Renovating Right: A Smarter Approach to Kitchen Design
Renovating your home is an exciting opportunity to reimagine your space while working within the structure of what already exists. Unlike self-building, where everything starts from a blank slate, renovations require a balance between preserving what’s valuable, improving functionality, and enhancing aesthetics—all while working within the constraints of an existing property. Of course, a renovation may also involve an extension which does introduce a blank canvas element.
Every renovation comes with its own set of challenges, whether it’s integrating modern kitchen design into a period home, maximising space in an awkward layout, or upgrading materials and appliances while staying true to the character of your home.
The key to a successful renovation is careful planning—understanding your needs, making informed choices, and ensuring that your kitchen is not just beautiful but also practical and enduring.
At Sustique, we specialise in helping renovators create "forever kitchens"—sustainably designed, built to last, and tailored to the way you live. Whether you’re working within original walls, knocking through to open up your space, or carefully blending old and new, we're with you through every stage to ensure your kitchen is designed for both today and the future.
Let’s step through the key stages of designing your forever kitchen…
1 - Vision and Budgeting
Major renovations can take anywhere from 4–24 months, depending on the scope of work and the type of property involved. Some projects may require planning permission, while others may not. What’s essential is establishing a clear budget from the outset—before engaging a build team—so you know what’s feasible and can plan accordingly.
Define your design goals by thinking about all the ways you plan to use your kitchen. Modern kitchens serve as multifunctional spaces—used not just for cooking, but also for dining, entertaining, working, and socialising.
Set a realistic budget. Break it down into cabinetry, appliances, worktops, lighting, flooring and installation.
Research both the materials you want to use and those you'd prefer to avoid. Understanding the pros and cons of each will help you make informed, lasting choices.
Avoid assuming what your forever kitchen will cost. Take advantage of our FREE design consultations. These will help you set a realistic budget.
Use our kitchen range calculators to give you an idea of the budget you will need.
2 - Kitchen Layout & Design
This stage should happen before or as building works begin. Your build team will need clear information about the kitchen services—what’s needed and where—so early planning is essential.
In order to provide them with this, you will need to:
Think carefully about how you want your kitchen to function. Zoning your kitchen (e.g. cooking, prep, dining, storage) can help maximise efficiency and flow.
Consider what features are important to you—an island, pantry, dining area, or additional storage. Make sure your design reflects how you intend to use the space.
Identify all the appliances you will have and where they will be positioned.
Finalise where all electrics and plumbing need to be. Don’t forget to plan for different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent.
Take advantage of our FREE design consultations. Although these are not design sessions, they will offer you a sounding board.
To move forward with confidence, our Standard Design Package provides everything you need at this stage.
3 - Structural & First Fix
For smaller renovations, this stage typically happens 2–3 months before kitchen installation. It may be 6–9 months ahead of installation for more complex projects.
Finalise your kitchen layout. Changes beyond this point can lead to delays and additional costs.
Ensure all appliances are chosen and specified. Late changes can affect cabling and infrastructure, which may also result in extra charges.
Decide on lighting types and positions. As with appliances and layout, adjustments at this stage can be costly.
Ensure your builders run all services—electrics, plumbing, and ventilation—according to the final design.
4 - Finalise Design and Place Orders
This stage typically happens 3–4 months before kitchen installation.
Finalise your choices for cabinetry, worktops, fittings, flooring, and decorative elements. These decisions will shape the final look and feel of your kitchen.
Order all required items and confirm delivery schedules with suppliers. Be mindful—some products may have long lead times, so early ordering is crucial to avoid delays.
5 - Second Fix and Preparation
Typically begins 1–2 months before kitchen installation.
Plaster walls and ceilings, or prepare them for coverings.
Paint walls and ceilings, or apply coverings.
Lay and protect flooring. Depending on the material, this may happen before or after the cabinetry is fitted—check with your installer.
Make sure walls, paint, and plaster are fully dry before moving forward. Excess moisture can damage cabinetry and flooring.
6 - Kitchen Installation
Installation typically takes 3–4 weeks.
Install cabinetry.
Template worktops once cabinetry is in place. Fabrication may take up to 7 days.
If your flooring installation was scheduled after cabinetry, it’s installed at this stage.
Once fabricated, install worktops, upstands, and splashbacks.
Install appliances, sinks, taps, sockets, switches, and lighting—and don't forget, everything must be tested!
Finally, fit cornices, pelmets, handles, and plinths to complete the kitchen installation.
Perform snagging. Identify and fix any final issues to ensure everything meets the expected standard.
Have a Plan
Your kitchen is one of the trickiest spaces in your home to get right, so the sooner you start planning, the better. Make sure everything is ordered in good time and that deliveries line up with when your build team needs them. It’s easy to think you’ve got more time than you do—but last-minute decisions can lead to delays and put unnecessary strain on your budget.
Sustique Kitchen Ranges
Our kitchen ranges are designed to suit a wide range of budgets—but above all, they focus on quality materials that stand the test of time.
Puustelli Miinus
UK Sole Authorised Agents
True Innovation | Long-Life | Carbon Neutral | Ultra-low VOCs | Reusable | Recyclable | Circular
Sustique Engineered
Curated for modernists and minimalists
Great value | Recycled Content | Recyclable | Handles | Handleless | True Bespoke | Wide Choice of Finishes
Sustique Crafted
Curated for traditionalists
Good value | Solid timber | Painted | Colour Match | Shaker | Farmhouse | Cottage | Contemporary
Let's Talk
Let's Talk
Ready to transform your kitchen? Schedule a free design consultation today and bring your sustainable dream kitchen to life!