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The Kitchen Buyers Guide

Our essential five-step guide to creating a beautiful kitchen that elevates your lifestyle and encourages you to live better.

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Discover & plan

This is the time to start thinking about the style, colour, layout and functionality of your new kitchen. These ideas will then come to life in a basic plan, something to help you see how it’s all going to come together.

Here are a few things to think about:

Whether you have a spacious area or a more compact space, finding functionality that works for you can have a positive effect on your wellbeing and provide the perfect place for you to cook, clean and entertain.

  • Use the ‘kitchen triangle’ formula

    The kitchen triangle is a design theory used to create a sense of flow in our kitchens.
    The three points of the triangle – sink, fridge and hob – should be roughly the same distance apart, making it easier to move around your kitchen as you cook, and designating clear-cut zones for preparing food, cooking and washing up.

  • Be smart with storage

    Designing the interior of your kitchen cabinets can be just as exciting as the exterior. Choose from a wide range of functional and stylish storage solutions to elevate your kitchen design and truly make the most of your space.

The way your home looks and feels can influence your mood and chosen correctly, it can positively impact your wellbeing.

Here’s a breakdown of key kitchen styles:

  • Classic country

Welcoming • Warm • Relaxed

Characteristics: Traditional architectural features, refined natural materials, open shelving, mix of colours.

  • Scandi minimalist

Balanced • Harmonious • Tranquil

Characteristics: Neutral or subtle colours, hidden storage, clear surfaces, lack of patterns, sculpted ornaments.

  • Maximalist

Confident • Bold • Eccentric

Characteristics: Bold colours, mixed patterns and textures, botanicals, curated clutter, unique pieces.

  • Fresh & modern

Clean • Cool • Fresh

Characteristics: Lighter colours, open plan spacing, clean lines, minimal patterns, plain crockery.

  • Dark & decadent

Atmospheric • Cocooned • Luxurious

Characteristics: Darker colours, metallic accents, mood lighting, opulent materials, glam glassware.

  • Modern traditional

Contemporary • Playful • Elegant

Characteristics: Playful colours, traditional elements with a modern twist, heritage features, curated textures.

Not sure on your style? Take our quick Kitchen Style Finder quiz to find your personal style and some kitchen recommendations to match.

Finding the right worktop for your kitchen can be transformative; altering the look and feel of your space, as well as providing a functional surface to prepare food on.

Here’s a breakdown of key kitchen styles:

  • Granite worktops
    Price range: £££
    Granite worktops are
  • Corian worktops
    Price range: £££
    Corian composite worktops are repairable and hygienic with seamless joints and flexible design options.
  • Ceramic worktops
    Price range: £££
    Dekton ceramic worktops are endlessly durable, elegant and carbon neutral for their entire lifecycle.
  • Laminate worktops
    Price range: £-££
    Water resistant and easy to clean, laminate worktops offer a stylish, affordable alternative to more premium finishes.
  • Quartz worktops
    Price range: £££
    Incredibly hard-wearing, stain-resistant and with flexible design options, Quartz worktops come with a 25-year warranty.
  • Minerva worktops
    Price range: ££
    These acrylic worktops come in a wide range of décors, are repairable, have seamless joints and offer flexible design options.
  • Timber worktops
    Price range: £££
    Timber worktops bring a natural feel along with thickness and a range of wood shades to choose from.
  • Compact worktops
    Price range: ££
    These ultra-thin worktops offer flexible design options on a more compact base.
 
Clock icon This part of the process usually takes between 2-4 weeks.
Man measuring a cabinet with measuring tape Man measuring a cabinet with measuring tape
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Sketch & measure

Before we start designing your new kitchen, we’ll need a basic sketch and some measurements of your space. Once we have these, your Magnet designer can start creating the 3D render of your personalised design.

Rest assured, we’ll stop by and check the measurements for you a little later down the line.

Make sure you think about it:

Your floor plan should be a bird’s eye view of your kitchen that shows its rough shape.

Sketch each wall, including internal and external doors (showing which way they open), windows, alcoves, chimney breasts, sloped ceilings and any other permanent fixtures that will remain in place when your new kitchen is fitted.

Now you have a basic floor plan, you’ll need to add in any key features that are plumbed in, wired up or fixed in place. This includes your hob, sink, boiler, washing machine and radiators.

 

For the final step, your designer will need to know the measurements of your full kitchen, as well as the size of the spaces between key features, such as, doors and windows.

The video below provides a step-by-step guide on measuring your space.

Clock icon This part of the process usually takes 30-60 minutes.
Couple looking at sketches with a professional at dining room table Couple looking at sketches with a professional at dining room table
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Design & refine

Whenever you’re ready for us, we’ll be ready to help.

Our design process is completely free of charge and built around you, to make sure you feel supported and informed at every step. And throughout the whole process, your Magnet designer will remain your sole point of contact.

Here’s how it all works:

The difference with Magnet designers is that they’re trained to help you get the most out of your kitchen space. This involves, not just creating a beautiful design – but creating a design with purpose, that supports and elevates your lifestyle. Thoughtful design.

  Your designer will ask questions and get to know you, to really understand what you need from your kitchen before they start creating your design.

They’ll never rush you or make decisions on your behalf – and if you’re not sure on something, they’ll provide expert advice and guidance wherever needed.

When booking your appointment online, you can choose between a virtual appointment which takes place via video call, or an in-person consultation in your local Magnet showroom.

Either way, our process remains the same:

  • You’ll meet your designer and talk about what you want from your new kitchen
  • They’ll create a stunning 3D render of your design as you watch
  • Throughout, your designer will provide expert advice as well as talking you through all of the design options at your disposal
  • Towards the end of your consultation, your designer will let you know what the next steps are, and any timings you need to be aware of.

By the end of your consultation, your designer will have progressed your design. After it ends, they’ll make a few final tweaks before sharing it with you via email and in your My Project account.

You’ll receive a few 3D images of your design from various angles and an itemised quote for you to review.

Once they’ve shared your design with you, your designer will keep the conversation going, so you can request any tweaks or changes you’d like to make at any point.

They will also remain your sole point of contact, so you won’t be passed to any other teams or departments as the process moves along – meaning a better, more streamlined experience for you and your family.

Clock icon This part of the process usually takes between 1-3 weeks
Blurred background of kitchen designer smiling while someone is using a card reader for a payment in the foreground Blurred background of kitchen designer smiling while someone is using a card reader for a payment in the foreground
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Approve & order

When you’re happy with your kitchen design, you’ll need to approve it with your designer and then pay a nominal deposit to process your order. At this step, you can choose from our range of flexible finance options to spread the cost of your kitchen, if you prefer.

However you’d prefer to pay for your kitchen, we offer a range of finance and payment options to choose from – and we’ll work with you to find the best option to suit your requirements.

From paying upfront, to spreading the cost for up to five years, we’ve partnered with Novuna to help you find your preferred way to pay.

Find out more about our finance options.

 

Depending on the total cost of your kitchen, your deposit will range between £500-£1,000. You can pay this by card (over the phone or in-store) or by cash - and doing so will process your order.

We accept the below cards:
visamastercard

Clock icon This part of the process usually takes around 1 week.
Man checking kitchen counter with level, tool bag next to him on the floor. Man checking kitchen counter with level, tool bag next to him on the floor.
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Deliver & install

When it comes to installing your new Magnet kitchen, we have a range of options to suit all needs. Find the one that works best for you and, rest assured, whichever option you choose, we’ll be by your side throughout to make sure everything runs smoothly.

We offer three options for installing your new kitchen:

  1. Magnet installation (most popular)

At Magnet, we offer our own, TrustMark-accredited installation service, tailored to your needs. Whether you simply need a dry fit or a full fit, including removal and disposal of your existing kitchen, our trained and trusted team will cater to your needs.

  1. We’ll work with your tradesperson

If you have a trusted trade professional you’d prefer to work with, that’s not a problem. and we’ll be more than happy to liaise with them to arrange your kitchen delivery and installation.

  1. We’ll help you find a tradesperson

We’re proud to have strong links with the trade. So, if you’re looking to find a trade professional but you don’t have somebody in mind, we have local networks of reputable contacts we can call on to help you out.

 

 

Before your new kitchen can be installed, you’ll need to dispose of your old one.

  • If you opt for a Magnet installation, we can take care of this for you. We also offer a more sustainable disposal service, where 98% of your kitchen will be diverted from landfill.

 

  • Alternatively, if you’d like us to work with your own trusted trade professional, you can discuss your kitchen disposal with them – and we’ll be happy to work around your needs and requirements.

Either way, we’ll coordinate our efforts to ensure the process is a smooth and hassle-free as possible. 

Each of our kitchen comes with a 15-25 year guarantee and goes through a system of rigorous testing, so you don’t need to worry about anything breaking or coming loose.  

But if you want to keep your kitchen looking as good as new for as long as possible, we recommend taking good care of it – through following manufacturer’s guidance on using the best and safest cleaning products and processes for each item.

When you’ve processed your order with us, we’ll share our Kitchen Owner’s Manual with you. You can access this online any time – and it contains detailed information on how to care for each product in your kitchen.

Clock icon This part of the process usually takes between 2-4 months.

Ready to start designing?

Once you have all information you need you’re ready to book a design consultation with one of our experts.

Ambleside kitchen range shown in a home kitchen with blue Shaker cabinets and wood floors. Ambleside kitchen range shown in a home kitchen with blue Shaker cabinets and wood floors.

Your Design Consultation is here

When you’re ready to chat, you can get in touch with one of Magnet’s designers to talk through all of your ideas and understand your options – and we can begin creating your very own 3D kitchen design.

Book a consultation

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Sustainability

Every Magnet kitchen is carefully considered and purposefully designed – and we apply this same care and attention to our impact on the environment.

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Our commitments

At Magnet, we have a set of clear targets that we're consistently working hard to achieve - but we're not there yet. These targets keep us focused on the road ahead and set out clear milestones for us to work towards, as we continue to reduce our carbon footprint and become a more sustainable business.

Our design service

Starting with your first, free consultation, your experienced Magnet designer will be by your side to walk you through the design process and give expert advice at every step. Same-day appointments are available on a limited basis.

Our design service

Starting with your first, free consultation, your experienced Magnet designer will be by your side to walk you through the design process and give expert advice at every step. Same-day appointments are available on a limited basis.

In-Store Design Consultation

Meet with your designer at your chosen showroom.
Duration:
90 min
Outcome:
3D kitchen design & quote

Virtual Design Consultation

Meet with your Magnet designer on a video call.
Duration:
60 min
Outcome:
3D kitchen design & quote

Why customers love us