Planning Your New Kitchen: A Guide from Anna Clare Bespoke

Thinking about designing a new kitchen but not sure where to begin?

At AnnaclareBespoke.co.uk, our expert team has come together to create a helpful guide to get you started and highlight the key areas you'll want to consider along the way.

When planning your dream kitchen, there are five main factors to focus on: layout, functionality, appliances, colour scheme, and relationships.

Layout and Functionality: Consider how your new kitchen will be used day-to-day. Will it be a practical, hard-working space for regular cooking, or more of a showpiece for entertaining? The answer will help shape your design choices.

Appliances: Think carefully about what appliances you need — are you dreaming of a statement range cooker or a sleek bank of built-in ovens? Appliance positioning is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. It's also wise to keep in mind that certain brands and models can have a significant impact on your overall budget.

Colour Scheme: Are you drawn to the warmth of natural wood, the timeless beauty of painted cabinetry, or something more eclectic? Choosing the right colour palette is key to ensuring your kitchen feels cohesive with the rest of your home.

Relationships: Choosing a kitchen design and installation team you feel comfortable with is essential. After all, they will be part of your life for several months. Make sure you feel a good connection with them, and don't hesitate to ask for recommendations or examples of previous work.

Finding Inspiration

At Anna Clare Bespoke, we encourage you to gather ideas before beginning your design journey. Today’s wealth of online inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram to home interior sites like IdealHome.co.uk offers endless kitchen styles, layouts, and trends to explore. You can also browse our own portfolio of bespoke kitchen designs on our website.

When you find images and styles that resonate with you, bring them to your consultation. This will help you and your designer shape a kitchen that’s tailored to your taste, lifestyle, and home.

One tip: be aware that traditional, hand-crafted kitchens often come at a higher price point compared to more contemporary styles and always consider how the style will harmonize with the rest of your house.

Planning an Extension?

If you're considering adding an extension to accommodate your new kitchen, it’s important to know that extensions increasing your home’s footprint by more than 10% typically require planning permission. We recommend working with a trusted local architect who understands the area and local planning requirements.

At Anna Clare Bespoke, we are happy to recommend experienced architects we’ve partnered with on previous projects to help bring your vision to life seamlessly.

Researching Kitchen Companies

We always suggest visiting several kitchen showrooms to get a real feel for quality, design, and craftsmanship. Seeing different products and features in person can also open your eyes to options you hadn’t yet considered.

Equally important is the relationship you build with the design team. Spend time talking to the designers and customer service staff a positive and open relationship will make the entire process much smoother and more enjoyable.

At AnnaClareBespoke.co.uk, we are passionate about helping you design a kitchen that is beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours. Start your journey with us today — we would love to bring your dream kitchen to life.