a better idea of what would or would not work for you.

Decide on a Budget

Many of us have a limited amount of money to spend on new bespoke kitchens, so a budget is crucial. Your bespoke kitchen can be quite expensive, so have a list of everything that needs to be done beforehand. Things like the number of cabinets and appliances you need as well as the material and finishes your kitchen will have should be listed down before you get in touch with a designer.

Consult with an Open-Minded Designer

When you need to bring all the inspiration and ideas you have together, it pays to talk to a kitchen designer who can help you refine your ideas or even help you come up with one concrete final design. The designer should be willing to come over to know you and talk about the ideas you have for the kitchen, which will help them understand what you want the new design to look and feel like.

During their visit, the designer can also look at the space you are working with and try to see if the ideas you have would work in the amount of space you have. A separate session can then be arranged to discuss how to blend their ideas with the ideas you already have so you end up with the perfect final design.

Designers like Kitchen Capital pay attention to all the above and work with you to achieve your requirements by providing innovative, creative and practical ways to do so. Kitchen Capital also design kitchens for new homes and kitchen renovations in addition to ensuring all the kitchens they design are unique and built to the highest standards.

Find a Reliable Supplier

Whether you are designing the kitchen yourself or having a designer do it for you, you should source your materials from a reputable and reliable supplier. When choosing a supplier to work with, start by asking them where they are located. It is important to know where to find them if you need their services in the future.

It is also important to know the types of warranties they offer. A kitchen remodel, renovation or overhaul is expensive, so you need to know your investment is protected somehow. In addition to additions like cabinets and worktops, you also need to check that they offer warranties for all appliances they add to your kitchen.

Although looking up reviews is always a good step, do go further and visit the designer or contractor at their offices. Doing this lets you see their products, test their appliances and talk to their designers to better understand their process.

Bespoke kitchen designs are great because they give you the exact kitchen you want – a kitchen that caters to your needs and ensures your cooking experience is fun and enjoyable. When getting one done, remember to define what you need and contact reliable designers and suppliers for the best results.