A Kitchen Designer Reveals: 3 Things I Wish My Clients Knew
In this instalment of our story series, a kitchen designer shares three essential things she wishes every client knew
From doing your research and planning ahead to being honest about your needs and budget, kitchen designer Sharon Terblanche from Complete Kitchens reveals the three most important things she wishes every client understood before they commenced a project. So if you’re planning a new kitchen or a kitchen renovation, read on!
Manufactured quartz finishes have several advantages over natural marble. Unlike their natural counterparts, they are stain-resistant, easy to maintain and don’t require sealing.
However, be aware that these marble-look finishes don’t come cheap. They can, in fact, be up to double the price of the same material in a plain colour, such as white.
However, be aware that these marble-look finishes don’t come cheap. They can, in fact, be up to double the price of the same material in a plain colour, such as white.
If you’ve got your heart set on real marble or a marble look-a-like, but don’t have the budget, consider just using it in the highly visible areas, such as on the splashback or kitchen island facade, and sticking with a more affordable plain colour for your benchtops.
If you’re specifying real marble, you may find it useful to know that Carrara marble is generally more cost-effective than Calacatta marble.
If you’re specifying real marble, you may find it useful to know that Carrara marble is generally more cost-effective than Calacatta marble.
2. Be honest about your budget
Some clients are hesitant to reveal their budget in case the designer uses all of it in their quote. This is an outdated belief. Knowing your budget will help the designer select the appropriate finishes for your job.
Designers want to help you achieve the best kitchen possible, and we love the challenge of making a budget work to get the best look. Personally, I like to start with getting the layout right and then add fittings to improve the user experience.
Some clients are hesitant to reveal their budget in case the designer uses all of it in their quote. This is an outdated belief. Knowing your budget will help the designer select the appropriate finishes for your job.
Designers want to help you achieve the best kitchen possible, and we love the challenge of making a budget work to get the best look. Personally, I like to start with getting the layout right and then add fittings to improve the user experience.
And if you’re comparing quotes, check the fine print. Make sure you know exactly what is included in a quote. Accessories, for example, are quite often omitted, while other hardware such as standard hinges may be quoted, and then you need to pay extra for soft-close versions.
Trade works such as installation and rubbish removal may also be excluded.
Trade works such as installation and rubbish removal may also be excluded.
3. Be realistic about how long the process takes
Clients often don’t realise how long a custom kitchen will take from design and production through to final stone installation. Many clients will come to me in November wanting a new kitchen before Christmas, and they then find themselves having to rush the decision-making process.
As a rule of thumb, you should allow two months to finalise a design, select finishes and choose appliances, six to eight weeks for production, and three weeks for installation of cabinets and stone benchtops. So the whole process could take five to six months. Therefore, if you want to get a new kitchen in for Christmas, you should be starting in June.
Clients often don’t realise how long a custom kitchen will take from design and production through to final stone installation. Many clients will come to me in November wanting a new kitchen before Christmas, and they then find themselves having to rush the decision-making process.
As a rule of thumb, you should allow two months to finalise a design, select finishes and choose appliances, six to eight weeks for production, and three weeks for installation of cabinets and stone benchtops. So the whole process could take five to six months. Therefore, if you want to get a new kitchen in for Christmas, you should be starting in June.
Now, how do you cope in the period between when your old kitchen is ripped out and the new one is installed? Some clients time it for the summer months so they can barbecue meals. Others set up a mini kitchen with a microwave in the laundry, while others eat out or invite themselves over to friends’ places.
Browse more great kitchen and pantry designs
Browse more great kitchen and pantry designs
The one thing I always get asked is…
How much does a custom kitchen cost? Realistically I think clients need to have a budget of AU$25,000. Most clients think a kitchen will cost around AU$15,000, but specialist finishes and hardware will quickly push that figure up, with trades another AU$3,000 to AU$6,000 on top.
How much does a custom kitchen cost? Realistically I think clients need to have a budget of AU$25,000. Most clients think a kitchen will cost around AU$15,000, but specialist finishes and hardware will quickly push that figure up, with trades another AU$3,000 to AU$6,000 on top.
My golden nugget…
Don’t be too safe. White kitchens are fresh, but think about adding some of your personality to the kitchen. A really interesting splashback such as a photo of the Melbourne skyline can inject a lot of energy into the kitchen. Have some open wall cabinets or floating shelves for display. Stamp your personality on the space.
Don’t be too safe. White kitchens are fresh, but think about adding some of your personality to the kitchen. A really interesting splashback such as a photo of the Melbourne skyline can inject a lot of energy into the kitchen. Have some open wall cabinets or floating shelves for display. Stamp your personality on the space.
Your turn
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments section below. And while you’re at it, like it, share it and save the images for inspiration.
More
Planning a kitchen renovation? You’ll need to know about joinery, too. We’ve got you covered with A Kitchen Joiner Reveals: 3 Things I Wish My Clients Knew
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments section below. And while you’re at it, like it, share it and save the images for inspiration.
More
Planning a kitchen renovation? You’ll need to know about joinery, too. We’ve got you covered with A Kitchen Joiner Reveals: 3 Things I Wish My Clients Knew
Marble benchtops are hugely popular at the moment. I’m getting a lot of requests for them, particularly in kitchens with timber and white cabinets. If you’re keen to introduce this look into your own kitchen, be aware that natural marble isn’t your only option. Many quartz- or engineered-stone providers produce beautiful marble-look surfaces too.
Searching for a kitchen designer? Find specialised kitchen designers near you on Houzz, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients