How to commission a bespoke kitchen

It's not easy to know where to start when commissioning a bespoke kitchen, so we've asked the experts to offer some simple guidance...

Above: A kichen designed by Ian Adam-Smith with cabinetry by Halstock

From Richard Moore, Design Director, Martin Moore & Company:

1. Get a personal recommendation - nothing is better than hearing about the company through word of mouth.

Ask family and friends for their experiences and speak to companies who provide a bespoke service in your area.

2. Take your wish list of appliances and any inspirations you have; from a snapshot of a friend's kitchen to pages you've cut out of magazines. You may not know exactly what you want, but it is a great starting point for discussion. If you have a floorplan of the room then that will be helpful too.

From

Karan Main, Director at The Main Company:

3. Choose the granite colour before the paint colour, it's a much easier way around in the long run.

4. Take samples home to look at them in the light of the room, try to hold them the way they will really be, so the granite would be horizontal and the unit sample colour board be vertical, try to have your flooring sample on site at the same time if possible.

5. Consider running down into a fitted settee or window pew at the end of a run if space allows to create an alternative social area to a breakfast bar.

From Kiran Noonan, Marketing Director at John Lewis of Hungerford:

6. Look at painting cabinetry or walls in a unique colour. Painted kitchens endure as a really popular option because they are so versatile. They can be adapted to suit pretty much any space, taste or style and are very easy to live with.

From Paul Walton, Senior Designer at Halstock

7. Involve your designer/cabinet maker from the word go - If using an interior designer, architect or builder, put your designer/cabinet maker in touch with them straightaway. It will avoid rethinks, saving time and money.

8. Create a practical layout - In large kitchens group the main sink, bins, crockery and cutlery in one zone, while the fridge, dry food storage, hob, ovens, pans and utensils should be located in the 'prep area', but don't have the main sink too far from the hob. Consider what pantries and utility rooms will be used for.

9. Build in appliances - Don't compromise on the quality of your appliances and keep worktops clear by creating a space for everything from food processors to bread makers. Work out where any 'extras', such as a chill blaster, vacuum sealer, boiling water tap, wine fridge or a second dishwasher, will go.

10. Allow six months - It is a mistake to rush the planning process which often takes longer than creating and installing a kitchen. But for a quick result, everyone involved needs to sign up to a fixed timeline.