Can you explain the remodeling process and what to expect?
What wood species and color of cabinets do most people put in?
What are the latest trends in design, cabinets, countertops and appliances that I should be aware of?
What kinds of countertops can I choose from and what are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
What should I choose first for my kitchen?
What is the typical time frame for a project/remodel?

Can you explain the remodeling process and what to expect?

The remodeling process can be very exciting and frustrating at the same time since you never know what to truly expect until demolition occurs. The key is to stay patient! Wait for the finished project, when it all comes together and the vision is complete. Typically the process begins with an initial meeting with you to find out your desires for the project, an estimate of the budget and time frame expectations. That is often followed by a meeting at your home with the contractor to take measurements and determine exactly what can and can not be done mechanically and structurally.

After that, the fun really begins! It is time to choose a cabinet door style and finish, countertops, appliances and any other products appropriate for the project. Be careful not to get too overwhelmed here either. A good designer should be able to help narrow down the choices based on what they have learned from you so far. After your choices have been made, a quote will be created for all of the work so that you can get a fairly accurate idea of the cost for the project.

If that is agreeable, it is time to move on to the next step of reviewing and finalizing the design until you are satisfied and ready to buy. The contract is then signed and materials are ordered. This will typically include: cabinets, countertops, appliances, hardware, sinks, faucets, lighting, flooring and installation.

Coordination of the shipment of your materials along with the beginning demo of the project will then take place, along with the scheduling of your countertop template. The installer begins installing your new products and the countertop, once built, is delivered and installed as well. This can be anywhere from 1-3 weeks after the template. After installation, you will walk the job with your contractor to make sure everything has been completed to your satisfaction. Once that has been completed, it is time to enjoy your new kitchen or space!

What wood species and color of cabinets do most people put in?

Cherry continues to be one of if not the most popular wood species available. Whether it is a medium or very dark finish that brings out cherry true richness or a natural sign that highlights its characteristics, its' popularity remains consistent year in and year out. Maple is another very popular wood species. Typically you will see maple in natural finishes and warm mid-tone finishes such as toffee.

Many people today will further accent both there cherry and maple cabinetry by adding a glazing finish. Glazing gives any finish and added dimension by adding a complimentary contrast to the wood and finish. It is most visible in the detailed areas of the door, the nooks, the crannies and areas of small beading and molding, where the glaze can best hang up on the wood.

Another popular option on maple is a painted finish. This classic look is always in demand. The lighter painted colors can give any kitchen a real "coastal" look and feel no matter where you and your kitchen are located.

For you, the best thing is to make sure you have a designer who asks you a lot of questions about your likes, what else in is the room or adjacent to it that might have an effect and what look and feel you are trying to achieve. Pictures are always a great resource, so start tearing out pictures of things you see that you like that will help you in picking out the right wood species and finish for you!

What are the latest trends in design, cabinets, countertops and appliances that I should be aware of?

Many customers will ask this question and find out that there a many new ideas and designs out there. What is most important though is finding which of these will work best for you and your family when designing their dream kitchen.

The push for Green is huge. This affects your kitchen in countless ways, from how and where the cabinets are made to energy efficient lighting and appliances. From environmentally friendly flooring to a design that maximizes recycling, storage and efficient use throughout the kitchen, being "green" touches all of these things and many more.

For real excitement, look no further than what's available in countertops today. While many people still choose solid surface, there is no denying that granite and engineered stone lead the way when it comes to choosing a countertop. With its' bold and distinctive look and colors, the right countertop can make any kitchen "pop"! What's even more exciting is the accent pieces that can really set the top off even more. From glass and tile backsplashes, to "floating" top pieces, your countertop can be not just a center for production in the kitchen, but also for attention! If that is not enough, than check out top options in concrete, stainless steel or limestone to satisfy your desires for the latest trends.

Appliances are key to any kitchen. For time tested popularity, you can’t go wrong with stainless steel. This sleek and timeless look fits in with almost every design. And if you don't want too much stainless in the kitchen, add a custom decorative panel matching your cabinets to give it a more subdued elegance and fit. For real customization you can add a dishwasher or warming drawer, consider a 2nd dishwasher, put a steam oven in for healthier cooking or make your kitchen complete with an induction cook top. With Induction cooking, only the pan and its contents heat up which reduces the excess heat you might get from gas or radiant cook tops, therefore increasing its' energy efficiency. Since there is no traditional thermal heating element, an induction cook top stays cooler than conventional radiant cook tops.

Other trends you should know about include oil rubbed bronze fixtures and hardware. This hot look is taking over from its' stainless and brushed nickel counterparts. The distinctive look of the oil rubbed bronze gives your kitchen that nice extra little touch! Under cabinet lighting is another popular and inexpensive way to make your kitchen "shine" even brighter. With the right placement this lighting not only makes it easier to work in the kitchen, it also creates a distinct and elegant look as the suns goes down in the evening. Within the design itself, look for open cabinets, glass doors, stacked cabinets, use of multiple woods or finishes, recycling centers, roll out trays and many other convenient and trend-setting options that not only make the kitchen more dynamic, but more useful as well!

What kinds of countertops can I choose from and what are the advantages/disadvantages of each?

There are 4 predominant countertop types, along with some other very exciting and in some cases, eco-friendly options. Let's take a look at the 4 most predominant types first.

Laminate countertops give you many color choices to choose from and can be considered a good value for the money. However, their durability is impacted significantly by how easily it can be damaged through cuts, scratches and burns. Use should always use a cutting board or trivet when working on a laminate countertop. Edges can be done with a bevel or wood trim for a more upscale feel. And recent additions of granite and high-definition colors have given even more colors to choose from.

Solid surface is the next option when looking at the 4 main countertop types available today. While it's popularity has been impacted by the advent of engineered stone and granite, for many it provides a soft and warmer look that can not be duplicated by the other tops. Solid surface, or Gibraltar, or Corian as it is more commonly known is a hygienic surface, lending itself more to food preparation. A solid surface tops offers what appears many times to be a seamless look. But don't be fooled! Most every top in the kitchen will have it a seam somewhere. The seam on a solid surface top is just more conspicuous than its' stone and laminate counterparts. These tops will also accommodate under mount sinks and many offer a matching color for that inconspicuous "seamless" look.

Quartz, or engineered stone as it is also referred to, is a countertop choice that continues to grow in popularity. A man made material, it offers a more consistent pattern than its' granite counterpart. Another feature distinguishing itself from granite is that it is non-porous and does not have to be sealed. Engineered stone offers a number of color choices and is compatible with under mount sinks for a look that does not take away from the stone.

Granite remains the most popular choice in countertops today. They offer a depth in color and appearance formed over millions of years that really make your countertop a work of art. Being a natural piece of stone, you are assured of no 2 pieces ever looking exactly alike. That can be a challenge when matching up slabs for your own countertop, but that subtle (or not so subtle in some cases) contrast is what most people love about granite and why they choose it. There is a maintenance element to granite – it does need to be sealed periodically in order to maintain its’ appearance and durability. This can be done by the homeowner and typically takes only 10-20 minutes depending on the size of your kitchen. If granite is the choice for you, you can’t really go wrong!

In addition to the 4 types of countertops we’ve identified as the most popular choices out there today, here are some other countertops working to make a name for themselves:

Icestone is an eco-friendly top made from recycled glass chips set in concrete for a unique look and appeal. Lava Stone comes in beautiful and bright translucent colors. Made from volcanic lava stone, it is resistant to scratches (we still recommend that cutting board!) and is non-porous. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. Soapstone is a natural stone product that is virtually indestructible. Surface stains can be scrubbed or sanded right off. Soapstone has a distinct look and feel that is further enhanced when you buff it with mineral oil or a stone sealer, giving it a brand new look every time. Butcher block comes in several different wood types and can be ordered unfinished, oiled or with a food safe finish. The renewable wood product Lyptus butcher block countertop has become a very popular and eco-friendly option in this category.

You can also choose from stainless steel, glass, concrete or ceramic tile to find the countertop look that is right for you!

What should I choose first for my kitchen?

Alright! The good news is that we've narrowed it down to 4 primary choices: cabinets, countertops, appliances and flooring. The most important step, regardless of which you choose first, is to find something you LOVE that your whole kitchen will revolve around. Maybe it’s the granite countertop you can’t live without, or a particular cabinetry look that you ripped out of your magazines for the past four years. It could be the pro-style stainless steel range you’ve always wanted, or the eco-friendly cork floor in your friends’ house that you really like. Or it will be something smaller, such as a pot, bowl, faucet, picture or paint color that you just can’t live without!

Which ever you choose, you will want one of these items to be the focal point and to set the tone for the rest of the kitchen. From there the rest of the pieces can be selected to compliment and work with what you love.

If for some reason though you haven’t quite figured out what you love and really must have, then a good starting point is always the cabinets. There are no right or wrong answers, so choosing your cabinets is typically a smart option as they are the usually the biggest component in the kitchen and most often will set the style for the entire room. Selecting the wood species and finish of your cabinets first will make your choice of countertop and flooring options and colors much easier. It is also helpful for your appliances, both for color and size purposes.

In some situations, people will choose to select their appliances first. Having accurate appliance information can make the design portion of your kitchen move along much faster and easier. Designers will put the specs of each of your appliances to make sure the cabinets you select will accommodate each piece.

When selecting flooring, an important thought to take into consideration is how many rooms will your flooring impact? It is just the kitchen or does it traverse into adjacent hallways, foyers, great rooms, dining rooms or other areas? Selecting the floor will help dictate what colors you go with in your kitchen. If you pick a patterned tile floor, it will likely affect your countertop selection and how much “pattern” you want to see in that.

There are also reasons why you may decide to choose your countertop first. Because of the uniqueness of stone and granite, it can sometimes be easier to find cabinets and flooring to match your “one of a kind” piece instead of just trying to “make it work”. Take this into consideration as you determine what type of look and material you want for your countertop.

Confusing, huh? Well, maybe a little. As you can see, the 4 categories we mentioned – cabinets, countertops, appliances and flooring can all be selected first for different reasons. The most important thing to consider when you don’t have the one “special” piece to design everything around is to make sure you are looking at everything to see how one decision may affect or alter your decisions on the other products. You will be in your kitchen for a long time, so make sure you take the time to consider all your options in the entire kitchen so that you are able to do it right. And if your still not sure after that, than ask us for help! That is what we are here for!

What is the typical time frame for a project/remodel?

The remodeling process is not always the most pleasant process you will encounter with your home. You will be without a functional kitchen for a period of time. Being comfortable with the designer, contractor and team you are working with makes all the difference here. Ask around to find out who people have used and their experience. A good referral will save you a lot of time and money! The truth is that there are no “standards” or “typical” time frames in renovation. Every project is unique and will have different variables that will influence the time frame of the project.

So what is involved that affects the time frame – here are some of the things you will encounter:

• The researching process
• Field measure of your kitchen
• Showroom consultation to make your selections
• Designs and redesigns
• Quotes and revisions
• Sign off, contracts and deposit for job
• Ordering and lead times of materials
• Tear out of existing cabinetry and materials
• Scheduling, delivery and next payment due for job
• Cabinet and appliance install
• Countertop template
• Countertop installation
• Installation walk through
• Punch and touch up work
• Final walk through and payment due
• Party to show off your new kitchen!!!

Please keep in mind that there are other factors that may affect the time frame and that what we have mentioned here are only the most common.

At a minimum the time is not less than 3 weeks but the maximum could be for months depending on the project. Some people use a "1 week" rule - meaning that for every task that must be completed (flooring, cabinets, etc.) figure on 1 week for it. Countertops may differ slightly since there is most likely a template involved after the cabinets are installed. Expect 2 or sometimes 3 weeks to get your top installed after that depending on the type of material it is.

With the right planning and the right people, it will be worth the wait and when it is all said and done you will have the kitchen of your dreams!