Whether you love to cook or just appreciate a good meal, the kitchen is a very important room in any house. Often called the heart of the home, the kitchen is where we gather for meals, work on projects, and connect with our family and friends. While you might not realize it, there’s a lot of work that goes into designing the perfect kitchen. From finding a functional layout to picking design elements, taking on a kitchen renovation is a big commitment. Luckily there are pros specifically trained in making your dream kitchen a reality.
HomeStars spoke with Barbara Nyke, owner and principal designer at Barbara Nyke Interior Design. Barbara specializes in kitchen design and answered some common questions about this job. If you’re interested to learn exactly what a kitchen designer does and how they can help you, read on to get Barbara’s expert opinion!
What does a kitchen designer do, exactly?
According to Barbara, a kitchen designer’s job is to design a kitchen the homeowner will love spending time in. Whether that’s preparing meals or a cup of tea, they should love the space they’re in. This requires more than just picking out tiles and paint colours. A kitchen designer begins by first understanding their client’s functional needs. Once they understand what you want out of your kitchen, then they can begin working on a design that incorporates your style into the space. They will also consider adjacent rooms, such as dining or living rooms, to ensure the design flows throughout your home. By working with a kitchen designer, you will end up with a kitchen that suits both your functional needs and style preferences.
At what point should you hire a kitchen designer?
Barbara recommends homeowners speak to a kitchen designer right at the beginning of their project. Before you hire the renovation team to carry out the work, you should speak to a designer first. Going into a major renovation without a plan is never a good idea. Without a plan, you may make costly mistakes or end up with a kitchen you don’t love. For these reasons, it’s always best to speak to a designer first. They will look at your current kitchen layout and figure out the best possible option(s) to maximize space and functionality.
You can get in touch with a kitchen designer and have them over to your home for an initial consultation. From there you can sign on for a design package if you want to continue working with them throughout the project. Either way, a designer will help provide you with a design plan for a successful kitchen renovation.
What are common mistakes homeowners make in their kitchen design?
When it comes to common mistakes, some fall into the category of “you don’t know what you don’t know.” That’s why hiring a designer is your best bet as they can make sure you don’t accidentally make these mistakes. Designers are trained to think creatively and to look at all the opportunities a space presents and then work through the advantages of one plan over another based on their client’s needs. For these reasons, designers are like detectives in the design world!
Another common mistake homeowners make is incorporating trends that do not work for them or the rest of their homes. You want to avoid choosing trendy colours and styles that don’t suit the home’s current aesthetic. Trends are fun to follow and incorporate some of them into our homes but not all trends make sense for every home. Much like fashion, flared pants don’t look great on everybody, but a designer can find a fit that does work for you. A kitchen designer can do the same and find the right trends that suit your home.
Why should you hire a kitchen designer?
They are trained in design and are experts in their field. While you may see no solution to your odd kitchen layout, a designer will be able to see things you can’t. From rearranging the layout to maximizing storage and functionality, a kitchen designer will make using your kitchen easier. In addition to the functional aspects, a kitchen designer will also ensure your kitchen is one you love looking at and spending time in. They will work with you to ensure your kitchen design flows with the rest of your home. Undertaking a kitchen renovation with no design plan could result in an expensive renovation you’re not completely happy with. To avoid disappointment, hire a kitchen designer at the start of your project.
Investing in your kitchen is an investment in your home. According to a 2020 study by Royal LePage, homeowners can see an average of 12.5% return on investment by renovating their kitchen before selling. To ensure you see the most R.O.I. you should hire a kitchen designer. When you’re ready to get started, you can find kitchen designers in your area on HomeStars. Simply fill out a quote request form and we’ll connect you with kitchen designers who can help you design the perfect kitchen for your home.
Barbara Nyke Interior Design has been in business since 2004 and has been voted as one of Toronto’s top design firms. They are a full-service interior design and decorating company, that creates custom-designed interiors with a focus on kitchen designs. To read their reviews and see project photos, check out their HomeStars profile.
*All images courtesy of Barbara Nyke Interior Design
