Avoca and Howdens – design, procurement and installation in one

11 Mar

When installing a new kitchen, there’s a lot to think about — from layout and plumbing to lighting and finishes. Avoca have worked successfully with Howdens, the leading UK kitchen supplier, on numerous projects, offering clients a one stop shop for inspiring design, seamless delivery and professional installation.

The process works with an initial site visit where we talk over your plans and see the kind of vision you have for the space. A visit to one of the many Howdens branches is then recommended. Howdens have an incredible array of samples in their showrooms and make it easy to lay samples next to one another to ensure you choose exactly what will work well together and suit your space and budget. Howdens are particularly well known for offering different levels of quality and design style. From a more budget range possibly for a rental property up to the highest quality, beautifully finished cabinetry with marble worktops, they cater for all tastes.

Once you have some initial ideas, the professional kitchen designer from Howdens will visit your property to measure the space and talk over details with you. Then it’s back to their studio where they will process your ideas through their cutting edge design programme and supply multiple proposals from different viewpoints giving you a real feel for how your proposed new kitchen might look. It’s easy to make tweaks to layout and detail until you are quite happy with the finished look. This is an entirely free service and gives you a great kick start to your refurbishment.

After all there is so much to consider in a new kitchen and with the Howdens design process and the installation advice from Avoca, you can be sure that all angles are covered. You’ll need to think about:

1. Planning & Layout

Workflow (The Kitchen Triangle): Ensure efficient movement between the sink, stove, and refrigerator.

2. Plumbing & Electrical

Plumbing points: Plan locations for the sink, dishwasher, washing machie and possibly a fridge with water/ice.
Electrical outlets: Ensure enough for small appliances, including hidden ones (e.g., behind microwave, for under-cabinet lighting).
Lighting circuits: Separate circuits for task, ambient, and accent lighting.

3. Lighting

Layered lighting makes a huge difference:

Ambient lighting: Ceiling lights or recessed lights.
Task lighting: Under-cabinet strips, pendant lights over an island.
Accent lighting: In-cabinet or toe-kick LED strips for aesthetics.

4. Cabinets & Storage

Cabinet quality: Solid wood, plywood, or high-grade MDF?
Functionality: Include deep drawers, pull-outs, and corner units to maximize space.

5. Appliances

Size & fit: Confirm appliance dimensions early — they affect cabinetry and counter cutouts.
Energy efficiency: Look for Energy Star or equivalent ratings.
Ventilation: A proper range hood or extractor fan to manage heat and odours.
Smart features: Optional but increasingly common (e.g., smart ovens, fridges).

6. Countertops & Surfaces

Material: Options include quartz, granite, laminate, butcher block, or concrete.
Durability & maintenance: Consider heat, scratch and stain resistance.
Aesthetic match: Coordinate colours with cabinets and backsplash.

7. Flooring

Durability: Choose water- and stain-resistant materials like tile, vinyl or sealed wood.
Comfort: Consider underfloor heating if tile or stone.

8. Ventilation & Safety

Extractor fan: Essential for air quality and moisture control.
Fire safety: Keep fire extinguishers accessible; consider heat-resistant backsplashes.
CO2/gas detectors: Mandatory if using gas appliances.

9. Aesthetics & Finishing Touches

Colour scheme: Lighter colours make small kitchens feel larger.
Hardware: Handles and knobs can tie the whole look together.
Backsplash: Adds both protection and personality.
Decor: Plants, bar stools, or open shelves for warmth and texture.

Once all the final decisions have been made, Howdens will supply detailed installation instructions and the team at Avoca will then bring your vision to life. We cover all elements of the build, including removing and disposing of your old kitchen, fitting the new kitchen with all relevant pipework and electrics then tiling, painting and floor laying to finish it all off.

A couple of recent successful collaborations between Avoca and Howdens include the removal of the old kitchen at a beautiful period property in St Margarets and then the careful reworking of the space to improve the flow and the installation of a lovely contemporary kitchen.

This galley kitchen in Teddington required some streamlining of the worktop heights and reordering of the appliances to improve the flow. The client opted for a Shaker style door front with a beech effect worktop and stylish sage green metro tiles to finish the look.

So if you are considering a new kitchen, please do give us a call and we’ll be happy to help