The Essential Checklist for Your First Meeting with a Kitchen Designer.
Kitchen Design, Home, New Products
Take the stress out of your kitchen renovation and hire a kitchen designer.
Your kitchen design guide
Dreaming of a kitchen that's as beautiful as it is functional? A well-designed kitchen can be the heart of your home, a space that inspires and delights. But where do you begin?
In this comprehensive guide, I'll share expert tips and insights to help you navigate the kitchen renovation process and create a space that truly reflects your style and needs.
The Importance of a Kitchen Designer
A skilled kitchen designer is your secret weapon in achieving a dream kitchen. They possess the expertise to guide you through the intricacies of design, ensuring optimal functionality and aesthetics.
Key Benefits of Working with a Designer:
Expertise: Designers understand the nuances of kitchen design, from space planning to material selection.
Guidance: They'll help you navigate the vast array of options and make informed decisions.
Budget Savvy: Designers can help you maximize your budget by recommending cost-effective solutions.
Stress-Free Process: They'll handle the logistics, saving you time and energy.
Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Guide
Define Your Style: Explore different design styles and create a mood board to visualize your ideal kitchen.
Consider Your Needs: Think about how you'll use your kitchen and any specific requirements you have (e.g., storage, seating).
Set a Budget: Determine your financial constraints and communicate them openly with your designer.
Find a Qualified Designer: Look for a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) or a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).
Start your journey today! Not hiring a kitchen designer? Contact me for a virtual consultation and let's turn your DIY kitchen dreams into a delicious reality - dvd2design@gmail to schedule a virtual consult
or if you are in Fairfield, CT, call and visit me at 203-609-1547 to make an appointment to meet in the showroom. Together, let's create a kitchen that's as beautiful as it is functional.
Here are the top 10 Questions to Ask a Kitchen Designer
Working with a kitchen designer on your kitchen renovation is going to be extremely helpful and a good investment for the best possible process and decisions along the way. A kitchen design will set you up to ensure the success of your renovation project. Be prepared to have an honest dialogue with these starting points, and you will ensure a great start to your process.
key Questions to ask a kitchen designer
Budget and Investment. How much will this cost?
Discuss your budget and how much you're willing to invest in your kitchen renovation. A designer can help you prioritize features and make informed decisions.
Discussing the Budget. You need to consider your home’s value and be honest with your answers. A designer is only trying to gauge the right options given your price point.
Creating your “forever” home can typically be an investment of 8% of your home’s value. (Consumer Reports quotes 10% estimate on your home value)
Sprucing up for resale? (spend no more than 5% of home’s value)
Design Style: How do I know my design style?
Share your preferred design style (e.g., traditional, modern, contemporary) and any inspirational images you've collected.
Most kitchens today are a slight blend of styles. Look to your architecture and the guidance of your designer to find the right style for you.
A designer will always ask, “Do you have a few images of what you like to share with me?” Whether on Pinterest, a few magazine pages you love, or a design book, your style is best defined with images.
I also suggest you refer to my curated inspirations here: dvd Interior Design: Kitchen and Bath Board on Pinterest.
Functional needs.
Discuss how you use your kitchen, including your cooking habits, storage requirements, and entertainment needs.
Space Planning:
Discuss the layout of your kitchen and any potential constraints or challenges.
As a designer, I like to shop appliances with my clients to make sure they are receiving clear and valuable information.
An experienced and knowledgeable kitchen designer will know all about the latest in kitchen product introductions and improvements in cooking appliances.
You can ask if they attend KBIS, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. This is a true indicator of a real trained designer versus a cabinet salesperson. A designer is interested in the kitchen space and all the current and updated elements for creating the best possible home.
Be prepared to offer more information about your project. Such as…
Do you have any Construction restraints that we need to plan around?
Who will be the Decision-makers on this project?
Interior designer, Architect, Other key people
What elements are you wanting to incorporate into this room?
The success of any kitchen design is its seeming simplicity. On closer inspection, you will notice a complexity of design that seamlessly pulls together design trends from different eras. Styles such as Industrial style glazing, popular in the ’70s and very of the moment now, sometimes combined with a turn of the century style metro tiles and currently on-trend,
0r the most popular for 2020 and beyond, the 18th-century Shaker-inspired cabinetry. We often reinterpret the shaker door to a more elegant detailing, combining functions that delight the eye with the same level of aesthetic. The result is a warm elegant space perfect for modern family living.
How To Find A Kitchen Designer
Choose a certified/licensed interior kitchen designer. A certified NKBA kitchen designer will have met standards set by the National Kitchen and Bath Association including:
7 years of experience designing kitchens
Skills in design and space planning
Ability to assess the needs of customers to design a plan to meet their objectives
Knowledge of construction, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical
knowledge of the latest trends and appliances, the introduction of Smart Technology, and sustainable products.
Ready to take the next step?
If in Fairfield, CT, Contact me for a complimentary consultation, and let's unlock the potential of your dream kitchen!
Call me for a full service, design, manufacturer, and delivery for your luxury kitchen, one that reflects your personality. 203-609-1547 or email me at [email protected] to learn more
P.S. Don't forget to follow my blog and social media for more design inspiration and expert tips!
Dreaming of Joseph Dirard
via Hudson Valley Lighting
Two-toned with wood and painted finish. We will see more of this in 2024. The use of wood is returning.
A Trusted Kitchen Designer Can Help Through Every Step of the Process! Helpful Insights from the best layouts, and integrating your appliances into the kitchen, to Knowing and helping you with What to Expect During Your Remodel!
Michael Smith Interiors: The Master
Questions to Ask Before You Begin. How many people use the kitchen? How often do you cook or entertain? Will you need space for dining? What are your must-haves? Where will your work triangle fit in? How can you maximize storage space? Are you using every bit of space?
Barlow and Barlow
Barlow & Barlow
I hope you found this list helpful and feel that you are better prepared for this first step in your renovation.
P.S. Are you following DVD INTERIOR DESIGN on the LikeToKnow.it app yet? If not, this is an easy way to shop all of our favorite finds, including additional app-exclusive content just for subscribers! Just sign up on your phone and you can get started right away!
Do you want to be organized for your kitchen renovation? Then you may need our “Kitchen Remodel Checklist”.
This in-depth, one-of-a-kind kitchen remodeling organizer and reference guide has been crafted to make it easy to prepare for your project, and get organized, no matter what path you choose, DIY or with a team.
This 18-page binder is my gift to my clients and you, the remodeler.
If you're new to renovation or remodeling homes, and you are serious about being organized through the process, then this kitchen remodeling organizer and reference guide is an absolute MUST-HAVE.
Includes 1 PDF printable file * 18 pages of letter size printables of checklists, scheduling, and budget tracking.
( to learn more about how to use this guide, click here: Kitchen Remodel Project Guide )
Kitchen via DEVOL: Click here to learn more about Color Trends and Benjamin Moore’s Color Of The Years: October Mist.
KITCHEN ISLANDS + LIGHTING
An island that I recommend most often, is something that looks more like furniture than a block in the middle of the room? These are perfect for increasing your workspace in a small kitchen.
Here are some of our favorites:
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ABOUT:
Deborah von Donop Wants to Design a ‘Better Life’ for You — at Home
The New Yorker is known for creating warm, livable spaces where no detail is overlooked.
Deborah brings a passion for classical design and training from 20+ years in the design industry to every project and client. Inspired by the intimacy of fine residential design, Deborah appreciates the way sophisticated , nuanced design can transform a space. She values the aesthetics of functional design.
Thank you again for every email, text, note, Facebook message, Instagram comment, all of it. You are the reason I love what I do so much. I am thankful and consider it a privilege to be a small part of your life.
Peace be with you,
xoxo
Deborah
The Essential Check List for Your First Meeting with a Kitchen Designer.
Favorite Pin!
Hands down,most favorite kitchen this year! M+M Interior Design in Illinois
Athena of Eye Swoon
Influencers and Author: Athena - Eye Swoon, Brooklyn, NY.
Relaxed elegance, perfect for bachelor/bachelorette, new family, or someone downsizing.
Designer: Matthew Quinn
Renowned kitchen and bath designer Matthew Quinn of Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio had no reservations about crafting a regal space with modern amenities while paying homage to the architecture of the home. I love the floor-to-ceiling Dutch inset cabinetry painted Light Blue by Farrow & Ball. The hammered brass hood and hardware, as well as the Calacatta Gold Extra marble island, offering warmth and heritage to the 21st-century space.
Tip: “Everyone responds to blue with marble and brass,” says Quinn. “It’s comfortable, and you can imagine yourself in space. While it feels modern with innovative ideas, it still feels warm and timeless.”
The Essential Checklist for Your First Meeting with a Kitchen Designer.
5 Design Secrets For Creating A Beautiful Home. I’m extremely determined to create an Interior Designer out of my readers and hopefully, it will be you. So when you get a chance make sure you check it out.
PS: Don’t forget to check out my Interior Design Shopping Guides in the Shop, I highlight the most up-to-date shopping resources for your home at great prices.