Having No Regrets

 

The five biggest regrets of homeowners who remodeled their kitchen, according to a CountryLiving survey, are:  not enough countertop space, not enough storage, poorly positioned cabinetry, not selecting better quality materials and not enough power outlets.  The good news for homeowners in Northeast Ohio is all of these shortcomings are completely preventable.

We know that homeowners spend months researching different products, styles, looks and designs before making the decision to renovate what they currently have.  If you want to know the best way to determine if you are working with the right designer and the right showroom, look no further than the questions that they ask and the information that they want.  The best designers become leaders in their fields by exceeding their clients’ expectations.  Before talking about a cabinet, countertop or dishwasher, they will determine how you want to use your kitchen and for what specific purposes.  They need to know who in your family will use the kitchen most often, how often you entertain and the type of entertaining that you do. Knowing all of the uses and users will help your designer determine your priorities and budget and provide the information your designer needs to meet your functionality requirements. The list of uses also enables designers to determine the types and amount of lighting that you will need for reading, TV watching, homework, baking, cooking, entertaining or just lounging.

Designers want to know what you like most and least about your existing kitchen.  They want to know about your style.  They want to know what you want to store in your kitchen.  A well-designed kitchen is an organized kitchen. Most homeowners appreciate clean, clutter-free countertops. When a designer knows the utensils, cutlery, plates, pots, pans, books, computers, small appliances, etc. that you want at your fingertips, your designer can develop the right storage solutions for your project.

Designers want to know how you want the new space to feel. They want to know your favorite colors and styles.  Create idea books on Pinterest or Houzz.com and add your designer as a contributor.  These idea books should include photos of and information about the appliances, faucets, sinks, lighting fixtures, cabinets, door hardware, tile, granite, stone or other materials you would like to use in your new kitchen. Once your designer knows your preferences, he or she can develop the solutions that meet your needs, preferences and budget.

All of this information is necessary before a design discussion can begin.  If you want to avoid the most common regrets of those who recently remodeled their kitchens, find a designer who knows the right questions to ask and the information that he or she needs to create the kitchen of your dreams.

If you are ready to start a conversation, give us a call at 330-239-3630 or make an appointment to visit our showroom at 1977 Medina Road, Medina, OH  44256.