It’s easy to get caught up In an “*instant gratification*” loop.

Not that it’s completely our fault but we’ve been raised in a quick fix, buy now, kind of society confused over wants vs. needs and it’s no wonder we sometimes jump to conclusions before understanding the entire picture or larger perspective of our actions.
“If it isn’t broke, why fix it” I could almost hear my father say. To which I instantly think well it doesn’t inspire me, it doesn’t flow, it doesn’t work, I have no storage, it’s old, it’s not what I want…the list goes on and in one big conclusion it’s easy to say, “My kitchen is awful.”

First of all, you’ve got to live with it. When I moved into my home five years ago I knew my kitchen didn’t reflect me. I would often get excited wanting to make a change, upgrade a dishwasher, ceiling fan, or paint color and each time felt a little disappointed knowing it wasn’t the bigger picture of where I wanted to go. In doing all of these small moves I learned that what I really desired was a complete kitchen remodel. It made sense, I still had the original cabinets from 1957 decided that I wouldn’t move from this home for at least 12 years and after living with the space and using it with my growing family I felt confident that it was time to give my kitchen the update it so desperately needed.

BEFORE

DESIGN INTENT: REMOVE SOFFIT, OPEN DOOR WAY, REFINISH FLOORS, NEW LIGHTING, MAKE FRIDGE NOT FEEL SO BIG WHEN YOU ENTER, MAKE BRIGHTER, WHITE PAINT + BRIGHT COUNTERS, CONTRASTING WOODS, NEEDS TO FEEL OPEN, A PERFECT BALANCE OF FAMILY TIME AND ENTERTAINING…

It’s easy to get caught up in the instant gratification circle. Not that it’s completely our faults but we’ve been raised in a quick fix, buy now, kind of society confused over wants vs. needs and it’s no wonder we sometimes jump to conclusions before understanding the entire picture or larger perspective of our actions.“If it isn’t broke why fix it” I could almost hear my father say. To which I instantly think well it doesn’t inspire me, it doesn’t flow, it doesn’t work, I have no storage, it’s old, it’s not what I want…the list goes on and in one big conclusion it’s easy to say, “My kitchen is awful.”First of all, you’ve got to live with it. When I moved into my home five years ago I knew my kitchen didn’t reflect me. I would often get excited wanting to make a change, upgrade a dishwasher, ceiling fan, or paint color and each time felt a little disappointed knowing it wasn’t the bigger picture of where I wanted to go. In doing all of these small moves I learned that what I really desired was a complete kitchen remodel. It made sense, I still had the original cabinets from 1957 decided that I wouldn’t move from this home for at least 12 years and after living with the space and using it with my growing family I felt confident that it was time to give my kitchen the update it so desperately needed.

PROJECT VISION

FROM FLOORING FINISHES TO ISLAND INSPIRATION ALL OF THE PIECES COME TOGETHER TO CREATE YOUR VISION. GATHER ALL YOUR SAMPLES AND IMAGES IN ONE PLACE. REFER TO THE OFTEN TO KEEP YOU ON TRACK.

This essence was my guiding light during the design process. It also became my anchor through construction knowing that living in my basement, washing dishes in the bathtub and cooking for kids via insta-pot, hot plate and toaster oven for three months would all be worth it.

A good contractor will give you a timeline, not only for their own sanity but to help manage their clients expectations. During your remodel you may want things to go faster than they are but trust me it is worth the wait. The last thing you want is a sloppy paint job, or a damaged cabinet, these things mean longer wait times in the long run and and if it bothers you during install it’s sure to bother you when it’s done. That being said I would expect your contractor to be meeting regular milestones around their original timeline estimate and if something doesn’t look right check with your designer and don’t be afraid to question your contractor. Ultimately your happiness and satisfaction is their top priority and they want you to love the end result. Anything worth having, is worth the wait.

AFTER

Through all of the planning, and inquiry the most important lesson is to Take Your Time. Patience will quickly become your daily mantra as you navigate the processes from design and construction to completion. After all, it’s easier and more cost effective to prevent mistakes and design regret when you stop, breathe and hold to your vision. You created it for a reason, now make it your reality.

My kitchen remodel didn’t come without surprises but it turned out better than I ever imagined. When I moved into my home 5 years ago I never thought it would be as great as it is today. Living with it, creating the vision and following through on my overall feeling paid off big time. Every time I enter the space I feel inspired and at ease, dishes are a little more fun to wash and the light is so much brighter now. I am so incredibly grateful to have been through the process myself knowing how I do this for clients every day.