Why the kitchen really is the heart of the home
We probably spend more time planning the kitchen than any other room in the house. When you consider how much time we spend sleeping, surely the bedroom should take priority over the kitchen? The fact is breaking bread and spending time with family and friends is at the centre of the human experience and therefore the kitchen is such an important space.
How the customer journey begins
When a client starts the process of considering a new kitchen, what begins that journey? What is the priority for kitchen design from the perspective of the customer? Is it the pale colour palette, stone worktop or the incredible island with integral sink? Is it all about the minimalist design? Is it the prospect of having nothing on show save the pestle and mortar that you think you need but in reality use once a year to impress guests strategically placed on the island? In truth there is much more to buying a kitchen than the choice of colours in cupboard configuration.
Why bespoke is important
For the client, the exciting part is the aesthetics and you may be salivating over the prospect of dovetail joints and the rich feel of your walnut larder. These gorgeous details and unique nature of your kitchen made for your exact needs are the reason people want a bespoke kitchen. In terms of designers, how do you know who is the right fit for you when so many cabinet makers claim to be able to deliver this? In any business exchange you’re effectively interviewing for a new relationship. People buy people and you will know when the right kitchen designer turns up because they will just get your vision. When you wave your hands about gesticulating on how you want space to be, it should feel like they can see into your soul. The rapport that is built in these initial meetings are so important. We’ve all had those moments when you instantly like someone or equally instinctively don’t trust them. Yes of course you’re buying reputation, craftsmanship, experience and the heritage of the brand but it must also work on a personal level.
Why the kitchen really is the heart of the home
So what is the reason that the kitchen is so important and emotive? The reason clients labour over cupboards and colour choices, which handles or worktop to choose is because they are buying possibilities. They want to be able to visualise how the space will be used. The design needs to be ergonomic but stylish and aesthetically pleasing because the kitchen is for most of us the heart of the home. When a client is labouring over worktop samples it’s because they’re picturing them being used. A room filled with the sound of laughter, the clinking of glasses and the celebrations and chapters of our lives that will be marked in that space. Truly the kitchen is the centre of any home and a good shaker kitchen maker is someone who helps to breathe life into these future memories.