Kitchen Design Help: Resources, Products and Ideas

Kitchen List

This isn't any grocery list!

• I think the most important start to any kitchen remodel is the "dream process". Start letting your mind wander on the "what ifs". This is my favorite part. Pay attention to what isn't working in your kitchen and what changes could really make you happy.
• Start looking through magazines, kitchen design books, go check out some showrooms locally, watch tv, ie: HGTV or even the Food Channel. Keep your eyes open and start answering your "what ifs". Keep your ideas in a special KITCHEN DREAM FILE. Photocopies, pictures ripped out of a magazine or book (make sure you own it), DVR a show, keep brochures etc.
• A mandatory step...Not always the most fun but a MUST! The budget. Start planning a budget. If you have NO idea where to start with that. Go to your local Home Depot, or other kitchen showroom and just start asking alot of questions. The more educated in the process you can get the less intimidating when you are finally ready to hire your team.
• Ahh yes hiring the team. I would recommend starting off by asking friends or family who have recently remodeled their kitchens. I think referrals from this source is the best. If you don't know anyone or that hasn't happened to anyone you know, good you'll hopefully have a great referral for them when they are ready after seeing your new, beautiful kitchen.
• Under my links section on this lense I mention the National Kitchen & Bath Assocation website. It is not only a great source to find someone locally to design for you but it has some good tidbits that I can't fit on this lense.
• I have heard of people having good luck with designers from places like Home Expo (Home Depot family), which check your local directory, last I heard Home Depot was closing some of these stores, or The Great Indoors (Sears family.)....Again see my links section for more info. on these two places.
• Please make sure whoever you hire is a licensed professional for your kitchen. There is too much room for error and better safe than sorry. You have to like them or this will suck. Also, there are alot of designers who are intimidating and if you don't like them DON'T HIRE them. You always have options and you will find someone who will be great for you.
• In remodeling once you get your budget be aware with change orders and last minute items you end up having to have your budget will typically be 20% over your initial budget. I think it's good to know this going in, so you aren't in shock or overbuild.
• Keep in mind even the best planned kitchen usually isn't ever on time. Be prepared if your designer tells you, you'll be without your kitchen for 2 weeks add 2 weeks to that in your mind. So if it's less, big yeah and if it's really 4 weeks then you were mentally prepared for it.
• Construction is messy! Don't look and don't worry eventually you will have your new kitchen and that will outweigh the current mess.
• I like to tell my clients to pack up all their kitchen stuff as if you are moving and move them out of the way of the kitchen. Keep what necessities you will need, drinking glasses, some flatware etc. but let's face it most of us have a kitchen packed full of stuff you don't need that often. And with it packed up it stays CLEAN.
• Lastly, keep the lines of communication open between you and the designer. Make sure that neither one of you are surprised at any part of the process.

Counter Intelligence

1. Natural Stone:
   From granite to marble to travertine, the color possibilities are virtualy limitless. Granite, which is the least porous of the natural stones, is extremely durable. Hot pots and pans will not damage the surface; it will not scratch or crack under normal everyday use, and is resistant to most stains. Marble and travertine are more porous and require more mainentance, so scratching and staining may occur if not maintained properly. Therefore, all natural stones should be sealed.
2. Zodiaq:
   Requiring some of the lowest maintenance of all the selections, this engineered stone offered in a variety of colors can be a wise investment option. It is a quartz product, meaning it has exceptional hardness and is scratch and stain-resistant and does not require sealing, but it is not as heat resistant as granite.
3. Corian:
   The most impressive benefit of this solid surface countertop is that it is seamless, providing a streamlined look that many homeowners seek. These counters are also stain-resistant, and scratches are easily repaired, making it a popular choice for countertops. The darker colors may require more mainentance.
4. Ceramic Tile:
   This is the best selection for the budget-conscious homeowner who would like to achieve a sophisticated look in their home. Tile is very versatile, with variations in color, texture, and design. Ceramic, however, will chip and crack so you will have to be more careful with installation and usage.
5. Stainless Steel:
   Because these are sanitary, easy to clean and provide good heat proof surfaces they are very common in restaurants. There are different grades and thicknesses of stainless steel. Make sure the steel is wrapped completely around the edges of the substrate to protect it. Stainless steel is very expensive and shows fingerprints very easily and definitely dents and scratches as well.
6. Concrete:
   These are durable, heat resistant and can be formed into any shape with the ability to embed things in or dye them. If you don't want to maintain a countertop, don't choose concrete, theses tops are very porous and will need to be sealed. No matter how often you keep them sealed they do stain easily. Ties in perfectly with transitional and contemporary styles.
7. Recycled Glass:
   This is a great way to go green, they are eco-friendly and durable. They do however cost about the same as granite.

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