Marraum Architects Blogs

How to avoid common pitfalls with kitchen and bathroom designs

Written by Zeal Interiors | 12-Jun-2025 12:15:01

This week's blog post is brought to you by Travis Williams, from Zeal Interiors in Penryn. We regularly advise clients to pop into the Zeal showroom and speak to the friendly and knowledgable team for advise on kitchen and bathroom design. Read on to discover more about Zeal's expertise and tips for a successful renovation project.

 

On paper, the project flows. The drawings are meticulous, the elevations balanced, the structure solid. But when it comes to the final result - something feels off.

For many house builders and homeowners in Cornwall frustration isn’t in the walls or rooflines. It’s in the rooms that should offer the most: the kitchen and the bathroom.

These aren’t just functional spaces. They’re emotional ones. Daily ones. And too often, they fall short - especially when the right kitchen and bathroom design partner isn’t brought in early.

At Zeal Interiors, we see this often when homeowners across Penryn, Truro, and the wider Cornwall area come to us after plans have already been drawn - but before the kitchens and bathrooms have been fully imagined.

 

Why the breakdown happens

Kitchens and bathrooms sit at the crossroads of complexity: plumbing, electrics, lighting, layout, materials, ergonomics, lifestyle. And yet, they’re frequently thought of as add-ons rather than anchors.

When design input comes too late - or from too many places - it leads to compromises. Pipework goes in before layout is confirmed. Appliances are ordered before cabinetry is designed. Tilers and fitters arrive with more questions than answers.

 

System shortcomings

For many Cornish builders, contractors and homeowners planning a renovation or new build, the priority is getting the structure right.

But without an early, joined-up approach to kitchen and bathroom design, the finished space rarely reflects the potential of the original plans first imagined by your architect.

Instead, we see:

  • Beautiful bathrooms with no storage.
  • Open-plan kitchens with nowhere to plug in.
  • Premium builds let down by lacklustre kitchen and bathroom layouts.

And it’s rarely about effort - it’s about alignment.

What changes the outcome

The difference is often who’s involved and when. Projects that bring in kitchen and bathroom specialists early on consistently yield better results. The designs integrate seamlessly. Fitters aren’t left guessing. Timelines tighten rather than stretch. It’s not about choosing one tap over another. It’s about bringing clarity to complexity so that every trade, every detail, and every decision fits together like it was always meant to.

 

What to look for

When choosing a kitchen and bathroom showroom or designer in Cornwall, ask:

  • Do they visit my site?
  • Can they provide technical drawings, fitting specs, and clear guidance for trades?
  • Do they prioritise both beauty, build-ability, and longevity?
  • Will they help coordinate with my builder and architect, so nothing falls through the cracks?

The best partners will slot into the process like another member of the team - bringing vision, practicality, and a level head when the details threaten to overwhelm.

Kitchens and bathrooms shouldn’t be the compromise - especially not in your dream Cornish home. Done right, they’re where homes start to feel like home: tactile, intuitive, tailored. And like the best design, they’re not just seen. They’re felt.

That’s why more clients in Cornwall are choosing design studios like Zeal Interiors - who specialise in making kitchens and bathrooms fit seamlessly into the overall project, rather than feel like bolt-ons.

Seamless collaboration with Marraum

Our success is also built on strong partnerships with architectural practices like Marraum. Effective communication and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. We break down the professional jargon of the construction world, making the process inclusive and straightforward. Our focus is always on finding solutions, not creating problems, ensuring a smooth and successful project from start to finish.

 

Ready to transform your space?

Renovating your kitchen or bathroom should be an exciting and fulfilling experience, not a stressful ordeal. With Marraum and Zeal Interiors, you have the dedication, enthusiasm and expertise needed to bring your vision to life.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to embark on your journey toward a beautifully designed, functional space.