The Upcoming Meeting

You should have a file of your dream kitchen images prepared to show the designer in order to closely target the issues of style and cost more easily.

Bring pictures, magazines and anything else that will help the designer to understand your vision of a dream kitchen. Most importantly, you will need to bring the measurements of the room and, for new homes or extensions, the plans. There will be discussions about how the area will function, and how different styles and themes would benefit you. Usually it will take about one to two hours for your first meeting, so bring all of your ideas along with you.

You should ask to view completed projects of the designer (pictures of the actual kitchens) and see if there is just one style that the designer is associated with, or if their work encompasses a wider variety of styles.

You should ask to speak with references of the designer, so you can ask them frank questions regarding the designer's creative ability, professionalism and timeliness.

Make sure that you are communicating openly and clearly regarding your needs and designers, and that you are on the 'same level' as your designer, so you both understand one another when it comes to your needs.

Have a budget available and level with the designer on how much you are comfortable spending on your kitchen project. Ask the designer to separate cabinetry and installation from the appliances when writing up the quotation for the kitchen project.

You should always have a positive attitude and treat your designer with the respect and definitely expect the same in return. If you do not feel that you are being treated with respect at the first meeting, you should look elsewhere for another designer, because it is very important that both parties 'click'.

Ask your designer about a schedule and lead-time early, because custom-made kitchens require anything from four to twenty weeks from order to installation.

These suggestions will take you to the next step of getting a custom-made kitchen, which is the confidence to hire the right kitchen designer and to form a positive and productive working relationship. Your dream kitchen is one step closer! All you have to do now is get in contact with us.