Questions to Ask A Kitchen Designer When Renovating Your Kitchen

Quick Take:

• Renovating a kitchen involves many important decisions – asking the right questions keeps you on track
• Custom designs let you create a kitchen tailored to your style and needs
• Quality materials and smart budgeting help your kitchen look great and last longer
• Showrooms and expert advice make choosing easier
• Renovations typically take 4–6 months, depending on the project scope

Starting a kitchen renovation is both exciting and a little overwhelming – and it’s totally normal to have plenty of questions before getting underway.

There’s a lot to think about: nailing the right design, choosing materials that suit your lifestyle, and picking those finishing touches that make your kitchen truly yours.

With more than 25 years working in luxury kitchen renovations, we at The Maker Designer Kitchens know exactly what it takes to make this process smooth and stress-free. From custom cabinetry and benchtops to managing every detail of construction and installation, our experienced team has got you covered.

Before you dive in, it’s smart to arm yourself with the right questions, so you can feel confident your kitchen will turn out exactly how you want it.

Here are the questions you need to ask. 

1. What types of kitchens do you build?

This is a great question to ask early on – because not all kitchen renovations are created equal. You want to make sure the team you choose knows their way around the style and quality you’re after.

A skilled designer will make sure your kitchen isn’t just beautiful but also practical and designed to fit your lifestyle perfectly. Asking about their specialties helps you feel confident that your renovation will deliver a kitchen you’ll love living in for years to come.

We specialise in luxury, custom-designed kitchens crafted with high-end materials and thoughtful functionality. Every kitchen is tailored by a qualified interior designer to suit your home and lifestyle – creating your dream ‘forever’ space.

Our team is well-versed in popular kitchen styles like Hamptons and Minimalist, while staying ahead of the latest design trends and colour palettes. This ensures your kitchen isn’t just a place to cook, but a stunning, personalised masterpiece.

2. What products will you use in my kitchen?

Asking about the products and materials used in your kitchen is crucial. It directly affects how your kitchen will look, feel, and perform over time. Quality materials mean durability, ease of use, and a lasting aesthetic that won’t date quickly or wear out under daily use.

Look for suppliers who prioritise trusted, premium brands known for reliability and craftsmanship, like Caesarstone for benchtops or Blum for hardware. These details, from soft-close drawers to durable hinges, make a big difference in how your kitchen functions and ages.

We believe in using only the highest quality products that promise durability and lasting aesthetic appeal. Our selections are driven by quality, reliability, and longevity, featuring premium brands such as Polytec, Caesarstone, Hafele, and Blum. 

Our commitment to innovation means no concept is too ambitious. If you dream it, we can achieve it, using the best materials the industry has to offer.

3. Do you have a showroom?

Visiting a showroom can be a game-changer when planning your kitchen renovation. It lets you see, touch, and experience materials and designs firsthand, helping you make confident choices and get a real feel for what your finished kitchen could look like.

The Maker Designer Kitchens offers an award-winning showroom in Bassendean that’s designed to inspire. You can explore fully functioning kitchens and product displays, giving you a clear sense of the quality, craftsmanship, and design possibilities available.

Here, you can explore and interact with working kitchens and product displays, providing a tangible sense of the quality and craftsmanship we bring to every project. It’s a space where dreams begin to take form, and your vision starts to become a reality.

Book a showroom appointment via our website, or alternatively, you can explore our virtual showroom here.

4. Can you accommodate my budget?

Budget is one of the most important factors in any renovation, and being upfront about it early on helps ensure your dream kitchen stays within reach. Asking how a company works with budgets lets you understand their flexibility and how they balance design aspirations with financial realities.

A good team will collaborate with you to prioritise features, suggest smart alternatives, and guide you through choices that deliver the best value without compromising on style or quality.

At The Maker Designer Kitchens, we pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, working closely with you to tailor the design process to your financial and aesthetic requirements. 

Our expertise allows us to guide you through making informed decisions, ensuring that the final design not only meets but exceeds your expectations, but remains closely aligned with your budget.

5. How do you prioritise my 'wish list' items within my budget?

Our experience has taught us that balancing dream design elements with budget constraints is an art. We work diligently with you to prioritise ‘wish list’ items, ensuring that key features are incorporated without compromising the overall vision. Whether it’s selecting a standard range benchtop to accommodate custom cabinetry or finding innovative solutions to include all your must-haves, our goal is to create your dream kitchen that aligns to a budget that works for you. 

6. How long does it take to design and install my kitchen?

Understanding the timeline of your renovation is essential for planning your daily life and managing expectations. Knowing how long each phase takes helps you prepare for disruptions, coordinate with other home projects, and set realistic goals.

Each kitchen renovation project is unique, and so are the timeframes. Generally, a kitchen renovation with our team spans approximately 4 – 6 months from your initial design meeting, manufacture and final install (though various factors can influence this duration). Custom elements like painted cabinetry or specific door profiles may extend production times, while external building works such as demolition or new construction can also impact the overall timeline.

Rest assured, we work closely with our clients to accommodate their project timeframes, ensuring a smooth and timely renovation process.

7. How does your company differ from other Perth renovation companies?

Asking what makes a company different helps you understand the level of expertise, quality, and service you can expect. Renovating a kitchen is a major investment, so partnering with a team that truly stands out can make all the difference in the final result and your overall experience.

What sets The Maker Designer Kitchens apart is that you get to meet with qualified interior designers, not salespeople. Your kitchen design is created custom, so you gain access to a completely bespoke kitchen design. With 24 years of experience, we’re innovators in kitchen design. 

We are Australia’s largest kitchen cabinetry and stone manufacturer, with our team of cabinet makers and stone makers all working together out of our Bassendean factory. All of our kitchens are constructed and pre-assembled in our factory to ensure the highest quality. 

Our in-house manufacturing in Bassendean ensures that every kitchen is a testament to our commitment to quality, from design to installation.

What are the next steps?

Embarking on a kitchen renovation is a journey of transformation, one that requires trust, expertise, and a shared vision.

At The Maker Designer Kitchens, we’re more than just renovation specialists; we’re creators of dream kitchens, dedicated to bringing luxury, innovation, and personalised service to every project. We are here to answer all burning kitchen renovation questions, so you feel excited and at ease regarding the process that lies ahead. 

With our guidance, addressing these key questions ensures that your kitchen renovation journey is as smooth and satisfying as the outcome. 

If you are ready to take the first steps towards your dream kitchen, our team is excited to hear from you. If you’re ready to discuss your kitchen renovation project, reach out to us, or book a showroom appointment with one of our kitchen designers. Let’s create something extraordinary together.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right kitchen style for my home?

Consider your lifestyle, existing home design, and personal taste. Popular styles like Hamptons and Minimalist offer timeless appeal, but a qualified designer can help tailor the perfect look for you.

Why is it important to know what products will be used in my kitchen?

The quality of materials and fittings affects durability, functionality, and the long-term look of your kitchen. Premium brands ensure your kitchen stands the test of time.

What benefits does visiting a showroom provide?

Showrooms let you experience materials, finishes, and layouts firsthand, helping you make more confident and informed decisions.

How can I make sure my kitchen renovation stays within budget?

Clear communication with your renovation team about your budget and priorities is key. They can suggest alternatives and help you prioritise ‘must-have’ features to align design with your finances.

How long does a kitchen renovation typically take?

Most kitchen renovations take about 4 to 6 months from design through to installation, though timelines vary depending on custom details and any additional construction work.

What sets a high-quality renovation company apart?

Look for companies with qualified interior designers, in-house manufacturing, and a track record of bespoke, high-quality kitchens tailored to clients’ needs.

Can I customise my kitchen design?

Yes! Custom cabinetry, benchtops, and finishes are essential for creating a kitchen that reflects your style and functions perfectly for your lifestyle.

How do I prepare for a kitchen renovation?

Start by asking key questions about style, materials, timeline, and budget to ensure you and your renovation team are aligned on expectations and goals.