Are you aiming for a shared love of food and conversation within a comforting environment? Or the exchanging of lofty ideas surrounded by beautiful design? Whatever your kitchen may represent to you, it will be a space to let yourselves, the children and grandchildren imprint their lives upon.

So, it’s fully understandable that as a Client you will be searching for the best advice from the best designer who has the ability and experience to help, guide and (sometimes hold your hand) throughout the entire process, as the possibilities are endless!

There are kitchen companies, and then there are kitchen design companies. Big difference!

The first example is often headed up by men in grey suits or ex-fitters ‘having a go’ at running a business. The second example, on the other hand, will be offering you not only the nuts, bolts and units but an extended design philosophy, a synergy of ergonomics and beauty based upon best practice and a burning desire to get it right first time around.

So, who is the ideal kitchen designer?

Don’t be afraid to ask who will be actually designing your kitchen: what is their background? How many years of practical experience do they have? Any qualifications? Will I have direct contact with them throughout the entire project? Do they make me laugh? This is very important! The chemistry between the designer and the client is critical to the kitchen’s success! Can I talk freely about my ideas, my aspirations, how I want to live?

How long does the designer spend talking to you?

Do they ask plenty of questions? Do they listen efficiently? By listening, your designer should get an accurate feel for what you’re trying to achieve and what’s important to you?

The most important part of the journey is maintaining an open mind. Your designer should guide you through what works and what doesn’t work; and, they should explain why. They should also provide you with options. There’s always more than one way of doing something!

Having a kitchen designed and built is not an event…it’s a process…a journey. Enjoy the ride.

Speak soon!

PS Watch out for #2 in the series of ‘Kitchen Secrets’

What a great way to kick off our blog by announcing that Pincus Design’s designer Darren has been commended in the category of Kitchen Designer of the Year 2008 by Designer Magazine with a kitchen we designed and built for a Client in Hale Barns, Cheshire. To view the kitchen click here.

What is particularly exciting about the award is that it was awarded by one of Europe’s leading design magazines which is read by design professionals only. It’s flattering to know that our designs are being assessed by other design professionals and still coming up to the mark! And of course the shiny award certificate is of course a bonus!

We hope this will enhance the benchmark of kitchen design within Cheshire and will inspire us to continue our exacting standards of design and exceptional functionality.

Welcome to your indespensible and ongoing guide to luxury design for the home brought to you by www.kitchendesignexpert.co.uk and www.pincusdesign.co.uk.

Our objective is to provide a useful source of information and ideas, tips and insider secrets to creating your dream home whether that be a stunning kitchen, a hotel-style bedroom, a sexy cinema room or simply a way of maximising storage space so that you can achieve a calm atmosphere at home. A home for everything.