Collaborating with a professional designer doesn’t just make a kitchen look better - it makes the entire process easier, clearer, and far more successful for the homeowner. A successful renovation is not only about choosing products, it is about orchestrating appliances, cabinetry, materials and trades into one cohesive plan. A professional design provides clarity, coordination, and confident decision making.
In this project, our goal was to revamp an outdated kitchen and make sure every dollar the client invested truly worked for their lifestyle and from the beginning the focus was on how this family actually lives in their home.
Appliances are the backbone of this successful kitchen. From clearances and power requirements to ventilation and cabinetry integration, these decisions affect nearly every trade involved in the project. We coordinate with suppliers like Ferguson to specify the strongest appliance package - ensuring performance, reliability, and the proper fit within the design.
The homeowner is an avid griller, so selecting a cooktop with an integrated grill could not be an afterthought, it was a priority. Choosing the right appliances early allowed the entire kitchen layout, ventilation, and cabinetry design to be planned correctly around how the kitchen would truely be used.
At the same time, the homeowner’s wife had a clear vision for her dream kitchen. Double ovens - including convection - were essential, along with beautifully crafted cabinetry that would not only elevate the look of the space but function flawlessly.
This is where professional design becomes invaluable.
Once the appliances are finalized, cabinetry is the second critical investment. Cabinet construction, hardware, finishes and installation directly impact how the kitchen functions. Professional guidance helps client’s prioritize where quality will make the greatest long-term difference.
The cabinetmaker, Irie Cabinetry, and I spent time interviewing the client about how every cabinet and drawer would be used - what worked in the old kitchen, what didn’t, and what was missing entirely. Storage needs, cooking habits, and daily routines all guided the custom cabinet design.
The result was not simply “beautiful cabinets,” but a highly personalized kitchen built specifically for the way this family cooks, entertains, and lives.
