Ask the kitchen designer: everything you need to know before renovating your kitchen
Planning a New Kitchen? Here's What to Consider Before You Start...
The kitchen is often described as the heart of the home, so it's no surprise that planning a new one is both exciting and, at times, overwhelming. From choosing the right style to deciding on colours, storage and budget, there are plenty of decisions to make.
Gareth Pendleton of Norwich Bathrooms & Kitchens (NBK) shares his advice on creating a kitchen that looks beautiful, works perfectly for your lifestyle and stands the test of time.
Start with a Style That Reflects You
One of the first decisions you'll make is whether your new kitchen should be traditional, contemporary,r somewhere in between.
Rather than simply following the latest trends, think about how you live. Do you love classic detailing and timeless craftsmanship, or do you prefer clean lines and minimalist design? The best kitchens are those that complement both your home and your personality, creating a space you'll enjoy for years to come.
What Budget Should You Expect?
Every kitchen project is unique, but having a realistic budget from the outset helps shape the design and specification.
At NBK, clients typically invest between £18,000 and £80,000+, depending on the size and complexity of the project. This includes everything from design and specification through to sourcing fixtures and fittings, quality checking and managing the installation.
Larger investments often incorporate bespoke features, new flooring, windows, doors, or building work, creating a truly tailored space.
NBK also manufactures its own handcrafted kitchen and bathroom furniture under the Pendletons Handcrafted brand, made locally in its Norfolk workshop.
Why Does a Joinery Workshop Make Such a Difference?
Choosing a kitchen company with its own joinery workshop opens the door to greater craftsmanship and truly bespoke design.
Because every kitchen is made and assembled by skilled craftspeople, there is far greater flexibility when it comes to creating unique details that aren't available from mass-produced suppliers.
A perfect example is NBK's own interpretation of the popular J-pull handleless door. Traditional J-pull doors feature a deep routed channel that can easily collect dust and dirt. NBK has redesigned this detail with an inward-facing diagonal finish that creates a cleaner, more elegant look while eliminating the dirt trap.
It's these thoughtful design improvements, developed by Chris Pendleton and his son alongside the workshop team, that help set every handcrafted kitchen apart.
Should You Choose Bold Colours or Stay Neutral?
Homeowners are becoming increasingly confident with colour, and kitchens are no exception.
Warm earthy tones such as brown and burgundy are growing in popularity, while blues and greens continue to be enduring favourites thanks to their timeless appeal.
Neutral kitchens remain a classic choice too, although today's palettes extend far beyond simple white and cream.
NBK has partnered with Benjamin Moore to create its own curated collection featuring 25 carefully selected colours across five colour families. For those wanting something completely unique, the team also offers a colour-matching service, allowing almost any shade to be recreated.
The most important advice? Choose colours you genuinely love rather than following passing trends.
The Bespoke Features That Make Everyday Living Easier
The best kitchens don't just look beautiful, they work effortlessly too.
Bespoke features can transform everyday tasks, with clever ideas including:
- Hands-free pull-out bin drawers operated by a discreet foot handle.
- Push-to-open plinth drawers that double as a step for accessing high cupboards.
- Hidden pet feeding stations neatly integrated into cabinetry.
- Secret entrances to pantries or utility rooms, cleverly disguised as matching kitchen cupboards.
- Pull-up electrical sockets for uncluttered worktops.
- Instant boiling water taps.
- Internal lighting within pantry cupboards for added convenience.
These thoughtful details are often the features homeowners appreciate most once they're living in their new kitchen.
Creating a Kitchen, You'll Love for Years to Come
A new kitchen is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your home, so it's worth taking the time to get every detail right.
By combining thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship and bespoke solutions, it's possible to create a space that's not only beautiful but perfectly suited to the way you live.
Whether you're planning a complete renovation or simply gathering inspiration, working with experienced designers who understand both aesthetics and practicality can make all the difference.