When should you design your kitchen?
- Louise Mcleod
- Sep 26
- 2 min read
Most people wait until they have planning permission and their extension designed before thinking about their kitchen layout, design and materials. Many architects simply show simple kitchen outlines on plans – just an indication of where it might go and leave it to the kitchen designers.
At Larch Studio, we believe it should start much earlier..
The layout, design, and materials of your kitchen are crucial to renovations and extensions where the kitchen is a major part and should be considered from the very early concept stages. Knowing what style you're after and the colour schemes you have in mind really helps us understand you as a client – and design a space that truly works.
Here's what we recommend:
Start conversations with kitchen suppliers early – not just for design ideas, but to get realistic cost estimates. You can then put that money aside, because builders' quotes never include kitchens. It's an expense at the end that you don't want to have to scrimp on.
Visit local kitchen showrooms – especially family-run ones. They might look expensive initially, but they supply a huge range of different types and price points. It's always worth discussing their lower ranges and what they can do to help you meet your budget.
This kitchen was designed by Coeur Kitchens in Godalming – a family-run business where the owner was incredibly helpful in getting the kitchen on budget while perfectly suiting both the style of the home and our client's taste.
By involving them early in the design process, we could ensure the extension's layout, window positions, and proportions all worked perfectly with the kitchen design. The result feels integrated and intentional, not an afterthought.
It's never too early in a project to get onto Pinterest and start collecting images of what you like. Understanding your kitchen preferences early helps us design an extension that enhances your lifestyle, rather than just adding square footage.
The best extensions don't just add space – they transform how you live. And that transformation usually starts in the kitchen.
Ready to discuss your project? Get in touch: www.larchstudio.design
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