Do you consider a kitchen remodel? Or you might need a kitchen for your new build. No matter what the reason for your kitchen design project is, it will be an exciting journey. There are many ways to approach this task. You can either consider designing your kitchen as a DIY project or hiring a Kitchen Designer. You may wonder if a Kitchen Design Pro will be worth the money spent. This article discusses whether investing in a Kitchen Design Expert is worth it.
Topics covered in this article:
Who can help you to design your kitchen?
There are various options available to you. The most appropriate solution depends on the level of support you need. Another important factor is the budget available to you.
There are many ways to design your kitchen on your own.
You can use many DIY - Kitchen Design Options:
Architectural drafting paper, scale ruler & pen
Kitchen Design Apps
IKEA Kitchen Planner
Home Depot - Virtual kitchen planner
If you need more help, you can hire design experts. Those Kitchen Design Pros can help you:
Kitchen Design Professionals
Architects
Interior Designer
General Contractor
Kitchen Retail Stores Representatives
DIY kitchen design options vs. Kitchen Design Experts:
​ | DIY Kitchen Design | Kitchen Design Experts |
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Cons |
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The pros and cons may vary depending on your personal situation. But the table above will give you a rough idea of what to expect.
Kitchen Design Professional - Which one is the best choice?
If you decide to opt for a Kitchen Design Expert to support, you on your project you will have many options. You can approach architects, interior designers, general contractors, or kitchen retailers. All those are great options. But which one is the best choice?
Architects
Starting your kitchen design with an architect can be a great choice. Especially when you are already working with them on your new construction. You can ask them to present you with a first kitchen layout idea. This way you don't need to hire another Design Expert during the initial planning phases. Yet, architects aren't Kitchen Designers. They are experts in building design. They focus on exterior walls and the structure of your home. Still, they can provide you with a first rough kitchen idea.
Interior Designer
Optional you can consider hiring an Interior Designer. Their strengths are materials and colors. They can present you with a kitchen idea that flows with your entire home interior design. Visuals are the specialty of Interior Designers. Even though a lot of Interior Designers design kitchens they aren't Kitchen Designers. Technical and functional specifics of kitchen detail planning are not within their expertise.
General Contractor
Depending on the scope of work you are planning you might need a general contractor. They might not be necessary,
If you are only planning on a kitchen renovation
or minor kitchen updates
Bigger kitchen remodels or even a new build will need a general contractor. Kitchen cabinetry is often within their scope. Yet, kitchen design is not the center of their expertise. The kitchen cabinets are often sourced from Millworker or Big Box stores. If you are looking into a more specific kitchen design, you may consider other options.
Kitchen Specialist from Kitchen Showroom
While shopping for kitchen cabinets you can wander into the different kitchen showrooms. Their kitchen displays are great to experience the quality of the product. The kitchen cabinet stores provide you with complimentary kitchen designs. This is a great way to design your kitchen. The Service provided by the Kitchen Designers varies from store to store. Some only focus on selling the cabinetry while others might also provide more. You should clarify what Services they provide. You may have to pay a design fee to request several kitchen designs.
Independent Kitchen Designer
Hiring an Independent Kitchen Designer will give you the greatest design freedom. They can source kitchen cabinetry from any kitchen brand. This will give you a broad selection of possible kitchen designs and kitchen styles. They will work with you to create a functional and ergonomic kitchen for your personal needs and wishes. Additionally, you can enjoy their expertise in kitchen design. They are specialists in Kitchen Design and Kitchen project management.
Pro Tipp: You can use their services remotely as well. Remote kitchen design can be a great way to get access to your favorite designer.
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DIY kitchen design - Can you design your own kitchen?
You can design your own kitchen. There are several kitchen design apps that allow you to draw up your kitchen layout. A popular way to design your kitchen by yourself is using the IKEA kitchen planner. The available apps are great tools, especially for experienced kitchen buyers.
If this is your first time designing a kitchen the kitchen layout can be difficult. Consulting and hiring a kitchen Design Pro can help:
avoid kitchen designs that are not functional
avoid planning errors like colliding doors
Further, they can't help you with the design of your kitchen. Material, and color choices as well as surrounding surfaces like flooring or lighting.
DIY Kitchen designs are a great way to save money. Online Tools will help you with your kitchen layout. You will also handle the logistics and whole kitchen project management.

What does a professional kitchen designer do?
An Independent Kitchen Designer is a specialist in Kitchen Design. Depending on the Service and support you need they will:
Inspiration & Information:
Find inspiration
Gather kitchen design ideas
Set the stage for your kitchen design:
Assess your needs, lifestyle, and goals
Create a list of your must-haves and kitchen design wishes
Set a realistic budget for your kitchen goals
Kitchen Plan Drafting:
Take the dimensions of your kitchen room
Explore the different kitchen layout options
Draw up your kitchen floorplan
Create 3-D Kitchen Renderings
Quotation:
Research kitchen cabinet brands
Explore material and color options
Select Kitchen appliance brands and models
Select Kitchen countertops
Select the kitchen faucet and kitchen sink
Select kitchen lighting and other necessary accessories
Collect offers & kitchen price estimates
Prepare kitchen costs overview
Project Management
Develop kitchen mechanical drawings
Job site visits to review job site status
Coordinate trades
Final walkthrough
Where do you find experts to design your kitchen?
There are different ways for you to find a kitchen designer. You can research online, check popular Instagram Accounts, or browse the NKBA directory. Those are great ways to find a specialist Kitchen Designer.
When considering hiring a Kitchen Design Pro you may want to check their credentials. Browsing past projects is another great way to get an idea of how they work. Reviews can be helpful in making a decision.
Is a Kitchen Designer worth the investment?
Hiring a Kitchen Designer will save you money and time. By taking advantage of their expertise, you can avoid costly mistakes. Further, they will be able to surprise you with creative ways to use your space and kitchen. Additionally, it will be easier for you to control your budget. Most people obtain kitchen price estimates in the early stages of their project. Yet mostly their needs and wishes are not 100% clear yet. This results in increasing costs throughout the project. Working with a kitchen designer early on will help to get your dream kitchen without breaking the bank.