Designing a kitchen from scratch

[DollyParsnip]

Hi all,

We're looking at re jigging our mortgage and possibly taking a bit more out to pay for a new kitchen, as our old one - though serviceable - is ancient.

It would be a total scorched earth refit; we'll be keeping doors and windows in the same place but everything else needs to go back to the brickwork. We'll also be hopefully getting the house rewired at the same time.

So. Given all the above where do we start? Any advice or recommendations?

TIA for any advice!

[bilbodog]

I would decide what type of kitchen you want and then find someone who produces the type of units you like and go to them - all companies now help with designing layout of kitchens. Then you can spend time tweaking it, looking at other companies who do similar kitchens and trying to find one doing the best price. I used a company called Unfitted.com who do hand built painted units and a lot of free-standing units - I have a country kitchen look in my house. I also used old/vintage antique pine cupboards and things to create an eclectic look - as well as it saving money. Very exciting, good luck.

[NowABitShapeless]

We went to a local kitchen company on recommendation who did all the designing for us. We just told them our must haves. They thought of everything we didn't, so it was brilliant, they really know how to use the space available.

[DollyParsnip]

Thank you, have been having Fantasy Kitchen daydreams in my head but now it's possibly coming to reality I'm a bit scared! Will start looking at kitchen places, and working out what we want .

[MoreBeta]

Don't be sucked in by all the fancy pull out corner cupboards, etc. The racks inside those cupboards and drawer dividers are eye wateringly expensive for what they are.

Spend most of your time figuring out exactly how you will use it. Make sure you get the appliances, sinks, store cupboards and preparation surfaces in the right place in relation to each other.

[Lweji]

I really liked using the IKEA kitchen planner. Even if you end up not buying it from there, it gives you an idea of what it will look like.
They also have useful tips.
Have a triangle between the stove/hobs, sink and fridge, so that you can work easily between the three key points. Lots of vertical storage, if you don't have much space. Think of where you want to wash the dishes.
Consider if you will want working space or to eat in the kitchen as well.
I'd avoid inbuilt appliances, unless you can splash out. It looks nicer, but they are more expensive.

[DollyParsnip]

Thank you, that's where I think I need the guidance. We're lucky to have a good sized space and have lived with the existing kitchen for 4 years (since we moved in), so I'm now so used to this layout I need a fresh look at the space to ensure I don't replace like for like .

[Achooblessyou]

I loved the ikea kitchen planner too. And looking at lots of kitchen shops for inspiration.

You could have a "designer" do it for you but it's much more satisfying to do it yourself!

Don't put your fridge or freezer next to the oven. Don't get a wooden worktop unless you can cope with the faff. Built in appliances can be smaller than their free standing counterparts.

List all the things/ spaces you want/need eg do you want hidden recycling bins and/or laundry and cleaning stuff space/ built in microwave.

I'd go for induction hob or at least a nice easy clean ceramic one. Also one of those instant boiling water taps.

Lots of plugs and nice mood lighting.

[lolalotta]

Bilbodog your kitchen sounds lovely! Do you have pictures?

[Gusthetheatrecat]

Another recommendation for Oneplan here. I was getting totally flummoxed with kitchen design. Had three designs from three places, none of which was exactly what I wanted.
Karen from Oneplan did us a design, and once we had that I just buzzed it off to various places and asked them to piece against it. Was so worthwhile.

[dailyfix]

Also decide on your budget.
It's very easy to get sucked into a delicious kitchen vortex and somehow convince yourself that you need to spend 60K.
I really wanted a Tom Howley kitchen but managed to find a wonderful local kitchen designer & maker who got me the look at about a 3rd of the price.

[pashmina696]

decide your budget then go to some kitchen showrooms - get an idea of the look you want, and consider the types and size of sink, oven, fridge-freezer you want, worktop etc and also the flooring, ideally get a few different designs done by different people - some companies have a much larger choice of units, which can help maximise the space. magnet usually do free designs.

[AdoraBelleOfTheBoys]

We're doing ours atm. My project manager told me to list all the things that do my head in about current kitchen. From this I made a list of must-haves and a list of wants. Then (this might sound a bit bonkers) I stood in the middle and pretended to cook Christmas dinner in my ideal kitchen, imagining all the things I wanted, and how I wanted to feel when cooking, who I wanted total to, everything. Then I had a really good feel of what I needed. I drew what I'd imagined, gave it to DH and my PM, who took it to Howdens and they produced a CAD. I'm now debating switching the fridge and a cupboard, but I cried when I saw it because apparently I'm mad now

Also: it includes a Wine Fridge.

Just standing in it and pretending to do the most complicated thing I'll be doing in it really gave me a good sense of things I needed - so I thought I wanted a range before I started because of how they look, but we're actually having a double wall oven because I've got a bad back and won't have to bend down with tins of hot fat etc. It wouldn't have occurred to me to want this if I hadn't really moved around the kitchen and just thought about the look of it.

Have fun!

[AdoraBelleOfTheBoys]

*who I wanted to talk to

of course

[OnePlanOnHouzz]

Thanks for the mention Chapuys and Gusthetheatrecat I don't come on here everyday - but should be alerted to any PM's anyone sends me ! I will Happily safety check any mumsnetters own plans too if you feel more inclined to design for yourselves !

[sweetheart]

Does anyone here know how to get in touch with oneplan?

[OnePlanOnHouzz]

You can PM me !!