Getting Started on Your Renovation Project: Last month we talked about key factors in a successful kitchen remodel. This month I am expanding the project scope a little and giving you a peak behind the designer’s curtain with some basic “Tips of the Trade”
Last week an old client (well not that old) stopped by my office with a new project. It seems they are buying a large condominium with carpet everywhere except the kitchen and bathrooms.
They have already decided they want hard wood everywhere except the bathrooms. Then they looked at me and said where and how do we go from here? I gave them a bit of a peak behind the creative curtain and said:
- Well, I usually start with the largest surfaces. In this case it’s the floor. Then I build up the color and material palette from there.
- The basic goal is to avoid color clashes and monochromatic looks.
- Avoid stainless steel overload. There are a lot of color options in appliances these days.
- Not all materials are the same. There are huge differences between quality and price in the market space.
- Decide on what is going to be the focal point for your newly renovated space. Where do you want people’s eyes to be focused when they first walk in. Then make sure you don’t obstruct the view. This is a common mistake in my opinion by many homeowners and designers alike. The most common obstruction is pendant lighting.
- Pendant lighting does not provide consistent light to the space and becomes more visually obstructive the taller you are. A great lighting designer once told me good lighting shouldn’t be seen.
- Balance is the key not just with esthetics but with finances too. The design and planning stage is where your wants, needs and desires need to be affordable to you. Remember “knowing how much you want to spend is not a budget it is a spending wish. Knowing how you are going to spend that amount on a per item basis is a budget!”
- The most important thing to remember is this; “Form Follows Function”. The newly designed space must work for its intended use.
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To get started with your project planning you can click on one of the links on this website or email me at info@ddsdesignservices.com
The Ask the Kitchen Guy Blog by Jeff Kida is the property of DDS Design Services, LLC. All rights are reserved by the owner.
