So, you’ve finally decided it’s time for a change – whether it be the 90s kitchen that has to go, the bathroom that needs more storage, or the basement that your family has been dying to make more functional by installing custom storage solutions. You know there is plenty involved, but you’re just not quite sure what to do, who to involve, or how long it will take. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back.

Planning out a smart kitchen design layout means taking everything into account. Some serious thought needs to go into appliance placement, useful storage, safety and even avoiding obstructions (making sure opening a door or drawer doesn’t interfere with anything else). You’d be surprised at the number of homeowners who end up with a kitchen that just isn’t all it could be.

Looking through photos of kitchens for inspiration can sometimes leave you feeling bummed. The cabinets you see look so extravagant that they must be way above your budget; but that’s often not the case. With a few decorative details, your cabinets can really stand out.

The most common reason for a kitchen remodel is that homeowners are unhappy with the space due to the layout. And because not every remodel can be a complete rebuild of the space, it’s important to know what your options for the space are. With the proper changes to an existing layout, or creating a new space that better fits your needs, your kitchen can become the space you had always dreamed of.

When designing a new kitchen, the biggest chunk of cost often goes toward the cabinetry, and a common misconception is that custom cabinetry will cost an arm and a leg, but that’s not true. While custom manufactured cabinets may cost more on average they don’t always cost more than stock cabinets and the benefits you receive by working directly with a custom cabinet manufacturer will strongly outweigh the cost.

Kitchen remodels are big projects that have many moving parts (literally) and you’ll hear a lot of different opinions on where you should start with your remodel. Should you begin with colors and hardware? Should you begin with your cabinets? When should you start picking your countertops? It can all get a little crazy if you don’t sit down and think it through before you begin the demo process.

Just last night, we did a quick informal survey and asked 5 people on the street this question – “If you could have custom or stock cabinetry at the same price, which would you choose?” All five of them came back with the answer “custom,” and many of them gave a puzzled look as if to say, “Duh…why would you even ask that?” When we asked them why they’d prefer custom cabinetry, the general response was that custom is better quality and you have more options available. This was the response we had expected.

It’s always fun (and important) for kitchen and bath professionals to take a look at what is trending from time to time. Occasionally, you’ll see something wild for bit, but it is always refreshing to see tasteful trends, those that will be around for a while.