The decision has been made: you’d like to start a new kitchen project and can’t wait to start poring over paint charts and picking out tiles.

But before you begin your kitchen project, there are some very important questions you should be asking yourself. From where to start to what you should include to how long it takes and what the price will cover, KBB journo Laurie Davidson has uncovered the key queries you should be concerned with – and why…

What do I want from my kitchen project?

Before you start planning a new design, ask yourself what the function of the new area will be. That might seem obvious being it’s a kitchen, but how you use the space will determine not only the layout, but also whether you need an extension or could simply reconfigure the space, and what type of layout and fittings you include. “So often, people pursue what they think looks like a great idea or what others are doing, without considering if it will work and cater to the needs and requirements that they have,” says Nathan of Nathan Kingsbury Design.

“It’s much more fruitful and so important to carefully consider what exactly it is that you need. Ask yourself how you’ll use the space, what must you be able to do in the kitchen, how many people will be in the space at any given time and what are the constraints with the current kitchen that you’ve lived with or noticed you need to overcome.”

What’s my budget?

Having a good idea of exactly what budget you have will help you determine your non-negotiables. “This is a vital starting point when deciding on a new kitchen as it determines to the designer where to begin when discussing materials, appliances and more,” says Alex Main, director at The Main Company.

“If you haven’t decided on a budget, it’s worth sitting down and planning this ahead of speaking to a designer as changing the budget constantly throughout the design process can be lengthy, meaning potential delays to your kitchen refurbishment.”

What do I like about my current kitchen?

Learning from the parts of your existing kitchen that work for you (and, likewise, don’t work so well) can give us greater insight into what we want to include going forward. “If you’ve moved into a new home and want to replace your kitchen, spend time (before you spend money) working out how you intend to use it,” says Grace King of Studio Rey. “This decision making will ensure you don’t spend money on a space that looks great but doesn’t work efficiently for you. For example, ask yourself if you often fill your full-size dishwasher or double fridge-freezer, or if you could downsize and allow for more storage space.

“Do you have lots of bulky items that are often in use, such as a coffee machine, juicer or microwave that could be stored in a pantry unit to ensure the space doesn’t feel cluttered? What is more valuable to you – a large dining table for big gatherings with family or friends, or a kitchen island with extra storage and equipment space and a breakfast bar?”

Clare Pascoe of Pascoe Interiors agrees: “Planning your new design doesn’t have to mean a total re-design, and keeping the elements that work is a very sensible strategy.” This leads us neatly on to the next question you should be asking…

Do I need to rip out my existing kitchen?

We all know that buying a brand-new kitchen is expensive, but it is possible to reduce that cost by salvaging certain elements, even if your new kitchen is part of a large project.

“Ask yourself whether you need an entirely new kitchen or whether there’s anything you can keep,” advises Grace. “Can you retain certain elements and still achieve the look you want? If the answer is yes, look at your kitchen carcasses to see if they’re in good condition and whether you could simply replace or redecorate the door fronts. Many decorating companies are able to respray kitchen doors with durable paint that adheres to a range of surfaces.”

Maybe it’s simply a case of updating a tired design. “A new tiled splashback and new handles can refresh an outdated but hardwearing kitchen,” says Grace.

Who do I want to design my kitchen?

Consider whether you’d rather have a kitchen designer on board, who can supply the cabinetry and possibly the installation, or an architect or interior designer, who will be able to think about wider considerations surrounding a new kitchen, such as flooring, window treatments, decoration and electrical layouts, etc.

“Whatever you decide, visit a wide range of kitchen showrooms beforehand, regardless if you feel their products are outside of your budget,” says Clare. “You might just be pleasantly surprised. Look at how much different quality kitchens cost, what you get for your money and where you can make sensible savings.”

Getting some inspiration first means you’ll have a clearer idea of what you need from a kitchen, the style and materials you like, and the costs, ensuring you can go to your designer armed with information to make for a smoother process.

Happy planning!

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