Kitchen design portfolio: A look at how designers make kitchen dreams a reality
When it comes to a major ticket improvement project like kitchen remodeling, you can choose the right contractor for kitchen remodeling to save time and money. Looking through your future remodeling design portfolio is one of the simplest yet smartest ways to do it.
For the designer and the rebuilding contractor, their design portfolio is an exhibition for their work – it is a compilation of photos from previous projects that exemplify their skill and help them communicate ideas to prospective clients. For homeowners, on the other hand, it is an opportunity to see the designer’s use of spaces they can relate to and compare with. At the same time, it helps them gauge whether the designer would fit well with their needs and personal style references.
Why you need it
Imagine the whole time you spend in the kitchen, from preparing daily meals to catering for special family relationships. The kitchen acts as one of the central parts of your home, so the idea of remodeling the kitchen without taking into account your own entrances is unsustainable.
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The portfolio shows how the designer works with kitchen layout, color, lighting, flooring, décor and the overall style and vibe. During the first consultation, the portfolio will give you ideas and encourage you to ask questions about styles, materials, costs and the overall work process. Think about asking: What were you trying to do with these kitchen changes in the first place? What difference did the changes you made make? You may find that the designer has no experience working with spaces similar to you, or vice versa, find that his design jumps out and talks to you, simply by going through a portfolio.
Along with references, you need the design examples and information that a portfolio provides to assess not only the designer’s ability but also how well the remodeling services fit into your plans and budget. This would help you fine-tune the original layout you may have had in mind.
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What you should look for
As much as your kitchen remodeling depends on what is most important to you as a homeowner, there are also some things you need to think about to avoid problems in the future. Here are some things to look for:
- Scale: the size, the part and the proportion of things in a space. The designer’s use of scale in an area such as the kitchen is crucial. Does the layout use the kitchen space well? Is there a good flow between areas? A poorly scaled design can make spacious areas look dull and ordinary and smaller rooms chaotic and messy.
- Cost: Based on the work your remover has done, he should know how much specific materials, fixtures or supplies cost. It is important to get a rough idea of how much it will cost for your own kitchen building.
- Service: Find out how involved the designer was with previous work projects. More than just choosing colors and arranging decor, designers should coordinate with the contractor and work according to the image of the completed project in mind. Designers may not be the ones hammering or putting tiles, but should still have the practical experience based on monitoring the fine details and working around obstacles that arise during the remodeling process.
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About the author
Gerry Roth is the owner and chairman of GM Roth Design Remodeling. 27 years since the founding of GM Roth, he has stayed true to the mission of taking customers’ wants and needs and making them a reality in his home. When not busy supporting and directing his team on his projects, Gerry works with other business leaders in the construction industry to improve the quality of services for homeowners.
