The biggest news of the last week is…
We have been awarded Kitchen Designer of the year between £25,000 – £50,000!
Having been presented with this award in such a tough and highly competitive price point we are just delighted. This years design was created by Elizabeth in a period property. With that came a number of challenges with nooks, uneven walls and very old workmanship. The team of industry professional judges stated that
‘This winning design was noted for its great detailing in a difficult space. The Designer executed it well, with perfect proportions and details to make this a winning design.’
Our stunning, award-winning kitchen was created for a family who had found their forever home in a small village on the outskirts of Milton Keynes. Their space needed to work for them now and in the future, so careful planning to address their needs now and allow growing space was essential. Our approach to design with workflows, accessibility and allowing for multiple tasks at any one time was perfect for our client, enabling them to see the full potential of their space.
This was a large project in total and included insulating the room and floors, reinstating stone flooring, providing heating, zoned lighting options, organisation and so much more. The work extended far beyond many other kitchen retailers remit. For full project details and cost check out the full project here.
So, what should I expect from an award winning retailer?
By choosing to visit us you will receive a thorough service, whilst respecting your time. Our simple, initially free, design service helps breakdown the key elements into manageable decision sections. To help us get a full understanding and keep our consultation as efficient as possible, we ask that you complete our online initial enquiry form prior to our consultation, in your own time.
Initial consultation
Our designers will listen to you and make sure that the decisions you have made are able to get you to your end goal. We will look at the physical restrictions either in person or with your architectural plans. We anticipate taking around 30 – 60 minutes in this initial phase.
Design Concept
Lima’s designers do not design with you. You will have a dedicated Design Concept appointment where your designer will present their considered design and reasoning for doing so, along with providing you with a ballpark figure. This is usually within one – two weeks. We will take on board any queries or concerns and work through these with you. Again, we understand that your time is important and there is a lot to take on-board so advise allowing 60 – 90 minutes for this appointment. We will make thorough notes of any amendments and email the concepts through to you.
Product Confirmation
Following on from this, be it a week or a month, we will book a Product Confirmation appointment with you. This will be focused on materials, textures, features and application. Any amendments that have been made, or new questions that have arisen, can be discussed. By this point we expect that you will be able to see how our design and products will work best for you now and in the future. This more detailed appointment is best carried out in our showroom where we have access to product selection. In some circumstances we may carry this out at our Kitchen Experience Centre to allow for you to stand in a full scale version of your space. This will help you visualise the space and flow much more efficiently. We will then return to the showroom to confirm colour palettes where it has not been possible to do this from the Experience Centre. This will take up between 60 -120 minutes.
At this point it will be likely that your designer will have invested a few full days of their time in to your project. Most of our clients are satisfied at this point that we have the right approach, with the right products and at the right value so happy to book their project in. We can continue refining detail if needed up until survey. In some case our clients would prefer to continue looking at options. In these circumstances we ask for a design fee of £480 which will be offset against an order.
Will you be too expensive for most people or me?
There is only one way to find out – get in touch. Each project is different and size of room does not equate to everything. Just checkout the wildly different prices in our portfolio, organised by room size.
For the most we are not the cheapest but give excellent value. When you compare the basic costs of units, worktops, appliances and installation we are typically competitive with most retailers. The additional cost comes in variety, added solutions, more economically friendly appliances, scope of works and other services. Remember buying budget will mean you buy sooner. This costs more by the way of buying twice, inflation, waste and potentially return on investment.
Will I regret it if we don’t visit Lima?
Yes! Most Certainly. Don’t just take our word for it, check out all of our reviews across Facebook, Google and Houzz.
