Used for cooking, dining, entertaining and even work, the kitchen has become the hub of the home, so it’s vital to get it right.

To help you figure out where to start, we spoke to Clifford Collier, director of Colliers Kitchens, Worthing, to get his top tips for renovation success.

Choose a company which offers an all-in-one service 

“There’s more to a kitchen renovation than coming up with a design and hiring a team to install it. With so much to think about, people can easily find themselves in a constant haze of chasing electricians and rearranging plumbers. Not only can this be highly stressful, but it also makes it easy for crucial details to slip through the net,” says Clifford, “but with an all-in-one kitchen specialist, the customer doesn’t have to worry about any of that.”

Great British Life: The most effective kitchen designs aren’t simply practical - they should enhance your daily life.The most effective kitchen designs aren’t simply practical - they should enhance your daily life. (Image: Neil Macaninch)

Colliers manages every stage of the project, from the initial consultation and design, to the final lick of paint. “If there are any problems along the way, it’s up to us to get it resolved as efficiently as possible,” Clifford tells us. “This keeps everything running smoothly while also ensuring the kitchen is completed to the highest standard.” 

“Better still,” Clifford continues, “at Colliers, your project manager is also your designer, so you can really build a relationship with them and rest assured they’ll deliver exactly what you have in mind.”

Great British Life: Quality kitchen designs now use zones, which maximise efficiency and better cater to your personal needs.Quality kitchen designs now use zones, which maximise efficiency and better cater to your personal needs. (Image: Neil Macaninch)

Choose an independent specialist  

The kitchen company you choose has to be reliable. You’re trusting them to work in your house and make your dream kitchen a reality—plus, it’s one of the biggest home investments you’ll make.  

With over 60 years of design and installation experience, Colliers has a well-established reputation. “As well as our highly skilled designers, we’ve built up a team of subcontractors who we know will deliver the most reliable and professional service to our customers,” Clifford explains.  

“What sets independent specialists apart, is that they’re not simply trying to sell you their own products. They’ve reviewed all the products available and hand-picked only those of the highest quality and with the best value for money.”

Whilst Colliers’ designers are committed to innovation, their thorough research ensures that they use only the best new products, not gimmicks. “We were one of the first kitchen specialists to introduce boiling water taps into our showroom,” Clifford mentions. This innovation has most certainly stood the test of time, with boiling water taps now being a must-have kitchen accessory.  

Great British Life: The designers at Colliers' will work with you to create your own personal, bespoke design.The designers at Colliers' will work with you to create your own personal, bespoke design. (Image: Neil Macaninch)

Choose a designer who knows the trends and exactly what you want 

The most effective kitchen designs aren’t simply practical—they should enhance your daily life. That’s why a good designer understands how the kitchen user’s needs have evolved and shows this in their work. 

Clifford tells us: “The classic ‘kitchen triangle’ is a great basic layout, but quality designs now tend to use zones, which maximise efficiency and better cater to people’s needs.” 

The zones are usually based on the typical meal-time process, from storage and preparation, to cooking and clearing up. He explains that this functionality doesn’t just make life easier: “A well-designed quality kitchen will significantly increase the value and attractiveness of your property, helping it to sell quickly.” 

The most skilled designers also tailor their designs to your preferences and lifestyle. “They listen to you and offer advice, rather than simply doing what they think is best. They’re acutely aware of what’s important to you—whether that’s cooking, socialising, or accommodating for your extensive mug collection.”

To get a better idea of the range of designs Colliers offers, visit www.collierskitchens.co.uk. To make an enquiry, call 01903 210101.