How does Howdens compare? The truth from an independent designer

Okay, so why is it, when talking about my business to new people do they always give me this example.. so if I were looking at a kitchen from say.. Howdens, how do you compare?

I can find this frustrating, I consider it a bit like comparing Apples with well.. maybe a vineyard - both grow on trees.. but such a different result at the end.

Howdens is a perfectly fine apple, so perhaps, I’m best described like a fruit basket — I give you the choice of the best varieties, from affordable through to luxury, all tailored to what actually works for you.

Howdens is consistently one of the first names that comes to mind with kitchens, why is that?

Probably because, according to a LinkedIn post I saw (unverified), Howdens’ annual intake is said to equal all independent kitchen businesses combined.

So while independents are looking over their shoulders at their neighbouring independents who take maybe £1million a year in business, Howdens are taking £Billions a year.

So I guess, with that in mind I shouldn't be surprised that they're the go to comparison for most people.

The perks of buying from Howdens: summed up: they're affordable, have nice kitchens and are available super quick! I mean, from what I’ve seen, they arrive flat-packed to the warehouse where they are assembled quickly on-site, and are ready to go!

They typically have a small display of what they offer but what more do builders and tradeys needs? You know what you're getting with Howdens, it's quick, cheap and tradesman-approved.

So.. many customers with a typical Howdens kitchen would expect to pay between £5k and £10k - (if you were getting a bit fancy with the doors or wire works). And in my experience, many mid range kitchens - (including those from large trade suppliers) - tend to show wear after 5 to 10 years, depending on use and care. And then, when it's looking a bit tired and ready for remodel, in say 5 to 10 years you can pay out another £5k to £10k and that kitchen will last another 5 - 10 years.

To me, it feels like a false economy, would it not have made better economical sense to invest £10k to £20k in a kitchen that will comfortably last 30+ years? Do you want to go through that upheaval again so soon? Getting a new kitchen is upheaval, mess and stress.

Yes- I wont lie to you, the designing, dreaming is fun, but emptying all your cupboards into storage boxes, seeing the hub of your home become bare walls, wires and pipework. Having strangers - pleasant ones (we hope), then in your home for the next 10 to 20+ working days.

5 years goes by in a blink, so, I can't help thinking, that yes, a Howdens kitchen is a great fit for builders in a new build that just need something to look shiny and new that is quickly gathered and installed.

It may also suit someone looking to make a quick sale of their home. A shiny new kitchen will do wonders for resalability and I am sure you'll make back more than you spend from the sale as people will automatically take at least £10k off of an asking price if the kitchen needs doing.

But if you are the kind of person who is looking to live and enjoy their home for at least 5 years, then perhaps this is not for you.

And if this is your forever home, lets design something wonderful that you can love and thrive in, what your family utilise and grow in. Let's talk about a gorgeous forever kitchen - mine would have an island or breakfast bar so my children can sit up and do their homework whilst I get on with dinner.

It would have a larder with those gorgeous Oak internals with a customised snack drawer and a spice rack on the door. I'd have a hidden bin with a different compartment for recycling. I'd have a glass cabinet, maybe a dresser one with a drawer for knickknacks. The glass cabinet would light up and yes, I think it would have to have a different colour behind the door - a pop or maybe some fancy wallpaper.

Haha, sorry, I digress. Anyway, I want to hear about your dream, forever home kitchen.

I offer a free home consultation, let's create something that will last and be enjoyed for years and years. Not boxes on walls, I'm talking about your home.

Book your free consultation today — let’s design a kitchen that lasts