Tom Pigram
I have 8 years of experience in mid-high-end kitchen design. Worked with various British and German manufacturers: Nolte, Schuller, Leicht, Nobilia, Omega and Masterclass. I started as a trainee designer at a local manufacturer, before progressing through designer and project manager roles.
What is your design process like?
I will conduct an initial 1 hour ‘discovery’ appointment with the client, to show them around the showroom and the product offering. I will discuss the project in detail with the client, generating a ‘Wishlist’ for me to work from when creating their design. Following this meeting, we will book a design presentation meeting, usually around 1 week later. In the meantime, I will create a beautiful, tailored design specific to the client’s needs and wants, while also putting forward any new ideas or layouts that I feel may work better for the space. I will then present the design that I feel is the best outcome for the space with a selection of photo-realistic renders of the proposed space, along with a corresponding quotation. The design I present will be the layout that I believe ticks the most boxes for Aesthetics, ergonomics, storage space, worktop space, timelessness and price. During the design presentation, we will run through the layout, what is inside each unit, and my reasoning for putting it there. Every aspect of a kitchen design must have a reason/purpose that it is there – not just because it fits! If any changes are required, we can make them during the presentation meeting, with the aim that by the end of the meeting, the client has a layout/design that they love. We will then move on to choosing colours and finishes, before generating a final itemised quotation.
What kitchen styles do you offer?
Modern, handle-less, contemporary, traditional, shaker. With the wide range of door styles on offer, the kitchen ‘style’ all comes down to how it is designed!
How can I make the most of my space when it comes to my kitchen design?
Innovative design and clever use of space. Create space where you think there isn’t any, with the use of features like plinth drawers and extra deep drawer-packs. Walkways between islands are also vital to make sure the kitchen feels and looks in the correct proportion to the room. Avoid tight or uneven walkthroughs. Use the height of the room to your advantage with top boxes to store the ‘not every day’ items.
What should I prepare for my design consultation
Create a ‘Wishlist’ of things you would love to have in your new kitchen. Have an idea of your ‘non-negotiables’ that must be included in your new design. Moodboards and inspiration images of kitchen styles you like also help!
What is your favourite Nolte Kitchen range?
NeoLodge
What is your best piece of design advice?
Avoid basing your kitchen furniture on current colour or style trends. A Nolte kitchen is going to last you 30+ years – and colours quickly go out of trend! Create something that’s neutral and timeless, and add splashes of colour into the wall paint, splash-backs or bar stools: things that can be easily changed if/when the colour becomes outdated!
Love where you live.
