Designing A Fitted Kitchen

Inside the process with our expert designer

With 25 years of experience and over a thousand kitchen projects completed, Gardiner Haskins Interiors Kitchen Designer Alec Yull knows exactly what it takes to turn a customer’s ideas into a beautifully crafted, bespoke fitted kitchen.

From the very first conversation through to installation day, every step is carefully planned to ensure your kitchen looks stunning, works perfectly for your lifestyle, and feels truly personal to you.

Here’s an inside look at how the process works.

Before You Even Start: Visit the Showroom

Customers can book a consultation by phone, email, online or by visiting our Bristol kitchen showroom but Alec always recommends seeing the displays in person first.

With 20 full-size kitchen displays designed in-house, the showroom helps customers explore styles, finishes, colours and layouts up close.

“Most people have a ‘brochure image’ of their dream kitchen in their mind,” says Alec.
“My job is to adapt that dream to their real space and make it work beautifully for their home.”

Seeing kitchens in real life makes it far easier to decide what you love and what you don’t.

Step 1: The Initial Consultation

The journey begins with an informal chat in the showroom.

This relaxed meeting is all about getting to know you and your plans. You’ll talk through:

• Design ideas and inspiration

• Style preferences

• Materials and finishes

• Budget expectations

• Practical needs and ‘must-haves’

It’s less about measurements and more about understanding how you live and use your kitchen.

Step 2: Home Visit & Measure

This is where the design really starts to take shape.

Alec visits your home to:

• Take accurate measurements

• Assess the room layout and structure

• Check plumbing and electrics

• Understand storage needs

• Observe how you use your current kitchen

Seeing the space in person helps the designer spot opportunities and solutions that wouldn’t be obvious from plans alone.

“It’s often the little lifestyle details that make the biggest difference to the final design,” Alec explains.

Step 3: 3D Design Creation

Back at the showroom, everything comes together using professional Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.

This allows the team to create a detailed, lifelike 3D visual of your new kitchen, right down to colours, textures and layout.

The benefit?
You don’t have to imagine what your kitchen will look like, you can actually see it.

This makes it much easier to:

• Visualise the space

• Compare finishes

• Test different layouts

• Refine ideas before committing

Step 4: Second Consultation

This is the exciting part.

You’ll return to the showroom to see your kitchen brought to life on screen.

Together you’ll:

• Walk through the design

• Discuss layout and functionality

• Make tweaks or adjustments

• Finalise finishes

• Receive your quotation

• Review next steps

It’s completely collaborative, nothing is set in stone until you’re happy.

Step 5: Installation Survey

Once you approve the design and place a deposit, your plans are passed to one of our trusted, experienced fitters.

They carry out a detailed installation survey to ensure everything is technically perfect.

This includes:

• Confirming measurements

• Planning electrics and plumbing

• Discussing lighting

• Plastering or decorating needs

• Checking any building work

This extra layer of care helps avoid surprises later on.

Step 6: Final Confirmation

Before installation begins, you’ll have a final meeting to confirm every detail.

Design, materials, finishes and timelines are all checked one last time so you can move forward with confidence.

From here, your dream kitchen becomes reality.

And throughout the entire process, Ale pr your dedicated designer remains your single point of contact.

Why Work With a Dedicated Designer?

Unlike larger chains where you’re passed between departments, Gardiner Haskins Interiors customers work with one designer from start to finish.

“Having a single designer oversee the whole project means the customer always has one point of contact,” says Alec.
“Someone who understands their home, their vision and every detail of the design. It gives real peace of mind.”

It’s this personal, hands-on approach that makes the experience smoother, clearer and far more enjoyable.

Ready to start your kitchen journey?

Visit our Bristol kitchen showroom to meet the team, explore our displays and book your free design consultation.

With expert guidance and a fully managed service, creating your perfect kitchen might be easier than you think.