As professional kitchen designers, manufacturers and fitters of 40 years’ standing we know a new kitchen is a very exciting prospect and also quite a daunting one. It’s cost, lifespan and fundamental place in everyday life makes it important to get it right. So how can you be sure you’re making the right decisions? Here are our top tips.

1. Research: Take the time to see what’s out there

Keep a record of the things you love. Take photos of the appliances or design features you like in friends’ kitchens. Pore over magazines and look online for inspiration from the likes of Pinterest. Keep a scrapbook or mood board of your favourites – from colour swatches to taps and tea towels. It all helps to inform your kitchen designer.

2. Find your expert: Choose a designer who you like and who understands your vision

An expert kitchen designer will give you useful intelligence on the best appliances for your needs, the practicalities of your chosen flooring and worktops and the best layouts for cooking, families, entertaining.

3. Seeing is the believing: Ask your designer for a CAD drawing

Computer Aided Design (CAD) is snazzier than it sounds. Think of it like an animated (CGI) film of your life to come. It provides uncannily realistic pictures of the room you’re creating. These CAD drawings can really help you to make the right decisions because everything is to scale, so you can see exactly how much surface space you’ll have or how far the sink is from the oven. You can use them to try out different finishes, curves, colours and configurations to make sure everything you want fits and looks great.
It’s not just for kitchens either CAD can be applied to any room or area. We’re famous for our kitchens, many don’t realise that our team can transform any space from bathrooms to studies, cinemas, playrooms, under stairs storage, pantries, laundry rooms, dressing rooms, boot rooms– you name it.

4. Cost up EVERY element: From appliances to lighting, accessories and plumbing

It sounds crazy but different kitchen companies price completely differently so it’s difficult to compare a like-for-like quote. It’s worth putting together your own table detailing the various factors to ensure you can compare the quotes.
To talk about your next project call us on 01473 610192, visit www.bhdemo.co.uk/afmigrate  or come to our showroom at 34 Gloster Road, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich.