Whether your new kitchen is for a new house you are building, or part of renovation, there is no doubt it requires a significant financial investment. Working with an experienced Kitchen Designer can save you time and money as well as help you create a kitchen you’ll love.
An independent kitchen designer can recommend a preferred supplier and installer to suit your specific project or give you the design and specifications to shop around local kitchen suppliers and get quotes based on your inclusions.
So how do you best prepare before you start working with a kitchen designer?
Top tips to help you get the most out of your kitchen design consultation
1. Start a collection of ideas
How you collate your ideas is up to you. Consider using a scrapbook for images from magazines or printed images from the web; or start a board online on either Pinterest or Houzz to save inspirational images to. Remember to make a note of what it is you like about a particular kitchen or style.
2. Create a wish list
Be specific about the things you want to include in your kitchen. Make a note of the things you don’t like about your existing kitchen and include your ‘non-negotiables’ – the things you must have in your new kitchen. Consider lighting, finishes, storage and layout and write it all down.
3. Know your budget
This is perhaps one of the most important factors when embarking on a new kitchen. An experienced kitchen designer can guide and advise you on the best options to suit your budget and get the look you want. Knowing where you should spend and where you can save money allows you to stay on track with your budget and get the kitchen you desire.
4. Research appliances
Whether you prefer to research online, in-store or both, a shortlist of appliances can help your kitchen designer to create your new kitchen design. Consider how you will use your kitchen and the space available. Remember, the size of appliances needs to suit your lifestyle, budget and kitchen size. Ask questions in appliance stores to ensure you understand how products differ and check out reviews online from qualified sources such as Choice.
5. Look at finishes
This includes finishes for kitchen cabinets, bench tops and splashbacks, along with possible changes to flooring that may need to be taken into consideration. Visit suppliers or kitchen showrooms and view and/or collect samples of finishes. An experienced kitchen designer will discuss the best finishes to suit your practical and functional needs and recommend the best options to suit your budget.
Planning your new kitchen requires preparation and the more you do before your design consultation, the easier the design process will be. A comprehensive kitchen design consultation will uncover products and finishes, with the best functions and features, to enhance the day-to-day use of your kitchen. An experienced kitchen designer will equip you with additional information, ideas and design possibilities to suit your personal situation and provide professional advice to potentially help you save on costly mistakes.
Check out how long it takes to renovate a kitchen and the kitchen installation process here.
Bella Vie Interiors offers different options to suit your design needs, including design only or full service interior design. We can do as much, or as little as you require helping bring your vision to life.
How much should you spend on a kitchen renovation?
The cost of a new kitchen will depend on a range of factors, including your kitchen’s size, condition, design complexity, the materials you want to use and your vision for the space.
The 2017/18 Housing Industry Association (HIA) Kitchens and Bathrooms survey found the average cost to renovate a kitchen in Australia was $21,132. However, my experience is a kitchen makeover can be a low as 10,000 and generally go upwards of $25,000 for a full renovation depending on the scope of work and design required.
You will need to consider the materials you use as they will influence your budget significantly. You also need to budget for the type of kitchen appliances you want, they too range from basic to top of the range European brands. The size of the job, the type of tradespeople you hire, and your location will impact the cost. A small kitchen is going to cost less to redesign and refit than a big one.
You want to make sure that your kitchen renovation is going to work for you and will add value to your home.
Planning a new Kitchen or renovation project? Get started by reading all the tips on how to create a functional and beautiful new kitchen.
Getting Ready for a New Design or Renovation Project?
A new home design or renovation is not something you do on a whim, it requires planning.
Whether you are renovating a bedroom or a whole house there’s a few essential steps that will help as you embark on this exciting and sometimes daunting journey.
My 6 Top Tips for Planning Your Home Renovation
- Do your Homework & Define your Scope
- Know your Budget
- Know your Limitations
- Hire Experts
- Have a Plan
- Open & Honest Communication
Resources to Help You Get Started
Need More Information?
If you have any questions or would like help with your bulding or renovation projects, feel free to contact us for a no obligation discussion.
We help busy families and individuals achieve their ideal version of luxury living, blending it seamlessly with practicality to suit their lifestyle perfectly.
If you are building or renovating, we’d love to hear from you to discuss creating a beautiful interior that fits your dream of luxury living.
