Crouching Cabinets Hidden Budget

What happens when you start to work on a kitchen remodel?  What is the first thing discussed in the grand scheme of design? Appliances. Then counter tops. Then maybe cabinets....

If you work out or exercise you understand the concept of "working the core." The core supports the rest of the body, keeps the backbone strong, keeps everything fluid and functioning well. Let's call the cabinets the core. How long do you expect to keep your appliances?   10 - 15 years?  How about that pretty granite counter top?  You won't want to replace that....

So why is the cabinet budget crouching under the weight of the appliances and counter top? Aren't the cabinets the core that supports the appliances and counter top?

The core drives the function, drives the shape, drives the design. Pretty doesn't always cut it. Pretty fades. When beginning to remodel your kitchen consider that the crouching cabinet will be expected to outlast and out perform those appliances. Shift your thinking when it comes down to what will last.

You know that answer, you know you do.

Look at the best cabinets that you can afford to purchase and balance that purchase with all the other parts and pieces you are adding to the body of work. Balance accomplishes the best outcome. Balance all part of that remodel and work with trusted advisers. As with a personal trainer - a design professional is someone that can navigate the construction jungle and pull you through to a fitter, more balanced, aligned space. 

The grunting and sore muscles flexed on the front end will deliver a solid outcome. Anything worth investing in requires commitment on all parts so the end result has you in total balance. In total balance with your budget, your core, your complete results.

patcfield@gmail.com
Patricia L. Caulfield, LLC
AKBD, CAPS

The Mark of a Good Designer

In my past life I worked with a group of designers that I considered to be the best in the business. And still do. Part of my job was to step in when something wasn't working and assist to resolve that "something" in the best interest of the client, the company and the designer. My own work was part of that mix. The mark of a quality company is how they handle the things gone south, not how they accept the accolades and rewards. The mark of a good designer is acknowledging that things need to be adjusted and asking for advice from an industry expert - be that expert a treasured lead installer, an electrician or plumber, or the cabinet manufacturer themselves. 

There is no wrong when it is worked out to become a right. Sometimes in construction and design the actual site is not what it was on paper. Plumbing and electric are always a challenge, and walls are seldom truly plumb. A good designer listens to the input of others. Hears what is said and works to the best of their capabilities. A good designer may look like they have all the answers - but a great designer listens to the advice of those trusted advisers and gives credit where it is due. 

Boy did I learn alot from mistakes. Mistakes shape us, mistakes show us a better way. And when you learn a better way you learn how to be a better designer. It does, after all, take a team to build a project. The tighter the team, the better the outcome.