DESIGNING YOUR KITCHEN
Not only do we provide the best kitchens Exeter has to offer – but we also provide you with free design appointments and are always on hand to help out!
This is why we’ve put together this handy step by step guide on what to think about when designing your kitchen! So, scroll down to find out all the key steps and ideas so you can create your perfect kitchen!
KITCHEN BUDGETING & PLANNING
Time to start planning! Grab a pen and paper so you can make notes as you think things through. Not only will the notes help you remember but you’ll also have everything to hand when chatting to your designer!
​
First up, list your ‘must-haves’. What is it about your brand-new kitchen that you’ve been dreaming of?? Worried these things won’t be within your budget? No drama. Compromises can be made later under guidance from our team. We want to know what you’d love so we can do our best to include it for you! This could include elements such as a particular door colour, a wine cabinet, a pull-out larder or a hot water tap.
​
Next, decide what you want your new kitchen cost to be. Kitchen costs can vary hugely so what you spend is largely down to your self-imposed budget and expectations. EKS kitchens cost from £3,000 so choose a figure you’re comfortable with. Our designers will then advise you on how to stick to your kitchen budget whilst incorporating as many of your ‘must-haves’ as possible.
KITCHEN INSPIRATION
The next step is where you start getting creative! This means browsing through brochures, getting lost in a Pinterest hole and Googling to your heart's content to find plenty of kitchen inspiration. We want to create a kitchen that reflects you and your personality, so the more ideas you give us, the more we can tailor the design to your specific taste. Try our Kitchen Personality Quiz now!
​
It’s always a good idea to research the latest kitchen trends although don’t feel the need to follow. Use this info for inspiration rather than as hard and fast rules. The most popular kitchen trends over the last few years have been varying shades of grey. Although blue has seen a surge in popularity, our experience says there will always be a neutral shade sitting alongside a bold shade at the top of the popularity list and we don’t see it varying far from grey in the near future. When it comes to cabinet colours, EKS keeps it simple and timeless. Oak or white will go with any door colour and simply won’t age.
​
As well as looking at colours, ask yourself whether you like minimalist, slab styles or prefer a classic shaker kitchen? What theme have you got in the rest of your home? These are questions that can help define your final kitchen design!
​
We have plenty of kitchen inspiration for you to look at right here; info on kitchen trends, kitchen styles and real kitchens.
KITCHEN DESIGN & IDEAS
At Exeter Kitchen Store, we offer a FREE kitchen design service – we don’t believe this should be something you pay for. When you visit us or have a virtual design appointment, we aim to create the first draft of your design there and then. In preparation for your appointment, here are some things to think about;
​
-
Is there anything that annoys you about your current kitchen? The best layout involves a ‘working triangle’ where the 3 main working areas (oven/hob, fridge/freezer and sink) are within an easy-to-reach triangle.
-
Do you have space for a kitchen island? We recommend a distance of 1 metre between an island and the rest of the kitchen, however, this can be adjusted to suit your preference.
-
Who will be using the kitchen? If you have young children, raising appliances off the floor is a good shout and you may want to include a cubby for your pet’s bed.
-
How big is the space and where are your utilities located? Use our downloadable Kitchen Planner – this is a great tool to help you organise and present this information in an easy-to-understand format. Don’t forget to note the location of water pipes, windows, gas supply etc – all of these things will have an impact on your kitchen design.
​
It is ALWAYS worth getting your kitchen designed by a professional. Not only do our designers give you kitchen ideas, they know implicitly what works and what doesn’t, in most sizes and shapes of room - purely because they’ve done it before! Why not take advantage of their expertise? The designers at EKS don’t just save you from making ‘school boy’ errors in terms of functionality and aesthetics, their experience allows them to create designs with fitters, electricians, gas engineers and plumbers in mind.
STEP THREE
GET IN TOUCH
Get in touch! Take photos of your notes and measurements and email them over to the EKS team. We can then get designing your dream kitchen and present it to you at a time/date that's convenient. We will continue to offer virtual appointments even when the showroom re-opens so you can choose a method you’re comfortable with.
When purchasing from EKS, you are buying from a local, independent business, which creates the best kitchens Exeter has to offer. Yep, this is a bold claim but we’re happy to back this up. Find out more about our superior cabinet here and take a look at why buying local is the best way to support your local community and economy.
