South Dartmouth Renovation...Before and After

When Mike and Kevin walked into the Details showroom I knew right away I was going to love working with them. Their excitement and ideas made me immediately intrigued. They told me how they have a second home near the water in South Dartmouth which they needed to renovate. At the time, I don't think any of us knew how thorough the actual renovation was going to be. My first trip to their house was super informative! They had put a lot of effort into researching kitchen magazines and had photos and articles of things they liked and didn't like. They had a specific style in mind which they were able to clearly describe to me. It was apparent that functionality and design were both going to play an equally major role in their project. And just as important as those two aspects were, we, of course, had a well thought-out budget to stick to.

My first step, as it is in 100% of the projects I work on, was functionality. Mike is the chef in the house, so giving him a prime prepping and cooking area was key. As you can see in the "before" photos, there wasn't much space for us to work with. I knew walls were going to be knocked down and new spaces would have to be made. The wall that originally separated the kitchen from the dining room was removed completely. We did, however, make sure to keep the built-in angled closet which was original to the house. What we were left with was a much more open space with a lot more light! In place of the removed wall, we built a knee-wall and brought it further into the dining room to create a better work flow within the kitchen. This knee-wall also gave us the perfect opportunity for Mike's peninsula cooking area. And, since Kevin is pretty handy in the kitchen, too, the added square footage made it comfortable for two people to work together.

Entertaining was also a big factor to consider while space planning. The kitchen was so closed off from every other room of the house. It was also a narrow make-shift hallway from the mud-room entry to the rest of the house. To correct that problem, we opened up the wall from the mud-room to the kitchen and were able to almost double the width of that framed doorway. This made the two spaces start to feel more like one. The knee-wall I previously spoke about also lent a hand in creating an entertainment friendly home. On the back side of that peninsula I designed in a Sapele Mahongany bar. Now Mike and Kevin's guests can comfortably sit and converse while the two prepare meals. (A neat little side note: Mike and Kevin decided to repeat the Sapele Mahongany tops in the mudroom in order to blend the two spaces even more. It was a great move on their part!) You can see the amazing difference in the before and after photos! Where Mike (seated) and Kevin (standing) are in the "after" photo is nearly the exact location you see the side of the refrigerator in for the "before" shot.

Remember when I said these clients came to me with a definite style in mind? Well that style was centered around double hung windows which were to be centered over the sink! There were no "Ifs," "Ands" or "Buts" about it! There would be 3 and they wouldn't be any smaller than what was there previously. I took Kevin and Mike through all the different ways this would impact their design. The biggest change was to the amount of wall cabinets. But by taking all the information I gave them into consideration they decided the window was more important. I am thrilled they did! The brightness of the white on white scheme is magnified by the light that comes through those windows. It is such a beautiful focal point and I truly believe it makes the kitchen what it is!

After a lot of planned revamping came a lot of unplanned renovations. Once the contractor began demolition, structural problems and safety issues popped up. The project grew to a scale no one could have predicted. But, Mike and Kevin took it all on with the greatest mind-sets. They were patient, smart and strategic in their decision making. That, along with their fun and outgoing personalities, made for a very smooth and enjoyable project. The end result was a quality renovation with a fantastically fresh and airy style! It was an absolute pleasure working as their designer!

~Bethany~

A Fabulous Testimonial!

Just wanted to share this lovely letter I received today from Bethany's clients.

Dear Jill,

We stumbled upon K&B D and it turned out to be wonderful thing. Our kitchen was to be the centerpiece of a whole-house renovation so it was very important to get it right.  We were introduced to Bethany and from the first meeting we knew we had found the right person to help us transform our kitchen.  She took time to understand our vision, priorities, and style.

Bethany not only took the stress out of the process, she made it genuinely fun.  She gently guided us through the process while always respecting our budget.  She educated us thoroughly so we could make appropriate, intelligent upgrades and maximize functionality.

The installation went equally well with Kathy.  She stepped in at the perfect time to work with our contractor and Bethany to identify and eliminate potential problems once the demolition was complete.  She was equal parts cheerleader and drill sergeant.  Both she and Bethany instilled confidence.

Everything came together perfectly. Now that we have been using the kitchen for a couple of months, we can say that there isn't a thing we would change. We never thought we would be able to say that.  Everyone at K&B D was a pleasure to work with.  The end-result was a reflection of their attention to detail and the joy they take in the process of putting it together.  We wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. In a way, we are sad the project is over! 

Sincerely,

Kevin and Mike

Thank you, Kevin and Mike, for being fabulous clients! We are so happy that you are enjoying your kitchen! It’s gorgeous!!!

Stay tuned for Bethany's detailed blog about this project!

Realistic Expectations for Kitchen Renovations

Taking on a kitchen renovation is a big task! Anyone who has been through the process knows that well. The choices and decisions can seem endless. Coordinating and planning are definite musts. But after all the hard work, the end result is well worth the energy put into it all.
So, all of this got me thinking... Are there things home owners should know right off the bat in order for the kitchen renovation to go more smoothly? The answer is, "Yes!" And, after chatting with my co-workers, here is what we came up with.

Realistic Expectations for Kitchen Renovations:

1) Decisions, decisions, decisions...
         There are so many! But fear not! That is why you've hired a designer. Our job is to understand your wants and needs so we can narrow down options which work with your specific project. Your job is to let us know what you do AND don't like so that we can go into the decision making process on the same team.

2) There is no such thing as a stupid question...
         And that is the truth! As designers we work with cabinetry, codes, appliances and colors on a daily basis. You, as the client, most likely do not. We totally get that. So, ask away! Make sure you understand exactly what we're talking about while we're talking about it. This will only help to minimize surprises in the end.

3) It's OK to Trust...
         Training, experience and vision all work together to make your designer an expert. So, when it comes to that one big choice and your designer has a strong opinion about it, it could very well be the right way to go. We know it is hard to let go of the reigns, but sometimes, you have to trust that we do know best. And even if you don't go with what we've suggested, at least you've taken the time to listen and consider our ideas. Then, no matter what, you'll know you made an informed decision.

4) Nobody is perfect...
         Not even designers. ;) Although you may feel as though the design for kitchen should be exactly what you have been seeing in your mind, it might not be. So, expect revisions. Anything from a single drawer to the whole layout can be changed in the design process. Don't be discouraged if it takes 2, 3 or even 4 revisions to get to your dream kitchen. This is your opportunity to make it your own space. Just remember the more of your opinions you share with your designer, the faster you'll get there!

5) A House is not a Home...
         Without a kitchen. I believe that is how the saying should go. A kitchen renovation takes THE most used room of a house away. Depending on the individual project, that time frame can be anywhere from a couple week to a couple months. Some clients chose to set up a "mini kitchen" in another room of the house. Others with longer construction phases sometimes decide to stay at a relatives home. Another good idea is to plan for a summer renovation so you can utilize your outdoor grill. Either way, make a game plan and know how you and your family are going to deal with the construction phase.

6) Money Bags...
         This isn't anyone's favorite part of a project. But paying is inevitable. A good thing to keep in mind is that your designer is on your side. We know how to use your budget to its greatest potential. Putting the money in the right places can make all the difference in the world. Most of the time we start with your dream kitchen, including everything you want in the price. Once you see your max cost, we can revise as necessary. (In some cases, not at all!) Depending on your tastes vs. your budget, this could mean compromising, but that is how you figure out your priorities. What are you willing to let go of in order to gain? A kitchen renovation is most certainly an investment. Let us help you make the very best of the money you put into it.

7) Hiccup!
          With a project as large and as detailed as a kitchen, there will be hiccups. The important part is knowing that whether an extra piece of trim is needed or a side panel has been delivered with a crack, we'll be there! Having an entire kitchen renovation finished without a single glitch is nearly an impossibility. We do everything in our power to avoid those glitches altogether but, more importantly, we stand ready to expedite solutions to any issues that do arise.

8) Customer Service with a Smile...
          At KB Details, the kitchens we design are our babies. Because of that, aside from our main goal being to make our clients happy, it is also to bring our design to life in the most flawless way possible. We strive to streamline the process in order to lessen the install time, create a supportive relationship with the contractor, and maintain the good rapport we have already made with our client. So, expect awesome service! We take pride in our work and we take pride in how many of our clients have become friends.

~Bethany~

A Fabulous Alternative to Marble Countertops

Marble countertops... GORGEOUS!!! Marble countertops in a kitchen, not such a good idea. So many times I have clients come in and just completely fall in love with the look of marble. And, of course, I can't blame them. It is a beautiful natural stone. The colors and movement are exquisite. But, the maintenance and cautiousness that it takes to keep the stone looking up to its full potential is immense. Each time I have the countertop conversation with a client, I try to make one point as clear as I can. Marble is not for a home or a family that doesn't want to consciously have their countertop's "well-being" in mind at all times. (Please don't think I'm saying "no" to marble all together. In the right application, in the right home, it is superb!)

A few months ago I started a project in Marion for a couple with young kids. The wife adored Carera Marble and so badly wanted to make it the countertops in her kitchen. After having the above conversation, we decided the upkeep was not for her nor the rest of her family. With that said, we moved on to other options. In the end, she and her husband agreed on a phenomenal stone called White Zito. It has the graceful, organic movement of marble and the colors couldn't be more perfect. So, we were able to get the look she was after without having to stop all red wine and/or kool-aid drinking in and around the kitchen island! The kitchen was installed last month and my clients are thrilled!

For more articles about putting marble in your kitchen, I found the following website: http://kitchen-counter-tops.net/marble/index.php . It seems to be super helpful and has a wealth of information! Or, stop in at Details to see me and our countertop sample room!

~Bethany~

Secondary Sinks in the Kitchen

Currently, I am designing 3 different kitchens for 3 different clients who all have completely different needs. While working on each unique design, I have noticed one major commonality between them all.... a secondary sink.

My first set of clients are a married couple who's children are all out of the house living on their own. The husband and wife both love to cook and spend a lot of time in the kitchen together. For them, the secondary sink acts as a secondary "prep area". Even though, most of the time, they each have separate duties, they will undoubtedly need the sink at the same time. Now, they each have their own space to work on their own part of the meal.

In my second project, my clients are big entertainers. They love having parties and inviting all their friends and family over. The kitchen as a whole doesn't have enough room for an entire Wet Bar Built-In. So, by designing in a secondary sink, we are able to create a "bar area" for their guests. Now, they'll have a space that is suitable for preparing their guests' drinks and rinsing glassware.

The third kitchen design is for a family of 5. My clients have 3 young children all under the age of 10. Being the fabulous parents they are, this couple has their kids join in on the after diner clean-up. This is where the secondary sink comes in handy. While Mom or Dad are cleaning the big pots and pans in the main sink, the kids are able to rinse off all the dishes and put them in the dishwasher without anyone getting in anyone's way. Having this designated "clean-up center" makes tidying up the kitchen much faster and less of a hassle.

I've added some great "inspiration" photos of kitchens with a secondary sink.

Would you want a secondary sink in your kitchen? If yes, why?

~Bethany~