Planning your kitchen renovation whilst on holiday: the complete guide to a successful project
- Davet Sèverine
- Jul 2
- 6 min read
Summer is often synonymous with relaxation, but it’s also a time to reflect on the projects we put off throughout the year. The days are longer, the pace slows down, and everyone takes more time to imagine their future home. That’s why the holidays are the ideal time to plan a kitchen renovation.
Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t necessary to carry out the work in the height of summer. However, it is the perfect time to identify your needs, visit a showroom, compare materials, refine your budget and design a project that can be carried out without stress in the autumn or before the festive season.
In this guide, discover why summer is the best time to plan your new kitchen and the essential steps to ensure your project is a success.
Why plan your kitchen renovation whilst on holiday?
A successful renovation always starts with good preparation. The holidays offer just the right amount of time to take a step back and reflect on your lifestyle.
Without the pressures of everyday life, it becomes easier to ask yourself the right questions:
What is missing from your current kitchen?
What aspects of it get in the way of your daily life?
Do you have enough storage space?
Is your kitchen suited to the way you cook and entertain?
This is also the ideal time to discover the latest trends, visit a showroom, chat to a designer and explore different layout options.
By planning your project in the summer, you’ll have several weeks to let your ideas mature and avoid making decisions in a rush.
Start by assessing your current kitchen
Before choosing a colour or style for your kitchen units, take the time to look at your kitchen with fresh eyes.
Ask yourself what actually works… and, above all, what could be improved.
Perhaps you don’t have enough worktop space when you’re cooking? Are the cupboards difficult to reach? Is there enough lighting? Are the appliances positioned well?
These observations are often more valuable than the latest interior design trends. They help you design a kitchen that’s a pleasure to use every day, tailored to your habits.
Feel free to jot down all your observations, take photos and measure the room roughly. This information will be very useful during your first appointment with your kitchen designer.
Define your needs before discussing style
A beautiful kitchen is, above all, a functional kitchen.
Before choosing a natural wood finish, coloured cabinet fronts or a stone worktop, think about your lifestyle.
Does your kitchen accommodate the whole family?
Do you regularly entertain friends?
Do you sometimes work from your central island?
Do you need a large larder?
Would you like to incorporate more discreet storage solutions?
All these questions directly influence the design of your future kitchen.
The most successful designs are those that, above all, meet the needs of their users.
Make the most of the summer to find inspiration
Holidays are a great opportunity to discover new ideas.
Whilst travelling, you might notice a kitchen opening out onto a Mediterranean garden, a cosy living area in a country house, or natural materials that blend seamlessly into the architecture.
You can also browse specialist magazines, create an inspiration board or visit a showroom to see different layouts and finishes in real-life settings.
This step allows you to gradually refine your tastes whilst remaining open to advice from a professional.
Choosing sustainable materials
Renovating a kitchen is an investment that will last for many years.
It is therefore essential to choose materials that can withstand daily use.
When selecting worktops, cabinet fronts or wall coverings, several criteria must be taken into account:
scratch resistance;
heat resistance;
stain resistance;
ease of maintenance;
durability.
Worktops made from Dekton®, Silestone® or natural stone are appealing for their technical performance, whilst wood brings a timeless warmth when used with care.
The choice of materials should not be based solely on aesthetics; it must also suit your lifestyle.
The importance of ergonomics
A well-designed kitchen makes every day-to-day task easier.
The positioning of the sink, fridge and hob directly affects how comfortable the kitchen is to use.
People often talk about the ‘work triangle’, which involves minimising the distance travelled between these three main areas.
Ergonomics also depends on:
the height of the worktop;
how easily drawers open;
the accessibility of storage spaces;
the width of walkways;
the lighting in the different areas.
These details may seem minor during the design stage, but they make all the difference once the kitchen is installed.
Why meet with a kitchen designer as early as the summer?
Waiting until the start of the new term to begin a project often means starting at a particularly busy time.
By booking an appointment during the holidays, you’ll generally find there’s more time available to discuss your project.
This allows you to:
discuss your ideas;
explore different materials;
visualise your future kitchen using 3D plans;
adjust your budget;
compare different layouts.
Planning ahead in this way also makes it easier to organise the various stages right up to installation.
Tim & Mike, your kitchen designers, look forward to meeting you at their showroom in Marciac or Mièlan
Mistakes to avoid when renovating a kitchen
Choosing solely on the basis of trends
A colour that’s very fashionable today may no longer suit your taste in a few years’ time.
Opt for timeless basics that you can adapt through your décor.
Underestimating storage needs
You rarely regret having planned for more storage space.
Think about groceries, small appliances, crockery and kitchen accessories.
Neglecting the lighting
General lighting alone is not enough.
It is best to combine several light sources: worktop lighting, ambient lighting, and pendant lights above the kitchen island or dining table.
Forget about the sockets
Kitchens these days are home to a wide range of appliances.
Making sure there are enough sockets from the design stage onwards avoids a lot of hassle later on.
Thinking only about today
Your kitchen should be able to serve you well for many years to come.
Anticipating changes in your family or your lifestyle is a real advantage.
The key stages of a renovation project
A kitchen renovation generally involves several stages.
1. Defining your requirements: You identify your expectations, constraints and budget.
2. Initial consultation: The designer learns about your project, discusses it with you and carries out an initial assessment.
3. Design: The plans take shape and several layout options may be proposed.
4. Choosing materials: Cabinet fronts, handles, worktops, splashbacks, appliances, lighting… every detail is considered.
5. Project approval: Once the final adjustments have been made, the order is placed.
6. Manufacturing: The various components are manufactured to the agreed specifications.
7. Installation: The fit-out is carried out in accordance with the approved project.
Plan ahead to manage your budget more effectively
Planning your project during the holidays also helps you manage your investment more effectively.
You can take the time to compare materials, explore different layouts and prioritise your needs.
This careful planning helps you avoid last-minute changes, which are often more expensive, and allows you to invest in the elements that will have the greatest impact on your day-to-day comfort.
Why choose a kitchen designed to last?
Nowadays, the kitchen is the true heart of the home.
It’s where we cook, share meals, entertain friends and sometimes even work.
That’s why a kitchen should never be chosen solely for its appearance.
A well-thought-out design, high-quality materials and a practical layout ensure you can enjoy a pleasant space for many years to come.
Taking the time to plan your project during the holidays gives you the chance to create a kitchen that truly suits your lifestyle, whilst allowing you to factor in the time needed for design and installation.
Conclusion
The summer holidays are undoubtedly the best time to give some careful thought to a kitchen renovation project. By taking the time to analyse your needs, explore different design ideas, choose sustainable materials and seek guidance from a professional, you’ll give yourself the best possible chance of creating a space that’s as stylish as it is practical.
At JustKitchens, every project is bespoke, designed to suit your lifestyle, your home and your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary kitchen, a timeless design or a more traditional style, thorough preparation ensures that a simple idea is transformed into a fully realised project, built to last.
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