Where the designers are pros, and the views are yours
In this day of endless home improvement programs convincing homeowners that they can do it themselves from what they’ve learned on television, it’s important to know that designing a kitchen takes thorough planning. We all enjoy the inspiration of seeing what others have done to improve their homes. But that is not the same as having real life experience in planning and implementing an actual home renovation.
There are certain times during the year when you spend more time in the kitchen making, and baking, things for a special occasion. This week, pay attention to your kitchen habits while you’re preparing that yummy dish to share at your Fourth of July cookout.
Do you find that you like to spread out all the ingredients, dishes and pots and pans you’ll need? Maybe you have limited counter space so spreading everything out is not an option for you. If a smaller kitchen is the case, you’ve probably mastered the skills to improvise and work methodically. Whichever the case may be, be observant of how you use your kitchen.
Knowing your preparation and cooking habits will clearly define your needs. If you’re thinking about remodeling your current kitchen, think of the essentials you absolutely must have in order for you to work fluently. Look around at the layout and think about how you flow as you’re preparing and cooking. Is everything in a place that makes sense to support your independent cooking habits? If not, write your ideas down as to what you think may make your life a little easier in the kitchen. That way, when the time comes for you to work with your own professional kitchen designer, you will be prepared.
You will be able to express what works for you in your kitchen and what doesn’t. From that, your designer can offer you suggestions and solutions for you to consider. An experienced designer is an integral part of your remodeling team because he or she may have the foresight to identify possible so called obstacles in the remodeling process, and the expertise on how to avert certain issues; thus saving you money in the long run.
Having your kitchen remodeled is a big undertaking, no doubt. However, once your project is complete, you will have the liberty to cook as you please and the freedom to tell everyone how much you love your new kitchen! Don’t forget to leave your online review about your experience. Read more about why your online review is important here.
From Kitchen Views at National Lumber, we wish you and your family a safe, healthy and wonderful Happy Independence Day!
Our locations will be honoring holiday hours on Thursday and Friday. Call your local showroom to find out their holiday schedule.
Do you know what vital part of a kitchen remodeling plan is often overlooked? People try to do without consulting an experienced design professional. It’s fun to watch experts on television making everything come out perfect in an hour, and you can get some great ideas. But all the televisions shows and online research can’t take the place of a trained kitchen design professional.
You figure out a budget based on the most you think you can afford. But when your finances don’t offer a lot of wiggle room for unexpected developments, working with an experienced designer will make a huge difference in the outcome. When you start opening walls to work on the plumbing or electrical, you might be surprised by what you discover. Even if your favorite home remodeling show includes problems found behind the walls, somehow many people think “That won’t happen with my house.” You’ll save yourself a lot of headaches and expense by having experienced guidance. Find someone who has the ability to anticipate possible obstacles and the know-how to work on reevaluating your budget to overcome the problems. Such a designer will prove to be an invaluable resource.
Today’s economy, although improving, still has a majority of homeowners in a conservative spending mindset. Luxury and wish items take a backseat to the must-haves. Our fondness for home remodeling television shows and online videos has also raised our expectations of what we “must” have in a new kitchen. Also, people are putting more thought and planning into the overall sustainability of the new design. One way that I try to stretch my client’s budget is to recommend cabinetry that isn’t painted or highly customized. Veering away from items such as appliance cabinets and appliances that take matching panels may save a substantial amount of money.
As an experienced designer, I find creative ways to include all the necessities and sometimes even a wish item. The best piece of advice I give my clients is to never be afraid to like what you like. Your kitchen should meet your needs and reflect your style so you enjoy it for years to come.
Lee Turner, Designer
Kitchen Views' Blog 