A modest budget can yield high returns...

The kitchen below is one I worked on awhile back and never documented. When I first visited the home, the client and I discussed possibly keeping the existing 1980s style laminate cabinets, but replacing the doors and drawers, and making modifications where needed to improve the design.

I called in my trusted cabinet maker who, due to time in his schedule, was actually available to do all facets of the job for a fair price. With water damage to the sink cabinet and the other changes we planned on making, it ended up being more cost-effective to replace all the cabinetry.

We chose to create the cabinet boxes out of melamine for budget purposes, similar to Ikea, but completely custom. In a small kitchen like this, it's crucial to use every inch and the custom cabinets gave us options Ikea would not. Doors and drawers were made of solid maple, custom painted.

The home was a cape, so we didn't feel the need to stick with the traditional materials (white cabinets, subway tile, etc.) many homeowners who live in colonials tend to choose. Since the client wanted more of a zen feeling, we chose a palette of soft gray green for the base cabinets and an almost off white tint of gray green for the walls, upper cabinets, and ceiling. It felt "white" but in person was much warmer. In a small space I love using light colored uppers and wrapping that same color on walls and ceiling which, I feel, expands the space. I helped the client source everything on a budget, appliances, counter top, fixtures, hardware and lighting. All are quality materials but we found discounts on almost everything. Two of my favorite elements are the backsplash and floor. I found the backsplash when looking for slate for another project, at a pop up discount tile store. The colors and pattern were perfect, but this client took a lot of convincing. For the floor I had suggested cork from the beginning, for it's softness and look, but the client was not sold immediately. We went through a bunch of different options before she realized this was a good choice for many reasons. I love how the warmth of the cork flooring relates to the cherry counters.

The client enjoyed the kitchen for over a year before needing to move. In a down market, the house sold in a weekend, no doubt in part due to the fabulously renovated kitchen. Not only did the design work really well with the house and for the homeowner, the modest budget DID yield a high return.

The past year...

The past year I've spent a lot of time redesigning bathrooms, kitchens, closets, etc. As a design consultant, some clients choose to only use me for the design process, while for others I project manage from start to finish.

I receive a lot of emails about how I work. Today I met with a client who told me another designer in our area (with his own renovation team) laughed at her budget. I didn't ask about her budget initially. I was there to help solve a problem. Generally I spend an hour or two with a client, looking at the home, the living space, to get an idea of their personal style. This was a kitchen project, so I could have just walked into the kitchen and started measuring, but to me, you can't take a kitchen out of context. It's part of the home. We discussed how they cook, entertain, eat meals as a family. I looked at how the natural light comes into the space. The first idea I had for this somewhat awkward space may be the right solution for this family, but we spent a lot of time conversing about the look, the flow, and brainstorming. Of course I measured, and eventually the client mentioned her budget, which to me seems very adequate for the scale of this project. I always tell clients, my goal is not to spend your money, it's to help you make the right choices so you save money. I also feel like it's important to utilize the space you have and make the most of it, with the right storage, the right furnishings, and of course, the right style that works for you.

The pics below are a home office. The idea the client originally presented to me was much different than this. I suggested this layout which better utilized the third floor space and created a better work area.

Off to sketch some ideas for this new kitchen project!