Denver Colorado – Your Kitchen is one of the most important spaces in your home and you should not leave it up to chance, but use a professional to help you with the design. Recently I had the opportunity to to photograph the interior of this home and met one such professional. Her name is Jennifer Beck of Jen Beck Designs and I learned a lot.
Types of Designers
There are different types of designers. If you’re ordering cabinetry and more through a national chain or other retailer, there likely will be designers on staff who can help you plan. The main advantage: Often, there’s no additional cost for their services, although some charge a percentage of the total sale or work under another fee structure. Other designers work independently at an hourly or per-project rate. Because they’re not affiliated with a particular store or brand, they can sometimes be more objective about materials. Regardless of who you choose to work with always request to see examples of the designer’s previous work and ask for client references in order to ensure that he or she is a good match for your needs.
Your redesign can go much more smoothly if you have an idea of the general look and equipment and your after. Need some ideas to get you started? I recommend reviewing decorating websites and magazines, visit a particular builder whom you admire and view the model homes. Try to figure out what makes the kitchen and work space flow so smoothly. Odds are he had some help and this is just what the doctor ordered to light a spark and get your creative juices flowing.
Another reason it’s good to consult with a kitchen designer is the fact they can spot holes in your wish list or nix materials that don’t work for you, no matter how much you like them it could save you money, time and frustration. On the other hand they may introduce you to options you’d never considered, keeping you from sacrificing function for beauty. So be open to suggestions and remember to stay flexiable.
Know your Budget
This can be where the rubber meets the road. Having a firm idea of what you want and what you are able to spend is a great way to avoid a disconnect between plans and reality. If you have the means for pro-grade appliances and high end finishes, your kitchen designer can work those into the scheme from the beginning. If you don;t let her know up front. A good designer has the experience and the know how to stretch your dollars. Most have great access to suppliers that can be an added savings to you as well.
Set on a Time Line
A kitchen designer knows they won’t nail the first draft. A little back and forth is necessary for them to fine tune plans and learn more about you. It’s important though to agree upon how many drafts of the plan you’ll see before you sign a contract and part with any cash. You should also confirm a time line for the work, though circumstances beyond anyone’s control can throw even the best-orchestrated jobs off schedule sometimes suppliers have issues getting materials in stock or they arrive damaged through transportation and need to be re-ordered.
Keep changes minimal. Depending on how far along in the process you are, change orders can be anything from a mild nuisance to a major issue. Not only will they hold up progress, but they’ll also put a dent in your wallet. That said, if there’s a change that must be made for you to enjoy and use your revamped kitchen the way you intend, it’s better to speak up than to end up dealing with the flaw on a daily basis.
Be patient. A good kitchen plan takes time to create, and so does bringing it to life. Putting in effort on the front end, from choosing finishes to thinking through the work zone will pay off in the long run. And the last thing you want is a rushed construction job, so don’t hurry the contractors — no matter how anxious you are to put your new kitchen to work.
If you have any questions about Kitchen Design and interested in learning more about Jen Beck at Jen Beck Designs you can reach her in Denver at 303.548.7932. She’s a real artist and has great ideas that can benefit you.