When preparing for your first meeting with a designer, follow the list below of basic tips to ensure the meeting is productive.
Visually communicate your ideas
Gather a collection of images that reflect your ideas and vision for the new space. This collection of images will help the designer visually understand your tastes and preferences.
Access your lifestyle
Making a list of your habits and how you use your kitchen will give your designer valuable information about how you live in your kitchen and how it could be designed more effectively. For example, are you an avid cook or baker? Do you like to entertain and host gatherings? Do you buy in bulk or need a designated recycling space? If you have pets, where do you keep their food and water bowls?
Select your appliances
Surprisingly, appliance selection is a critical first step. An extra large refrigerator, freestanding freezer, or double ovens can dramatically impact space allocation in the room. Providing these preferences to your designer early on in the process is best.
Provide basic measurements
While your kitchen designer will take thorough measurements before offering you a binding quote, it is very helpful to facilitate initial discussions by noting dimensions of the room and indicating any doors, windows, or hallways that impact the space.
Outline your budget
Kitchens come in many shapes and sizes and range from simple to luxurious. Sharing an initial budget outline with your designer tells them a lot about your project and the parameters they will be working within. When you outline your budget, be sure to factor in installation costs.
Our Budget Calculator is a great tool that can help you transform your vision into tangible numbers.
Next steps
Once your designer measures your space, design development is the next step. Some designers will request a retainer to initiate work – a fee that serves to confirm your place as a current client that is often applied to your order once it is placed. Any scheduling deadlines you may have, such as a wedding, graduation, or holiday, for example, should be communicated at this first meeting so it can be considered as the project timeline is developed.
Ask questions
Your designer may suggest meeting a few times in order to thoroughly understand your vision, preferences, and needs. We encourage you to ask questions and request samples of door styles along with wood and finish details before you place a cabinet order. New cabinetry can be a significant investment, and it is important to us that you are happy with the end result!