Independent kitchen designer and ex-display kitchen. Feasible?

[emanuela]

Hi,

I intend to change the kitchen in my house some time next year. I started looking to have an idea and I found a couple of ex-display kitchens which looked perfect.
However, I would like to hire an independent kitchen designer and then ask him/her whether the ex display kitchens would fit and how to adapt them.

Is this feasible? Is there an independent kitchen designer happy to work in London on mumsnet who would be happy to help me?

Thanks

[sh77]

In the same boat. I have measured my kitchen and sent it to the ex-display company, who will work out which cabinets will fit. I also have given the plans to a local company selling the same brand as the ex-display one to see what they come up with. I would be interested how you get on. I am in London also.

[emanuela]

Hi sh77. Where about are you? What brand of kitchens are you looking for? I saw some wonderful Roundhouse kitchens (ex display). They were going for 4-6k, well below the 35k they normally retail for. I will definitely let you know if I find somebody. I have the names of 3 independent designers, will email them and then let you know what they say.

I am in north london.

[sh77]

I am in W9 and so not far. Sounds like you have found some bargains!
I am looking a Poggenpohl and Siematic. I found a company who has some cancelled orders as his client went bankrupt and so he is desperate to get rid of the cabinets.
Some of the ex display kitchens I have seen are way too big for my kitchen but one showroom said if they had not sold it by their deadline, they would consider reconfiguring it to my kitchen and selling the units and appliances that fit.
The other tip I received was to go to the renovation show in Olympia in Sept and bargain to buy the exhibition kitchens. Apparently some are cheaper than ex-display.

Will keep you posted!

[emanuela]

Hi dh77, thanks for the tip about the Olympia show. I will go and have a look. With Roundhouse, they periodically change the display and sell the ex display kitchens on eBay. They have just renovated the marylebone shop and Fulham one. I am waiting for the next renovation and then I will see.

Have a look at the used kitchen company as well. I also now and then walk by Harvey Jones, Smallbone, and I go in and ask. I just need help so that it fits perfectly.

[sh77]

I have been looking at kitchensynch and usedkitchens. Kitchensynch quoted 1500 to dismantle and deliver, which was too expensive I thought. Prefer to deal with showrooms. What kind of look are you after? Maybe if you do a rough plan with measurements of the walls and take pics of the current units, the showrooms could help you figure out initially if their kitchens would fit.

[emanuela]

Thanks, I will do that. Just to have an idea of how many units, etc,I will let you know how I get on. I hope a kind kitchen designer on mumsnet can help.

[LookWhoTalking]

There was one on here - TheWookiesWife why not message her

[emanuela]

Thanks I will message her.

[theWookiesWife]

hi ! someone mention me ?!
I'm a freelance kitchen designer ! work all over - as all done via email / Dropbox / iMessage etc !
the only thing I can't do is chat to you over the phone - as I can't talk anymore - hence I work remotely now !
www.houzz.com/pro/oneplan/oneplan
buying ex displays is a great way of making your budget do more for you ! great idea !!!

[emanuela]

thanks thewookies. this is a plan for next year, I like to communicate by email so I think we would get along very well.

[theWookiesWife]

well I look forward to emailing with you Emanuela - when you are ready ! kindest regards, karen AKA TheWookiesWife

[vinnymurray]

Dear All,

I'm currently looking at renovating my kitchen and finding it quite stressful.

I've had quotes form Wickes and Howdens and they both exceed my budget.

I've toyed with the idea of changing doors (but the units are very old), doing part of the kitchen and getting completely new kitchens. My kitchen needs decorating and new floor tiles.

I'm now looking at ex display kitchens and and trying to find reputable companies online.

Any additional advice/guidance would be grateful.

Thanks.

Vinny

[OnePlanOnHouzz]

Hi ... Have you looked on Ebay for bargains too ?! :-)

[vinnymurray]

Hi,

Thanks for the tip, I will also try Ebay.