Most people planning a full kitchen renovation benefit from a kitchen designer, because the layout decides how the kitchen works for the next 15 years or more. If you are only swapping doors and worktops on the same layout, you can probably skip one. If you are moving appliances, changing the plumbing, knocking through a wall or adding an island, get a designer involved before you order anything. At a kitchen showroom, the design service is usually included in the price of the kitchen, so the real question is not whether to pay a designer, but whether the design on offer is good enough.
We are a kitchen showroom, so we have a view. That is why this guide also covers when you genuinely do not need one.
A kitchen designer turns what you want into a plan that can be built, priced and fitted. A good one will:
Online planners are good for experimenting with ideas. They are less good at catching problems that only show up in a real room, such as a wall that is out of square, a boiler flue that limits where a tall unit can go, or a radiator that clashes with a corner cabinet.
| Your project | Designer needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New doors and worktops, same layout | Usually no | Measurements stay the same, so the risk is low |
| New kitchen, same layout, new appliances | Helpful | Appliance sizes and ventilation often change the cabinet plan |
| Moving the sink, hob or fridge | Yes | Plumbing, electrics and extraction all move with them |
| Removing a wall or adding an island | Yes | Circulation space, structure and services all need planning together |
| Small or awkward room | Yes | Every 50mm counts, and clever storage makes the difference |
| Full kitchen and bathroom refresh | Yes | One plan for sequencing trades saves time and money |
There are three common ways to pay, and the right one depends on who you buy the kitchen from.
An independent designer is not tied to one range of units, which suits unusual or high-end projects. A showroom designer is tied to the ranges that showroom sells, but also knows exactly how those units are built and fitted. Neither is automatically better. What matters is that you understand what the design includes and what happens to it if you do not buy the kitchen.
It is free in the sense that you do not pay a separate fee. The cost is built into the kitchen price. That is fine as long as you compare like with like. Before you accept any "free design", ask:
Our guide to kitchen renovation costs in Kent shows what a complete quote should cover.
A first appointment should feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch. At Barkers, you can browse our 10,000 sq ft showroom at your own pace, or book a consultation with a kitchen designer to map out your layout and appliance requirements. In general, a good consultation covers:
For a typical full kitchen, expect a first consultation, one or two rounds of layout changes, a site survey, and then final drawings before you order. The design stage itself is usually measured in weeks, not days, and rushing it is how mistakes reach the fitting stage. Once the kitchen is ordered, our guide to how long a kitchen renovation takes covers the build timeline.
Our kitchen showroom in Maidstone has curated displays you can touch and open, and we offer kitchen design, supply and a fully managed installation service. Visit us at Units G10-G12, Powerhub Business Centre, Maidstone, ME16 0ST, or call 01622 925992.
If you are changing the layout, moving appliances or plumbing, or working with a small or awkward room, yes. If you are only replacing doors and worktops on the same layout, you can often manage without one.
Independent designers commonly charge by the hour (a guide of £30 to £75 per hour), by fixed fee, or as a percentage of the kitchen cost. Most kitchen showrooms include design in the kitchen price instead.
You usually do not pay a separate fee, because the design is included in the price of the kitchen. Ask whether you keep the drawings if you do not buy.
A designer plans the kitchen and produces the drawings and specification. A fitter builds it. Using one company for both means one point of contact if something needs fixing.
Yes, if you hire an independent designer. Ask them to produce full dimensioned drawings you can take to any supplier.
Usually a few weeks from first consultation to final drawings, depending on how many revisions you want and how quickly the survey can be booked.
Ask what services are included, whether they have worked on similar projects, how they will help you stay within budget, and whether you will receive dimensioned drawings and a written contract.
Whether you are ready to start or still deciding between ideas, book a free kitchen design consultation and talk to a designer about your layout, appliances and budget. You can also call in any day: Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Barkers Home of Interiors
Units G10-G12, Powerhub Business Centre, Maidstone, ME16 0ST
01622 925992 | sales@barkersinteriors.com
Mara Miller
We visited the showroom today and were genuinely impressed. It’s a rare place where you can see so many interior design options brought together in one setting, quite literally from floor to ceiling. Every room is thoughtfully styled, allowing you to properly visualise how materials, colours and...
– via Google
S H
I had a wonderful experience at the showroom!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was really impressed with the beautiful selection of kitchens and bathrooms and the quality of the displays. The showroom was welcoming, stylish and gave me lots of inspiration and ideas for creating my dream kitchen and bathroom. The whole...
– via Google
Sue Robinson
What an amazing showroom with so many ideas and possibilities for our bathroom. From the moment we walked in, Josh and Anneka made us feel very welcome. They were happy to answer all our questions, offer advice, and provide technical help — taking the time to draw a plan for us. Excellent...
– via Google