Create the kitchen of your dreams

Installing a new kitchen is a big investment of both time and money, so you want to make sure you do all the necessary preparation before jumping in headfirst. From making a list of all the things you want and need – as well as deciding what you definitely don’t want – to setting a budget and choosing the perfect style, colour and layout, our handy guide will see you through the planning process step by step. By breaking it down into sections, you can create the stress-free and stylish kitchen transformation you’ve always dreamed of!

1 MAKE A WISHLIST

Any good kitchen designer will take time to discuss your needs and lifestyle before starting to design your kitchen, so do this yourself as a first step. Think about how many people use the kitchen for cooking and dining, what sort of meals you like to cook, what your current kitchen is lacking in – is there enough storage and workspace, for instance – and before long, you’ll have a wish-list of elements you want to include. Make two lists. The first should be for your needs, such as certain appliances, task lighting, a breakfast bar or dining table for eating, anything for easy access, or for the children. The second list is for your wants – this could be a fancy wine cabinet, a statement cooker hood, a builtin spice rack near the hob, and so on. You can then choose items from each list once you have a budget in place.

2 SET A BUDGET

Work out how much you can comfortably afford to spend, and remember that you will need to cover the cost of installation as well as any extra work, such as removing the old kitchen, electrics, gas, plumbing, plastering, tiling and worktop templating. If you’re using a full-service kitchen company or their recommended installers, ask for an all-in fixed price that covers every part of removing the old kitchen and installing the new, to avoid any hidden surprises. Some things can’t be predicted, of course, so it’s a good idea to have a little set aside for any unforeseen jobs, such as moving pipework. Once you know your budget, you can then work out where to spend and where