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Kitchen Makeover – Getting Started
Category: Kitchen
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In the Words of Our Winners
Our Kitchen Makeover Contest winners share their reasons for wanting a kitchen remodel. Here are their stories from their contest entries.
“In 2008, my husband and I purchased our current home from my grandmother, promising her that we would take good care of it. Her late husband had built the house with his own two hands after returning from WWII with a Purple Heart. For the most part, we have lived up to our word, having done some renovations to the outside and structure of the house. We have not kept our word with the kitchen. Most of the kitchen is original straight from the 50’s with a few updates in the 70’s and it is literally falling apart. Our dream is to expand the kitchen into the main living are so that we, along with our two sons can enjoy a bright, cheery open space that we can cook in, eat in and make memories for years to come.” Danielle and family were thrilled to win our Kitchen Makeover Contest for New England. The family has wanted to update the kitchen for years. Some of the frustrations with the current layout are:
- It’s not a comfortable place for 2 people to work in at the same time.
- There is limited prep space.
- There is no countertop next to the stove.
- There is a dead corner next to the stove/oven – very hard to use the cabinet or countertop there efficiently.
With those challenges in mind, here are some of the changes they would love to include in a redesigned space:
- Add an island
- Add a pot filler over the stove
- Get the microwave off the countertop
- Make more room for the family to sit together, or to entertain and seat guests
- More storage/better storage – some of their cabinets are not fully utilized because it is too difficult to see or reach all the way to the back
- Gas stove instead of electric (They expect to replace the stove/oven and the microwave, but will keep their dishwasher and fridge.)
- Enlarge the opening to the next room to be able to see what is going on there
- Room to include their 2 children in kitchen tasks – the current space does not allow everyone to move freely
Check back as we show how this design comes together with the help of Shannon Raposa of the Riverhead Building Supply design showroom. “Just wanted to start off by saying thank you for even running this contest… as you can see, this is the original Yellow kitchen from 1974. Although this particular shade of yellow has grown on me over the last 3 years, it is cracking and chipped in places… oh and I almost forgot about those wonderful smells I can’t get rid of, so we put an air freshener in the lower cabinets… hoping to hear from you soon, thanks again for your time.” For our New York winner, Kevin, this contest represents an opportunity to do more with the space than he had originally planned. When he bought the house, he knew he would tackle a kitchen remodel, but put it off in favor of making other repairs and renovations in the home.
Some of the challenges in the current space:
- The design (not just the color!) is dated – it is the original kitchen, installed in 1974
- The corners are deep, and it is difficult to see or reach into the back of corner cabinets, making it wasted space
- The pantry area is awkward
Some of the items on Kevin’s wish list
- Dedicated space for garbage and recycling bins to keep them out of sight
- Pull out spice racks near the cooking area to keep them close at hand, but out of sight when not in use
- A larger sink, possible a farmhouse style.
- Natural wood tones, natural elements like stone, and adding metal such as copper
- Better use of the pantry space
- Adding more natural light
Follow along with us as we learn more about this project and how Mike Apicella of the Riverhead Building Supply design showroom helps Kevin to include items from his wish list in to a contemporary functional design.
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Kitchen Makeover Contest Winners
Thank you to all who entered our contest, and for sharing your photos and stories with us. From kitchens with crazy layouts to those with extremely dated cabinetry, there were all kinds of rooms with unique stories for our panel to consider.
We saw everything, from 1950s-era time capsules to tiny cottage kitchens. There were even some kitchens with barely any cabinetry at all. We saw drooping cabinet doors, missing drawer fronts, and dated hardware. We also saw interesting floorplans, and cooktops and refrigerators squeezed into spaces so tight, we wondered how you could use them.
You told us your stories, and without exception, a better layout that provided more functionality was the key ingredient lacking in every kitchen. Your message was clear: You want a kitchen that works for you.
Making our selections wasn’t easy. We picked a winner from New England and one from New York, but you can all be winners in your own space. We encourage you to bring your ideas to us and let us help you to turn a bland and dated kitchen into a new design that includes all of your most wanted features.
Our winner for the New York area is Kevin K. of Northport, NY
Our winner for New England is Danielle C. of Middletown, RI
We’ll be sharing before, during and after photos of both projects so that you can witness the transformation of their spaces.
In the meantime, here are just a few of the many entries we received. If your kitchen looks like any of these, and you’re ready for an update, we hope you’ll visit one of our showrooms to speak to a designer and collaborate on a new design. We’re confident that we can provide you with new cabinetry to suit any style, at a price that fits your budget.
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Meet the Kitchen Designers
Kitchen design requires equal parts artistry and engineering.
When complete, you want a kitchen design that is pleasing to look at, yet the room must check all your boxes for form and function, which is where the talent of our designers shines. Here are comments from each about their approach to collaborating with a new client.
Brandi Hull
RBS Design Showroom, North Kingstown, RI
Brandi brings 20 years of kitchen design experience to the Riverhead Building Supply Design Showroom in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. She earned a BS in Textiles and Design from the University of Rhode Island.
“When I work with a customer, I take note of their lifestyle. I like to know how many are in the family, how they use their space, what they need. I like to ask about pets in the family, and any environmental practices in the household such as recycling and composting, so that I can carve out space for the interests and activities of the family that extend beyond meal prep.
Most importantly, I bring my love of design and my years of experience. I am always educating myself about different styles and current trends.”
Gene Formickella
RBS Design Showroom, East Hampton, NY
By trade, Gene is a skilled, high-end finish carpenter and cabinetmaker, and has now turned his expertise to the design side of the business. Gene has over 40 years of experience in the construction and remodeling industry, and is located at our East Hampton showroom.
“I bring my years of experience of kitchen cabinets installation, which has helped me explain to my customers how the process of installation works.
I like to work on what the customer’s needs are for their new kitchen, addressing organization, the work area, and making it all more efficient. Whether there will be one person or two working in the kitchen at the same time, it needs to function smoothly for them.”
Julia Dowd
RBS Design Showroom, Greenport, NY
Julia has been an Industry professional for 18 years. She has worked with
builders, remodelers, homeowners, and outside sales. She has worked in kitchen and bath design, and with counter tops and tile. You’ll find her in our Greenport showroom.
“Superior design is in the details. I always balance form and function in my designs. An attractive kitchen that is not functional is not going to be enjoyable for the owner.
I want to know what their needs are, and what the frustrations are with the original space. For example, what items are hard to use because of storage issues? A well-executed design balances all of that, giving the homeowner the look they want, with all the functional features. If it is anything less than that, I have not done my job.”
Click through to view designs
Take a look at our browse by room gallery to see other kitchens created by the designers at Riverhead Building Supply Design Showrooms in New York and New England.
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2020 Kitchen Makeover Contest
From the cabinets and countertops, to the light fixtures and the floor, there are plenty of kitchens out there just begging to be energized by a new design. Show us a picture and explain why your kitchen needs to be updated, and you could win our Tired-to-Inspired kitchen photo contest.
Save up to $20,000!
Great kitchens start with great designs, and our design team knows how to turn the most humble space into masterpiece of style and function.
Enter our Tired-to-Inspired kitchen photo contest for a chance to win up to $20,000 off new kitchen cabinets and countertops from Riverhead Building Supply.
One winner will receive 50% off the cost of their kitchen cabinetry and countertops from Riverhead Building Supply, up to a maximum of $20,000. Your order, up to $40,000, will be cut in half! With that savings, you can upgrade your appliances, plumbing or lighting for the kitchen of your dreams.
Stunning Cabinetry for Every Budget
Browse a selection of some of the finest name brands in cabinetry. Visit each company’s website for more information.
Let your imagination go! Enjoy the limitless possibilities that custom cabinetry by Plain & Fancy can bring. Artisan construction paired with state-of-the-art finishing technology come together to create a timeless kitchen that will grace your home for years.
https://plainfancycabinetry.com/A fashion forward European inspired cabinet company. With clean lines and fashion forward design, Miralis leads the industry in creating smart functional space for the modern lifestyle.
https://www.miralis.com/enPennsylvania Dutch craftsmanship combined with modern technology creates three distinct lines of framed, inset and full access cabinetry at a price position for every K&B project. Tedd Wood offers a custom quality finish at an affordable price.
https://www.teddwood.com/With wide range of flexibility in design, Medallion Cabinetry offers a full range of cabinetry that will allow you to redeem your space and meet your projects budget.
https://www.medallioncabinetry.com/Value, flexibility and among the quickest lead times in the industry. Wolf offers a full offering of value priced American made cabinetry with the most aggressive production times in the industry.
https://www.wolfhomeproducts.com/Dependable service and quality American craftsmanship. Mantra delivers on value and constancy.
https://www.mantracabinets.com/
Contest Rules:
Kitchen Makeover Contest 2020
HOW TO ENTER: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER. Contest begins on July 20, 2020 and ends on September 7, 2020. Entries will be accepted online only starting at 12:01 a.m. ET July 20, 2020 and submitted no later than by 11:59 p.m. ET on September 7, 2020. Enter by submitting your official entry found at rbscorp.com. Limit one (1) entry per household.. Participant must give a valid e‐mail address, his/her first and complete last name, Zip Code/Postal Code and a valid phone number for entry to be valid. Riverhead Building Supply Corp. (“RBS”) sponsor assumes no responsibility for lost, late, misdirected, mutilated, illegible, stolen, or incomplete entries. The entry must fulfill all Contest requirements, as specified, to be eligible to win a prize. Entries that are incomplete or do not adhere to the rules or specifications may be disqualified at the sole discretion of RBS. All entries become the property solely of RBS and will not be returned. WINNERS: There will be 2 winners. One winner will be selected from all valid entries received from New York during the contest period. One winner will be selected from all eligible entries received from the New England region (Rhode Island and Connecticut) during the contest period. Winners shall be selected based on best photo by a panel of RBS kitchen designers. The winners will be notified by phone or e-mail within (5) days of the end of the contest. PRIZE: Winners will receive 50% off of their purchase of a new kitchen from RBS up to a total value of $20,000.00.
An example of how this contest will work includes the following:
The winning entrant will be assigned to one of RBS’s kitchen design professionals. The retail value to the winner will be issued according to the following examples:
A. If the consumer invoice is $40,000.00 on qualifying products, a 50% discount will be applied for a total invoice of $20,000.00 (plus applicable taxes and fees).
B. If the consumer invoice is $20,000.00, on qualifying products, (less any applicable taxes and fees), a 50% discount will be applied for a total invoice of $10,000.00 (plus applicable taxes and fees).
C. If the consumer invoice is $15,000.00, on qualifying products, a 50% discount will be applied for a total invoice of $7,500.00 (plus applicable taxes and fees).
The final kitchen design must be submitted for approval by RBS’s Marketing Department prior to ordering. Only a kitchen project is eligible for redemption of prize.
No substitution of prize or transfer of prize will be permitted except at Sponsor’s option. Maximum total approximate retail value of prize: $20,000.00. No cash substitute. ELIGIBILITY: The contest is only open to legal residents 21 years of age or older of New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Employees of RBS, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, (collectively the “Employees”), and immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the Contest. The Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited by law. By entering the contest, participant acknowledges that he/she agrees to allow the use of participant’s name and/or likeness and/or voice in publicity concerning the contest without compensation, unless prohibited by law. Participants further agree to abide by and be bound by these rules and by the decisions of the judges, which shall be final. RBS, its subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, agents, employees, shall not be responsible for any damages, compensatory, direct, incidental, consequential, or otherwise, with respect to, or in any way arising from the contest. Winners are responsible for all taxes, license, registration and other fees as applicable, including sales tax. Winner will be required to sign affidavits of eligibility, a liability/publicity release and enter into a contract to purchase qualifying products from RBS, which must be returned within 15 days of notification, or the winner will be disqualified and an alternate winner will be chosen. Acceptance of prize by winner releases RBS, and other suppliers, its distributors, its subsidiaries and affiliates, its advertising and promotional agencies, and judging organizations from any liability for special, indirect, or consequential damage or injuries due to negligence of any kind with respect to product, or participation in any/all prize events. Subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations. If the event of any conflict between these Official Rules and other promotional materials, these Official Rules will control. WINNERS LIST: For the name of the winner (s), visit RBS’s official website, or send a request to the address below. Requests must be received by September 30, 2020.
Sponsor name and address:
Riverhead Building Supply Corp.
250 David Court
Calverton, New York 11933
So far, our Kitchen Design blog series has covered how to plan your renovation with a kitchen designer, how to determine your kitchen style and what factors affect a kitchen’s budget. Now comes the fun part – putting all your visions and designs together and setting the dates to execute your dream kitchen remodel!
A kitchen remodel is a big job, one that will temporarily disrupt your household’s routine. So it is understandable that most homeowners are anxious to get the project done quickly. What kind of timeline can you expect for your kitchen renovation? The amount of electrical and plumbing work will factor in heavily into how long it will take to complete your remodel, as will the type of cabinetry you choose.
Your cabinetry and contractor will often control the timeline
The kitchen remodel timeline generally works around your contractor’s schedule, but your kitchen designer will be able to tell you the estimated lead time based on your cabinet manufacturer.
Riverhead Building Supply’s JoAnn Lyles, CKD said that “Depending on the brand of cabinetry, your new custom kitchen could take up to 12 weeks from order date to completion. The actual construction phase may be just two or three weeks.” She said she usually schedules “the appliance delivery to coincide a day or two after the cabinet delivery.”
Barry Gano, a Riverhead Building Supply kitchen designer, agreed. He said while “stock cabinets could take 2-3 weeks; custom cabinets can take from 8-12 weeks.” Countertops may be installed 2-3 weeks after cabinet delivery.
Plan on delays
Gano added that the most important thing a customer should understand when planning their kitchen remodel is that “there will be delays.”
As with any type of construction project, there may be some unforeseen obstacles that may disrupt the completion schedule. Some of the things that may impact your renovation timeline include:
- Weather conditions
- Items arrive damaged and need to be returned and exchanged
- Changes to original plans
- Products being out of stock and on back order
- Special order items
- Delays getting necessary permits
- Specialists such as plumbers or electricians being unavailable for a certain amount of time
Nelson Schneider, also a kitchen designer, said that “When a customer asks about the length of time for their project, I advise them that there are a lot of variables that go into that answer,” including “what is being replaced, what is being reused, etc.”
Some factors that can help your kitchen renovation go more quickly include:
- Proper planning with a kitchen designer
- Using stock cabinets
- Getting all the necessary permits as soon as possible
- Adhering to the original plans – avoid making changes during the construction phase
The kitchen renovation process can seem overwhelming but it is important that every element is completed correctly to exact specifications, even if that means stretching out the timeline a bit. In the long run, the inconvenience and disruption will be worth it. JoAnn Lyles, CKD said, “Your kitchen is an investment in your home and quality of life. Plan to set up a temporary kitchen if you have to be there during the renovation. A microwave, paper plates, and grilled dinners will get you through.”
One of the first things people do when they are thinking about a kitchen remodel is to look for ideas online. It’s hard not to fall in love with all those picture-perfect kitchens on Pinterest and Houzz. If you are just starting the kitchen renovation process, you may be wondering if you will be able to afford your own dream kitchen.
In this third installment of our Kitchen Design blog series, we’re going to talk about that big word that is on everyone’s mind when it comes to kitchen remodels – the budget.
The cost of a kitchen remodel can vary dramatically depending on what types of materials and appliances you choose, the construction, electrical and plumbing work involved, and the size of the space.
Here are a few of the elements of a kitchen remodel and the factors that can influence cost.
Cabinet materials, construction and finishes – Certain cabinet materials are more expensive than others. Stainless steel and solid rare hardwood cabinets will cost more, while melamine or wood veneer cabinets will cost less. Painted, glazed or custom distressed cabinets are more labor-intensive to create so these will increase your cost. Glass inlays, unique features, and entirely custom designs will also add to the price.
Kitchen layout, utilities and windows – Your kitchen remodeling costs will be affected by the room’s layout, cabinet configuration, the number of cabinets and panels that need to be installed, as well as any mouldings.
Removing walls and moving windows and utilities also need to be considered. Knocking down walls, rewiring the electrical, moving a gas stove, or relocating your sink can be expensive and may also require permits.
Changing the location of your windows and appliances, especially the sink or plumbing, can increase costs. JoAnn Lyles, Certified Kitchen Designer at Riverhead Building Supply said that, “If your workflow traffic patterns work and are comfortable, keeping appliance and sink locations in nearly the same locations can help with your installation budget.”
Countertops – Countertops are available in a variety of materials from affordable laminate and tile to higher-end butcher block, granite, engineered stone, marble, concrete, stainless steel and quartz countertops. Don’t base your material decision on just aesthetics or price. Each material has its pros and cons so it is important to do your research to ensure that you understand the maintenance involved and how the materials hold up to scratches, stains and heat.
Flooring – There are many flooring options at various price points. At the lower end of the price range are linoleum and laminate floors. Porcelain, hardwood and cork flooring are considered mid-range flooring choices. Natural stone tile flooring is among the most expensive type of kitchen flooring material. Similar to countertops, it is essential to compare the materials and understand how they will fit into your lifestyle. Consider the maintenance required and how the material will hold up to foot traffic, spills, pets, and even sunlight (which can discolor certain materials).
Set priorities
To keep your kitchen renovation budget in check, establish what is most important to you. If you love to entertain, buying professional-grade appliances may be essential. Do you want more light? Moving your windows or installing larger ones may take priority. Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves and go from there.
Creating your dream kitchen while staying within your budget can seem overwhelming. Your kitchen designer and your contractor can be great resources to help you sort it all out. JoAnn Lyles, CKD said that contractors “are very helpful in guiding you with construction decisions that may affect your overall budget. Your thoughts of moving a wall or changing a window location may stretch your budget and the amount of money you thought you would have for cabinetry, appliances and countertops.” That is why, she added, it is important to talk to them “very early in the process, before you start the designing of your new kitchen.”
Barry Gano, a Riverhead Building Supply Kitchen Designer, suggests that you develop a budget for your entire kitchen project. Your designer can then break down the numbers into different areas such as construction, appliances, flooring, and lighting. Those amounts subtracted from your overall budget is roughly what you will be able to spend on your cabinets which experts say can eat up between 40-60% of your kitchen renovation budget.
The next blog in our Kitchen Design series will explain the kitchen remodel timeline and why you should always expect the unexpected.
This article is Part Three in our Kitchen Remodel Series. Part Four is entitled “Kitchen Remodel Timeline”.
The first blog post in the Kitchen Design series, Planning Your Renovation with a Kitchen Designer, talked about the importance of finding the right kitchen designer for your kitchen remodel and what to expect at your initial meeting. This second blog in the series helps answer one of the most common questions our kitchen designers are asked: “How do I determine my kitchen style?”
Deciding what style you want your new kitchen to be is something that should be done prior to your first meeting with the kitchen designer. Understanding what type of kitchen style you desire will help your designer make the most suitable recommendations for many components of your kitchen including:
- Colors
- Countertop material
- Cabinet material and style
- Hardware
- Lighting
- Seating
- Flooring
- Wood type and finishes
- Backsplash
- Shelving
- Sink style
- Accessories
Popular Kitchen Styles
When comparing kitchen styles, think about your family’s needs and lifestyle as well as the overall design of your home. Do you want to reflect the rest of your home’s style or do you want something completely different? Take your time and explore all your options, because as JoAnn Lyles, Certified Kitchen Designer at Riverhead Building Supply says, the “kitchen is the most important space in your home.”
Here are some popular kitchen styles you may want to consider:
Modern
The modern kitchen is sleek and elegant. The cabinets have a minimalist look and simple hardware. Modern kitchens typically possess a monochromatic neutral hue but may have stainless steel lighting and appliances, wood accents or an accessory in a bold pop of color.
Rustic
The rustic kitchen evokes the feeling of being in a mountain lodge. Reclaimed wood, wrought iron, and antiques are often found in this type of kitchen. Wood cabinets, hardwood floors, and ceiling beams create a space that has a weathered, lived-in look that is warm and welcoming.
Traditional
Traditional kitchens incorporate designs that are characteristic of American or European homes from the 18th through early 20th centuries. Curved lines, decorative moldings, wainscoting, and raised panel cabinets are some of the distinctive features of this classic and sophisticated kitchen style.
Farmhouse
Homey and comfortable farmhouse kitchens often feature knotty wood floors or slate floors, hardwood cabinets in white or warm tones, open shelving, and an apron front sink. Large areas for food preparation and eating are characteristic of the farmhouse kitchen and make the space ideal for entertaining.
Cottage
Cottage kitchens unite white or bright colors with vintage-style details and decorative touches to create an inviting and cheerful space for food preparation and serving. This charming style may also feature open shelving, wood countertops and flooring, and hand-painted accents.
How to find inspiration
Home design magazines, Pinterest, YouTube, and the website and app Houzz, are excellent resources for researching kitchen styles. Or you can simply do a quick Google search for “kitchen designs” and you’ll immediately be presented with photo-rich websites that describe and detail virtually every type of kitchen style. There are also fun online quizzes you can take that can help you choose the style that best fits your preferences and lifestyle.
Riverhead Building Supply’s Kitchen Designers all recommend bringing any magazine clippings and links to photos you like to your first meeting with the designer. Designer Barry Gano suggests that while looking through the photos, be sure “to note what you like about each kitchen.” Be specific. Is it the colors? The lighting? The cabinets? The overall look? The more information you share with the designer, the easier it will be for them to understand your likes and dislikes and create a kitchen design targeted to your taste and aspirations.
Questions to ask yourself
If you still aren’t sure which kitchen style is right for you or are a bit overwhelmed by all your options, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What kind of countertop material do you like? Granite, wood, quartz, marble, etc.
- Do you prefer furniture with straight lines or more curves and embellishments?
- What kind of vibe do you want your kitchen to have? Laid-back, formal, fun, cool, etc.
- Do you like colors and patterns or a monochromatic look?
- What type of light fixtures do you like? Crystal chandelier, steel pendant lights, recessed, Tiffany-style, etc.
- Do you like open shelving or cabinets?
- Do you want your kitchen to reflect the architectural style of your home?
Answering these questions can guide you toward the dream kitchen design that you will be happy with for years to come.
In Part Three of our Kitchen Design Series, called “The Factors that Determine Cost”, we’ll be discussing that elephant in the room when it comes to a kitchen remodel – the budget! Find out what factors influence cost and how you can get the best value for your money. Stay tuned!
A kitchen renovation may seem daunting – but don’t be overwhelmed. Riverhead Building Supply is here to help! This is part one of our Kitchen Remodel Series. In this series, we will offer you the best advice in the industry when it comes to planning and navigating through the design process. And who better to ask than the experts? We have asked each of our Riverhead Building Supply Kitchen Designers to share their experience and the best practices for each stage in the planning process. At Riverhead Building Supply, we pride ourselves on not only providing the finest products but on making sure you have the best kitchen remodeling experience possible.
Enjoy The Ride – What a kitchen renovation should be!
The kitchen is the hub of the house. Does your kitchen work for your current lifestyle needs? If not, it might be time for a kitchen renovation. Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular types of home improvements. Yes it is an investment of time and money, but it will all be worth it once you have the kitchen you’ve always wanted!
A kitchen renovation is YOUR chance to finally have the kitchen of your dreams! The experience of remodeling your kitchen should be a fun and amazing experience. You are in the captain’s chair and can finally make the space everything YOU dreamed it could be. RBS recommends choosing a kitchen designer as the first step of a kitchen remodel. If you aren’t using one or already have one, stay tuned for the second post in the series focusing on choosing your kitchen style.
How to Find the Right Kitchen Designer
The kitchen designer will set the stage for your kitchen renovation process, so it is important you work with someone who is the right fit and with whom you feel comfortable and confident. A kitchen designer can help you put all the elements of your kitchen together, which include everything from cabinet and countertop materials to hardware, flooring, lighting, plumbing, appliances and more.
RBS Kitchen Designer Barry Gano suggests that you interview different kitchen designers and look for someone who will “listen to your wants, needs and budget.” Ask for referrals and view photos of each designer’s past work. Find someone you connect with and who has experience with your type of project.
What to Expect When Working with a Kitchen Designer
Once you select your kitchen designer, you can expect a series of meetings. Here’s a breakdown of the typical process:
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Your First Meeting
JoAnn Lyles, Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) said that during a first meeting with a client, “I will ask you good questions that make you think about your family needs, your lifestyle, your storage needs, cooking style, and your pets. All of these elements are intertwined in designing YOUR kitchen, which is the most important space in your home.”
Nelson Schneider, kitchen designer, said the first meeting with a client lasts about 60-90 minutes, “as this is a comfortable length of time for them so they don’t feel overwhelmed with the design process.”
“I take notes as we speak, writing down their wants and needs,” he added. “When I am doing their design I make a conscious effort to incorporate these desires into the design using my knowledge and creative ideas.”
“I am a good listener, so when meeting with my customer I pay attention to what they are saying. I ask a lot of questions to discover their lifestyle and family life. I explore the reasons why they want a new kitchen and what they are expecting from their new kitchen.”
“Think about what doesn’t feel right in your kitchen. If you have measurements, bring those and a list of appliances you are hoping to incorporate…”
What Should You Bring
Having a clear understanding of what is important to you will help your first meeting with a kitchen designer be productive. Here are some thought starters:
- What is your lifestyle? Do you have children? Love to entertain? Are you a baker?
- How many cooks do you typically have in your kitchen?
- What are your frustrations with your current kitchen?
- Is there any wasted space?
- Is lack of storage a concern?
- Do you experience workflow congestion when preparing meals?
- How often do you prepare big meals? Daily, weekends only, holidays, etc.?
Think of your needs now, as well as what you may require in the future.
Share Your Vision
Lyles suggests bringing aspirational Houzz photos as well as any magazine clippings to the first meeting. In addition, she said, “Think about what doesn’t feel right in your kitchen. If you have measurements, bring those and a list of appliances you are hoping to incorporate… All of these things are very helpful to get started on a great design that works well for you.”
Barry Gano also recommends starting a Houzz or Pinterest board with your favorite pictures. Make a note of what you like about each kitchen design element such as the look, lighting, colors, etc. Share these with your designer.
Schneider had similar advice. “I ask clients to bring any materials they have collected in their search for a new kitchen or project.”
The Walk-Through with Your Designer
Your designer may want you to meet first at his or her office, or the designer might come to your home. The first time your designer visits your home is when he or she will be introduced to your kitchen. This is the opportunity to share your likes and dislikes. Your designer will take all of the pertinent measurements they will need to build your design. Have fun brainstorming ideas together!
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The Big Reveal – unveiling your dream kitchen design
You’ll have several meetings with your kitchen designer. Each one progressing closer to your dream kitchen. Once the designer presents your new kitchen design, you’ll have an opportunity to review your layout, floor plan and design elements and make final changes.
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The Final Meeting – reviewing your order
Once all the changes are made, you’ll get a final review of all the layout and design features you discussed during the planning phases. Your designer will draft the order and agreement and present you with a contract for you to sign. This will also be the time where you will place the deposit for your order, walk through the delivery timeline and finalize scheduling with your contractor.
Renovating your kitchen is an exciting endeavor. Be sure to read our upcoming blogs in the series which will detail the kitchen remodeling timeline and give you tips on planning your budget, choosing your kitchen style, and more.
This article is Part One of our Kitchen Remodel Series. Part Two is entitled “How to Determine Your Kitchen Style“.
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Black Kitchen Hardware 2018 Kitchen Trend
Embrace the dark side with matte black cabinet pulls and knobs
Choosing the right type of hardware for your kitchen cabinets and drawers can be difficult. There are so many options! Not to mention that kitchen hardware trends come and go so quickly, it can be hard to keep up. One year everyone is installing brass hardware, a few years later it’s all about nickel, and soon chrome is the new star. While all of those metals remain beautiful choices, today’s latest kitchen hardware trend has gone to the dark side. The matte black finish is taking center stage.
Matte black kitchen hardware is a chic and classic choice for cabinet and drawer knobs and pulls, hinges, and more. But matte black hardware is more than just elegant; it is also practical as it won’t show dirt, water spots, or fingerprints as much as glossier finishes.
Not just for modern homes
Many people associate black cabinet pulls and knobs with modern and contemporary designs, but they actually work with all types of styles. Matte black kitchen hardware creates a stunning contrast in a traditional or cottage kitchen, against white or wood finishes. For a bold statement, complement the hardware with matte black fixtures or a black countertop. Want an even bigger boost of drama? Use matte black hardware with matte black cabinetry and give your kitchen a show-stopping look.
Incorporating the matte black hardware trend in your home is easy, even if you are not doing a complete remodel. Simply change your kitchen hardware! It’s one of the quickest and least expensive ways to update your room. To view many gorgeous matte black kitchen hardware options, visit Riverhead Building Supply. We are an authorized dealer of some of the top brands in quality architectural hardware. Give your kitchen the design details that will turn heads!