Find top rated kitchen designers in your area

A professional kitchen designer is a specialist in planning and implementing the remodel of kitchen spaces. They'll help you pick materials and styles, give you a quote, render a model, and send the order to manufacturers and installers. You can think of them as creative project managers who will facilitate your kitchen project from start to finish.

No, a kitchen designer can't plan for structural remodeling since kitchen designers aren’t structural experts. Consult a pro for structural engineer fees and inquire about changes like removing a wall. Additionally, for changes to your kitchen's electrical, plumbing, or gas lines, you'll need to hire the appropriate professionals, like a licensed electrician or plumber near you.

A kitchen designer’s process includes the following:

• Finding inspiration: They may ask for photos, feedback on material samples, and preferred fittings to understand your vision.

• Using design tools: These include computer modeling software, 3D and high-resolution cameras for recording your space, color wheels, and sketches.

• Considering appliances and fixtures: It’s important that each item is installed correctly, balances aesthetics and functionality, and is conveniently positioned in a kitchen work triangle.

• Looking at the whole home: A designer will consider your home's age and style.

• Writing up plans: After taking measurements, they create a plan based on your specifications.

It takes anywhere from 10 to 20 hours for a professional kitchen designer to come up with a fully fleshed-out plan for a mid-size kitchen. However, that time can increase if you ask for a complex, custom-designed plan. Ask your designer for a quote on both pricing and overall time frame before you start working together to ensure you're on the same page with expectations.

If you're doing an extensive kitchen renovation, hire a kitchen designer to manage the project and ensure things go smoothly for you. A major renovation may include new flooring, countertops, cabinets, lighting, and structural changes like knocking out a wall or upgrading the electrical, plumbing, or gas lines. If you're doing something more minor, like only replacing a sink or painting your cabinets, you can either pay for installation or DIY.