Remodeling Your Kitchen
How does one begin to change their home environment, to change their daily existence? If you have traveled this path you likely also asked yourself these questions:
- What kind of change can I expect to get for the budget that I have?
- How can I be sure to make solid decisions that safeguard my investment?
- Who can I trust to help me along this endeavor?
- What happens if I get in over my head?
- How can I control the confusing aspects? How long will this take?
- Many questions will plague those deciding to improve their home.
What Should I Do to Get Started?
Take a look at your existing home. Peer into the kitchen or bathroom or that extra room that cries out to become your home office. Ask yourself, “why doesn’t this work for me the way it is?” Just as important, decide what does work in your space – what you would like to keep.
As you begin to plan remodeling your kitchen, make a list of all your likes and dislikes. Many clients start their searches with magazines where they can visit and dream easily. If this is you, create a notebook of folder to collect your favorites. This will help define and communicate the style as well as usage you crave.
Another help is a design box, which can hold all of your material samples or inspiration pieces. Consider including samples of existing materials that you are not going to change, such as the flooring from an adjacent room. If you find a tile you love or a wood shade that you like, put a sample in the box as well
Little details can often help a designer better understand your aesthetic and personality. I once had a lovely young woman bring me a canister set she loved. We worked all the colors for her kitchen around the warn yellows and blues she loved. Inspiration can come in many forms!
Once you have gathered your lists and inspirations, it is time to find a designer that will fit with your needs.
Did You Know?
According to the NKBA 2010 style survey, traditional will continue as the most popular kitchen design style, with contemporary following closely behind. Shaker style is seeing a surprisingly strong resurgence, according to the survey. Shades of whites and off-whites will be the most common kitchen colors in 2010, while brown, beige, and bone hues will also be popular.