Here’s what I like about this Christiansburg, Va kitchen from Ideal Cabinets.
It has a very simply design. Good appliances on display, not trying to hide behind cabinet doors. Storage space is maximised and messy shelves of dishes are hidden. If I was helping this lady with a party, I would not have to open every door looking for the fridge. It’s a fridge, we use it all the time, we all have them, they do not need to be hidden, (or covered with magnets, but that’s another blog).
Kitchen cabinet companies make their money on the cabinets, the more bells and whistles they can add the higher the price. I like very simple edges on the granite, remember every cut and polish on a surface costs money. Fancy mouldings are hard to clean and at the top they make it very difficult to fit a window treatment. We are dealing with this very issue right now. If you are kitchen design reading this, please take the time to call me, I will tell you what not to do. Nicely, I promise.
I have a phrase that comes out at some point with all my clients, “for every action there is a equal and opposite cost” and the curve is exponential, so limit the actions and the costs will stay lower. Your design will be much better and stand the test of time. Buy good appliances and non builder grade granite or other surfaces, if you prefer. Make the layout work for you.
It is always a good idea to call your regular decorator for an opinion before signing off on the final design, especially on colors, tile, faucets, finishes etc. Good designers and decorators will work easily with kitchen designers. If the Kitchen Designer does not want you to talk to your decorator, get another Kitchen Designer asap. It is my firm belief that a great decorator will maximise your budget and save you money by preventing costly mistakes. We have other blogs on choosing your designer. I will try to do a mini version soon.
Essentially, this is a galley kitchen with a great triangle of workspace, range and sink. The island is useful and not taking over the whole room. You could sit at the breakfast bar area, but it looks good without stools too. a great space for finshed dishes to land.
Good job – Designer Dean Saltus.
