Designers' choice

Choosing a kitchen designer to manage your kitchen remodelling means, naturally, that you'll have access to design skills to help you find the kitchen look that works for you.

The owners of this country kitchen, designed by Robyn Bartlett, wanted a warm and relaxed theme in keeping with their rural home. Recycled rimu and honed granite benchtops complement pale green tongue and groove panelling behind the rangehood and on the island.

In the case of the contemporary green kitchen, designed by Nicola Cumming, the owners were looking for a colourful space that would be fun to work in. Cumming helped them explore interesting design options, such as a textured stainless steel benchtop and ribbed toe kicks.

What's less well known is how a designer will manage the whole project, commissioning companies to produce everything from the cabinetry to flooring and lighting.

For these kitchens, both designers chose to work with Richard Cripps of Kitchen Link, a specialist manufacturer of custom cabinetry they've each worked with for many years.

Designers visit Kitchen Link's factory with their clients at the end of each project, where the homeowners can see their kitchen just before installation.

"These factory visits mean that the owner has the security of knowing that the kitchen is exactly to their specification," says Cripps.

Seeing their kitchen in the factory can be an emotional moment for the customer, as they're seeing what they've dreamed about for the first time. Even at this late stage, small changes, such as an extra drawer divider, can be added if the customer wishes.

Kitchen Link works directly with around twelve designers and architects in New Zealand, manufacturing custom cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms.

For more information, contact Robyn Bartlett, phone (09) 488 6711 or Nicola Cumming, phone (09) 537 4888. Kitchen Link website: www.kitchenlink.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas