Where Do I Start ?

COntact us or come in. If you are building a new home or getting ready to remodel your existing space, you’re going to be making some of the largest, most important, and most expensive decisions you’ve probably ever made.when you meet with one of our design professionals, so that you can best explain what you need. Begin with a short and informal visit to Kitchen & Bath Ideas showroom: We will come to your home and take measurements so we can give you a realistic idea of the scope of your project 

  • Get an idea of how Kitchen & Bath Ideas works
  • Understand our fee structure
  • Explore available services
  • Meet our designers

Combine with next two steps 

One of the best ways to find inspiration is by looking at photographs of kitchens, baths and other spaces (the Kitchen & Bath Ideas photo gallery is a great place to start!) to see what you like and dislike. Start a file with pictures of elements that you like from cabinet style and finish to room layout. Some of our clients prefer to use a digital folder or space such as Pinterest or Dropbox. Others come in with file folders full of clippings or even vision boards! Don’t worry about being overwhelemed or not very fpcused in your design. This is the stage where you can dream big. Our designers are experienced and talented at helping integrate your ideas into a functional space and helping you narrow down the best options for you. Here are some great trend ideas to consider:

  • Mixing wood finishes
  • Mixing door styles
  • Mixing solid surface and natural stone countertops
  • Using furniture-style cabinetry
  • Using “bump-ups” and “bump-outs” in cabinetry
  • Installing two dishwashers
  • Embedding “deco” tiles within the backsplash tile
  • Utilizing under-mounted and integral sinks
  • Considering universal design for multigenerational households
  • Opting for stainless steel appliances
  • Providing multiple work areas, including baking, prep, desk, and clean-up
  • Use of deep drawer stacks instead of roll-out trays
  • Using integral chef’s pantries instead of walk-ins
  • Integrating built-in convenience accessories

Get a list of items to be considered before your next scheduled meeting, such as:

  • Collect magazine clippings that illustrate your preferences
  • Make a wish list
  • List major likes/dislikes
  • Consider appliance preferences
  • Consider cabinet style and finish preferences
  • What “extra” applainces may you want or need? 
  • Analyze how you use your space now versus how you would like to use it in the future
  • Assess your needs

Visit an appliance dealer (ask your designer for recommendations). Since we are located inside of Metro Appliances, you can easily tour their showroom to consider options for your space. Our designers are on hand to help with your decisions as well. You ay certainly use appliances from another dealer as well. 

    • Decide on general appliance shapes and dimension
      • Double oven?
      • Drop in range?
      • Extra burners?
      • Trash compactor?
      • Ice machine?
      • Warming drawer?
      • Extra dishwasher?
      • Built-in refrigerator, such as Sub-Zero?


Step three – add to next two steps, this will be a series of meetings as the project 

we will meet you at our showroom to review the drawings and options 

Meet with your designer to have major discussions about function and design (appointment required):

  • Discuss primary design elements of the kitchen
    • Primary function
      • Chef’s kitchen
      • Open floor plan
      • Family gathering area
      • Desk/computer area
      • Universal design concepts
      • Other specific needs
  • Available space
  • Overall layout
  • Budget
  • Contract for design services

Begin your selection of materials, finishes, fixtures, and hardware:

    •  Select wood species* or other cabinet materials
      • Oak
      • Maple
      • Cherry
      • Hickory
      • Pine
      • Birch
      • Poplar
      • Other (laminated surfaces, foils, and vinyl films)
*Wood species in all finishes will exhibit color change when exposed to different types of light. Color differences in wood are caused by variations in minerals found in the soil in which the tree was grown and the absorption of these minerals differ by tree or parts of tree. Additionally, every wood species exhibits other characteristics, including knots, pinholes, sap runs, and darkening with age. It is the beauty and nature of wood to have these characteristics, as well as natural variations in graining and color, which will be present throughout the cabinetry.  
  • Select door style
    • Raised panel
    • Flat panel
    • Contemporary
    • Shaker
    • Curved or cathedral
    • Other
  • Select cabinet finish
    • Natural (specific color of the natural wood)
    • Stained (wood tones, glazed, frosted, colors)
    • Painted (white, ivory, colors)
    • Laminated
  • Decorative fixtures
  • Decorative hardware

Choose materials for your flooring and backsplash:

  • Ceramic tile
  • Metal tile
  • Hardwood
  • Laminate