How to design 'the dream kitchen': Q&A with kitchen designer Hazel Bond of Knaresborough Kitchens

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Tell me a bit about your background and how you got into being a design consultant for Knaresborough Kitchens?

I studied graphic design at college, so I always had an interest in design and aesthetics.

My design career started as a bathroom designer at a York showroom, and then after approximately five years, I felt I needed a new challenge and became a kitchen designer for the same company.

After working there for 13 years and becoming the kitchen showroom manager, I was approached by Knaresborough Kitchens and was asked to come and join the team. That was in 2013. 

What do you like most about your job?

I love the mixture of creativity and problem-solving.

Every kitchen is like a puzzle: how do you make it beautiful, functional, and tailored to each client’s lifestyle, all within a specific space and budget.

Seeing a design go from concept to reality and witnessing the client’s reaction when they first step into their new kitchen is incredibly rewarding.

Does it help if clients know what style they would like for their dream kitchen?

Yes, it absolutely does help; it saves time guessing if they prefer a modern or traditional style, but if they still aren’t sure, a quick tour around the showroom will help, as we have lots of styles, colours, and finishes to show clients. 

What trends are you currently seeing?

There are several that are emerging in kitchen design right now; here are some of the most popular ones:

Pantry cupboards and breakfast cupboards are especially popular; they can hide everyday appliances like kettles, toasters, and coffee machines, keeping the counters looking clean yet ensuring that the appliances are still accessible. They can also be used for better organisation of food and are often supplied with a quartz shelf, like a traditional walk-in pantry.

Bars are also very popular as more and more kitchens are being opened up into large living-dining entertaining spaces.

Colours and styles for kitchens are constantly changing, so my suggestion is to pick what you like, as it will be changing again next year. 

Clients are also putting a lot more thought into lighting a space, as it can change the mood, function, and perception of a kitchen, from large rattan shades giving a Mediterranean vibe to modern contemporary clean lines.

Appliances are always evolving with smart technology. Refrigerators that can come up with recipes from the contents that are in them or let you know what you need to buy on your next shopping trip. 

There are also ovens that analyse a recipe, considering factors like timing, temperature, and protein type, to automatically adjust settings for optimal cooking results.

How long does it take from the initial consultation to the completion of a kitchen?

The initial showroom consultation is approximately an hour, gathering information and understanding the client’s needs, preferences, lifestyle, and budget. 

Once the client is happy that we're the right fit for them, a home visit will be arranged or an architect’s plan supplied, and a list of requirements taken along with any inspiration photos; Pinterest is a very helpful tool to help find the style our clients love.

Planning a new kitchen is a big investment, one that clients make only a handful of times, so, once an initial design or designs are put together, they’re invited back to the showroom to sit down together and put in any ideas they’d like to see in the design until we have one that everybody is happy with.

Once the client is happy with the final design, a deposit is taken, and a full set of detailed drawings is issued.

Tell me about the fitting process.

We have a few fitting options at Knaresborough Kitchens.

Firstly, if you are wanting to build an extension, we have trusted builders we can recommend. If you have your own builder, we can work alongside them fluidly to design, supply and install the kitchen, or if the builder wants to fit the kitchen, we would provide detailed fitting notes, as well as being on hand to help with any queries that might arise.

If the kitchen is going into an existing space, then we can take care of everything – fitting, electrics, plumbing, flooring, basically everything from start to finish. Finally, if you have your own fitter already, then we are happy to design and supply the kitchen.

What are your top tips for people who are thinking of or planning on getting a new kitchen?

Planning a new kitchen is a big investment and a central part of your home, so it’s smart to approach it thoughtfully. Here are my top tips for getting it right:

• Visit a showroom early, especially if you are thinking of having building work or an extension done; this will give you time to alter the plan before any building work starts, saving you money and possibly improving the layout of the kitchen. Even if you’re not having building work done, it is always a good idea to see what’s available and how much you are likely to spend.
• Come with all of your ideas; it’s better to have lots of ideas to pick from than none.
• Start with function – think how the kitchen will be used; this will help with the layout, as you may want a large island for entertaining or lots of storage to declutter your space.
• Think about timescales and what time of year would work best for you to have the work done, as you may want to work around school holidays or move out when some of the works are happening.
• Budget is one of the most important areas to think about, as there are always options for reducing cost depending on the worktops you go with or the door style you choose.

Find out more

Thinking of getting a new kitchen? Visit Knaresborough Kitchens's showroom that's based at 94-96 High Street, Knaresborough, HG5 0HN.

Or book an appointment to start your own journey towards your dream new kitchen by calling 01423862286 or visiting showcase.knaresboroughkitchens.co.uk