This month we invited Jamal, a designer home to our Fulham showroom, to discuss all things design.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
My name is Jamal Said, I am a Harvey Jones kitchen designer based in the Fulham showroom. I have been a designer for over five years, starting out in the kitchen industry straight after graduating from university and enjoy every minute of it.
2. What is your design mantra?
I wouldn’t say I have a design mantra, I just try to make my designs relevant to the clients.
3. What is your kitchen like at home?
I only recently bought my first property and the kitchen isn’t great. I do love the Shaker and have so many ideas in my head but don’t know which one to go with!
4. What inspires your work? Where do you go for inspiration?
For me, it is inspiring to think a client is living in the kitchen I designed and is loving it. But inspiration can be found everywhere, clients, previous projects, something you have seen on TV. Also, in our modern age, a lot of inspiration can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
5. What are your first considerations when designing a new kitchen?
The kitchen design needs to be relevant to the client so finding out more about them and their lifestyle. Also, ask lots of questions to find out what the client is looking for in their new kitchen.
6. What projects have you found the most rewarding and why?
Every project is rewarding in its own way. No project is ever alike and that is what I love about the job. You can work with the same dimensions, but ideas are always different.
7. What do you try to avoid?
I try to avoid having too many wall cabinets in the kitchen. I like the spacious look in the kitchen, having too many wall cabinets can make the kitchen look small. It all depends on the space.
8. How has kitchen design changed over the last five years?
Colours are the main change in kitchen design. Clients are introducing different colours, such as blues and greens which are very popular right now.
9. What kitchen trends do you predict in 2019?
I think the colour trend will continue through 2019. More people will be open to the idea of boiling water taps as well as different storage solutions.
10. Do you have any tips for homeowners embarking on a new kitchen project?
I often get feedback from clients saying, “I wish I would have started this sooner”. My advice is to start as early as possible on your project. There are so many different elements to consider and you don’t want to be rushed into making any quick decisions that you might regret later on.
Visit our Fulham showroom and speak to Jamal directly. We have 31 other showrooms nationwide – please find your local showroom here.
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