5 topics you need to cover with your kitchen designer

When you’re planning to renovate or remodel your kitchen, it’s critical that you and your designer are on the same page. While you may have a rough idea of what you’re looking for or how you want to use your kitchen, your designer will know exactly how to get it done, which materials and appliances will optimize the space and how to complete your kitchen at the right price.

Alure Home Improvements kitchen designer Luigi Greco has been in the business for 14 years. Over that time, he’s heard a lot of the same questions over and over again. He suggests that homeowners talk with their designers about a few topics before they start designing.

Ensure that you and your designer are on the same page throughout the design process.

1. Style and color
Greco said he needs to know the color scheme you want before he can start pitching his design ideas. However, he did advise clients to think about avoiding trends when talking with their designers. A timeless kitchen color scheme and design theme will last longer and add more value to the home for resale.

2. Functionality
Greco explained that the most important aspect of functionality for him when designing a kitchen is to make it warm and comfortable. He calls the kitchen the heart and the mother of the house. But in addition to making it a bold, strong space that’s welcoming, your designer can tailor it to your uses of the space.

Are you planning to cook dinner every night? Bake on weekends? Entertain guests? These uses can help your designer create a plan that provides you with specific functionality, whether it means including specialty appliances in the design, building an island for increased counter space or adding a second wall oven to prepare for large dinner parties.

3. Home design
Talk to your designer about how you want your kitchen to fit into the rest of the house. This can play into the look of the kitchen as well as its flow. Greco said he thinks the idea that the kitchen has to flow into other rooms is overrated, however. He thinks the kitchen is a strong, bold room that can be its own space. While you and your designer may disagree, having the conversation will help you figure out the optimal design for your home.

4. Materials
From your backsplash to your appliances, discussing material preferences beforehand is critical to getting your design right. While you may have your heart set on a specific material, such as granite for counter tops, your designer knows more about how these materials last over time. For example, Greco would advise quartz over granite, because it’s more durable, doesn’t stain and doesn’t need to be sealed.

5. Budget
Your designer should be able to educate you on the materials and scope of work so that they can give you a valid estimate of the cost of the project. You need to be honest with your designer about your budget, most times they can suggest ways to keep the cost in check.

A kitchen designer is an expert who knows how to make the kitchen you want become a reality, so talk to him or her before you start the project about exactly what you want for your new kitchen.