Dreaming of a new kitchen design for the festive season? According to industry experts, now’s the time to start planning. We reveal how to ensure your space is ready in time for Christmas…
Yes, we know, mentioning the ‘C’ word in July is practically sacrilege. And while no one wants to be swapping their Pimm’s for mulled wine just yet, if you’re in the market for a new kitchen, now’s the time to get into gear if you don’t want to be cooking your turkey in an airfryer on a makeshift building site in December. Having said that, it’s important not to fall into the trap of rushing or panic buying because you want it done in time for Christmas Day – a kitchen isn’t just for Christmas after all.
To help you plan, design, and order your new kitchen in time for the big day, KBB journo Charlotte Luxford unveils how to get the timeline right…
Where to start
Investing time in the process and being organised are key. “From the very beginning, it’s important to establish a clear schedule, set a detailed brief, define your budget, and prioritise what’s most important for your kitchen,” says Amy Hicks, lead designer at Blakes London.
Your first port of call will be local showrooms, although it’s helpful to create a shortlist based on some online browsing; it will give you a sense of their style, price range, and whether their kitchens feel like a right fit. Book design consultations promptly with those that you like the look of; usually in early July, as the design process takes around a month, as most kitchen firms will tell you.
“Browse magazines, and platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, for inspiration,” says Kitchen Architecture’s design manager Jason Pool. “Even if you’re not sure what you want, you can quickly eliminate options and narrow down what appeals to you. This helps us hone in on the design direction much faster.”
After speaking to a variety of kitchen companies, the most common cause of delays is when the client struggles to make decisions, or the scope of work changes halfway through. So, having a clear vision is vital if you want to stay on track.
Lead times
Shortlist suppliers and tradespeople as early as possible, advises Libra Dalligan, designer at PAD London, particularly if you’re working with an interior designer, and be flexible during the process.
Think about your work schedule, too – are there particular times in the year that are more intense? School holidays, for example, where your attention may be needed elsewhere? “It’s also worth remembering that in summer, many people travel and the industry slows down, with fewer workmen available, while some European appliance factories close for August,” says Jasper Middleton, design director at Middleton. This can lead to backlogs when they reopen in September – an issue that can also apply to stonemasons who supply worktops.
Appliances in general can be tricky. There’s sometimes a six-month lead time for bespoke products. The same goes for any special finishes for taps, worktops, and ironmongery, so these are the things you’re going to need to decide on well in advance at the design stage.
Pre-install checklist
Once you’re happy with the design that’s been drawn up and you’ve made any revisions, a site survey will be booked to measure up your existing space to ensure the kitchen will fit perfectly, allowing for any adjustments before proceeding with the order.
Time to order your new kitchen
“Once everything is final, you’ll give a sign-off, confirming the design is ready to proceed,” explains Amy. “We will also do mechanical and electrical drawings for the contractor with all the information they will need for the electrical and plumbing connections within the design.”
To have your kitchen ready for Christmas, Stacey Cobley, senior designer at Harvey Jones, says your designer will need to put the full order through by around late August. During the 8-12 week manufacturing period, you’ll want to stay organised and ensure essential preparations take place so that the site is ready for installation in November.
Communication is key
Sean Reilly, operations manager at Hølte, says it’s really important to maintain communication during this time, as seasonal demand can cause delays – for example, the lead time may have increased by a week or so since you agreed the install date, so making sure you’re in regular contact with your kitchen company is important in case you need to notify other trades, to avoid a knock-on effect.
Get your site ready
Stacey also says it’s worth remembering at this time of year the days are short and the weather can have an impact on work during the winter months. Speaking with several designers, the one thing they couldn’t reiterate enough is that the site must be ready in time and free of other trades so that they have a clear space to install the kitchen.
Amy says the room must be fully watertight, to maintain appropriate moisture levels, plus it’s worth bearing in mind you’ll need to allow extra time for new plastered finishes to dry and floor finishes to settle.
The final phase
When it comes to the installation itself, the time it takes varies depending on the scope of work and potentially the materials you choose, but worktops are a key factor in this process. Installing the cabinetry itself is relatively quick, taking around a week, but there’s usually a 1-2 week window you’ll need to factor in while the stone for your worktop is fabricated before the fitting is complete.
“To avoid any potential pitfalls with getting your worktops installed in time for Christmas, ensure you and your installer know your minimum gaps, parameters, and reinforcements – this can be the difference between sign off and an extra two weeks of headaches,” reveals Ross Stewart, UK senior sales manager for Neolith UK.
The installation of your new kitchen
In general, November and December tend to be particularly hectic for installations and final snagging, according to Amy, so ensure you leave a bit of a buffer to allow yourself time to settle into your new kitchen, unpack and restock. However, even with the best will in the world, things don’t always go to plan, so don’t panic if the schedule falls behind.
“In the worst case, kitchen suppliers might be able to loan you an appliance or provide a temporary worktop to bridge the gap if your chosen items aren’t available in time for the big day,” says Amy. However, given that a kitchen is a long-term investment that you’ll live with every day, it’s key not to rush your decision-making or purchasing just to meet a Christmas deadline.
Taking your time to make thoughtful choices will ensure you’re satisfied with your kitchen for years to come.
Our suggested timeline for getting your kitchen in time for Christmas
JULY Visit showrooms, book design consultations and start working on your design.
AUGUST Sign off your design and order the kitchen.
NOVEMBER Book your installation as early in the month as possible, to allow for any snagging or additional works needed.
DECEMBER The kitchen is fully fitted, allowing enough time to stock cupboards, add styling, and get used to all the appliances before the big day.
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