6 Things to Think About Before Your Kitchen Design Consultation

A kitchen remodel consultation is when your kitchen dreams start to become a reality. However, if you want to ensure that reality matches your vision, you need a plan.

That’s right -- before your kitchen designer can come up with a plan for you, you need to come up with a plan for him or her. You need an idea of what you like, what you don’t like, what you need and what you want. This pre-consultation homework is a lot of fun, and will put you one step closer to your dream kitchen.

Here are the things to think about before your kitchen design consultation:

1. Do your homework

Before booking your consultation, research the kitchen remodeling contractors near you that you’re considering.

Kitchen Before & After: Fresh Farmhouse Kitchen in North Haven, CT

Kitchen Before and After: Transitional White Kitchen in Madison, CT

Gail's Kitchen Renovation: Before and After

Look at their past work (before and after photos can be especially helpful!) to gain confidence in the company’s ability to execute on a vision.

2. Collect inspiration

Gather notes, photos and articles that inspire you. One of our favorite tools for collecting kitchen inspiration? Pinterest! Create a board where you can pin images that you love.

Remember, you don’t have to love everything about the photos you select; if there’s an element you adore, pin it. You can arrive at your kitchen consultation prepared to explain what you love (or don’t love) about each of the images you’ve gathered.

3. Start with the big stuff

Knowing what appliances and other large design elements you want to include make a big difference in the layout, design, and flow of the kitchen. Knowing what items are on your must-have and nice-to-have lists before chatting with a designer can help ensure the plan matches your dreams.

Traditional Victorian Kitchen in New Haven, CT

Black and White Kitchen in Madison, CT

Traditional Farmhouse kitchen in Madison, CT

For instance, do you want a wine fridge in addition to the standard appliances? Do you need a desk space in the kitchen? Will standard appliances suit your needs, or are you an aspiring chef who needs designer favorites, a double oven and extra-large range?

4. Notice your habits and patterns

One of the best ways to create a kitchen you’ll love is to notice what you don’t love about your current kitchen. Are there any appliances that feel misplaced? Do you find yourself wishing for more storage, or a kitchen island to make prep work easier?

Make note of the things that drive you crazy, and your kitchen designer can create a plan that relieves those headaches.

5. Pay attention to flow

Changes to one area of the home can often impact others, so come to your consultation prepared to talk about other rooms as well.

Beach House Kitchen in Guilford, CT

Traditional Victorian Kitchen in New Haven, CT

Historic Home Kitchen in Madsion, CT

During the process of remodeling your kitchen, you might want to remove or alter a wall that connects an adjacent dining or living room, or perhaps create consistency in flooring materials from one room to the next. By thinking about these details ahead of time, you’ll help your designer create a more accurate plan.

6. Consider timing

Home kitchen remodeling can take up to 10 weeks (sometimes longer), so arrive at the kitchen design consultation prepared to discuss any time constraints. Also, remember that you won’t have use of your kitchen during a significant portion of the renovation, so you’ll want to plan your remodel for a time that works well with your work schedule, travel plans and family life.

Want to see what it's really like to live through a kitchen remodel? Owner/Designer for The Kitchen Company Gail Bolling talks us through her kitchen remodel below.

Gail's Kitchen Renovation Series

If you arrive at your kitchen design consultation knowing what really matters to you, your kitchen designer will be able to create a plan that absolutely wows you -- and before you know it, that “wow” will be a part of your every day.

Want even more insight into what to think about before you have a kitchen design consultation? Download our free New Kitchen Planning Guide now.