HOW IT WORKS

Buying a new kitchen can be a daunting process, with what can seem like endless options and decisions to make. Our job is to simplify the entire process, making it an enjoyable experience and ultimately resulting in creating your dream space.

Every home (and family) is different, and our designers don’t just start off by taking measurements, we want to get to know you and understand every last detail about how you live and use the space, and all your individual requirements.
Commissioning an Ella Austin kitchen is very much a collaborative process. Our experienced designers will work closely with you to establish –

What you need
We will determine and incorporate the absolute essentials that you can’t live without.
This may be as simple as having your dishwasher in a certain position for unloading, or in most cases will be based on design flaws from previous kitchens you have owned that you don’t want repeated.

Would-like’s
Together we’ll write a “wish list” for those little extra touches and luxuries and we will do our best to source within your budget and include these in your design.
This could be a certain appliance brand or spec, or other finishing touches such as a worktop mounted wine cooler, or a dedicated charging drawer.

How you intend to use the space
Whether you consider yourself a part-time chef, or like to regularly entertain friends and family, or just need clever bespoke storage solutions to make life that little bit easier.
Our designers will work with you to ensure the space works to your exact requirements.

Your style & taste
Whether that be a super modern high true handleless statement kitchen with mitred waterfall island worktops and packed with the latest tech, or a timeless traditional in-frame shaker masterpiece with ceramic butler sink, hand-painted on-site in your favourite Farrow & Ball colours.

Design Consultation

It all begins with a quick call or email. From there, we’ll send you a link to complete our online design questionnaire. Since we offer a highly personalised service—never a one-size-fits-all approach—your answers help us begin building an initial brief around your style preferences, layout requirements, materials, finishes, and more.

We can work from scaled architectural plans, or where possible, we’ll visit your home to conduct a full site survey. This allows us to understand how your new kitchen will connect with the surrounding architecture and living spaces.

Next, we’ll either schedule a detailed discovery call or invite you into the showroom for a design consultation. Together, we’ll define your essential requirements—along with your ideal wish-list for things like appliances, worktops, sinks, taps, and all those finishing touches that bring your kitchen to life.

We can also provide early ballpark costings, based on the size of the project and your chosen cabinetry style. To help us tailor your design to suit your expectations, it’s really helpful to have an idea of your intended investment from the outset—this ensures we’re working within realistic parameters and not designing something significantly above or below your desired specification or spend.

After this initial consultation, we’ll begin crafting your bespoke design proposal. This stage typically takes around two weeks and is completely free of charge.

Ready to get started? Request your online design questionnaire here.

Design Presentation

Our design process is structured around two dedicated presentation meetings.

Once we’ve completed your initial design concepts and costings, we’ll invite you into the showroom for your first design presentation.
During this meeting, you'll be able to explore detailed plans, elevations, and 3D visuals—and even step inside your future kitchen using our state-of-the-art VR headset.

Together, we’ll review the entire design in depth, discussing layout, materials, colours, textures, and hardware. Many changes can be made live on screen, allowing us to compare options and fine-tune the details in real time.

Following this meeting, we’ll use your feedback to update the designs and prepare a final quotation. Once complete, you’ll be invited back for your second design presentation, where we’ll review the updated plans and ensure everything is perfectly aligned with your vision.

By this stage, if you’re happy that our designs are heading in the right direction, and our pricing aligns with your expectations and requirements, the next step would be to move onto the next stage and proceed with our commitment deposit.

COmmitment deposit

At this stage, you should feel confident that your designer understands your vision and that our pricing is within the right ballpark. If you're still finalising a few details, the next step is to proceed with a commitment deposit of £1000 + VAT, which is fully deducted from your final order total.

This deposit enables us to continue developing your project, including unlimited design revisions, and it also provisionally secures a slot in our production and installation schedule—which typically books up at least 3–4 months in advance.

Most importantly, even after this stage, the design is still not locked in. You can still make changes to the design, quotation, and timescales. We’re also able to provide detailed working drawings for you or your building contractors, and we’re happy to liaise directly with your builder to resolve any technical queries.

Entering Production

Once you’re completely happy with every detail and no further changes are needed, we’ll take a 25% deposit to confirm your order and lock your project into our production schedule.

Production typically takes between 10–14 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the project. We’ll keep you updated throughout the build process—and if you’ve chosen an Ella Austin Signature Kitchen, you’re very welcome to visit our workshop (just 30 minutes away) and see your kitchen being crafted in person.

Your designer will continue to support you throughout the production stage, and our dedicated production manager will also be on hand to liaise with you and your contractors. This includes regular site visits and surveys to ensure everything is on track and ready for a smooth installation.

To keep things streamlined, we can also set up a dedicated WhatsApp group for your project. This will include the full Ella Austin team (so there’s always someone available to help), along with you, your contractors, and even your interior designer if you wish—keeping all communication centralised and easy to follow from start to finish.

Delivery & Installation

We’ve worked incredibly hard to build a trusted installation team that shares our commitment to quality and attention to detail. They’re not just kitchen fitters—they’re skilled joiners and carpenters who will ensure your kitchen is installed to the highest possible standard.

Your dedicated designer will remain involved throughout the entire journey—from initial design concepts and production, right through to installation and final sign-off. We’re passionate about building strong relationships and delivering an exceptional service at every stage.

We offer a “Dry Fit” as standard, focusing on the expert installation of cabinetry. We’ll work alongside your own contractors—such as electricians, plumbers, decorators, and tilers—to maintain a smooth, coordinated process. However, if you’d prefer a full turnkey service, we can quote for and manage all aspects of the project on your behalf.

Installation typically begins on a Monday, with base cabinetry for a medium-to-large kitchen usually completed within the week, ready for worktop templating on the Friday. Worktop fabrication and installation typically takes 5–7 days. In total, you can expect your kitchen to take around 3–4 weeks from start to finish.

If you’ve opted for an Ella Austin Signature Kitchen, your installation will be completed with a beautiful hand-painted finish, carried out in situ after everything is in place.

Final Inspection

Once your new kitchen has been fully installed—including worktops and appliances—we’ll arrange a convenient time to return for a final inspection and sign-off, making sure you’re 100% happy with every detail of your kitchen and the service you’ve received. Our goal is always to exceed expectations.

All we ask in return is your permission to take a few photos for our portfolio—of course, only once everything looks perfect!

Our commitment to you doesn’t end at installation. All of our cabinetry is backed by a 10-year warranty, and our aftercare support is always just a call or message away. Whether it’s a warranty issue, appliance support, advice on caring for your worktops, or just a general enquiry—we’re here to help.

We genuinely value the relationships we build with our clients, and we’d love to stay in touch long after your project is complete—we’re proud to say that many of our previous clients have become good friends along the way!

Pricing

How much do our kitchens cost?

It’s a really important question—and one we’re asked often. While it can be tricky to provide an exact figure upfront due to the many variables involved, we’ve put together some helpful guidelines to give you a realistic idea of costs.

We offer two levels of cabinetry construction to suit a wide range of budgets, without ever compromising on quality:

  • Ella Austin Signature – Handmade, fully bespoke cabinetry crafted to order.

  • Ella Austin Catalogue Collection – A more accessible option featuring fully bespoke cabinetry, paired with premium quality doors sourced from our trusted third-party manufacturing partners—offering excellent value without ever compromising on quality or design.

If you're able to give your designer an idea of your intended investment before we start the design process, we can tailor your kitchen to align with your budget and expectations from the outset.

Below are typical price ranges based on bespoke cabinetry, mid-range German appliances, quartz worktops, sinks, taps, cabinetry accessories, dry fit installation, and VAT included:

Small Kitchen

Typically 1–2 cabinetry runs, no island

  • Ella Austin Signature (Handmade): £30,000 – £50,000

  • Ella Austin Catalogue Collection: £20,000 – £30,000

Medium Kitchen

Typically 2 cabinetry runs, plus an island

  • Ella Austin Signature (Handmade): £50,000 – £80,000

  • Ella Austin Catalogue Collection: £30,000 – £50,000 (This is our most popular choice)

Large Kitchen

A similar layout to the medium kitchen, but on a larger scale with enhanced specifications

  • Ella Austin Signature (Handmade): £80,000+

  • Ella Austin Catalogue Collection: £50,000 – £80,000

Every kitchen we design is completely unique, so if you're unsure where your project might fall within these ranges, we’d be more than happy to guide you during your consultation.

We have also added approximate price brackets to all of our completed projects on the website to give you an idea.

Why not book a FREE consultation?

To book your free design consultation, or if you just want to find out some more information, get in touch to discover the endless possibilities of an Ella Austin Kitchen.