Q: What do you wish homeowners knew about working with a kitchen designer?
Designer A: The more direct information they can give us upfront, the more time they’ll save everyone. What do you like? What do you not like?
Sometimes people worry about hurt feelings if we suggest something they don’t like. But, at the end of the day, it’s their home. So it has to function for them! We can give endless ideas, but our ideas are only as good as the feedback we get from them.
Designer B: Von Tobel employees care about their work. This isn’t just a job, it’s a career, and we put more heart and soul into a customer’s projects more than they know.
Q: What information should homeowners have organized and ready before meeting with you?
Designer A: Measurements! All perimeter wall measurements, including corner to trim and trim to trim around windows and doors. Ceiling height measurements, plumbing and gas centers, and outlet placement. Also, always take photos and bring them with you to the appointment.
Designer B: Appliance specifications are important information because they dictate a lot of design details.
Q: What’s your number #1 kitchen design tip?
Designer A: Throughout a remodel, expect hiccups and things not to go quite as planned. Whether it’s product arrival during the current shipping climate, scheduling conflicts with tradespersons, an installation or product issue—you name it! If a client’s expectation early on is that things may not go exactly as planned, it lessens the anxiety of the project as a whole for everyone involved. Life isn’t perfect; remodels certainly aren’t either!
Designer B: Create a space that you will love and use. Don’t do a project for anyone else but you and your family.