For any of you who have read the homes sections of newspapers and magazines recently, the topic of updating kitchens have been in the fore front. With so many options available, some professional guidance is always a good thing to bring in BEFORE you make the decisions of purchasing anything. So often, I am asked on how to fix a problem rather than how to make the best choice from the start.
When making kitchen decisions, it is paramount to start with a plan. What do you want, need and afford. Anything is possible but for most people affording what they want is the point. Need is the first thing. What is absolutely essential to the layout and use of the space. How many people occupy the area at once? Do you need seating? Do you cook and how? What storage is needed and how often do you need to access those little used appliances and special dinnerware. When making the decisions it is important to have all individuals involved to participate in the process. You can make all the choices you want only to discover that your partner has some objection and everything comes to a standstill.
Cabinets are a usual starting point . What fits the space to its fullest potential while creating a functional and great look that works with your home style and the mood you want to create. So many times clients will see a style that they like very much only to discover that it doesn’t suit the style of their home. While some kitchen suppliers and designers don’t give any consideration to the style of the house, I believe it is one of the most important aspects of making a kitchen that will serve not only the present user but any potential new homeowner.
Custom cabinets are not only the most functional choice for your kitchen design they can be economical as well. The word custom conjures up $$$$$ in many minds, but if you work with a professional who can have a great plan and make the most of the materials used, the dollars will more often be similar to what would have been an acceptable choice over a great choice. I have had clients that have come back to say they can get “the same” thing for a few thousand less have called later to say I guess in the end it wasn’t quite “the same thing”. Fillers get used instead of making cabinets that fit with custom sizes, cabinet heights get adjusted down with decorative panels or crown added to fill in space that could have been used to its fullest. Drawers get changed to regular cabinet doors with a shelf along with the loss of storage. As we are all aware that you do get what you pay for and when considering one of the biggest investments you have please consider what will make it the best it can be for many years to come. It will WOW anyone coming in your home and could one day make the difference when selling.
