Thinking about planning a new kitchen but wondering if you’ve left it too late in the year? November can feel like a strange time, Christmas is around the corner, life’s getting busier, and suddenly those renovation plans you had in summer seem a bit out of reach.

Here’s the thing: this is actually a brilliant time to get going. Planning a new kitchen now doesn’t mean you’ll have tradespeople turning up on Christmas Eve, it just means you’re ahead of the game come January.

So, what can you get done before the year’s out?

Get your ideas out of your head

First things first, start by getting all those ideas out of your head and into something tangible. Whether you’re saving Instagram posts, doodling layout ideas on a notepad, or building a Pinterest board, now’s the time to figure out what you really want from your kitchen. What bugs you about your current layout? What do you love about other people’s spaces?

Getting these ideas organised will make the rest of your planning a lot smoother, and a lot more fun.

Make your decisions in peace

One of the best reasons for planning a new kitchen now? You won’t be stuck making big decisions in the middle of January chaos. By getting ahead now, you’ll have more time to think through your choices, from cupboard finishes and colour schemes to worktops, appliances and lighting.

It also gives you time to ask questions and make tweaks without feeling rushed. Trust us, everyone loves a kitchen project that starts with a calm mind.

You’ll spot the practical things in winter

Spending more time indoors in the colder months means you’ll notice all those practical annoyances in your current kitchen. Maybe the bin’s in the wrong spot. Maybe the lighting isn’t quite right when it’s dark by 4 pm. All of these insights are gold dust when planning a new kitchen, and easier to spot in November than July.

Get booked in for early 2026

Let’s be honest: most people want their kitchen finished yesterday. Good things take time and the start of the year is always busy. If you start planning your new kitchen now, you can often secure one of the earlier fitting slots in 2026, rather than getting stuck at the back of the queue.

Book a design consultation before the rush

If you’re serious about planning a new kitchen, booking a design consultation is a great next step. November is often quieter than the new year, so you’re more likely to get a slot that suits you and have time to properly chat through your ideas.

This stage is all about exploring your space, understanding how you use it, and coming up with a design that fits both your lifestyle and your taste. It’s where we can suggest clever layouts, and hidden storage ideas, and help you visualise your dream kitchen coming to life.

Thinking of planning a new kitchen? Start now, stress less.

There’s no need to rush into a full renovation before Christmas. Just starting the planning process now means you’ll have a much clearer path heading into the new year, and a kitchen that works beautifully for you and your home in 2026.

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Need help designing your dream kitchen?

Whether you’ve been through the kitchen design process before and haven’t achieved the results that you wanted or you’ve always wanted to design your own kitchen but don’t know where to start, Emma can help you make your dreams a reality.

At KitchensbyEmma, we help you create a working space that suits your every need, making possible what others say isn’t. 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

A few more from us...

• A Free Kitchen Design Service? Why to Always Use it and Reap the Rewards
• Why You Need to Visit a Showroom When Buying a Kitchen
• Why a bespoke kitchen is worth the investment

• Designing a Kitchen that will Increase the Value of Your Home: A How to Guide