I Can't Visualize. So Who Can?

Made with Xara

Ask the Kitchen Lady

Does your mind feel like it is shutting down when your dealer or designer begins to explain your new kitchen or bath layout, the materials, the colors and finishes, the backsplash and hardware? Whose wouldn't? Let me help you take most of the chance out of the process-- meaning the chance that you will be disappointed in or even hate the outcome of your selections when the renovation is complete. TRUE STORY: An executive of a top fashion company came to my office to redesign his kitchen. Letting him take the lead, as his taste was respected world-wide, I was amazed that he drew a single white door from my collection, specified an all-white kitchen, and rushed to another appointment. Of two layouts that I presented a few days later, he selected one; and the order was placed, delivered, and installed. Then the call. "I hate my cabinetry. I gave the cabinets to the contractor. This time you pick them out." I did and thankfully he was pleased. MORAL: No matter how much confidence you have in your taste, such as styling your wardrobe, furnishings, accessories, etc., kitchen and bathroom design and renovation are likely new to you. Embrace your inexperience and follow these steps. 1) Develop your taste in this new environment. Taste is acquired through study. Keep an open mind. Don't become addicted to labels like contemporary, transitional, country, etc. Just start looking in stores and on-line. When something appeals to you, take a photo or save an image. Then determine what features really "spoke" to you. Get to know yourself. 2) Select a designer who uses photo-realistic software. Once the room is drawn to scale and the layout is complete, most of these 3D programs offer the ability to position the camera from any angle. This will help you judge the "flow" and visual appeal of the room that you are planning. Don't be surprised if these drawings remain with the designer until an order is placed or the design service is compensated. Discuss these issues in advance. 3) Get samples of your door, finishes, counter, backsplash, and decorative handles to take with you. "Live" with them a bit. Do they still appeal to you once they are in your home setting? Keep in mind that these are just samples. Your real door will be much taller and your counters and backsplash more expansive. How does that impact your assessment of your choice? Is it too much of a good thing or too understated? Ask to see pictures of an installation of your materials to check out their appearance in a real-life setting. 4) Wait for demolition then tape the floor with blue tape where the cabinets will go. How is the flow? Comfortable? Walk around the apartment or room with another person. Are you knocking into one another or stepping aside frequently to let the other by? Use marker on the walls to outline the cabinets. This will help you visualize. 5) Don't settle on counters, handles, and backsplash in advance. Select materials from vendors who warehouse their products locally. When the cabinets are mostly installed, lay your samples out and step back for final decisions. These important selections are best reserved for the end.

Tip: Avoid Do-Overs

Few people have the financial resources for "do-overs." The elements of your kitchen are a big investment. Do your homework. Remember small samples look quite different over larger spaces. Less is more is a great concept. Keep it in mind. You can always add a feature to give it a little pizzazz.

>I Can't Visualize!" So Who Can?

Ask the Kitchen Lady

Does your mind feel like it is shutting down when your dealer or designer begins to explain your new kitchen or bath layout, the materials, the colors and finishes, the backsplash and hardware? Whose wouldn't? Let me help you take most of the chance out of the process--meaning the chance that you will be disappointed in or even hate the outcome of your selections when the renovation is complete. TRUE STORY: An executive of a top fashion company came to my office to redesign his kitchen. Letting him take the lead, as his taste was respected world-wide, I was amazed that he drew a single white door from my collection, specified an all-white kitchen, and rushed to another appointment. Of two layouts that I presented a few days later, he selected one; and the order was placed, delivered, and installed. Then the call. "I hate my cabinetry. I gave the cabinets to the contractor. This time you pick them out." I did and thankfully he was pleased. MORAL: No matter how much confidence you have in your taste, such as styling your wardrobe, furnishings, accessories, etc., kitchen and bathroom design and renovation are likely new to you. Embrace your inexperience and follow these steps. 1) Develop your taste in this new environment. Taste is acquired through study. Keep an open mind. Don't become addicted to labels like contemporary, transitional, country, etc. Just start looking in stores and on-line. When something appeals to you, take a photo or save an image. Then determine what features really "spoke" to you. Get to know yourself. 2) Select a designer who uses photo-realistic software. Once the room is drawn to scale and the layout is complete, most of these 3D programs offer the ability to position the camera from any angle. This will help you judge the "flow" and visual appeal of the room that you are planning. Don't be surprised if these drawings remain with the designer until an order is placed or the design service is compensated. Discuss these issues in advance. 3) Get samples of your door, finishes, counter, backsplash, and decorative handles to take with you. "Live" with them a bit. Do they still appeal to you once they are in your home setting? Keep in mind that these are just samples. Your real door will be much taller and your counters and backsplash more expansive. How does that impact your assessment of your choice? Is it too much of a good thing or too understated? Ask to see pictures of an installation of your materials to check out their appearance in a real-life setting. 4) Wait for demolition then tape the floor with blue tape where the cabinets will go. How is the flow? Comfortable? Walk around the apartment or room with another person. Are you knocking into one another or stepping aside frequently to let the other by? Use marker on the walls to outline the cabinets. This will help you visualize. 5) Don't settle on counters, handles, and backsplash in advance. Select materials from vendors who warehouse their products locally. When the cabinets are mostly installed, lay your samples out and step back for final decisions. These important selections are best reserved for the end.

Tip: Avoid Do-Overs

Few people have the financial resources for "do- overs." The elements of your kitchen are a big investment. Do your homework. Remember small samples look quite different over larger spaces. Less is more is a great concept. Keep it in mind. You can always add a feature to give it a little pizzazz.