Redesigning your kitchen is a huge undertaking, and one of the first - and most important - tasks you’ll need to check off your list is hiring a professional kitchen designer that you trust. Without a good kitchen designer, you may find yourself dealing with awkward layouts, dysfunctional kitchens or the consequences of sub-par materials down the road.
By hiring a great kitchen designer, together you’ll be able to create the kitchen of your dreams - one that marries form and function brilliantly.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while choosing your kitchen designer:
Technical Training
While you’ll definitely want your kitchen to look as good as possible, you’ll also want to ensure that your designer has the technical skills to back up their design prowess.
When choosing a kitchen designer, be sure to do a little research into each candidate’s credentials and training. Experience with kitchen design, design software, and a basic knowledge and understanding of carpentry or millwork are all assets that you should be looking for.
Although many designers have experience with kitchen design, they often have to outsource the carpentry and millwork to a cabinet making company to execute the project. The benefit of working with a Bloomsbury Kitchen Designer is that all of our cabinetry is custom made by artisans at our in-house workshop in Newmarket. Our Bloomsbury Kitchen Designers oversee your entire kitchen project from design inception to installation; ensuring quality of construction, fit and full control of delivery date.
Work Experience
While it may be tempting to take a chance on a relatively new designer with less expensive rates, it’s usually better to stick with somebody that has more experience. Kitchens are an investment, and not something that you should take a chance on. Try to find a designer with a few years in the business under their belt as they are less likely to make mistakes or suggestions on materials that appear cost-effective up front, but could be quite costly down the road.
Portfolio
Once you’ve ensured that your potential designer has the necessary training and experience, it’s time to view their kitchen portfolio. Their portfolio will give you a better understanding of the quality and aesthetic that you can expect. Anyone can "say" they’re a seasoned designer specializing in any one particular style, but if you’re unable to see their work in person or view their portfolio, you don’t really know what you can expect. Viewing a designer's portfolio is a must!
This can also be a wonderful opportunity to start gathering inspiration for your own kitchen and talk through options with your designer in the future.
Personal Connection
While experience, skill and portfolio are incredibly important when choosing a kitchen designer, you also need to ensure that you have a great personal connection! Arrange a virtual or sit-down meeting with the designer to chat about what you’re looking for.
During this conversation, you’ll begin to get an idea of whether this designer is a good match for you. The right designer for you should understand both your unique needs and aesthetic taste. This will help them offer the right suggestions throughout the process, saving you time, money, and frustration. Our Bloomsbury Kitchen Designers are an incredible resource for our clients, going above and beyond the design of the kitchen, offering input and suggestions on mechanical and electrical, appliance selection, accessories, colours etc.
Testimonials
To ascertain how your designer will work, testimonials can be your biggest asset. Read testimonials to ensure that your designer is reliable and easy to work with. While they may have an excellent portfolio, testimonials are the only way you’ll really know what you can expect!
Want to schedule an appointment with one of our Bloomsbury Kitchen Designers? Take a look at our portfolio to view some of our favourite kitchens, or, get in touch to arrange a consultation!
Photo: Kasandra Arbour Photography
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