Kitchen Remodeling: How a Kitchen Designer Can Help?
Your friendly design gang here at ASR is coming to you with all of the kitchen design help you could possibly need! Today we’re chatting about kitchen remodeling and explaining how we fit into the picture.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel or have been through one, then you’ll know how important it is to get it right on the first go. Kitchens are notorious for costly mistakes, and we promise you’ll want to avoid them where you can. This is where we come in. Our team has completed plenty of kitchen remodels. So, we’re diving right into all things kitchen design.
What Does A Kitchen Designer Do?
Okay, we’re diving headfirst into what a kitchen designer really does. And we promise it’s so much more than picking tiles. We're there every step of the way, right from the initial brainstorming phase to popping the bubbly in the kitchen! While we know that each kitchen designer is different, this is an insight into how our process works.
Design Therapy Sesh + consultation
Of course, we have to start with a design therapy sesh. This is where we chat about your project goals and the ASR Design Studio process. Then we’ll schedule your in person or zoom consultation to take a deeper dive into your project goals.
During the consultation we go through all your wants and needs. You show us your Pinterest board, and we get the overall vibe of your project. We also talk about your investment budget and what you are comfortable spending. Think of this as one big brainstorming session. We'll chat about your must-haves and your wish list. Getting everything out on the kitchen table (pun definitely intended!) so we can bring your vision to life!
investment Budget
Then we talk numbers. Here at ASR, we’re quite proud of how open we are about the budget. We chat about the details of what your kitchen will need from plumbing fixtures to appliances to cabinets. We walk you through general pricing of what things cost and help you create an overall investment budget that you are comfortable with spending by mixing splurge items that are important to you and budget friendly items that could help you save money.
Your investment budget will determine your design options and features in your kitchen such as level of finishes, fixtures, appliances and cabinets. The overall investment amount will also be dependent upon your kitchen square footage and architectural details that might need to be addressed. This is a rough guide of what you’re looking at to give you a better idea of the budget.
Good: 40-60k
Better: 75-90k
Best: 150-200k
Plan
The planning of your kitchen starts with space planning and mapping out your newly designed kitchen. Our goal is to optimize the space, maximize your storage, and create a logical flow for a functional kitchen that works for you and your family.
Then we start to pull together finishes that match the vibe you are aiming for and fit within your overall investment budget. We review with you floor plans, elevations and 3D Models and Renderings so you can start to envision how your dream kitchen will look and feel.
We work with contractors and trade vendors to create a timeline and start date for your project so that you can know when each phase of the construction process will start and end.
You will be presented with plans (and yes, we’re just as excited as you are!) and a comprehensive design plan. This is everything from elevations, 3D renderings, and an investment spreadsheet. You’ll also get samples of things like tiles and finishes so that you can start to envision how your new kitchen will look and feel.
Shopping And Planning
Then we, of course, get to go shopping (yes, it’s totally the best part of the job). Once we’ve gathered all of the pieces we need, we plan some more. Again working with our trusty contractors, to ensure we are ordering and receiving all your goodies for each phase of the construction process.
And then ta-da! You’ll have your final kitchen finished and completed that you can enjoy noise free
How A Kitchen Designer In San Diego Can Help
Okay, now that you know a bit about our process, here’s how a kitchen designer in the San Diego area can help. A kitchen designer is so much more than someone who helps you pick between different finishes. We're here to be your support and guide you through the process so you can enjoy the renovation. While there is a little bit of noise and dust along the way, having fun during your renovation is key!
Help You Avoid Budget Mistakes
While having a kitchen designer is an investment, we could quite possibly be the biggest help when trying to avoid costly mistakes. Yes, we’ve seen this time and time again. Clients have attempted to do a kitchen renovation independently and have had to restart because it wasn’t done in the correct order or realized that the finishes they choose don’t actually look good together. This usually lends to finishes being ripped out and replaced which leaves big hole in your wallet. Ouch.
Bring All Of The Industry Knowledge
Our creative and logistical brains are here for you to use! We’re coming in hot with all our industry knowledge. Seriously, our lead designer has been living and breathing interior design for 17 years, so we’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. We also have incredible connections with our trusted contractors and vendors, who will only recommend the best products and give us their honest opinion about what's worth putting in your home and what you should avoid.
Our industry knowledge is what can help you avoid budget blunders and also help to offer cost-effective solutions that you most likely wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
Give An Unbiased Opinion
Hello, unbiased opinion! Where have you been, and why have you taken so long to get here?! If you’ve ever been through a renovation before, you’ll know that having one too many opinions or options can be detrimental and lead to decision fatigue. And while everyone is trying to be helpful, it can often hinder your progress. It can lead to feeling overwhelm, and you can start to second guess yourself and your design choices. Not what you want when investing in a brand new kitchen!
You have to remember that when you invest in a kitchen designer in the San Diego area, we’re here to bring your vision to life, not ours. We help to get your vision out of your head and in your kitchen while giving our unbiased, professional opinion along the way.
What To Expect And Do During A Kitchen Renovation
We’ve talked about what a kitchen designer does and how they can help, but let’s talk about what you can expect during a kitchen renovation. While it might not be all rainbows and sunshine, it is definitely a wild, enjoyable, fun ride! We promise your dream kitchen is waiting for you!
Mess, Dust And Some Noise
You have to expect the expected, right? There’s going to be a mess, dust, and most likely some noise. Well, actually, for sure, there’s going to be noise. If you work from home, you may want to find a temporary office solution. We promise that although there's a little bit of mess, our wonderful contractors clean up after themselves, and once we get in and style until our hearts are content, you'll be left with a brand new, clean kitchen!
Timelines
Let’s talk about timelines! While we’ll totally give you a timeline down to a tee, you have to be prepared for some unexpected moments (don’t worry, we’ll give you a rough estimate). Timelines vary and can change due to lack of stock or someone getting sick with the big C. Whatever it is. The design gang here at ASR will be open and transparent and communicate with you so you can still have your dream kitchen.
Meal Prep Before The Renovation Begins
We’re talking about food. Our second favorite topic after interior design! We highly recommend meal prepping some delicious freezer meals that you can have on hand and ready to go when we’re swapping your oven for a brand-new one. Meal prepping might not be for everyone, but remember that having your kitchen out of action for a little while is totally worth it! Also, it's the perfect opportunity to spoil yourself and eat out for a few nights! That's a yes from us!
Declutter And Clear Out Your Kitchen (Minus The Essentials)
Have a clearout! Before a kitchen renovation is the best time to clear out your kitchen cupboards and donate what you no longer need. And the best part, depending on what’s being renovated, you might not even need to give it a clean after! That’s a win! But don’t forget to keep all of your essentials on hand and in a safe spot. We recommend keeping a storage bin of everything you need altogether and organized!
Final Thoughts
Ah, kitchen design, we love it, and we’re never going to stop loving it. Seeing our client's faces after presenting them with their new kitchens is priceless! We’re obsessed with bringing their visions to life. If you’re interested in any of our services or have recently stalked us on the gram and loved what we’ve been doing, then contact us! We’re down for a chat or even if you’re just really keen on a design therapy sesh to start your journey! We’ll talk about your vision, all things design, and everything you want for your dream kitchen! We’re ready when you are!
