Every one has been there. Someone asks you what you think of something, and your thoughts run to..."Do you really want me to tell you"? I get this a lot with kitchens. The worst feeling as a designer is to see a space that has newly been done (by someone other than ourselves, obviously), and just see the glaring issues, the things you would have done differently.
As a customer, DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! This is a space that YOU have live in, take the time to research who you are working with. Putting your home in the hands of contractors is a huge compliment to the people chosen. Make sure they deserve it. I realize that you are not expected to know every nuance of kitchen design, but spend sometime thinking about what you want. A designer or contractor can go over EVERY aspect of design that they can think of, but if you never told them you were looking for a space for your paper towel roll, you can't blame them for not bringing it up. Think about your space, so you don't end up with these LITTLE issues that so easily could have been avoided...
(1) TRASHY TRASH CANS: I realize that 18" of space in some kitchens is just too much to give up, but if your space can afford a 6 to7 foot island, HIDE THE TRASH...
The last thing you want people to see after spending thousands of dollars on a new kitchen is the trash can. After all, you can dress it up, but the trash is still the trash.
(2) CROWN CATASTROPHE: Watch the height of the crown. If you decided to leave a space above your cabinetry for that open look, make sure you have 9"-12" minimum to do so. Don't leave 1" of space between you cabinets and your ceiling. It just looks like you didn't have enough material so you fudged it.
Think about it...what is going to happen to that space? It is going to collect dust, and be next to impossible to clean. Take the cabinetry to the ceiling for a more finished look that will save aggravation in the long run.
(3) END PANEL ENVY: Of all of these, this has to be my biggest pet-peeve. Refrigerator end panels. The simplest and most cost effective way to get a custom kitchen look is by adding these puppies. 2 panels do not add much to the cost of your cabinetry (under $500), but the make a HUGE difference. If you look at the picture above, although the crown is disturbing the fridge itself is finished, built-in, and classy. The same can not be said here...
To me this stands out like a sore thumb. Panels just complete the look. They give the counter-tops somewhere to end, and the make the cabinet above the fridge FUNCTIONAL...I mean who can reach that cabient the way it sits in this picture?
This post might explain why I am seldom invited to peoples homes, but I guess that what happens when you don't get me to do your kitchen ;).
PS. I have purposely omitted the photo credits, as I felt it was rude to complain about something and then post who did it. If somehow you see these pictures and want me to give you credit, let me know.
High Definition Kitchens from Hicks
Designing high definition kitchens in Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Chester Counties, PA
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