Expert Opinion: Why You Need a Kitchen Designer
Written by HomeStars.com Jessica Greaves. Interview with Barbara Nyke of Barbara Nyke Interiors & Design (formerly NIKKA DESIGN).
Dec 23/2020. Published with permission
What does a kitchen designer do, exactly?
Kitchen interior designer Toronto, Designed by Barbara Nyke
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.
Luckily there are pros specifically trained in making your dream kitchen a reality. HomeStars spoke with Barbara Nyke, owner and principal designer at NIKKA 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!
DESIGNING A KITCHEN ISN’T HARD…is it?
The initial Design Discovery and Planning Phases typically take between three to four months of collaboration with you to get to your final design approval. From creating a functional layout and incorporating your needs and wants through to picking decorative design elements, taking on a kitchen renovation is not for the faint of heart!
Having a kitchen design professional to guide you and streamline the process hopefully eliminates the stress.
Barbara recommends homeowners speak to a kitchen designer right at the beginning of their project before you hire a contractor to carry out the work. Going into a major renovation without a well-thought out plan is never a good idea. You might make costly mistakes, or end up with a kitchen you don’t love.
A designer will assess your current kitchen layout, listen to what works and doesn’t and recommend a layout that checks your boxes 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 of the design world!
Another common mistake homeowners make is incorporating trends that do not work for them or the rest of their home. 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?
CREATIVE THINKERS
They are trained in design and are the 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 designer will also ensure your kitchen is one you love looking at and spending time in. They will work with you to learn about your functional requirements to achieve the optimal layout and to accommodate your primary and secondary requirements. For example, you might need to incorporate a mixer on a dedicated hydraulic shelf and outlet. This would save on counter space and the need to pull out and put back a heavy appliance.
OPTIMIZING STORAGE
Other considerations would be optimizing storage space for pantry items, how best to store pots and pans and incorporating double-interior drawers to really amp up on storing all of those wonderful kitchen tools!
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 contact Barbara.
NIKKA 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, creating custom designed interiors with a focus on kitchen designs. To read their reviews and see project photos, check out their portfolio.