Blog

Designing a Kitchen? sharing my Kitchen Design Strategy…Here’s how I begin…

Excited to be part of this Kitchen DESIGN ROUND TABLE this week with some amazing designers, have you been following along in stories? We have focused on kitchen design, for a remodel or new build. I’m currently working on a fun client project (Little Rock Lane) kitchen remodel as well as the family room and dining room. I thought it would be fun to share in REAL TIME the process for my STRATEGY in designing a kitchen. So if you are designing a Kitchen or just dreaming about it, THIS IS FOR YOU.

TIP 1 PLAN PLAN PLAN

When beginning any project, the first thing I like to do is gather inspiration. First I have the CLIENT send me images of kitchens they are drawn to. In the images, I look for are any repeating details. For example, in my Little Rock Lane Project, after looking at a couple of her inspiration images.. I knew she loved a waterfall countertop, plus a simple white plaster style range hood. Once key details are narrowed down…I begin looking for a few more inspiration images that capture not only those specific details but an overall design/look we suggest the client go for. Last, I create a pinterest board full of images focused on those details + a few specific styles.

TIP 2 CREATE A FLOOR PLAN

We measure the space to get the most accurate dimensions for the CAD drawings (layouts and elevations) This is very important, as it allow us to visualize options for the space quickly and easily. I like to use grid paper to draw out a rough floor plan. Then I add the wall measurements, as well as draw in a layout for what I am envisioning. We then create digital CAD drawings from my rough sketches to show the client. Here is an example of the first layouts created for Little Rock Lane.

TIP 3 Narrow Down the STYLE…do not be afraid to mix up a few styles.

Going back to the pinterest board created for the client, based on her feedback of what she is liking, we narrow down the style. Don’t be afraid to mix up a few styles. I then work on finding the hard finish details, like flooring, countertops cabinets, colors, hardware, lighting etc…to present to the client. I like to have a couple options for each to show variety. Basically we create a flat lay or mood board, for the kitchen, this would include ideas for flooring, countertops, cabinets, hardware, lighting, furniture etc. There are lots of programs you can use to create mood boards, I like to first gather the options and images, then have the backgrounds cut out so it s easy to layer items, like a pillow over a couch etc, then I use google slides or Illustrator to create the mood boards. I also want to mention budget. Every client will be slightly different, but I like to ensure that we gather options that will work nicely within the clients budget.

TIP 4 Create Mood boards to CONFIRM and EDIT Details

Now that I have the mood boards, as well as CAD drawings with layouts and elevations. I am ready to present the VISION to the client. After each presentation, we go back and forth revising details each time until we have it just right. ( We give the client 2 revision per space)

TIP 5 Gather SAMPLES

Once we have the final approval, we start to gather samples to make sure the details will flow in person. Often times colors can look different from a computer screen, which is why its so important to confirm LIVE samples.

Going back to the budget, we like to gather a few bids for specific parts of the renovation to help the client find the best person to complete the work within their budget.

With a solid VISION/Plan in place now its time to execute.

TIP 6 Don’t forget to ENJOY the PROCESS

With most of the details ironed out before you actually begin the physical tasks of renovation, it should make the rest of the process go a-lot smoother.

Thanks for following along….Im excited to see this kitchen come together for LITTLE ROCK LANE, stay tuned…I will share the process when they are ready to execute it.

TIP 7 HIRE A DESIGNER- remote or hands on

If at all possible, Hire a Designer… it is an extra cost up front thats for sure, but I highly recommend it, as it can save you money plus a few mistakes in the long run. A Designer will understand the details for the whole process, as well as have insights for what goes well together. But be selective NOT ALL interior designers have STYLE, what I mean by that is yes they may know the right way to put something together, but do they understand what works best. Look over their work and BRAND, make sure you LOVE their STYLE…and that it resonates with YOU. Design for me is intuitive, more of a FEELING, not always a specific RULE. Although rules do apply, it has to feel right as well.

When hiring designer keep in mind, there are different ways they can work with you, 1- remotely, all digital, they create the plan with you and once complete, you take it and GO, execute it yourself. Usually a little cheaper, and 2- local or hands on, where they basically create the same plan, but you hire them to implement and execute it for and with you. They will gather the samples…plus do all the legwork. This requires more of their time so more money but less headache for you. 🙂

GOOD LUCK in your design project. Let me know if you have any questions below. 🙂

xxo tana