A central part of your renovation lies in choosing the right designer. You not only want someone with creative talent, but a person who will work with your vision and ideas. Your designer should be able to suggest plans that fit your budget. This person should also provide enough support and guidance to get through the challenges involved so you end up with a kitchen you love.

There are plenty of kitchen designers out there working in both large and small companies so this should not be a daunting task with the right approach.

Researching Designers

Before you begin approaching showrooms, research your designers online. Use a search engine to find kitchen remodel companies in your area who offer designs appealing to your taste. Look at their websites and showroom photos online if they are available. You should have already done some research on cabinet brands and styles (see our Choosing a Cabinet Supplier guide for more info).

Some things to think about: whether your style is more modern or traditional, which colors and finishes appeal to you, whether you like American or European cabinets, and so forth. This will give you an idea of the type of designers to approach as they usually have an area of specialty.

Call some companies that interest you and make an appointment to come in and speak to a designer. It may also help to ask what types of assistance they offer, such as customer support and installation services. Most showrooms are open to the public and take walk ins also.

Take Your Plan

Next, bring your plan into your design appointment (refer to our Choosing a Cabinet Supplier guide for more on creating the plan). Discuss with your ideas with the designer and show them photos of your space. Mention any questions you may have. A good designer should come off as very knowledgeable about not only the product, but what you should expect in terms of logistics - namely ordering your cabinets and appliances and getting them installed.

The consultant should be able to take your budget into consideration, then recommend cabinets with the right look and storage additions that fit your needs.

Review Proposal

Your kitchen designer should provide a general plan and price estimate, followed by a more detailed sketch they present to you. Most kitchen designers are trained in design software and can present a digital blueprint of your new kitchen before you make a final decision.

If you like the proposed design and pricing they give you, retain this designer. If you aren’t satisfied, ask the designer to provide additional options. For instance, you love the cabinet brand but the design is over budget; your designer can then suggest finish alternatives or a simplified design to keep it in your price range. Or they may suggest a more economical cabinet brand altogether.

If you cannot reach an agreement with this designer, then search for other proposals. Think of it like getting an estimate on home repair work- shop around for estimates if the original does not seem like the right fit.

Final Decision: Signs You Found The Right Designer

Before making your final decision, ask if you can view samples of a designer’s previous work. This way you will know that they are capable of designing a good looking, well functioning kitchen. Find a designer/supplier who offers a good quality brand at a fair price. And of course, a design that you like the look and feel of - a kitchen you can see yourself enjoying each day.

Ultimately, you need to find a trustworthy person you feel comfortable building a relationship with. Pick someone who you feel is listening to your needs and will put in the work to make sure you are satisfied. These things are every bit as important as their knowledge and abilities.