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Have you made a New Year's resolution to finally tackle that kitchen renovation you've been dreaming about? Good news: you've actually picked the perfect time to start planning. While it might seem odd to think about renovations in the depths of winter, January is genuinely one of the smartest months to get the ball rolling on your new kitchen. Let's explore why this timing works so well and how to make the most of it.
Here's something most people don't realise: kitchen designers and fitters get incredibly busy in spring and summer. Everyone has the same idea – as soon as the weather improves, they want to start renovating. If you're waiting until March or April to begin your planning, you'll be joining a queue.
By starting your planning in January, you're ahead of the game. You'll have more time with your designer, better availability for fitters, and you won't feel rushed through decisions. Come spring, while others are just beginning to plan, your kitchen could already be ordered and ready to install.
Time to save and budget properlyLet's be honest, a quality kitchen renovation is an investment. Starting your planning in January gives you several months to get your finances in order before the actual work begins. You can save up, explore financing options if needed, and make sure your budget is realistic for what you want to achieve.
There's nothing worse than rushing into a renovation and then having to compromise on important elements because the budget wasn't quite right. January planning gives you breathing room.
Many suppliers and manufacturers run promotions in January to kick off the year. You might find better deals on appliances, materials, or even design services. It's worth exploring what's available – those savings can add up significantly.
So if you start planning in January, when will your new kitchen actually be ready? Here's a realistic timeline to help you understand the process:
This is when you'll meet with your kitchen designer, discuss your needs and wants, measure your space, and create the initial design. Expect a few back-and-forth sessions as you refine the plan. This phase typically takes 4-6 weeks, sometimes a bit longer for complex projects.
February-March: Finalising and orderingOnce you're happy with the design, it's time to finalise all the details, choose your exact materials and finishes, and place your order. The lead time on kitchen furniture varies, but typically you're looking at 5-8 weeks from order to delivery. Custom pieces or specific brands might take longer.
By spring, your kitchen arrives and installation can begin. A typical kitchen installation takes anywhere from 5 days to 2-3 weeks depending on the size and complexity. Factor in time for electrics, plumbing, plastering, tiling, and decorating too.
If you start planning in January and everything runs smoothly, you could be cooking in your beautiful new kitchen by late spring or early summer. Perfect timing for those long summer evenings and garden parties!
Ready to get started? Here's your January action plan:
Before you meet with a designer, spend some time thinking about how you use your kitchen. What frustrates you about your current space? What would make your daily life easier? Do you need more storage, better lighting, a bigger island, or a separate prep area? Make notes and even take photos of your current kitchen to remind yourself of problem areas.
Work out what you can actually spend, including a contingency (we always recommend adding 10-15% for unexpected costs). Be honest about what's possible – a good designer can work with most budgets, but we need to know what we're working with from the start.
Start a Pinterest board or save inspirational imagesCollect images of kitchens you love. Don't worry if they're all different styles – they'll help your designer understand your taste. Look for common threads: do you gravitate towards light or dark? Modern or traditional? Open shelving or closed cabinets?
Get yourself on a designer's calendar. Even if you're not ready to commit immediately, an initial consultation will give you a much clearer picture of what's possible, what things cost, and what the process involves. At our showroom, we offer free consultations, and there's absolutely no pressure – it's just a chance to explore your options.
There's no substitute for seeing and touching real kitchens. Photos online are helpful, but you need to experience the quality of materials, open and close drawers, and get a feel for different layouts. Plan to spend a few hours really looking at what's available.
Yes, you're enthusiastic about your new kitchen, but don't rush the planning phase. This is where you make all the important decisions, and rushing often leads to regrets later. Take your time, sleep on big decisions, and don't feel pressured to commit before you're ready.
It's easy to get caught up in the pretty stuff – colours, handles, that amazing tap you saw online. But don't forget to think about practical things like where you'll cook while your kitchen is being fitted, where you'll wash up, and whether you need to arrange alternative accommodation during the messiest part of the work.
That Instagram-perfect kitchen might look stunning, but will it actually work for how you live? Be honest about your habits. If you're not naturally tidy, maybe skip the open shelving. If you cook elaborate meals every night, you need proper ventilation and plenty of prep space. Style and function need to work together.
Not asking enough questionsIf you don't understand something, ask. If something seems unclear in the quote, ask. If you're worried about any aspect of the process, ask. A good kitchen designer wants you to feel completely confident and comfortable, and we'd much rather answer ten extra questions than have you worry needlessly.
If you're reading this thinking "I can't possibly start in January because..." – don't worry. While January is ideal for the reasons we've discussed, it's never too late (or too early) to start planning your dream kitchen. The most important thing is starting when you're ready, both mentally and financially.
That said, if you can carve out even a little time this month for initial planning, you'll thank yourself later. Even just booking that first consultation or starting to save more seriously can set you on the right path.
Beyond all the practical advantages, there's something about starting a big project at the beginning of the year that feels right. You're in a forward-thinking mindset, you're energised by the fresh start of a new year, and you're probably already thinking about improvements you want to make to your life and home.
A kitchen renovation is a big decision, but it's also genuinely exciting. When you use your completed kitchen for the first time, when you cook that first meal or have friends round to see the transformation, all the planning and patience will feel absolutely worth it.
And starting that journey now, in January, means you're giving yourself the best possible chance of getting everything right. You're not rushed, you're not competing with the spring crowd, and you have time to make thoughtful decisions that you'll be happy with for years to come.
If you've been putting off that kitchen renovation, maybe this is the nudge you needed. January planning really does set you up for success, and the sooner you start, the sooner you'll be enjoying your beautiful new space.
Why not pop into our showroom or give us a call? We'd love to chat about your ideas and show you what's possible. No pressure, no obligation – just a friendly conversation about creating the kitchen you've always wanted.
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As a kitchen designer, I love creating a stunning space where life is easy and memories are made! If your kitchen needs upgrading, modernising or a complete renovation, let’s have a conversation and see what you could do with your space.
A new kitchen with a specialist design is more cost-effective than you may think – just get in touch with us today for a free in-store kitchen design consultation and we’ll show you how.
Emma Reed – Kitchen designer – 01792 712000
© 2026 Kitchens by Emma Reed Limited. Company number: 11451277. Registered office address: 1-2 Valley Way, Llansamlet, Swansea, United Kingdom, SA6 8QP.
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