- Kitchens
What to Ask Your Kitchen Designer – Expert Advice from Jack
Planning a new kitchen is exciting, but not knowing where to start, and what to ask, can feel overwhelming. With so many decisions to make, it’s easy to wonder whether you’re covering everything you should.
To help you feel prepared and confident from the very first meeting, we sat down with one of our own STORI showroom designers, Jack, to get his expert insight on the key questions worth asking your kitchen designer, and why they matter.
STORI Showroom Designer – Jack Pullan | Aylesford – Graphite
What should homeowners do before they even come into the showroom?
If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be this: come prepared with ideas. You don’t need to have everything figured out in advance, far from it. But having a mood board, a Pinterest collection or even a folder of screenshots can make a real difference.
The clearer the vision you bring, the colours you love, the styles you are drawn to and the features you’re considering, the easier it is for your kitchen designer to translate those ideas into an accurate, thoughtful design. It saves time, avoids guesswork and allows you to move quickly into the most exciting part of the process: creating a kitchen that feels right for you.
What kind of questions should they ask about accessories?
Do not underestimate accessories. People naturally focus on cabinets and appliances, but the accessories are what make a kitchen truly work.
One of the most valuable questions to ask is: “What storage solutions would you recommend for my lifestyle?” From hidden bins, internal drawers, to pull out larders and clever corner solutions, the right solutions can transform how a kitchen functions day to day, making everyday tasks easier and keeping the space beautifully organised.
I would also advise not to rush choosing your handles, often one of the most overlooked decisions. They’re not just functional; they’re one of the biggest visual features in the kitchen.
Asking: Which handle styles complement this door?” allows your kitchen designer to guide you towards options that enhance the overall design and bring everything together seamlessly.
Pembridge – Reed Green with Vauth-Sagel ENVI Space XX-Pro | Newcombe – Indigo with D-Handles | Zola Soft-Matte – White with LED Strip Lighting
How should they think about their space when making design decisions?
One of the best things you can ask is: How will this kitchen look in my space?
I would also encourage homeowners to think beyond the showroom itself. Many showrooms have perfect lighting, neutral walls and lots of room, which means colours and finishes often look different at home.
It is important to consider:
- Flooring: What colour and material will it be and how will it interact will influence how the cabinetry appears
- Wall colours: Warm or cool tones can completely change the feel of a finish
- Natural light: A north facing room and a south facing room behave very differently
- Inspiration from real homes: Looking at real homes can help bridge that gap. The Real Stories section on the STORI website features real kitchens in real living spaces, which makes it a great source of inspiration.
Asking your designer how all these factors influence your choices helps ensure everything works together once the kitchen is fitted. Most designers can also factor this into their 3D CAD drawings, giving you a clearer idea of how lighting, colours and finishes will look in your own home.
Georgia – Airforce
What should they consider when planning their budget
Budget is a big one, and it’s something you should always feel comfortable discussing openly with your designer. A really helpful question to ask is: “Which elements of the kitchen are really worth investing in?”
There are a few areas where spending a little more can make a noticeable difference over time:
- Worktops: These take the most wear and tear, so choosing something durable and long-lasting often pays off.
- Appliances: Investing in reliable, energy efficient appliances can improve everyday life and reduce running costs over time.
- Electrical planning: Extra sockets, improved wiring for lighting or future‑proofing for smart appliances can save money and hassle later on.
Your designer can help guide you toward the areas where your budget will have the biggest impact and also suggest where you might be able to save without affecting the overall look and performance of your kitchen.
Aldana – Graphite and Light Grey
Are there any other questions worth asking?
If you want to go a step further, consider asking about the materials used for your kitchen and the benefits of each. This can help you understand durability, maintenance and long-term performance.
There’s no need to worry about technical details, even asking a simple question like “What are the benefits of this material?” can give provide valuable clarity.
Final Thoughts
Designing your kitchen should feel enjoyable, not overwhelming. The more questions you ask, the easier it becomes for your designer to create a space that truly reflects your lifestyle, your space and your taste.
Come prepared, stay curious and trust the process, and you’ll end up with a kitchen you’ll love for years to come.
Ready to Start Planning Your Dream Kitchen?
Find your nearest STORI retailer to explore layouts, storage ideas and design options tailored specifically to your home.
You can also download our FREE Kitchen Style Guide today and take the first step toward creating your perfect kitchen.
