A:  After the project scope has been quantified a budget is figured.  There are many variables, which can include wall relocation, window/door modifications, or mechanical changes.  Your choice in products will also affect the overall budget.  Prices for a kitchen faucet can vary from $100. to  $1000.  Cabinet pricing can vary from $5,000. to $100,000. and up.   The range in product pricing is a vast one!

Cabinets and appliances are typically the largest percentage of your remodeling costs.  A kitchen renovation can spill over into other areas of the home too, which obviously affects the costs.

The costs for a general contractor to oversee your remodeling project is a worthwhile investment, especially if your remodeling experience is limited, and costs depend on the scope of your project.  A full service GC, will include labor, overhead, and materials in addition to sub-contractors costs.   A preliminary budget or estimate can be done by your GC, after some preliminary design is done.    

A:  There are many situations, where you may need consultations, and not full service design, such as if:

• You are working with a contractor, architect or builder, and would like specialized interior design advice or a review of the plans.

• You are working with a big box store or home center and would like a professional second opinion or a more custom design.

• You are looking for a cost effective way to gain expert Certified Kitchen Designer input on the design you are considering.

• You are a DIY, and need some help.

• Just starting a project, and not sure what you want to do?  Lets explore some options!

On site consultations, with a minimum charge of 1 hour are invoiced at reasonable rates!   Off site consultations via email and photos are also available....just call or email and we can discuss the best way to approach your project.

A:  Personal attention to your project by a fully trained, certified kitchen design expert.  We see your house personally and give you many design options to choose from.  Your design is tailored for you and your family, with consideration of your goals, needs, lifestyle and your homes unique architecture. 

Many product choices can explored from several sources.   Our goal is to give you the best possible result, without pressure to sell specific products. 

Detail choices can add up to a custom kitchen, going beyond the standard manufactured cabinet line offerings.  Small custom features can give your kitchen the "wow" factor!

A: Most architects appreciate having an Interior Designer as part of the project team.  The Architect’s primary focus is on the exterior and they often appreciate the collaboration of working with an interior designer for interior product selections, material choices and kitchen/bath/millwork design.  The best time to introduce an Interior Designer or Certified Kitchen Designer is at the planning stages of a remodeling, addition or new construction.   Each specialty, working together, gives you the expertise of each trade, resulting in the best possible design solutions. 

Collaboration between experts is an essential ingredient to a successful project.

A: Yes....as we become more aware of the environmental impact of our design choices, eco-sensitive products and finishes have become an important part of the design process.  Opportunities to use these products are encouraged.

A: Certified Kitchen Designer.  In accordance with standards set by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), a Certified Kitchen Designer has a minimum of 7 years experience designing residential kitchen spaces. 

CKD’s are trained and highly skilled in kitchen design, space planning and product selection and have extensive knowledge of building codes, flooring materials, appliances, and mechanical systems.  Specifications, floor plans and project documentation are done by the CKD, for contractors, plumbers, electricians and installers to build from. 

A CKD must meet specific educational requirements and pass a comprehensive academic and practical exam.

A:  Yes, and depending on the scope of your project, this may be fine.  When making this decision, consider the complexity of the project, your contractor's background and what your goals are for the renovation you are contemplating.    

Construction and installation methods are a contractor's expertise while an Interior Designer's background, training and education is in Design! 

Projects, where design options were explored on paper first, generally end up with less change orders and disappointments.  Giving your contractor detailed drawings and specifications, before demolition, enables the process to run smoothly and efficiently, with fewer questions along the way.  

I believe in the mutual respect between myself as a designer, and the team of craftspeople who build your project.  I encourage you to assemble your "dream team", so you are sure to get the expertise of all the trades.

Once the project is completed to your satisfaction, you live in your renovated space knowing that your project was professionally designed, and design options were thoroughly explored.  This could be a selling point as well--adding more value to your home! 

A: It depends on the type of project you are considering.  The titles “interior designer” and “interior decorator” are often confused as the same professions.  While they both may create beautiful interior environments, and can have overlapping roles, the professions are not synonymous.

A decorator typically specializes in furniture, carpet, wall or window treatment and “soft goods” selections in your home. 

An Interior Designer, degreed and licensed, designs the  non-structural “architecture” of the interiors and shapes the interior space through the manipulation of spatial volume as well as finishes, such as countertops, flooring and cabinetry.   Drawings and documentation are done, to convey the project design to contractors to build their design.  This can include permit and construction documents for non-structural changes to your home as well as lighting plans, shop drawings for custom cabinets and cabinet installation drawings.  Many times this is through the use of an architectural CAD software program.