While it may be true that your appliances are dated or that your countertops are unattractive, most people don’t focus enough on the big picture. It’s essential that you determine the lifestyle objectives you want your kitchen to hone before you choose its design elements. Why? These objectives can determine the exact types of materials, appliances, and layouts that you should and shouldn’t choose. (Soapstone, for example, is a beautiful counter material, but it requires lots of care—and might not be the best choice for young families.)
Bottom line: Determining your desired kitchen lifestyle before choosing the design elements will save you time and money down the line.
Most mistakes are always foreseen after renovation, and most of it are putting necessary tubing, cabling and other pipes behind every walls or ceiling. And people don't always know that using one coat stucco or reinforce fiberglass materials are always effective, from insulation to easy fixture.
Mistake #3 is clearly a mistake on YOUR part. This is horrible reporting, and offensive to those of us who are practicing architects. While it is, in fact, true that a kitchen designer is not an architect, and an interior designer is not an architect, and a contractor is not a kitchen designer, the same can NOT be said in reverse. An architect absolutely IS an interior designer and kitchen designer - at least any good residential architect worth their salt. If you hire an architect, she/he is willing and able to coordinate the entire project for you, from concept to construction do*****ents, to cabinet selection to contractor coordination and everything in between. It's a shame that reporting like this makes architects fight for our profession. Residential designers are experts in their field, and fully capable, and LICENSED BY THE STATE to design such spaces - almost always with far more kitchen design experience than simply-certified 'kitchen and bath designers.' As an architect, I'd appreciate a correction on your part. --Cinda K. Lester, Owner, 12/12 Architects & Planners, Downers Grove, Illinois http://1212architects.com/
My wife and I moved to Phoenix with the intention of moving after a year and three years later we're still here. So we are finally remodeling our kitchen. I'm glad I found this article because my wife is all about what is "trendy" right now. I have proof now that functionality comes first. Thanks!
http://www.gdgraniteandmarble.com/kitchens.html
I agree completely with cspray re. point #3. As an architect specialized in residential remodeling who does many kitchen projects, I am the only design professional my clients need on the job. I work directly and collaboratively with my clients and the contractor team, and no additional professional expertise is necessary. It's absolutely true that not all architects are interested in kitchen remodeling, but those of us who are have significantly more design training than the "certified kitchen experts" who get the lion's share of this work. I am always having to contradict myths about what makes a good kitchen remodel. In my view it will always begin and end with a great architect-client-contractor collaboration. Howells Architecture + Design www.howellsarc.com
As a homeowner and also someone who has remodeled my own kitchen....pay attention to the little things! I bought a doublewide a few years ago and it being the nicest thing I ever had, I was in awe of the big picture and didn't pay attention to the "little things". Like drawer space. Whether you DIY or hire someone....you have to be there to make sure it's done the way you want it. I also do interior finish trim and I see all the time the ways things can get messed up. Pay attention to who's doing what and what they're doing cos bottom line....it's your responsibility to make it happen!!
I live in a condo, we had white tiles and I hated the constant cleaning, cecided on burgundy granite to spruce up the of white cabinets, ripped out the tiles ourselves at a saving of $ 2000 and lots less damage, left the white tile as splash, but had tile made of granite and inserted in random setting, same on counter back splash, in bathrooms same thing removed the tile ourselves all around and only had granite installed. Lookes great and the renovation on kitchen and 3 bathrooms cost of granite. Sinks , faucets new door handles etc. where bought on the interne. The whole renovation cost $ 11000 and could be done in payments at Lowes for no interest for 1 year. Got stuff I did not want anymore and sold and had it paid off in 18 month. You dont need to be rich to do some renovating if you do it yourself. Learned all on HGTV
"Remodel" is not a noun.
2 Questions:
If you hire the right designer or architect, would you not be able to trust them to handle the arrangements as far as reputable contractors and certain other aspects of the complete job?
I thought, perhaps mistakenly, that Martha Stewart had once stated that soapstone was fairly convenient to care for unless you wanted a polished look? Does anyone know the correct answers? Thank You in advance.
Thx! Very timely article! Perhaps I will remodel my well-lived in kitchen when I get all that money from the ultra-rich of America just as Barack Obama, our wonderful POTUS has promised.
Were you born an idiot or did you have to take special classes. In this piece, I expected to see real design "don'ts" like trendy over-priced granite countertops. Instead, I saw a "for-hire" Internet content article that was intended to draw ads from kitchen remodel suppliers. Tedious and bereft of all useful information. More fun is in the comments. Trolling a trendy kitchen remodel blog? *eyeroll*
Do it yourself, its work, but will spruce up a kitchen, wash cabinets, paint, get new hardware, cheap on the internet or E-Bay, Got all for 20% of what they want in stores. You dont have to be rich and the satisfaction at the end is grreat. All info can be had on HGTV site
Hello,
In point no. 3 I really am offended that you write an architect is not an interior designer. We are absolutely interior designers! The main focus of our school curriculum is design - and it absolutely includes interior spaces; design theory, color theory, lighting, function, furniture, casework etc! Its is such a shame that in the past 40 years the architectural industry has been ripped to shreds and that the poor public has been duped into thinking that architects are not designers and that we are useful only to penetrate red tape and get permits. Please clarify in your article that perhaps not all architects might be interested in design but that there are most definitely architects who are interior designers. In fact, State law says that we are authorized and licensed to practice interior design (in Florida it if statute 481) so PLEASE don't ever say that an architect is not an interior designer. The other way round is certainly true: an interior designer is not an architect! State law does not permit them to practice architecture.
Think about where everything is and where you want it to be.
Install/replace all plumbing that you can't get at after it is done.
Vent to the outside if one isn't installed (condo mistake #1).
I agree with all the above. Another thing to remember is all the details. When your kitchen is being worked on make sure to talk to your contractor every day and ask lots of questions. I love my new kitchen, but our contractor put new light switches in odd places; we then had to pay more to move them to logical places. Perhaps both adults (if more than one) should talk to him every day - it gives a different perspective and might avoid costly fixes down the road.
Of everything I've read or heard, your advise says it all. Thank you for your timely and effective common sense.
On the matter of bending over...we raised the dishwasher, put a counter top on it and put the microwave on top. its a little tall for the kids but it discouraged them from messing with it before they new what it was and now its actually lower than the ones that are the "over the stove" models. no bending for the DW and no bending for the microwave... best choice in kitchen remodel I ever made and I have done a fare share!
if you are doing the floor too, make sure they put the new floor BEFORE they install the cabinets! i'm still mad at the dummies who did mine.
As a former installer, I will tell you the most common mistakes:
1. Trying to fit cabinets in without the use of fillers.
2. Is a version of 1, but failure to address the size of appliances or handles in the corner when determining the size of fillers in corners. Can't tell you how many arguments I got about this one. They insist it has to be that way and I say thats fine as long as you aren't going to need to open the dishwasher or the drawer in the corner, since you won't be able too.
3. Putting the oven right next to the fridge is a bad idea. Even if you can only fit a 12" cabinet on either side, it is better to have counter on both sides of the oven. Not to mention a fridge sticks out farther than counter depth.
4. Trying to put cabinets up against the ceiling without trim of any kind. Guess what, your ceiling is not smooth or perfectly level, so attempting to do this will likely look bad and will likely result in your doors hitting the ceiling when they open.
As a Certified Kitchen Designer myself I think there are many good things about this article! One thing I might add; if you are about to undertake a remodel, find a professional (of course I'm a little inclined to recommend a certified kitchen designer if that, in fact, is the room you are looking to remodel) that not only has a good track record; referrals, etc. but that also that shares some of the values that you do... if you are big on recycling, for example... or getting the most 'bang for your buck' ... a professional that will not only 'play along' with what you suggest, but will ADD to your remodel in ways you would have if you knew it first. Find a professional who will be a 'partner' with you in the remodel. I think you'll get even more satisfaction from you project if you do. To find a Certified Kitchen Designer near you, go to www.NKBA.org and enter your zip code at the bottom of the home page, at PRO SEARCH and click "FIND". :) If you are working with an architect, I would recommend having a Certified Kitchen Designer look at your plan, even if just a 30 minute consultation... I bet you are pleasantly surprised with how helpful the one session will be. :)
Re Mistake #3: If you choose the right designer, you only need one professional, not multiples !
Re mistake #4: Again, if you choose the right designer, he/she will Listen to you and translate your clearly stated desires and budget into the Kitchen that is right for you.
As a professionally trained chef, I am always looking for the best kitchen design.
My requirements for the perfect design is as follows:
Stove against a wall with enough counters space on both sides of stove (gas or inductions)
A stainless steel hood above stove
A pot filler
Counter cabinets to house pots and pans and spices plus utensils
Refrigerator and double ovens on either side of counter cooktop
Island directly across from stove, refrigerator and double ovens
Island must have large or double sink, dishwasher and refrigerated drawers
Large enough prep area, also depth for seating
Large Pantry either in floor to ceiling wall cabinets or individual room
Microwave in island easily accessed by cook and other family members
A designated counter area away from cooking area with a small sink, refrigerated drawers and cabinets to house snack.
Also a dining area
Of course, ample storage in cabinets and a pantry.
My dream kitchen, no doubt. I am not a professional chef but I have every spice in my kitchen (except for saffron). I find that it is "hard to find". I love to surprise my family w/a gourmet meal 3 or 4 times a week and my time spent prepping would be cut considerably w/a wonderland kitchen as you describe. Hey, time saved is money in the bank as far as I'm concerned and that sounds like the perfect argument for a new kitchen. I certainly spend enough time in their to justify the expense. Thank You for the time saving and convenient tips. I will definitely use them!
Sounds great, but seems to be more commercial than residential.
Fun reading what a professional chef wants in their kitchen and the only one that didn't make sense was a microwave in the island which means below counter height & you have to bend down?
I wonder about that too. But in the test kitchen on Iron Chef, I think they have it that way too?
A kitchen can only be designed or remodeled based on what the user wants it to be, whether commercial or residential. Every cook, chef, housewife has their own ideas of what works for them and their family, patrons, customers, etc.
Design concept must initially include adjacent rooms, usage of those rooms, and decor to be prevalent in order to bring the overall feel and useability to the forefront in design.
An experienced Architect with the common sense and logic to incorporate what the owner is expressing will be more than capable enough to see a project through, start to finish, while overseeing the entire scope of work ensuring that all phases are carried out to the requirements of that owner. He will also develop the budget based on in-depth consultation with the owner prior to any work taken on.
The mistakes listed should be taken to heart by any one thinking about remodeling their kitchen. Very well written advise.
I agree with the comments in this article regarding kitchen designing; however, I disagree with the comment about soapstone's maintenance needs. I had soapstone in a previos kitchen and LOVED it. I am in the initial phases of renovating my current kitchen and I cannot wait to get soapstone in the kitchen. One does not need to do anything to the soapstone, unless it is desired for it to be shiny. Otherwise, soapstone makes perfect sense--durable and maintenance-free.
Nononsense is right about Soapstone. I remember years ago when it first came to be popular by Martha Stewart featuring it in her Farm House, she said she wanted her Farm House kitchen to be super functional, easy, and simple... and soapstone was her choice. I love it too.
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