Our good friends from In House Custom, sent the captain of a breathtaking catamaran (docked in Fairhaven for annual maintenance) into our showroom to select new Corian countertops for the bar area. They went with the color Sorrell and a custom "no drip" edge.
Here’s how it turned out!
Installation and fabrication by Counter Productions! Great work guys!!!
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!
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~
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~
The owners of this kitchen have a beautiful home that sits perfectly right on the water. When the project first started, it was made clear to me that the kitchen was going to be in the space with the best views of the ocean. Therefore, it needed to reflect the serene and whimsical feeling of their beachfront property. Soothing colors clean lines, and of course, bead board all work together to establish this calm sense of comfort. My challenge was to inject this relaxed seaside style into a functional layout fit for summer entertaining. This functionality was specifically centered on two ovens being super accessible to my "less than tall" client. I accomplished this by splitting the two wall ovens to either side of the range. Doing so, not only gave great access to each oven, but also, created a cooking area that would make any gourmet chef jealous.
Kitchen Design: Bethany Gardner
Surround: StarMark Cabinetry - Marshmallow Cream Tinted Varnish on Hanover Door
Island: StarMark Cabinetry - Agean Mist Tinted Varnish with Vanilla Glaze on Hampton Door
Kitchen and Bath Details