If you are looking for a kitchen designer, or would like to find out the best way to select a kitchen designer, you are at the right place. We offer tips on the selection of a qualified kitchen designer, how to select cabinetry and some kitchen design tips. Kitchen design is more than an art form, it is a science as well. There are many things to consider when designing a kitchen. The style is important, the function is important and the price point is also important. If you have all three, you are on your way to the perfect kitchen.
Welcome to Kitchens of the World. This is a website built by a nationally accredited kitchen designer, purely for the benefit of those looking to find the best way to select a kitchen designer and kitchen cabinetry. I am now retired from the kitchen design business and would like to offer my years of experience as an "insider" to those who find it confusing when looking at kitchen cabinetry and kitchen designers. My family comes from an Italian background with a strong interest in cooking. My aunt, Joan Tucci, wrote a best selling Italian cookbook, Cucina & Famiglia and her son, Stanley Tucci (actor) wrote, directed and starred in the movie "Big Night" which was all about food and cooking!
If you are building a home, remodeling a kitchen or bath, you should read on... You will find out how to select a kitchen designer, choose cabinetry, select sinks, faucets and more. This website is a free service.
I will begin by discussing the selection of a kitchen designer, which I feel is the most important aspect of a kitchen remodel or a kitchen in a new home.
If you are looking for the cutting edge of design, material, and products - you are in the right place at the right time.
Selecting a kitchen designerYour best bet is to locate a designer with credentials. The National Kitchen and Bath Association offers a list of professionals in your area here: NKBA Here you can find nationally certified designers for kitchen and bath.
Remodeling a kitchen? What can you expect?
If you are remodeling a kitchen, and you are using custom cabinetry, expect to leave a deposit with your design firm. There are two popular formats followed by most companies. They are 50/40/10 and 40/50/10. What does that mean to you? It means that you will be expected to leave a 50% deposit when ordering, 40% payment when the cabinetry is delivered and 10% on completion or substantial completion. The term substantial completion is something you should understand. Many companies will expect the final payment on substantial completion. This means that the project is substantially complete, possibly missing a knob or a piece of molding. It is unfair to hold back thousands of dollars for a small item. However, if the company is not reliable, this payment system can cause undue heartache for the consumer. Since the company has received virtually all of their funds, there is no monetary incentive for them to return. This is why it is important for you to make sure you are dealing with a company with a good reputation.
You deserve a price range on your first visit
A seasoned professional should be able to give you an accurate price range for your project on your first visit if...
1. You have a set of floor plans for your new construction project2. You have plans for your remodeling project.
Lastly, do not be afraid of giving your designer your budget. A good designer can not work with you without a budget. Once you give your designer a budget, he or she should be able to steer you in the direction of the products and design that will compliment your budget.
Would you like the scoop on cabinetry?
A seasoned professional should be able to give you an accurate price range for your project on your first visit if...
1. You have a set of floor plans for your new construction project2. You have plans for your remodeling project.
Lastly, do not be afraid of giving your designer your budget. A good designer can not work with you without a budget. Once you give your designer a budget, he or she should be able to steer you in the direction of the products and design that will compliment your budget.
Would you like the scoop on cabinetry?
The scoop on cabinetry
Cabinetry today is better than ever. The quality of the finishes are superb. The hardware is exceptional. For the most part, it is safe to select cabinetry based on the style and price range you are comfortable with. Years ago, it was very important to pay attention to the brand of cabinetry. Finish qualities and hardware systems varied greatly. That is not the case today. The luxury end cabinet lines are often overbuilt and you pay for unimportant features. Think about the features offered and convert them into benefits for you.
Custom verses Stock cabinetry or Semi custom cabinetry
Custom cabinetry is generally a luxury. Keep in mind, the cost is significant and a good designer can often give you a similar look with semi-custom cabinetry. Stock cabinetry will be the least expensive, as it is generally warehoused. Your designer should assist you in selecting the right type of cabinetry for you.
Cabinetry today is better than ever. The quality of the finishes are superb. The hardware is exceptional. For the most part, it is safe to select cabinetry based on the style and price range you are comfortable with. Years ago, it was very important to pay attention to the brand of cabinetry. Finish qualities and hardware systems varied greatly. That is not the case today. The luxury end cabinet lines are often overbuilt and you pay for unimportant features. Think about the features offered and convert them into benefits for you.
Custom verses Stock cabinetry or Semi custom cabinetry
Custom cabinetry is generally a luxury. Keep in mind, the cost is significant and a good designer can often give you a similar look with semi-custom cabinetry. Stock cabinetry will be the least expensive, as it is generally warehoused. Your designer should assist you in selecting the right type of cabinetry for you.
A Revolutionary Design Idea, but first... the world must recognize the dishwasher.
It’s about time we recognize the dishwasher!
Why can’t kitchen designers, sink manufacturers and the general public recognize the dishwasher? I must say, I have no clue. The modern dishwasher cleans all dishes, glasses, silverware and most pots and pans, does it not? About the only items a dishwasher will not handle are large cookie sheets, oversized pots and pans, and other large items. If this is true, why are sink manufacturers still designing old fashioned, double bowl sinks? Why are designers specifying them for today’s kitchens? Why does the public accept this? Again, I have no idea… well I might have an idea as to why.
Humans are notorious inventors. We have invented all kinds of things over the past 100 years. Humans are also very single minded most of the time. It is only a noted few who think outside the box. Those humans are called eccentric; sometimes they are kindly called visionaries. In any event, the vast population of humans is incredibly talented at refining inventions; few are talented or successful at changing paradigms. Allow me to illustrate.
Let’s take the automobile for example. I believe Mercedes Benz was the very first automobile invented, well over 100 years ago. It not only amazes me, but it frustrates me to realize that we are still driving that same invention – merely refined, not re-invented. We are still using a piston engine, gasoline sucking vehicle. Is there no one who can realize that this is 100 year old technology, and the time has come to make a radical change?
Some fringe visionaries have come up with radically new technology, but nothing has hit the mainstream yet.
Sad, but true. Thank heavens we are not still clicking rocks together to make a fire… oops, matches – the refinement of a million year old invention.
Now, let me show you what has happened with kitchen sinks over the years. The original sink was a wall mounted “farm sink”. It was a single bowl sink. It was not very good at providing a washing and rinsing area. Thus, the double bowl sink was invented. This was a logical move. Now there would be a place to wash and a place to rinse. This invention came at the time of the industrial revolution in this country. At that time, mass production was the way of the future. In order to produce in mass, generalizations had to be made. Some braniac decided to make the standard kitchen cabinet height (with countertops) 36” tall. Sadly, he (and I would bet it was a “he”) was a generation or so ahead of his time. It has taken at least a generation for the average American to be tall enough to comfortably use a 36” kitchen height. The ultimate kitchen at that time included a double bowl sink.
Soon after the standardized kitchen came into being, the dishwasher entered the kitchen. This was a big plus. Now, we could put dishes, etc. in a machine and have them cleaned. It truly did take some time for us to refine the dishwasher to the point that it really did clean everything that fit inside it. Apparently, this happened so quietly, no one noticed! If someone had noticed, they would have eliminated the obsolete double bowl sink. The double bowl sink has no value at all, coupled with a dishwasher. A single bowl sink is now required – a large single bowl sink! This sink must be large enough to fit the items which will not fit in the modern dishwasher. There is not one double bowl sink on the market which will accomplish this goal. How funny is that? In fact, there are hardly any manufacturers offering a nice selection of large single bowl sinks. Folks, we need to open our eyes to the new invention – the dishwasher. It is here to stay, let’s make some real progress with sink designs.
It’s about time we recognize the dishwasher!
Why can’t kitchen designers, sink manufacturers and the general public recognize the dishwasher? I must say, I have no clue. The modern dishwasher cleans all dishes, glasses, silverware and most pots and pans, does it not? About the only items a dishwasher will not handle are large cookie sheets, oversized pots and pans, and other large items. If this is true, why are sink manufacturers still designing old fashioned, double bowl sinks? Why are designers specifying them for today’s kitchens? Why does the public accept this? Again, I have no idea… well I might have an idea as to why.
Humans are notorious inventors. We have invented all kinds of things over the past 100 years. Humans are also very single minded most of the time. It is only a noted few who think outside the box. Those humans are called eccentric; sometimes they are kindly called visionaries. In any event, the vast population of humans is incredibly talented at refining inventions; few are talented or successful at changing paradigms. Allow me to illustrate.
Let’s take the automobile for example. I believe Mercedes Benz was the very first automobile invented, well over 100 years ago. It not only amazes me, but it frustrates me to realize that we are still driving that same invention – merely refined, not re-invented. We are still using a piston engine, gasoline sucking vehicle. Is there no one who can realize that this is 100 year old technology, and the time has come to make a radical change?
Some fringe visionaries have come up with radically new technology, but nothing has hit the mainstream yet.
Sad, but true. Thank heavens we are not still clicking rocks together to make a fire… oops, matches – the refinement of a million year old invention.
Now, let me show you what has happened with kitchen sinks over the years. The original sink was a wall mounted “farm sink”. It was a single bowl sink. It was not very good at providing a washing and rinsing area. Thus, the double bowl sink was invented. This was a logical move. Now there would be a place to wash and a place to rinse. This invention came at the time of the industrial revolution in this country. At that time, mass production was the way of the future. In order to produce in mass, generalizations had to be made. Some braniac decided to make the standard kitchen cabinet height (with countertops) 36” tall. Sadly, he (and I would bet it was a “he”) was a generation or so ahead of his time. It has taken at least a generation for the average American to be tall enough to comfortably use a 36” kitchen height. The ultimate kitchen at that time included a double bowl sink.
Soon after the standardized kitchen came into being, the dishwasher entered the kitchen. This was a big plus. Now, we could put dishes, etc. in a machine and have them cleaned. It truly did take some time for us to refine the dishwasher to the point that it really did clean everything that fit inside it. Apparently, this happened so quietly, no one noticed! If someone had noticed, they would have eliminated the obsolete double bowl sink. The double bowl sink has no value at all, coupled with a dishwasher. A single bowl sink is now required – a large single bowl sink! This sink must be large enough to fit the items which will not fit in the modern dishwasher. There is not one double bowl sink on the market which will accomplish this goal. How funny is that? In fact, there are hardly any manufacturers offering a nice selection of large single bowl sinks. Folks, we need to open our eyes to the new invention – the dishwasher. It is here to stay, let’s make some real progress with sink designs.
Now that we have recognized the dishwasher, take a look at this revolutionary idea...
If you can find a "single bowl" sink with a right or left rear drain, as shown below you have a perfect location for trash storage under the sink. For the first time, trash storage does not have to be relegated to a remote area. This simple modification can be accomplished by most cabinet manufacturers. The company, Rachiele, offers custom sinks with rear corner drains in both stainless steel and copper.
Since we are talking about sinks, let's talk about faucets for a minute. Please invest in a quality faucet and take great care in making sure it will work with your sink and your lifestyle. Remember this... your work area is dictated by where the water drops. A short faucet reach with a large sink will be problematic. Consider a long reach faucet and a side-spray, or a long reach faucet with an integral pull-out spray.
If you can find a "single bowl" sink with a right or left rear drain, as shown below you have a perfect location for trash storage under the sink. For the first time, trash storage does not have to be relegated to a remote area. This simple modification can be accomplished by most cabinet manufacturers. The company, Rachiele, offers custom sinks with rear corner drains in both stainless steel and copper.
Since we are talking about sinks, let's talk about faucets for a minute. Please invest in a quality faucet and take great care in making sure it will work with your sink and your lifestyle. Remember this... your work area is dictated by where the water drops. A short faucet reach with a large sink will be problematic. Consider a long reach faucet and a side-spray, or a long reach faucet with an integral pull-out spray.
Selecting a kitchen designerYour best bet is to locate a designer with credentials. The National Kitchen and Bath Association offers a list of professionals in your area here: NKBA Here you can find nationally certified designers for kitchen and bath.
Remodeling a kitchen? What can you expect?
If you are remodeling a kitchen, and you are using custom cabinetry, expect to leave a deposit with your design firm. There are two popular formats followed by most companies. They are 50/40/10 and 40/50/10. What does that mean to you? It means that you will be expected to leave a 50% deposit when ordering, 40% payment when the cabinetry is delivered and 10% on completion or substantial completion. The term substantial completion is something you should understand. Many companies will expect the final payment on substantial completion. This means that the project is substantially complete, possibly missing a knob or a piece of molding. It is unfair to hold back thousands of dollars for a small item. However, if the company is not reliable, this payment system can cause undue heartache for the consumer. Since the company has received virtually all of their funds, there is no monetary incentive for them to return. This is why it is important for you to make sure you are dealing with a company with a good reputation.
How can you determine if the company has a good reputation?
The first place to look is their relationship with NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association). Members are supposed to keep to the standards of the NKBA. Secondly, look at your local BBB for advise. Most importantly, talk to your friends. If you know of someone who has had a kitchen remodel, ask them about their experience. Lastly, use your "gut" feelings! If you feel uncomfortable at all during the initial presentation, do not go forward.
What should you expect before you make a buying decision?
You should expect to see a designers portfolio. The portfolio should have before and after pictures, floor plans, letters from past clients. If the designer does not have a portfolio, we suggest you move on. Your designer should be able to give you a clear vision of what he or she can do for you as well as a price range for the project. Giving the designer a budget is the best way for you to lead your designer toward the best products and design for you.
What you should NOT expect before making a buying decision.
You should not expect to receive drawings. Sadly, the kitchen industry has lagged many of the professional industries such as architects. You would never expect an architect to produce drawings prior to engaging him or her in the form of payment. If your designer is a good designer, he or she should not be expected to work for free.
What do you need to know in order to make a buying decision?
Interestingly enough, making a buying decision is easy if you have the answers to all the questions required to make that decision. Often, designers fail to offer all the answers. This is why it can be frustrating for you, the consumer, to make an educated choice. Here is what you should look for.
Does the company have a good reputation?If you do not know about the company, do some research. The company is the most important factor in deciding where to make your investment. For example; if the company has a reputation for delays, or worse yet does not follow up on details, do you want to invest with them? The best designer working for a company with a bad reputation can be a disaster. If there is a catastrophic problem, can the company back up the designer? If there is an expensive problem, can the company afford to make things right? Here are just a few potential problems that we have seen over the years. a. Cabinet color or style ordered wrong by the designer b. Cabinet manufacturer makes the cabinetry in the wrong color or style by mistake c. Designer measures wrong and some cabinetry does not fit d. Designer does not order enough molding to finish the job e. Designer does not take care to assure that all appliances will fit properlyThese are just a few of the potential problems that can arise. Make sure the company you deal with can afford, and will be willing, to make things right in the event of an expensive problem.
Does the designer have the capability of doing the project properly?The designer should have some schooling. Ask to see credentials. Look at their portfolio. They should have before and after photos of projects they have managed. Also ask for referrals. Most importantly ask for at least one referral where there were problems. The character of a company is measured by what they do when there is a problem.
Does the company have products you like? Before going too far, make sure the company has products you like. If there is nothing available in the style or price range you are comfortable with, don't waste your time or theirs
Will the project fit your budget? Don't be bashful. The biggest waste of time is when consumers hide their budget. If you give your budget to a reputable firm, you can be assured that you will receive the best value for your investment. If you have no idea what to budget, ask! Your designer should be able to give you reliable price range estimates on your project on the first meeting. This ability is the sign of a seasoned pro!
Remodeling a kitchen? What can you expect?
If you are remodeling a kitchen, and you are using custom cabinetry, expect to leave a deposit with your design firm. There are two popular formats followed by most companies. They are 50/40/10 and 40/50/10. What does that mean to you? It means that you will be expected to leave a 50% deposit when ordering, 40% payment when the cabinetry is delivered and 10% on completion or substantial completion. The term substantial completion is something you should understand. Many companies will expect the final payment on substantial completion. This means that the project is substantially complete, possibly missing a knob or a piece of molding. It is unfair to hold back thousands of dollars for a small item. However, if the company is not reliable, this payment system can cause undue heartache for the consumer. Since the company has received virtually all of their funds, there is no monetary incentive for them to return. This is why it is important for you to make sure you are dealing with a company with a good reputation.
How can you determine if the company has a good reputation?
The first place to look is their relationship with NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association). Members are supposed to keep to the standards of the NKBA. Secondly, look at your local BBB for advise. Most importantly, talk to your friends. If you know of someone who has had a kitchen remodel, ask them about their experience. Lastly, use your "gut" feelings! If you feel uncomfortable at all during the initial presentation, do not go forward.
What should you expect before you make a buying decision?
You should expect to see a designers portfolio. The portfolio should have before and after pictures, floor plans, letters from past clients. If the designer does not have a portfolio, we suggest you move on. Your designer should be able to give you a clear vision of what he or she can do for you as well as a price range for the project. Giving the designer a budget is the best way for you to lead your designer toward the best products and design for you.
What you should NOT expect before making a buying decision.
You should not expect to receive drawings. Sadly, the kitchen industry has lagged many of the professional industries such as architects. You would never expect an architect to produce drawings prior to engaging him or her in the form of payment. If your designer is a good designer, he or she should not be expected to work for free.
What do you need to know in order to make a buying decision?
Interestingly enough, making a buying decision is easy if you have the answers to all the questions required to make that decision. Often, designers fail to offer all the answers. This is why it can be frustrating for you, the consumer, to make an educated choice. Here is what you should look for.
Does the company have a good reputation?If you do not know about the company, do some research. The company is the most important factor in deciding where to make your investment. For example; if the company has a reputation for delays, or worse yet does not follow up on details, do you want to invest with them? The best designer working for a company with a bad reputation can be a disaster. If there is a catastrophic problem, can the company back up the designer? If there is an expensive problem, can the company afford to make things right? Here are just a few potential problems that we have seen over the years. a. Cabinet color or style ordered wrong by the designer b. Cabinet manufacturer makes the cabinetry in the wrong color or style by mistake c. Designer measures wrong and some cabinetry does not fit d. Designer does not order enough molding to finish the job e. Designer does not take care to assure that all appliances will fit properlyThese are just a few of the potential problems that can arise. Make sure the company you deal with can afford, and will be willing, to make things right in the event of an expensive problem.
Does the designer have the capability of doing the project properly?The designer should have some schooling. Ask to see credentials. Look at their portfolio. They should have before and after photos of projects they have managed. Also ask for referrals. Most importantly ask for at least one referral where there were problems. The character of a company is measured by what they do when there is a problem.
Does the company have products you like? Before going too far, make sure the company has products you like. If there is nothing available in the style or price range you are comfortable with, don't waste your time or theirs
Will the project fit your budget? Don't be bashful. The biggest waste of time is when consumers hide their budget. If you give your budget to a reputable firm, you can be assured that you will receive the best value for your investment. If you have no idea what to budget, ask! Your designer should be able to give you reliable price range estimates on your project on the first meeting. This ability is the sign of a seasoned pro!
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