How Can an E-Designer Help With a Kitchen Renovation?
Bellevue Bungalow Project: Before & After
“Do you offer e-design services for kitchen renovations?” That’s a question I’ve received plenty of times over the years and the answer is…absolutely!
I've tackled a good number of client kitchen projects over the years as well as two of my own - a full gut renovation in Philadelphia and a refresh in our current home in Richmond.
There are a LOT of details when it comes to planning a kitchen and I really love helping homeowners bring their vision to life and avoid costly mistakes.
Coastal Modern Kitchen Refresh
How does kitchen e-design work?
Kitchen e-design works a little differently than my decorating services, but the overall process is similar to my Full Room E-Design service. It involves:
Understanding how you use your kitchen and your must-haves (I use a specific kitchen e-design questionnaire to get us started)
Designing a functional cabinetry plan with a good work triangle (the floor plan)
Selecting finishes, fixtures, materials, countertops, and more (I create a visual design board “mockup” that shows everything together in one space to give you an idea of how it will look in real life)
By the end, you'll have a plan you can hand off to your contractor, a shopping list, and the confidence that a beautiful kitchen is on its way!
Meredith Street Kitchen Makeover
What does kitchen e-design NOT include?
One thing I typically don't do is select the specific cabinetry since each contractor has their preferred vendors and lines. (But! If you already know the cabinetry line you’ll be using, I’d be happy work with you on the specifics and use it in my mockup!)
My design will include standard sizes unless you’re going the route of custom cabinetry. In that case you’ll work directly with the carpenter or company on the final plan, but I’ll make recommendations for the best layout!
The other aspect to kitchens that can be a little tricky is selecting the exact countertops. Materials like granite, marble, and quartz vary a LOT by location, so the way I typically handle countertop selection is to give you some recommendations on look, style, and brand (if applicable) that you can take to your local stone yard. You’ll be able to use those as inspiration to select something similar.
Ringgold Row House Project Reveal
Can you tell me how much my kitchen renovation will cost?
Yes and no. I can offer some ballpark ranges based on the scope of the project, but because there are so many variables, it’s important for you to work with a local contractor to understand the cost for both labor and materials.
I’ll be able to guide you on which direction to go on materials, fixtures, and finishes - we can also mix “high and low” to make the most of your budget.
On a related note, the more specific you are with your selections, space plan, and materials, the more accurate your contractor can be when it comes to creating their estimate. The plan we create together will be an amazing tool for them to work off of, so I recommend getting a designer involved as early as you can in your project.
A Review of Our Quartz Countertops: 1 Year Later
Always, always order samples
This isn’t unique to kitchen design, but it’s worth emphasizing! Kitchens are pretty permanent so it’s worth seeing as much as you can in person before finalizing your decisions.
That means ordering samples of everything from paint (I use Samplize) to cabinet knobs to countertops to backsplash tile. You’ll want to put it all together IN your home to see how it looks. Trust your eye on this - you’ll know if it feels right!
Project Powhatan: Kitchen & Butler's Pantry Reveal
Curious what a design board mockup looks like for a kitchen project?
Here are a few examples I’ve created for clients over the years! Click the arrows on either side to scroll through…
In conclusion…
Using a kitchen e-design service is a great, cost-effective way to get help designing your kitchen. It’s a big investment, so it’s worth getting it right from the beginning! Whether you’re planning a full gut reno or just a simple refresh, I’d be happy to chat about working together. Feel free to send me an email about your project and we’ll get the conversation going!
Want to see some of my kitchen projects? Scroll through the images above - there are links to the blog posts with more information and photos below each!
A final note: Remember, e-design is a consultation only service. All recommendations, materials, and advice should be double checked on site with a contractor to ensure feasibility.
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