Installing a new kitchen will without a doubt be one of the most rewarding things you ever do, however planning it can be daunting, whether it’s the first time you’ve done it or the fifth. It’s a big investment and you want to make sure you get it right, as it’s hopefully not something you’ll need to do again for a while – a Seymours kitchen can last upwards of 20 years! 

It can all be a bit confusing and there’s a lot of lingo that you may have never come across before, so we at Seymours thought we’d put together a few things to bear in mind when you start delving into the world of kitchens.

Know what you don’t want

This may sound odd, but by identifying what you don’t like about your existing kitchen, you’re heading towards what you do like. List the things which annoy you – lack of storage or worktop space, colour, old fashioned design etc. Consider what you think would make them better! Flick through some kitchen magazines and cut out or circle things you either like or don’t like – a good designer can interpret these things to see what it is you really want.

Set your budget

This allows our designers to create a design which you will love and afford. It also makes things a lot easier for your designer as we can help you to select appliances, worktops and cabinets which will suit the budget you have in mind. Remember that the budget for your kitchen won’t necessarily only include cabinets, worktops, appliances and installation. Ripping out the old kitchen, making good, electricians and plumbers are all possible additional costs.

Use the professionals

Make use of the experts you have on tap (excuse the pun)! If you choose Seymour Kitchens for your new kitchen, remember we are always available to answer any questions you might have and to advise on colours, styles, worktops etc. You should also note that just because we are a kitchen specialist it does not mean we will be the most expensive – we aim to provide the best quality for the best price, always keeping your budget in mind!

Plan carefully

If you are extending, make sure you’ve considered planning applications – these can take some time! Do you need an architect or a builder? Do you need building regulations approval? The sooner you know these things the more money it could save you in the long run.

Finishing touches

Although the day to day running of your kitchen depends primarily on the design, smaller details play a big role too. Make sure the handles you choose are ergonomic, and comfortable to use. If you’re unsure about your colour scheme, then choose neutral bases for the floor, cabinet colour and worksurface, and pull out an accent colour with soft furnishings, light fixtures or small appliances.

Future-proofing your kitchen

When it comes to creating a kitchen that stands the test of time, future-proofing is key. At Seymour Kitchens, we understand the importance of designing a space that not only meets your current needs but also adapts to future changes. This can be achieved through incorporating good quality materials and ensuring that you can do inexpensive updates, such as repainting cabinets, choosing timeless elements and considering future plans to ensure it will be just as suitable now, as it will be in 10 years.

Think about functionality and practicality

We believe the first step is to think practically and make decisions based on how you want your kitchen to function. For example, do you have a large array of kitchen appliances that need homes? Do you buy a lot of “pantry” food and therefore larder space is important? Do you have a young family who are prone to spillages where a wipe-clean worksurface would be beneficial? Do you host regular dinner parties and would benefit from a smart oven that helps you take control of all your cooking? You need to think of the answers to all these questions!

Lighting

The kitchen, for many, is the most multifunctional room in the house. From eating, entertaining, relaxing and home-working, the lighting concept has to work for all. The lighting choices do not just need to be practical; your pendant choice could become the feature piece in the room. So often overlooked, and more often and not, the last thing thought about, we think that the lighting should be considered right at the start of planning your new kitchen design.