Where to start with completely re-designing a kitchen?

[BangingOn]

Our current kitchen is ancient, shoddily fitted and very poorly laid out. The room is relatively small (3.1 x 3.3m) and being an old, listed cottage means the shape is slightly impractical, but the current layout makes it seem even smaller and definitely doesn’t make the most of the space.

I’m struggling to visualise a better way to lay the room out but I’m sure there is one. I have no idea where to start- is it a case of asking for design ideas from a few different companies? The virtual planners are no good to me as I just don’t know where to start.

I’ve read plenty of reviews and threads on here about the best kitchen companies in terms of quality of units and value, but would appreciate some advice on who has the best designers in terms of choosing a layout and solutions for tricky rooms.

You could get quotes and drawings made up from kitchen companies! I don't think you're obliged to go with them once a design has been done?
I used Diy kitchens though, the planner is really good and simple to use and allowed us to have a real good change around of the room and see what did/didn't work.

That’s helpful, thank you. I’ve heard so many good things about DIY Kitchens. Maybe I should get some designs made and then try to recreate them on their planner. I feel like I need someone to look at the space and see solutions, whereas all I see are problems IYSWIM.

'kitchen designer' is a dirty word in this house as he couldn't even measure the room correctly.

you are best placed to work out what you want. Suggestion - two columns on a piece of paper. First one is 'what's wrong?' and second is 'what would I like instead?'

for instance, our first column included things like mould inside cupboards, fussy doors which trapped dirt, too-small fridge so needed space for a bigger one, no extractor fan, irritating handles that catch clothing, electric sockets in wrong place, upper cupboards not deep enough for plates etc etc.

second column will then have some obvious answers and you can add a wish list. Include things you like about what you have. E.g we had a new sink but it was the same size and design as the old one.

also think about wall finishes (we got rid of loads of ghastly fruit and veg design tiles, so it needed replastering), electrics, any plumbing moves, flooring etc.

BTW if it is an old solid wall, don't put the units directly against it. Put in a stud wall with gaps top and bottom to allow airflow. That has stopped our mouldy cupboard problem although obviously will lose a bit of space. Get finger holds cut out in plinths to allow in more air; you can't see them unless you get on the floor. Our undersink cupboard is against another old wall - some space was left and vent holes were also cut in the back panel. The installer objected as it didn't look good, we overruled as it meant it would work.

it will make you want to move house but it is worth it in the end.

Not sure if they are still on here, but Karen OnePlanOnHouzz used to offer advice on planning.

This is her website www.oneplan-design.co.uk/

and their projects are on Houzz

@BambooWhoosh thank you, I am checking the link out now.

@murbblurb that advice is exactly what I needed- I love the idea of breaking it down like that. I think we’ve lived with an awful kitchen for so long (other work took priority) that I’ve forgotten what it’s like to have a well laid out, lovely kitchen and can’t see the wood for the trees.

My advice is to get the layout decided before you even think about cupboard colours etc . Otherwise you get seduced by pretty pictures and forget about the recycling bins etc.

We used this designer - he was very good and the price was reasonable.

www.gvsdesigncompany.com/design-gallery/

I accurately measured mine myself, drew the shape on graph paper to scale, and then played around with paper cutouts of different units and appliances until I got it how I wanted. There’s probably an app that does the same, but I quite enjoyed doing it!

I used Karen at OnePlan and she was fabulous. Made us really think about what was important to us and could see things that we just couldn't. We now have a really functional kitchen that we love!

This is exactly what I need- someone who can see things I can’t see. It sounds like it would be money well spent.

It really is. She has different pricing plans, and at the end will provide you with the drawing and all measurements so you can then shop around for the best price.

This is exactly what we need- thank you!

I am currently using emily covey from covey kitchens as karen was booked up for months and suggested her, and so far she has been excellent!

I had a new kitchen of similar measurements to yours last year. The original was v dark.
I love quality (Higham kitchens) and style (Neptune). I love big Artworks in open spaces (Cy Twombly). Soft directional spotlights (Neptune)....And I like convenience (hot tap). But my budget was small!
So I chose Wren because I found they were cheapest. I picked one of their young designers (they have patience) and took a few months refining layout, cabinet, worktop and appliances. The designer helped to trim the budget, and was always happy to see me because I had put my deposit down (his sale was assured). I think some photos will explain more easily how I made a light, functional, aesthetic open plan kitchen. (The sink unit window is now French doors onto a patio side garden. And the wall between the kitchen and dining room has come down to be replaced by a peninsula. Third wall has floor to ceiling units)
By the way I change my mood/season by changing my artwork

Use the DIY kitchens planner and play around with it. Take screenshots and put them up here so we can chip in but do make a list of what you might like before you start. Also consider if any structural changes might be possible to give an even better result. Things like moving doors or opening a space out can really help

So many helpful replies, thank you everyone.

@bagshot32 your kitchen is beautiful, thank you for sharing.

I’m going to start measuring up and come up with a basic plan tonight. We need to speak to the Conservation Officer about a few things too so we are really clear on what we can do.

I've just done ours on the DIY page, it's a fairly large space however. We have a teeny tiny kitchen but are extending.

I found that I made a list of absolutely everything I wanted to store in the kitchen. Consumables and non. Then all the different things we did, and grouped/zoned them together. I tried to keep out of my mind how things worked in the current space.

Then I made a list of what type of storage I wanted for each thing, and started on the planner, starting in the corner.

Once I had a provisional plan I went through each item on the list above and numbered them, before putting their number in a logical spot on the plan. Just to make sure that I had suitable storage for everything we needed to store. Made sure that the things had suitable storage and in a suitable area for the activity 'zones' we put together etc