Kitchen Advice | Inspiration

Step 1: Assess your current kitchen

Before you begin to plan your kitchen redesign, take a good look at your existing space and consider:

What works for your lifestyle

You may want an island for informal family meals or to serve as an extra study area. An island also provides more space to cook for a crowd.

Explore kitchen island ideas

A white slab kitchen with matt finish and island layout. A monochrome design using black worktops, floors, and appliances.

Features you like and dislike

Perhaps your kitchen has a hard-to-reach cupboard or a cramped cooking area layout. This is your chance to improve how your kitchen works.

Explore kitchen layouts

Pan Drawer Divider Kit with Pan Drawer Sides

Make time to declutter

Ruthlessly divide your useful utensils from seldom-used cupboard dwellers. Prioritise only the items you use most so your new kitchen will be free of clutter.

Explore kitchen storage ideas

Step 2: Bring a builder on board

You will need a builder to install your kitchen exactly how you want and ensure it is built to last. Whether it is a plumber, plasterer or an electrician, a builder will find the right people to complete your job.

Check skills and qualifications

In addition to carpentry, some builders are certified to carry out plumbing, electrics and plastering. Other tradespeople may need to be involved if you are planning an extension to accommodate a new kitchen.

Explore kitchen extension ideas

Seek recommendations

Ask friends and family for recommendations to help you choose a builder. When you find a builder, ask for examples of similar work they have done. You can also contact your local Howdens for support.

Contact your local Howdens

Step 3: Gather ideas and get inspired

Your new kitchen can be customised to suit your home and personality. Here are our recommendations to help you get started.

Social media

Pinterest boards and Instagram offer trend tips and pictures of real homes to inspire you, or you can follow us on social media for more ideas.

Explore our Pinterest

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Design tools

You can experiment with different kitchen styles, layouts and products using a kitchen planner tool, like our Kitchen Visualiser.

Magazines or brochures

Browse through a range of interior magazines and brochures, including our Kitchen brochure. You can even create a scrapbook with your favourite photos.

Request a brochure

Step 4: Consider other building work

To make way for a new and improved kitchen, additional building work may be required, for example removing walls to open up space. Here are some things to consider.

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Plumbing and gas

Maybe you want to free up wall space by replacing radiators with underfloor heating, or move the gas supply to make room for a larger oven. As you plan your kitchen, keep plumbed items together to save on labour costs.

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Electrics

Your new kitchen may require extra power sockets, for example if you are fitting a microwave in addition to an oven. You may need to plan your kitchen with additional lighting to ensure the space is well-lit and easy to use.

Decorative details

New walls may need plastering, or existing walls may need to be painted depending on what trend and style you have in mind. This is your chance to add personal touches to your design scheme that will really stand out.

Explore kitchen decor ideas

Step 5: Consult a designer and create a 3D plan

Once you have a builder engaged, arrange to meet one of our professional kitchen designers. We offer a free kitchen design service, and our designers have plenty of experience in how to plan a kitchen. As part of this service you can:

Arrange a home survey

One of our designers will visit your home to measure up, discuss kitchen layouts and explore how to make the best use of space.

Book an appointment

Arrange a time for one of our designers to meet with you or your builder, so you can explore ideas and products and receive expert design advice.

View the plans

Go to your local Howdens to see a 3D plan of the kitchen design on a large screen. This gives you an opportunity to view your design in detail and make any tweaks.