Can anyone recommend a kitchen designer ? ( West Mids )

carly

Hi

Like the title says..

I'm looking to revamp my kitchen / diner. It's a reasonable size : approx 25ft x 11ft, but there are 4 doors and 2 windows restricting how I can use the space. I made tentative enquiries at the big diy sheds but they really only suggested replacing the cabinets with more modern ones and keeping the basic layout as it is. I'm reluctant to contact a couple of "bespoke firms" I found online as I don't want to waste their time or feel cornered if their design comes in way over budget, so if anyone can recommend a reasonably priced , good designer I'd be really grateful
West Mids location Wolverhampton

Thanks

StuC75

so what would you want different from the existing layout??

Had my layout tweaked at B&Q where they were able to give a few more suggestions regarding the config of units and working out the layout,, but fortunately I had a good idea of how I wanted it to be.. they then included the spacers, end panels, plinths & pelmets to finish of the design..

The problem for any 'designer' is if you say you don't like there idea, pull out then look to go elsewhere with that layout in mind.

So how much are your willing to 'pay' for someone to do the design for you?

carly

Firstly, thanks for your reply.

The current layout is 25 years old and worked well when I needed a large open space with room for children to play, do schoolwork, paint, etc and be supervised whilst I was cooking etc. It was created by knocking an existing small dining room and kitchen together. ( hence the number of doors ) Now, with just me here most of the time it seems plain ( can't find an appropriate adjective here) boxy, utilitarian, dull and boring, with kitchen units down one end, a breakfast bar in the middle and dining furniture down the other end.
I would like it to look more elegant, an adult space with the dining area more attractive and maybe a wall of built in cabinets to house cookery books, and other paraphernalia. I need it all pulling together to look harmonious. I would like an island but don't think there's the room. The position of the sink is fixed ( barring an extension ) as is the washer and dishwasher. ( no utility or room for one without building walls). I also want to add an extra oven but possible siting is awkward and reduces cupboard provision. I don't want a built in double oven as I want both to be pyrolytic and having a double oven cuts down my brand options as far as I can see.

trailingspouse

I got several quotes, and hence several designs, before making the final choice on our new kitchen.

Magnet - they came and measured everything themselves, came up with some very good ideas for using the space available, but went away and designed the kitchen with no further input from me. The finished kitchen quote was quite pricey

Homebase - they used our own measurements, but you work alongside the designer in the store, actually watching them put your ideas onto the computer screen. For me it was the perfect mix of my ideas, her ideas, and her technical knowledge (case in point - I wanted the built in freezer to be in a corner, but she suggested that rather than have it right up against the wall, we should leave a gap so that the door could be fully opened allowing the drawers in the freezer to be removed for cleaning. I wouldn't have thought of that). She had the patience of a saint - my first visit took 2 1/2 hours, then I took the designs away and thought about it, and got other quotes from other companies. Once I'd made the decision to go with Homebase, I spent a further 1 1/2 hours with her, finessing the design!!

Don't worry about wasting people's time - they expect you to get several quotes, and really it's up to them to convince you to go with their quote.