Knowing how to prepare for your kitchen design appointment can make the process easier and more productive. From thinking about how you use your kitchen to gathering inspiration and understanding your budget, a little preparation can help our designer create a kitchen that feels right for you.

In this guide, we explain what to expect from a kitchen design appointment and how to prepare so you can make the most of your consultation.

What Happens at a Kitchen Design Appointment?

Your kitchen design appointment is usually the beginning of a conversation rather than a final design meeting. Your designer will want to understand your home, your taste, your priorities and the way you use your kitchen before recommending specific layouts, finishes and features.

You can expect to talk about the size and shape of your room, how many people use the kitchen, how you cook, how much storage you need and what you would like to change about your existing space. This is also the time to discuss your preferred kitchen style, appliances, worktops, cabinetry and any particular features you have always wanted.

Our kitchen designer will ask questions that you may not have considered yourself. These conversations can uncover practical details that have a significant impact on the final kitchen design.

Think About How You Use Your Kitchen

Before your appointment, spend some time thinking about your current kitchen. Consider what works well and, perhaps more importantly, what frustrates you.

You might find that you need more storage, a larger preparation area, better lighting or a more practical position for your appliances. Perhaps your current kitchen feels cramped when several people are using it, or you would like to create a more sociable space where family and friends can sit together.

Think about your everyday routines as well as the occasions when you use your kitchen differently. A kitchen designed around how you actually live is much more likely to remain functional and enjoyable for years to come.

Gather Kitchen Design Inspiration

It can be helpful to collect images of kitchens that appeal to you before your kitchen design consultation. Inspiration can come from interior design magazines, websites, social media, showrooms or kitchens you have seen while visiting friends and family.

Pinterest

Instagram

Home magazines

Interior design websites

Previous projects

You do not need to know exactly what you want. In fact, showing your designer a mixture of styles can be useful because it helps them understand what you are naturally drawn to.

Pay attention to more than just the overall appearance. Look at cabinet colours, door styles, worktops, handles, splashbacks, lighting and flooring. You may discover that you consistently prefer certain materials or design details.

Your designer can then use these preferences as a starting point and help translate them into a cohesive kitchen design.

Be Open About Your Budget

Discussing your kitchen budget early can make the design process much more straightforward. Our designer needs to understand the level of investment you are comfortable making so they can recommend suitable products, materials and solutions.

A kitchen project can include much more than cabinetry. Appliances, worktops, flooring, lighting, electrical work, plumbing, installation and other building work can all affect the overall cost.

Being transparent about your budget allows our designer to prioritise the areas that matter most to you. It also helps prevent you from developing a design around features or finishes that are ultimately outside your budget.

Consider Your Appliances

Your appliances can have a major influence on your kitchen layout, so it is worth thinking about them before your appointment.

Consider whether you want to keep your existing appliances or replace them as part of the renovation. Think about the type and size of oven, hob, fridge, freezer and dishwasher you would prefer, along with any additional appliances such as a wine cooler, coffee machine or boiling-water tap.

If you already have specific appliances in mind, take their dimensions or product information with you. Our kitchen designer can use these details when considering the available space.

Bring Your Room Measurements and Plans

If you have architectural drawings, floor plans or measurements of your kitchen, bring them along to your appointment. Photographs of the existing room can also be extremely useful.

Details such as the position of doors, windows, radiators, plumbing connections and electrical points can all influence the design. If you are unsure about measurements, do not worry. Your kitchen designer can advise you on what information is needed and whether a professional site survey should be carried out.

The more accurate the information available at the start, the easier it is to develop a realistic kitchen layout.

Think About Storage

Storage is one of the most important elements of a successful kitchen design, yet it is often overlooked until later in the process.

Before your appointment, consider everything you currently store in your kitchen and anything you would like to have room for in the future. Think about cookware, crockery, food, small appliances, recycling, cleaning products and larger items.

If your current kitchen has storage problems, explain them to your designer. Modern kitchen design can incorporate clever solutions such as deep drawers, tall units, pull-out storage and dedicated spaces for appliances.

The goal is not simply to create more cupboards. It is to create storage that is easy to access and works naturally with the way you use the room.

Read our blog about kitchen pull-out storage and discover clever ways to maximise space, keep your kitchen organised, and make everyday essentials easier to access.

Consider the Overall Style of Your Home

Your new kitchen does not have to match the rest of your home exactly, but considering the wider interior can help create a cohesive result.

Think about the architectural character of your property as well as your existing furniture, flooring and colour palette. A traditional property might suit a more classic kitchen style, while a contemporary open-plan home may lend itself to streamlined cabinetry and modern materials.

That said, there are no strict rules. Your kitchen should ultimately reflect your personal taste and how you want your home to feel.

Prepare Questions for Your Kitchen Designer

Your appointment is also an opportunity to ask questions. You may want to understand how long the design and installation process could take, what is included in the service and how the different stages of the project work.

You can also ask about materials, worktops, appliances, installation and aftercare. If you are considering structural changes, such as removing a wall or creating an open-plan kitchen, mention this during your consultation so it can be considered from the beginning.

Do not worry if you do not know the technical terminology. Our kitchen designer will be able to explain your options clearly and help you make informed decisions.

What You Can Expect After the Appointment

Following your kitchen design appointment, our designer will typically use the information gathered during the consultation to develop ideas for your space. Depending on the design and stage of the project, this could include floor plans, elevations, 3D visuals, material selections and an estimated quotation.

The first design is not necessarily the final design. Kitchen design is often a collaborative process, and your feedback helps refine the layout, finishes and details until the proposed kitchen feels right for your home.

Take time to consider how the design works from both a practical and visual perspective. A beautiful kitchen needs to function just as well as it looks.

Make Your Kitchen Design Appointment Count

The best kitchen design appointments are conversations. You do not need to arrive with every decision made or have a perfect vision of your dream kitchen.

Instead, come prepared to explain how you live, what you like, what you dislike about your current kitchen and what you would like your new space to achieve. Bring inspiration, photographs, plans and any useful information you already have, but remain open to professional advice.

Our kitchen designer can then combine your ideas with their experience to create a space that is practical, stylish and tailored to your home.

A little preparation before your kitchen design appointment can make the entire process feel more confident and enjoyable. With the right conversation at the beginning, you can take an important step towards creating a kitchen that looks beautiful and works effortlessly for everyday life.

Visit Us Today

You’re welcome to drop in during the week or a Saturday. We offer a relaxed environment and honest advice no pressure, just great kitchens and expert support.

Address: 1 Regent St, Stonehouse, GL10 2AA

Phone: 01483 828866

Email: info@sarahjanekitchens.co.uk

Appointments: Book Appointment

When it comes to designing your dream kitchen, colour is everything. At Sarah Jane Kitchens, we believe your kitchen should reflect your personality. That’s why our painted kitchen range can be colour matched to almost any shade, giving you the freedom to create a space that’s completely unique to you.

Whether you’ve fallen in love with a designer paint colour, want to complement your existing décor, or have a specific vision in mind, we’ll help bring your perfect kitchen to life.

A Kitchen as Individual as You

Choosing a kitchen is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home, so why limit yourself to a standard colour palette?

Our colour matching service allows you to personalise your chosen kitchen, creating a truly bespoke finish that’s tailored to your home and your style.

Whether your inspiration comes from your favourite paint collection, a piece of furniture, a fabric sample or even a treasured accessory, we can create a kitchen that’s uniquely yours.

Unlimited Colour Possibilities

With Sarah Jane Kitchens, you’re not restricted to a handful of standard colours.

From calming neutrals and soft greys to dramatic navy blues, forest greens and contemporary earthy tones, your kitchen can be finished in a colour that perfectly complements your home.

Whether your style is modern, shaker, classic or contemporary, we’ll help you achieve the look you’ve been dreaming of.

Why Choose a Colour Matched Kitchen?

A bespoke colour creates more than a beautiful kitchen it creates a space that feels completely your own.

Our customers love colour matching because it allows them to:

Coordinate their kitchen with wall colours and interior décor.

Match a favourite paint shade.

Create a one-of-a-kind kitchen.

Complement open-plan living spaces.

Add personality and individuality to their home.

Instead of choosing from a brochure, you’re choosing a kitchen designed around you.

Crafted to Last

Every Sarah Jane Kitchen is manufactured with exceptional attention to detail and finished to the highest standards.

Your chosen colour is applied with the same care and precision as every kitchen we produce, ensuring a durable, beautiful finish that will stand the test of time.

Designed Around Your Lifestyle

Our experienced kitchen designers work with you from concept to completion, helping you choose the perfect layout, door style and colour.

Whether you’re renovating your forever home or creating your dream family kitchen, we’ll help you design a space that’s both practical and beautiful.

Visit Sarah Jane Kitchens

If you’re looking for a bespoke kitchen that perfectly reflects your style, discover the possibilities with our colour matching service.

Visit our showroom to explore our kitchen collections, speak with our friendly design team and see how we can create a kitchen in the colour you’ve always wanted.

Because your dream kitchen shouldn’t be limited by a colour chart.

Explore Our Colour Matched Kitchens

Discover our collection of kitchens that can be colour matched to your perfect shade. Whether you have a favourite paint colour, a specific tone in mind, or simply want something unique to your home, our colour-matching service gives you the freedom to create a truly personal kitchen.

Stori

Aldana, Arrington, Aylesford, Belgravia, Clifden, Ellesmere, Ferro, Florence, Georgia, Harborne, Jacobsen, Jefferson, Lawrenson, Madison, Strada Gloss, Strada Matte, Tavola, Versa, Wakefield, Winslow, Zola Gloss, Zola Matte

Novelle Furniture

Aurora, Charlotte, Jasper, Peterborough, Regent, Sutton, Yorkton

Aisling Artisan Furniture

Alberta & Belleville, Aurora, Calgary & Victoria, Charlotte, Edmonton, Hawkesbury, Jasper, Langley, Lawrence, Mayfair, Molson, Montreal, Peterborough & Montreal, Quebec, Sudbury & Hudson, Sutton, Toronto, Yorkton

From timeless neutrals to bold, statement-making shades, explore the kitchens available to colour match and find inspiration for your own space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you colour match any paint colour?

In most cases, yes. Our painted kitchen range can be colour matched to a vast selection of paint colours, allowing you to create a kitchen that’s uniquely yours.

Is colour matching available on every kitchen?

Colour matching is available across our painted kitchen ranges,

Stori, Novelle Furniture & Aisling Artisan Furniture.

Our team will be happy to advise which styles are suitable.

Why choose a colour matched kitchen?

A colour matched kitchen gives you complete design freedom, allowing your cabinetry to complement your home’s décor and create a truly bespoke look.

Visit Us Today

You’re welcome to drop in during the week or a Saturday. We offer a relaxed environment and honest advice no pressure, just great kitchens and expert support.

Address: 1 Regent St, Stonehouse, GL10 2AA

Phone: 01483 828866

Email: info@sarahjanekitchens.co.uk

Appointments: Book Appointment

We’re excited to introduce six beautiful new colours to the Stori kitchen range, now available across 19 stunning Stori kitchen collections. Whether you’re drawn to timeless neutrals or rich, earthy tones, these additions offer even more flexibility to create a kitchen that’s uniquely yours.

Meet the Six New Stori Kitchen Colours

Mayfield

A soft, creamy neutral with warm undertones, Hayfield creates a welcoming atmosphere that complements both traditional and modern kitchen designs. It pairs beautifully with natural wood worktops, brass handles and stone surfaces for a timeless finish.

Oyster

Clean, elegant and effortlessly versatile, Oyster is a sophisticated off-white that brightens any room without feeling stark. Perfect for minimalist kitchens or as a base colour for bold feature islands.

Linen

Inspired by natural fabrics, Linen brings subtle warmth and understated luxury to your kitchen. This calming neutral works exceptionally well with oak interiors, textured finishes and soft lighting.

Dark Berry

Looking to make a statement? Dark Berry delivers rich sophistication with its deep, muted plum tones. Ideal for creating dramatic kitchen islands or full cabinetry with a premium, contemporary look.

Fired Clay

Earthy and full of character, Fired Clay reflects the growing trend towards warm terracotta-inspired interiors. It adds depth, warmth and personality while pairing perfectly with natural stone, timber and black accents.

Java

For those who love bold interiors, Java offers a deep espresso-inspired finish that brings elegance and luxury to any kitchen. It’s a fantastic choice for modern homes seeking a striking yet timeless aesthetic.

Available Across 19 Stori Kitchen Collections

One of the biggest advantages of these exciting new colour additions is their versatility. Rather than being limited to selected styles, Mayfield, Oyster, Linen, Dark Berry, Fired Clay and Java are now available across all 19 Stori kitchen collections, giving you complete freedom to personalise your chosen design.

Whether you prefer a classic shaker kitchen, a sleek contemporary design or something in between, these new finishes allow you to create a kitchen that’s perfectly suited to your home and lifestyle.

Available On These Stori Kitchen Ranges

Aldana, Arrington, Aylesford, Belgravia, Clifden, Ellesmere, Florence, Georgia, Harborne, Jacobsen, Jefferson, Lawrenson, Madison, Strada Matte, Tavola, Versa, Wakefield, Winslow, Zola Matte

One of the biggest advantages of these new colour additions is their versatility. Rather than being limited to selected styles, all six colours are now available across the complete range of 19 Stori kitchen collections.

Whether your style is:

Shaker kitchens,

Modern handleless kitchens,

Traditional in-frame designs,

Contemporary slab kitchens,

Classic painted kitchens

…you can now personalise your chosen design with these exciting new finishes.

Learn more about How to Choose the Right Kitchen Style for Your Home.

Why Choose a Coloured Kitchen?

Kitchen design trends continue to move beyond standard white and grey cabinetry. Homeowners are increasingly choosing colours that reflect their personality while creating a warm, welcoming environment.

These new Stori shades offer:

Greater design flexibility,

Timeless colour palettes that won’t quickly date,

Easy coordination with worktops, flooring and accessories,

Premium painted finishes,

The ability to create truly bespoke kitchen designs

Whether you’re creating a bright family kitchen or a luxurious entertaining space, these new colours offer something for every home.

Find Your Perfect Stori Kitchen

With six beautiful new colours and 19 exceptional kitchen collections to choose from, there’s never been a better time to design your dream kitchen.

Visit our showroom to explore the full Stori collection, view large colour samples, and speak with our kitchen design experts. We’ll help you combine your favourite door style with the perfect new colour to create a kitchen that’s both stylish and built around your lifestyle.

Visit Us Today

You’re welcome to drop in during the week or a Saturday. We offer a relaxed environment and honest advice no pressure, just great kitchens and expert support.

Address: 1 Regent St, Stonehouse, GL10 2AA

Phone: 01483 828866

Email: info@sarahjanekitchens.co.uk

Appointments: Book Appointment

When you’re investing in your home, choosing the right company is just as important as choosing the right furniture. At Sarah Jane Kitchens, we believe every room should be thoughtfully designed, beautifully crafted and built around the way you live.

Whether you’re planning a luxurious new kitchen, bespoke fitted bedroom or stylish living furniture, our experienced team will guide you through every stage of your project from your initial consultation to the final installation.

Bespoke Design Tailored to You

Every home is unique, and so is every customer. Our experienced designers take the time to understand your lifestyle, budget and vision before creating a design that’s perfectly tailored to your needs.

Whether your style is:

Contemporary

Classic

In-Frame

Modern

Painted Kitchens

Modern Handleless

We’ll create a room that’s both beautiful and practical.

Explore how to Choose the Right Kitchen Style for Your Home.

Kitchens Designed Around Your Lifestyle

The kitchen is more than just a place to cook it’s where families gather, friends socialise and memories are made. Our kitchens are designed to combine:

From complete renovations to replacement kitchen doors and worktops, we offer solutions to suit every home and budget.

Beautiful Fitted Bedrooms

Your bedroom should be a place to relax and unwind.

Our bespoke bedroom furniture maximises storage while creating a stylish, clutter-free space.

Our bedroom collections include:

Sliding Wardrobes

Hinged Wardrobes

 Walk-in Wardrobes

Dressing Rooms

Bedside Furniture

Custom Storage Solutions

Every piece is made to fit your room perfectly.

Living Furniture That Completes Your Home

We create more than kitchens.

Our bespoke living furniture is designed to bring a seamless sense of style and functionality throughout your home. Crafted with the same attention to detail, premium materials, and expert craftsmanship as our kitchens, each piece is tailored to complement your space and the way you live. From elegant storage solutions to beautifully designed furniture for every room, we help create interiors that feel cohesive, timeless, and uniquely yours.

Media Walls

Tv Units

Homeoffices

Bootrooms

Utility Rooms

Display Cabinets

Sideboards

Console Tables

Designed around your lifestyle and built to last.

Premium Quality You Can Trust

Quality is at the heart of everything we do.

We work with carefully selected manufacturers who produce furniture renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, precision engineering and outstanding durability.

From soft-close hinges to beautifully painted finishes, every detail is designed for everyday living.

Friendly, Personal Service

As an independent family business, customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do.

From your first visit to the completion of your project, you’ll receive honest advice, professional guidance and outstanding customer care.

Many of our customers come to us through personal recommendations a reflection of the relationships we’ve built over the years.

Reviews

One of the biggest reasons customers choose Sarah Jane Kitchens is the confidence that comes from reading the experiences of previous clients.

We’re incredibly proud of our 5-star customer reviews, which reflect our commitment to exceptional design, quality craftsmanship and outstanding customer service. From the very first design consultation through to the final installation, our aim is to exceed expectations every step of the way.

Many of our customers tell us they chose Sarah Jane Kitchens because of the positive experiences shared by friends, family and homeowners across Gloucestershire. We believe there’s no better recommendation than a happy customer.

Here’s what some of our customers have said:

“I thoroughly recommend Sarah Jane Kitchens. The whole experience from initial consultation and design through to the finished result was effortless and nothing was too much trouble. I am very happy with my new kitchen. The quality of the cabinets and worktops are excellent. The installation team were more than helpful and their approach was professional. They also kept within their promised time frame. This was a very successful project.”

Mr & Mrs Bell

“Sarah and her team were instrumental in ensuring our project deadlines were met when our other kitchen company failed to deliver. They provided 3D visuals in an extremely fast turn around, as well as trouble shooting on site many weeks after delivery. I would definitely recommend them.”

J James

“We went in with an idea and a budget we have now got our dream kitchen
Excellent quality and service throughout. Wonderful cheerful and respectful fitters, would recommend 100%”

Sandra Bennett

Visit Our Gloucestershire Showroom

There’s no substitute for seeing the quality for yourself.

Visit our showroom to explore a wide range of kitchens, bedrooms and living furniture displays, along with worktops, handles, lighting and clever storage solutions.

Our experienced designers are always on hand to discuss ideas and help bring your vision to life.

Why Homeowners Choose Sarah Jane Kitchens

Why Homeowners Choose Sarah Jane Kitchens

Bespoke designs tailored to your lifestyle

Kitchens, bedrooms and living furniture under one roof

Expert design consultation

Premium quality furniture

Professional installation

Friendly family-run business

Excellent value for money

Trusted throughout Gloucestershire

Ready to Transform Your Home?

Whether you’re dreaming of a new kitchen, planning a fitted bedroom or looking to enhance your living space with bespoke furniture, Sarah Jane Kitchens is here to help.

Visit our showroom, meet our experienced design team and discover how we can transform your ideas into beautifully designed spaces you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Your dream home starts with Sarah Jane Kitchens.

Visit Us Today

You’re welcome to drop in during the week or a Saturday. We offer a relaxed environment and honest advice no pressure, just great kitchens and expert support.

Address: 1 Regent St, Stonehouse, GL10 2AA

Phone: 01483 828866

Email: info@sarahjanekitchens.co.uk

Appointments: Book Appointment

Based in Gloucestershire, we specialise in supplying high quality replacement kitchen doors that are manufactured to your exact measurements. Whether you’re updating a tired kitchen or creating a completely new style, our bespoke door service provides a beautiful finish without the expense and disruption of a full kitchen replacement.

Why Choose Made to Measure Kitchen Doors?

Many homeowners assume that achieving their dream kitchen requires removing everything and starting again. In reality, if your cabinets are still structurally sound, replacing the doors, drawer fronts and panels can completely transform the appearance of your kitchen.

Our made to measure service offers:

Bespoke sizing for a perfect fit

Hundreds of colour and finish combinations

Faster installation compared to a full kitchen renovation

Reduced waste and a more sustainable option

Excellent value for money

A completely refreshed kitchen appearance

Our tailored service provides the same transformative results with the personal attention and expertise of a local Gloucestershire kitchen specialist.

Introducing the Unity Range

The Unity Range has become one of our most popular collections thanks to its versatile styles, premium finishes and exceptional craftsmanship. Designed to suit both contemporary and classic homes.

Unity is a contemporary, made-to-measure slab door collection available in four on-trend finishes: Colour, Luxe Industrial, Woodgrain, and Stone. Gloss finishes come with a choice of two edge options. With angled doors, a wide range of accessories

Linea

Unity Linea Dark Berry & Pebble Grey

For homeowners seeking a sleek, modern aesthetic, Linea delivers clean horizontal detailing and contemporary styling. Its minimalist appearance works beautifully in open-plan spaces and modern family kitchens.

Popular finishes include sophisticated matt colours, textured woodgrains and statement dark tones.

Essen

Unity Essen Natural Davos Oak

Essen combines simplicity with elegance. Featuring smooth surfaces and subtle design elements, this style creates a timeless look that works effortlessly in both modern and transitional kitchens.

Its understated design allows colour choices to take centre stage, from soft neutrals to bold feature shades.

Metara

Unity Metara Steel Oxide

Metara offers a contemporary slab design with refined detailing, creating a sophisticated kitchen that feels both modern and inviting.

Ideal for homeowners looking to achieve a premium, designer-inspired finish, Metara pairs beautifully with handleless systems and modern accessories.

Nura

Unity Nura Tobacco Oak Linear

Nura introduces subtle texture and character while maintaining a clean, contemporary appearance. This versatile style complements a wide range of interior design schemes, making it a popular choice for kitchen renovations throughout Gloucestershire.

The design balances practicality and elegance, creating a kitchen that looks beautiful and functions perfectly for everyday living.

Rocca

Unity Rocca Mocha Cemento

Rocca brings distinctive style and personality to your kitchen. Featuring bold detailing and strong visual appeal, it’s perfect for homeowners who want their kitchen to become a true focal point of the home.

Available in a variety of modern and traditional finishes, Rocca can be tailored to suit your individual taste.

Bespoke Kitchen Doors Designed Around Your Home

Every kitchen is unique, which is why all of our replacement doors are manufactured to your exact specifications.

Our made to measure service includes:

Kitchen Doors

Drawer Fronts

End Panels

Plinths

Cornice And Pelmets

Feature Panels

Whether you have standard-sized units or unusual dimensions, we can provide a seamless solution that looks professionally installed from day one.

Create Your Dream Kitchen Without Replacing Everything

Many customers come to us after researching national companies such as Dream Doors and discovering that a bespoke local service can offer greater flexibility, personal design advice and exceptional value.

By simply replacing your doors and visible components, you can achieve the appearance of a completely new kitchen while keeping costs under control.

From contemporary matt finishes and authentic woodgrains to striking painted colours, our extensive collection allows you to create a kitchen that reflects your personal style.

Made to Measure Kitchen Doors Across Gloucestershire

At Sarah Jane Kitchens, we proudly supply homeowners throughout Gloucestershire with high-quality replacement kitchen doors and bespoke kitchen solutions.

Our experienced team can help you select the perfect door style, colour and finish from the Unity Range, ensuring your new kitchen look complements your home and lifestyle.

Whether you’re updating a compact family kitchen or transforming a large open-plan space, our made to measure kitchen doors offer an affordable path to the kitchen you’ve always wanted.

Discover Our Kitchens, Bedrooms & Living Spaces

Discover how our team brings each space to life with care, detail, and timeless design.

Kitchens Gallery – Beautiful, functional spaces designed around your lifestyle

Bedrooms Gallery – Elegant, restful retreats tailored to your taste

Living Spaces Gallery – Versatile, stylish designs for modern living

Start Your Kitchen Transformation Today

If you’re looking for made to measure kitchen doors in Gloucestershire, contact Sarah Jane Kitchens to explore the Unity Range and discover how Linea, Essen, Metara, Nura and Rocca can transform your kitchen into the space you’ve always envisioned.

Visit Us Today

You’re welcome to drop in during the week or a Saturday. We offer a relaxed environment and honest advice no pressure, just great kitchens and expert support.

Address: 1 Regent St, Stonehouse, GL10 2AA

Phone: 01483 828866

Email: info@sarahjanekitchens.co.uk

Appointments: Book Appointment