SHOULD I LISTEN TO MY KITCHEN DESIGNER’S SUGGESTIONS?

By Jenny Cazares

The idea for this blog was based on feedback from a happy client, with whom we recently did a follow-up visit. The client’s advice: “Listen to the suggestions and options that your designer provides. Whether it be related to your layout, design, spacing, inserts, etc., keep an open mind. They are professionals; they have designed hundreds, maybe thousands of kitchens. Your designer has your best interest in mind, and wants you to love your kitchen for years to come.

I went to Dean Cabinetry on the recommendation of my contractor. It was well worth the 38 year wait to remodel my kitchen! I went in with the thought of just doing a small redo and after listening to my ideas, Leah Dean said “she could certainly do what I had asked, but to be perfectly honest, I don’t think you’re going to be happy.” And boy was she right! 

All the features I was dreaming of could not be achieved with its current layout. So with Leah’s help, and designer Paul, Dean Cabinetry transformed my 1986 kitchen into something I could never have imagined! It has changed the entire look and feel of the first floor into a light, bright, welcoming space with tons of storage (I especially love my mixer lift) function, and detail. I can’t say enough about the entire Dean team. They go above and beyond to make sure you love the entire process, including the end result and the price.”

Thank you,

Emily & Brad

Why should I listen to my kitchen designer, when I already know what I want?

Even if you come to your kitchen designer with existing suggestions, it’s good to have a second set of eyes to review them. Your designer may see alternatives that could improve your layout, design, and functionality. 

It might be something simple like moving the trash pullout to the other end of the island (to improve workflow), or adding rollouts in a base cabinet (so you don’t have to get on your hands and knees to access your pots and pans). It could be pointing out a potential issue, such as not having enough room to open a refrigerator door completely.

Your designer’s job is to listen to your wants and needs and to offer ideas that will improve the flow, design, functionality, and overall look of your kitchen. 

What if I don’t have a kitchen layout yet?

That’s okay…not everyone has a sketch or layout of what they imagine their new kitchen will look like before they meet with a designer. That’s why you have a designer; they will walk you through each step of the process and help you design a beautiful kitchen. Be open to listening to ideas they have for your new kitchen.

What if I don’t listen to my kitchen designer’s suggestions?

You may not heed your designer’s suggestions, but at least be open to hearing what they have to say. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. Your designer will explain why something may or may not work in your space. 

Some clients may think their designer is suggesting something the client does not need, that the designer works on commission, and wants to “upsell them”. Some cabinet partners may be commission-based. Even so, their job is to design a beautiful kitchen and offer suggestions that will improve the flow and functionality.  If you’d rather not work with a commission-based designer, I would research your options before choosing a cabinet provider. 

A good designer would be disappointed to hear (after a client’s kitchen is complete) “why didn’t you tell me about xyz”? A client may resist the advice from their designer, and later on want to make a change, after their cabinets are ordered. Changing plans and orders after they have been finalized can cause wasted time, money, and delays for installation.

Keep in mind, your kitchen designer wants you to love your kitchen for years to come.  Similar to when you purchase a new car, a good salesperson will show you the ins and outs of each vehicle. They will review with you your options, prior to customizing your car with select packages. 

Although Dean Cabinetry’s designers are not “sales” driven, we do educate our customers in the same way.  We want to offer all the options to our clients while delivering the highest level of customer service.