To DIY or Hire a Kitchen Designer
Deciding on a kitchen design approach is one of the biggest choices you’ll face in a renovation. The question is, Should you hire a kitchen designer or go the DIY route? comes up time and time again—and for good reason. Designing a kitchen is a major investment that shapes the look, feel, and function of your home for years to come.
In my experience helping Perth homeowners at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, I’ve seen both sides: some people dive into DIY with great results, while others prefer the expertise a designer brings. Each approach has its advantages and challenges, and choosing the right one depends on your time, budget, and comfort level with design.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the benefits and potential pitfalls of DIY versus hiring a kitchen designer to help you answer the all-important question: “Hire a designer or design it yourself?” By the end, you’ll be able to make a confident choice that suits your needs and style.
Pros of DIY Kitchen Design
Taking on a DIY kitchen design offers plenty of advantages, especially if you enjoy the hands-on approach and have a vision for your space. From cost savings to creative freedom, here’s why DIY might be the right fit for you:
Cost Savings
One of the major benefits of DIY kitchen design is the potential to save money. Without designer fees, you can put more of your budget into features like premium benchtops or upgraded appliances. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we see many customers channel these savings into the quality details that matter most to them, whether it’s a durable benchtop or stylish tapware.
Creative Control
Opting for DIY kitchen design lets you call the shots on every decision, from the layout to the finishing touches. You can design a space that perfectly matches your taste without compromising. When I redesigned my own kitchen, I loved having complete control over the style and materials. With a DIY approach, your kitchen truly reflects your personality.
Free 3D Planner for Professional-Level Design
Here’s where Ross’s can really make a difference: our free 3D kitchen planner is the ideal tool for DIYers. With professional-grade features, it allows you to visualise and refine your kitchen design before making any purchases. You can work out the best cabinet layout for your space and customise everything, right down to the floor and wall colours and materials. I used this tool myself and found it invaluable for bringing my ideas to life—seeing a 3D layout helped me make confident choices about layout, cabinetry, and more. It’s like having a designer on hand but without the cost.
Design your kitchen with our 3D planner.
Learning Experience
There’s something deeply rewarding about taking on a design project yourself. You’ll gain insights into kitchen functionality, flow, and the many choices that shape the space. Not only does this build confidence, but it also gives you a better understanding of the design elements you truly value. Plus, we’re always here at Ross’s to provide guidance and support if needed. We offer a free design service too, so even if you’re not confident using our 3D planner yourself, you can book an appointment with Fiona, our kitchen specialist, and she’ll do the work for you—it’s a happy medium.
Flexible Budget and Timeline
With a DIY project, you’re in control of both the budget and timeline. You can pace the project to suit your schedule, making adjustments as needed without the constraints of a designer’s deadlines. This flexibility allows you to manage your budget more effectively and make changes on the go.
For anyone considering the DIY route, the journey is incredibly rewarding, especially when you have the right tools. Our 3D planner can help make your design as smooth and enjoyable as possible, turning your ideas into a kitchen you’ll love for years.
Pros of Hiring a Kitchen Designer
If you’re asking yourself, “Should I hire a professional kitchen designer?” the answer depends on your goals, budget, and comfort level with the design process. Hiring a kitchen designer brings expertise and experience to your project, often resulting in a smoother, more refined outcome. Here are the key benefits of hiring a kitchen designer:
Expert Knowledge and Design Insights
One of the primary benefits of hiring a kitchen designer is access to their expertise and design insights. Professional designers have a wealth of experience in planning functional, stylish kitchens that make the best use of space. They’re trained to think through layout options, traffic flow, and storage solutions that might not be immediately obvious.
When I designed my own kitchen, I was confident in the basics, but there were a few times I thought, “An expert’s advice here would be invaluable.” With a designer’s guidance, you can feel more assured that your kitchen will be optimised for both beauty and practicality.
Save Time and Reduce Stress
Designing a kitchen can be overwhelming, especially with the multitude of choices for materials, finishes, and layout options. A designer can streamline this process, guiding you through each decision and helping you avoid common pitfalls. This support can save significant time and reduce the stress of managing all the details. If you’re balancing work, family, and other commitments, having a professional handle the design process allows you to focus on the bigger picture and enjoy the process.
Access to Trade Resources and Discounts
Professional kitchen designers often have access to trade-only resources, materials, and discounts that the general public can’t access. They may be able to source exclusive finishes, appliances, and custom cabinetry to bring your vision to life.
At Ross’s, we frequently work with designers who can source high-quality materials that aren’t always available to DIYers. These industry connections can also help you get better prices on premium products, ultimately maximising your budget.
Avoid Costly Mistakes
One of the most valuable aspects of hiring a designer is their ability to foresee issues and prevent costly mistakes. With a DIY approach, miscalculations or design oversights can lead to unexpected expenses down the line.
A professional designer will help you sidestep these errors, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish. And if there is an issue, it’s on them to fix it, not you. I learned this lesson the hard way with my own kitchen project and had to pivot on some of my design ideas because I didn’t have the foresight or experience to see why some of my design choices may not have been the best in terms of functionality. Involving a designer would have been a smoother, less stressful ride. They can help you achieve flawless results without the trial and error I experienced.
Personalised, High-End Results
When you hire a kitchen designer, you’re investing in a custom design tailored to your unique style and needs. A designer’s expertise can elevate your kitchen, bringing a polished, cohesive look that truly reflects your personality. If you’re after a high-end look with professional finishes, a designer can help you achieve it. Many of our customers at Ross’s tell us they love the personalised touches a designer brings to their project—details that transform a kitchen from simply functional to truly stunning.
Hiring a designer may not be necessary for every project, but for those who value precision, style, and peace of mind, it’s an investment well worth considering. If you’re still wondering, “Should I hire a professional kitchen designer?” these benefits highlight the many ways a designer can enhance your project and make the journey to your dream kitchen an enjoyable one.
Cons of DIY Kitchen Design
Designing a kitchen yourself has its advantages, but it also comes with challenges that shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’re contemplating going the DIY route, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks. Here are some cons of DIY kitchen design:
Limited Expertise and Knowledge
When you design your kitchen yourself, you may not have the technical knowledge or design experience that a professional brings. While it’s possible to research and learn, certain aspects—like understanding the principles of space planning, or the best materials for specific applications—can be complex. Speaking from experience, there were times during my own DIY kitchen project where I found myself second-guessing decisions, wondering if a designer would have made different choices. Limited expertise can result in a design that doesn’t fully maximise the functionality or aesthetic potential of the space.
Time-Consuming and Stressful
DIY kitchen design is a time-intensive process. From planning and layout to selecting materials and fixtures, every decision falls on your shoulders. If you’re balancing a job, family, or other commitments, managing the entire project can quickly become overwhelming.
Many of our customers start out DIY but find themselves needing guidance along the way. With a professional, you have support to ease the workload, whereas DIY requires full dedication and careful time management.
Risk of Costly Mistakes
One of the biggest risks in DIY kitchen design is the potential for mistakes—errors that can be costly to fix. Without the guidance of a designer, it’s easy to overlook small details that can lead to bigger issues.
As mentioned, during my own project, I had some hiccups. I realised midway that I hadn’t accounted for the placement of certain appliances, which led to last-minute adjustments and additional costs. Even seemingly minor missteps can disrupt the flow of the design or add unexpected expenses, so be prepared for this risk if you go DIY.
Limited Access to Industry Resources
Unlike professional designers, DIYers may have limited access to certain high-quality materials, finishes, or custom options. Many trade-only resources are not available to the general public, which means your selection might be more restricted.
At Ross’s, we strive to offer a wide range of products accessible to everyone, but we’ve seen DIY customers miss out on unique options that a designer could provide. Additionally, designers often have access to discounts and industry connections that can make a difference in quality and cost.
Higher Likelihood of Feeling Overwhelmed
DIY kitchen design requires juggling numerous decisions, from layout to cabinetry to fixtures. It’s common to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices and the pressure to get everything right. With no one to guide you, the decision-making can become exhausting, and you may find yourself second-guessing or regretting some choices.
Many customers tell us they initially felt confident but quickly realised how complex the process was—not just in the design but also in taking on the project management role that a professional designer would usually manage. If you’re not prepared for the workload and stress, DIY might feel more burdensome than rewarding.
Going the DIY route can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to weigh these potential challenges. If you’re up for the commitment and have the time and patience, DIY might be for you. However, understanding these cons can help you decide whether the hands-on approach aligns with your expectations and goals.
Cons of Hiring a Kitchen Designer
While hiring a kitchen designer can bring expertise and convenience, it’s not the right choice for everyone. There are some drawbacks to hiring a kitchen designer that may impact your decision. Here’s what to consider if you’re wondering, “Are kitchen designers worth it?”
Higher Upfront Costs
One of the main drawbacks of hiring a kitchen designer is the cost. Professional designers come with service fees, which can take a significant portion of your budget. For some homeowners, these extra costs can mean sacrificing high-end appliances or premium finishes. If you’re working with a tight budget, the upfront expense of a designer might feel like a strain.
When I designed my own kitchen, I opted to go DIY largely because I wanted to allocate more of my budget to quality materials and appliances rather than service fees.
Potential for Reduced Creative Control
When you bring a professional designer into your project, there may be limitations on your personal input and creative control. Designers often have their own preferences and design philosophies, which can impact how much freedom you have over specific choices. This can sometimes create a sense of disconnect if their ideas don’t fully align with your vision.
In my role at Ross’s, I’ve spoken with customers who felt their designer’s preferences overrode their personal style, resulting in a kitchen that didn’t quite reflect their personality.
Longer Design Process
Working with a designer may extend the timeline of your project. Designers typically go through a detailed planning and consultation process, which can take time—especially if you need to schedule multiple meetings to discuss options and revisions. For customers who want to complete their renovation quickly, this extended timeline can be a drawback. With a DIY approach, you have more control over the pace and can often make decisions faster without waiting for professional input.
Risk of Miscommunication or Unmet Expectations
Another potential drawback of hiring a kitchen designer is the possibility of miscommunication. Translating your vision to someone else isn’t always easy, and it’s possible that what you have in mind doesn’t completely align with what’s delivered. Even with the best intentions, expectations can sometimes fall short.
During my own DIY project, I knew I was the only one responsible for making things match my exact vision—an assurance you don’t always get when relying on a third party. Some customers have shared that they were initially excited to work with a designer, only to feel disappointed when small details didn’t turn out as expected.
Limited Hands-On Involvement
For those who enjoy being hands-on, hiring a designer can sometimes feel too “hands-off.” Designers handle much of the decision-making and coordination, which may limit your involvement in the project. If you love the process of choosing materials, experimenting with layouts, and managing the project from start to finish, DIY can feel more fulfilling. In contrast, hiring a designer may mean a less interactive experience, with you simply approving or rejecting ideas rather than fully driving the process.
While there are clear benefits to hiring a professional, it’s important to consider these potential drawbacks. If you value full control, a faster timeline, or sticking closely to a budget, you might find that DIY is a more suitable option. However, if the benefits outweigh these challenges, a kitchen designer could be well worth the investment.
Conclusion
Creating the kitchen of your dreams is an exciting journey, whether you’re designing it yourself or hiring a professional kitchen design. While some people thrive on the hands-on, creative process of DIY, others find that the expertise and convenience of a designer are worth the investment. The decision comes down to your comfort level, budget, and the time you’re willing to dedicate to the project.
Ask yourself: Should I hire a kitchen designer, or do I have the time, vision, and resources to take on this challenge myself? If you’re excited about making decisions, saving on costs, and taking full control, then DIY could be a rewarding experience. On the other hand, if you’d prefer expert guidance and a more streamlined process, hiring a designer may be well worth it.
If you’re ready to dive into DIY, our 3D Kitchen Planner is a fantastic tool to get you started. It’s free to use, and with it, you can visualise layouts, plan cabinetry, and select materials all in one place. And for those who choose to work with a designer, we invite them to browse our high-quality kitchen cabinets, benchtops, kitchen taps, appliances, and kitchen tiles. With Ross’s Discount Home Centre, you’ll find top-grade products at affordable prices, whether you’re tackling the design yourself or working with a pro.
