I just wanted to share my recent experience of looking for a new kitchen as it may help others. For ages I have wanted bi-folding doors to go out onto my patio from my kitchen but this would mean having to remove some of my kitchen units along with granite worktop and expensive flooring which were all put in 9 years ago when I first moved in.
I was told by lots of people that I would need to get a whole new kitchen and have it re-planned. Friends thought I was mad getting a new kitchen as my own looked really nice. I spent hour researching best kitchens with German ones always coming out on top. I got quotes from 18k to 25k from 2 local kitchen design companies and John Lewis to supply and fit a new kitchen. Far too expensive as I am using my existing appliances and the electric and plumbing supplies are already in place.
I then read on a forum (sorry mumsnet it was Piston Heads) that Crown Imperial (who did my original kitchen) do a design similar to a well know German company. Having tracked them down and working with their fantastic designer I have managed to get an even better kitchen by leaving most of the layout as it currently stands. She has added in some great new additions like a larder cupboard and a wine fridge and simply by just tweaking the rest of the layout and replacing the old doors (and keeping the original carcases) with new white handle-less ones I have a really brilliant kitchen which is exactly what I wanted for less than half the lowest price I was being quoted. She has even planned cupboards around my large double fridge/freezer which the others said had to go as it was too large to fit.
I have sourced the bi-folding doors (excellent German ones) and the quartz worktop and glass splashback and got some brilliant bargains by shopping around and 'squeezing the pips' out of everyone.
Work starts in two weeks. Wish me luck!!!!!!!