Kitchens <screams> Where do I start?!! PLEASE HELP!

[BamBamBoozled]

I've been to Ikea (not sure) I have a fantastic (and cheap) solid wood kitchen at the moment but I would like a painted/cream/white kitchen next time - am moving house (hopefully). If I buy a solid wood kitchen from the same company and get it painted professionally, will it chip?

I've seen a kitchen I love in a Howden's brochure but how would I even go about getting a price without being a builder?! (I know a couple of builders who could buy it for me but I'm not sure how you start designing/choosing units etc)

Are Wickes any good?

Has anybody used DIY kitchens? I've seen it on other threads, it looks confusing (can't get their tutorial link to work) but they do have some nice stuff. Not sure I would want to buy anything without seeing it first though.

Can anyone supply me with valium point me in the right direction
Thanks!

you could get wickes, B & Q and homebase to come to your house for a free consultation. They mock up your kitchen on the computer and give you the details of what you need. You can then decide if they have anything you like or trek off to Howdens with the info.

Choosing units to fit is easy - there are lots of layout websites, try the Magnet one to see how everything will fit or you could pay a designer. Howdens will give anyone in the trade prices once you have decided what you want - they are much cheaper than similar such as Magnet.

Professionally painted kitchens should be fine - will chip like any paintwork if knocked hard ut as long as units are primed properly, it shouldn't flake.

THanks for the replies. I'm not worried about choosing units (lots of deep drawers!) but how do I know what they have at Howdens? A friend had a brochure but it was more pretty pics and not specifications. The one I liked had a fab island unit