No two families are the same, every project is a bespoke solution to suit the clients’ requirements and lifestyle. Think about the lifestyle of everyone who is going to use the kitchen. Is it mainly for cooking or is it part of a large social space with informal seating and dining in which case you will want a luxury kitchen company whose style can follow through into adjacent areas.
Consider the architecture of the house and choose a company whose furniture is appropriate, one who has experience in designing specifically for British housing stock. Do you want to make an individual statement, for instance taking architectural cues from the building? If so a bespoke kitchen designer can incorporate details into the cupboards such as chamfered edges, coving, panelled doors and other individually designed elements.
Finding a luxury kitchen company
Always choose an established company with a reputation for hand-crafted joinery. Visit a company that has one or more showrooms displaying their luxury kitchens so you can inspect the quality of the product and the standard of installation.
Nothing is a better recommendation than word-of-mouth. Ask family and friends for their experiences and speak to companies who provide a bespoke service in your area. You need to find a luxury kitchen maker who really listens to what you want and works collaboratively with you on the final design. Also, ask about the aftercare service they offer; a reputable company will back their product with long-term customer service and warranty.
Do your research first so you’ll have a good idea of what you are looking for ahead of contacting a kitchen company. Browse high-quality interiors magazines, request kitchen brochures and look online – Pinterest and Instagram are great sources of inspiration. Take the time to really look through their websites which should feature a good array of case studies in their portfolio showcasing their luxury kitchens in real homes.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary considerably. It is a good idea to have an idea of how much you want to spend and make your designer aware of your budget so they can advise you on what you should invest in and where you may be able to save. An experienced designer will be able to work to your budget suggesting appliances, worktops, etc at differing price points.
You should always receive a full written quote for the final price of your luxury kitchen. This quote should show the overall cost for the furniture and installation and detailed prices for the appliances, worktops and flooring.
How much design input will I have in my new kitchen?
Great designers are great listeners and will guide you through the process whilst listening to your ideas and style choices. To get the absolute maximum from your space, design expertise from a professional luxury kitchen designers can prove invaluable. Their experience and expertise will mean plenty of practical ideas – as well as innovative ones – that you might not have even considered. Kitchen designers will have up-to-the-minute knowledge of products, fixtures and fittings, and can source everything on your behalf.
Ultimately, they’ll help ensure your new luxury kitchen works as efficiently as possible, looks beautiful and has longevity.
Finding a designer that you have a rapport with can make all the difference. After talking through your requirements in an initial design consultation, measuring up and advising on what is and isn’t achievable, they’ll draw up a ground plan with elevations and invite you back into the showroom to present their scheme so that you will be able to see examples and samples.
To help them create your dream luxury kitchen collect as much reference material as possible from a variety of sources, such as magazines, Pinterest and websites. Pulling together a wish list of items, colours and appliances you love is a good starting point when you meet the kitchen designer. If you have a floor plan of the room that will be helpful too although a kitchen designer should always be prepared to visit your home to take accurate measurements.
Planning your new luxury kitchen
Take a look around your existing kitchen and make a list of all the things you like and those you dislike. If you have just moved into the property it may be advisable to live in it for a little while to get an understanding of what works, the light at different times of the day and how the space could be used.
Think about whether the actual space works or if it needs opening up or extending. The most common building work involves knocking down a wall between the kitchen and dining room to create a more open plan feel if you have the chance. It might help to consider how you want to use the room. Do you simply need a place to prepare meals or are you dreaming of a multifunctional area where you can also have lunch or dinner with family and friends? Would you like to incorporate a home office? If you dream of a large, open-plan kitchen, but don’t want to move home to get one, a kitchen extension could be just the solution your looking for. Natural light and sightlines are important. It may not be possible to add windows to a side extension, so glass roofing may be a good option. You want your extension to add space to your home but not space that is dark and uninviting.
How long does it take to plan, design and fit a luxury kitchen?
Designing your ideal kitchen should be inspiring and enjoyable so it best not to rush. Allow six months as a minimum but if your kitchen is part of a larger building project the kitchen designer should be involved early on to maximise design opportunities and ensure the services are sited correctly.
You will want to have sufficient time to fine-tune the design and, as this will be a luxury bespoke kitchen made specifically for you, a production slot will need to be booked. Manufacturing lead times can vary depending on how busy the kitchen company workshop is and if it coincides with a peak time such as the run-up to Christmas.
Installation should be overseen by a dedicated installation manager to ensure it runs smoothly and on schedule. At the top end of the market, bespoke companies offer a “dry” fit, working with the client’s own contractors who are undertaking the building, electrical and plumbing work. An expert installation team should be able to install the cabinets and worktops within one week, leaving the site for a week for the builder to connect the appliances and then returning for a final week to paint the furniture.
