Design goes virtual: the kitchen showrooms offering virtual makeovers

The last few weeks has seen many businesses adopt a more virtual approach. Events have moved online, and even travel is now being offered 'virtually' from the comfort of your sofa.

The world of design has also moved online, with 3D rendering and virtual design, proving that there's never been a better time to get started on your home makeover.

While some interior designers are offering consultations via video calls, others are offering courses and workshops online, making it easier than ever to pick up new design skills, and designer Kelly Wearstler is offering her expertise through an online course on MasterClass.

Meanwhile paint and wallpaper companies like LickHome are offering video consultations to help find the perfect colour match, and we're also anticipating a rise in interest for virtual decorating companies like Modsy, where you just enter the measurements of the room you want digitally rendered, then you can view and design in 3D – and a Modsy designer then sends two custom room designs rendered in 3D, filled with products that fit your budget and style, and the ability to make unlimited design revisions.

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But arguably one of the hardest – and most important – rooms of the house when it comes to decorating is the kitchen, and we imagine it would be difficult to tackle your kitchen makeover without popping in to a kitchen showroom first. Not any more; kitchen manufacturers have also joined the Zoom party, offering free virtual kitchen makeovers, to help you visualise your space in different styles.

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

Here are seven virtual showrooms to kick start your new kitchen project...

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MAGNET

Magnet.co.uk has just launched a Virtual Kitchen Design Service that brings the choice, expertise and personal support of an in-store visit to the comfort of the couch, so we can finally channel our frustrated inner-designers and spend this time at home productively.

With the help dedicated designers that are set up to work from their own homes and take telephone and video consultations, those that wish to bring their kitchen visions to life can do so without changing out of their PJs.Just complete a quick quiz on your dream style, shades, shapes and spend, to set the wheels in motion.

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Then, once the designated designer has understood the look you're going for, they can share 3D designs over email or even set up a screen sharing meeting to present their personal designs in real-time. It's then up to you on whether or not to get started; bespoke designs can be worked up further and door samples can be posted out, without any pressure to commit.

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ROUNDHOUSE

Roundhouse has also implemented measures to ensure that you can still have a consultation with a designer, via Zoom or Skype – for free.

Just e-mail your brief – for example any design styles that inspire you (be it an old farmhouse table or even a patch of colour that moves you), plus the room dimensions and whether the design involves extending into the garden or basement, and a designer will help put together a 3D render for you. To get started, get in touch with [email protected].

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HARVEY JONES

Harvey Jones showrooms are temporarily closed, so they developed a virtual experience with all designers working from home taking online appointments.

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

In just the first week of launching its virtual home visits and consultation, the brand has seen a significant take up of visits, indicating that customers still keen to get started on their bespoke kitchen redesign.

Prices start from £20,000 for a Harvey Jones kitchen.

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BRITISH STANDARD BY PLAIN ENGLISH

Plain English and British Standard by Plain English both remain open; albeit virtually, with designers offering virtual design consultations which allow customers to identify a layout that is as enduring and practical as the cabinetry itself. The brand is also donating 10% of sales to the Covid19 nhs appeal.

British Standard by Plain English kitchens start from £8,000, while Plain English kitchens start from £35,000. British Standard by Plain English showroom is at 41 Hoxton sq, Hackney, London N16PB, 02078707688. Plain English showroom 28 Blandford Street London W1U 4BZ, 020 7486 2674.

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MARTIN MOORE

Martin Moore are working from architects plans and customer's wish lists to put together digital drawings and computer generated visuals to illustrate each idea in full.

(Image credit: Martin Moore)

(Image credit: Martin Moore)

Martin Moore kitchens start from £35,000.

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NEPTUNE

Even when Neptune's shops are shut, the virtual doors are wide open – whether it’s a video consultation with a designer, or just a second opinion through email.

Neptune are offering a complimentary creative consultation, starting with an initial via conversation, and followed by a virtual ‘at-home’ design visit, using room measurements. The designers then prepare a design presentation – usually the designers would reveal a moodboard, sample board and to-scale sketches in store, but now the designers are sharing the same presentations in a digital format and talking through the presentation via video.

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SMALLBONE

Smallbone has now launched a virtual design concept, enabling home owners to virtually meet designers for an immersive design experience. They are currently rescheduling all showroom and in-home meetings with a complimentary virtual design consultation.

A hand drawn colour illustration alongside fully drawn up plans and elevations will showcase the look and content of all spaces and customers will be able to have full access to Smalbone's materials library, brochures and enjoy a 360 degree virtual tour of their showroom.

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