We spoke to Brewers Decorator Centre about what to consider when designing your dream kitchen

Great British Life: Alumina kitchen (Crown Imperial)Alumina kitchen (Crown Imperial) (Image: Archant)

There is a lot to think about when designing a kitchen, from constructing an entirely new layout to deciding on door handles. Brewers is a family run business and the largest independent decorator's merchant in the country with 170 shops nationwide - we have enlisted the help of their Kitchen Designer Andy Sandford to collected some tips to help get the ball rolling on your dream kitchen.

- Consider your space

It's important to understand the space that you want to redesign. Are you discarding old appliances? Will electricity and plumbing need rerouting? Do you want to change the way you use your kitchen? There are lots of questions to consider before taking the plunge with a new kitchen design.

It might not be necessary to completely change the layout of your kitchen if the current layout works for you. It might just need refreshing with new appliances and cabinetry without moving plumbing.

Talk through your ideas with Brewers Kitchen Designer, Andy Sandford at your free design consultation in the comfort of your own home.

"We have a free, no obligation design and pricing service," explains Andy. "I will visit a client's house after they have come into one of our five kitchen showrooms in East Anglia, and put together a bespoke design to suit their needs."

Great British Life: Aspen kitchen (Crown Imperial)Aspen kitchen (Crown Imperial) (Image: Archant)

Brewers uses Crown Imperial Kitchens, who are a trusted brand known for their varied and flexible kitchen styling. Whether modern or traditional, all Crown Imperial kitchens are manufactured to a high standard here in the UK.

Great British Life: Gala Oyster kitchen (Crown Imperial Lifestyle)Gala Oyster kitchen (Crown Imperial Lifestyle) (Image: Archant)

- Visualise your new kitchen

You've probably got a board of kitchen designs on Pinterest with tonnes of design options. Inspiration can be drawn from everywhere but it is ultimately a very personal choice when it comes to choosing traditional vs. contemporary, the colour of your cabinetry and the finish on your countertops. It's good to have an idea of what you want before you go to a shop so you're not easily swayed to make extravagant purchases. Create mood boards, bookmark lots of designs that you like and research your options online or by visiting a kitchen showroom.

Visit a Brewers kitchen showroom to see examples of some of the stunning Crown Imperial kitchens that Brewers supplies. A trusted brand, Brewers works along side clients to put together a kitchen that's perfectly thought out. Find showrooms in the Bury St Edmunds, Colchester, Frinton on Sea, Lowestoft and King's Lynn Brewers stores.

The Brewers team will make use of the latest CAD software to truly allow customers to visualise their new kitchen. Andy explains: "We will take measurements and get ideas of layout and design before putting together a visual and sending that over to the client."

Great British Life: Nova J kitchen (Crown Imperial Lifestyle)Nova J kitchen (Crown Imperial Lifestyle) (Image: Archant)

- Plan your budget

What should a home owner invest in when buying a kitchen? Arguably the most hardworking part of the kitchen are the countertops, so many experts advise a sturdy material that can weather a lot of use. However, handles on cupboards can easily be changed so it's best to avoid investing lots of money on superfluous extras and put money where it will work the best.

Make sure to factor in builders, electricians, plumbers and other work into the budget for your new kitchen along with any installation fees.

Brewers provides kitchens within two to six weeks of planning in ready-to-install conditions. So it will just be a case of paying fees for a kitchen installation company - make sure they are reliable though!

Brewers has a wide variety of options available whether you want something more affordable or top of the range. Pricing will come after the design meeting so you know exactly how much your new kitchen will cost.

- Take expert advice

Brewers is a family run business and the largest independent decorator's merchant in the country with 170 stores nationwide.

To find out more about Brewers Kitchen Design Service call Andy today on 07966125602 or email andy.sandford@brewers.co.uk. Alternatively, pay a visit to one of the stores with a kitchen showroom - Bury St Edmunds, Colchester, Frinton on Sea, Lowestoft and King's Lynn.

www.brewers.co.uk

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