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