Picking a kitchen for your new home: here's what to think about

A newly built home is like a blank canvas, ready to be decorated according to your wishes. The same goes for your kitchen. The possibilities are endless, but that can also make it tricky. After all, there is quite a lot involved in buying a kitchen. In this article, we will help you on your way.

Find inspiration

The advantage of a newly built house is that you can decorate it according to your own style. That also applies to the kitchen. So start by finding inspiration. Browse through magazines, look at websites and visit showrooms to get an idea of the different styles, materials and arrangements available. Think about how you want to use your kitchen. Are you a kitchen prince(s) who does a lot of cooking, or do you need a kitchen that is mainly practical and efficient? Make a floor plan of your kitchen space and decide what arrangement you want.

Kitchen styles

There are several kitchen styles, each with their own pros and cons. Decide what suits you best. Modern kitchens are minimalist, using a lot of glass, steel and high gloss. Country kitchens are cosy. You will find a lot of wood and natural materials in these kitchens. Minimalist kitchens are simple and functional. They have few unnecessary details. Scandinavian kitchen style is light and fresh with lots of white and wood. Industrial kitchens are sturdy, robust and with a lot of concrete and metal.

Determine your budget

Decide how much you want to spend on your kitchen. If your budget is not that big, it is good to know that there are also cheap complete kitchens. Also, showroom models are often cheaper. Finally, you can also opt for a second-hand kitchen if you only have a small budget. In any case, whatever you choose, it is important to draw up a realistic budget, taking into account the cost of materials, appliances, installation and possible renovation.

Materials

The choice of materials is important for the look and durability of your kitchen. Think about the exterior of your kitchen, the worktop, handles and (built-in) appliances. Popular materials for new homes are handle-less kitchens, composite worktops and ceramic tiles.

Appliances

Choose kitchen appliances that suit your budget and cooking habits. Most kitchens have a hob, oven, extractor hood, fridge and dishwasher as built-in appliances. When choosing appliances, consider functionality, energy consumption and ease of use. Built-in appliances are popular in new-build homes because they give a sleek and modern look.

Installation

The installation of your new kitchen also involves a few things. In a newly built house, the old kitchen does not have to be dismantled first. The installation of your new kitchen is best done by a kitchen fitter. The installation of a kitchen can take a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of the kitchen.

Visit kitchen shops

Visit several kitchen shops to get quotes. Compare not only price but also quality, service and warranty terms. Ask for a 3D visualisation of your kitchen to get a good idea of how it will look in your space. If you are going to get quotes, ask for a specification. If you get a discount, it is important that it is shown as a percentage and not in amounts. With amounts, it is difficult to determine what this discount means. Besides, it is unclear.

Negotiate

You can often negotiate the price at a kitchen shop. Tell them you are looking at several kitchen shops and have asked for several offers. Show that you are in no hurry to make your choice. Did you know that the best time to buy a kitchen is in the second part of the month? The kitchen consultant may still be able to meet his targets then. If he has a bad month, he will be more willing to drop the price.

Kitchen coach

Having a hard time coming out on your own? Then you can also call in a kitchen coach. A kitchen coach is an independent expert who will help you pick out and realise your dream kitchen. The kitchen coach can take a lot of work off your hands. You don't have to compare offers or make appointments yourself. He or she will guide you through the entire process. From inspiration to installation. A kitchen coach can also give you tips on how to save money on appliances and installation. In addition, he or she can help you make the right choices in terms of style, materials and layout.