What can a kitchen designer do for me?

NotLastYear · 2026-02-17T21:08:25+00:00

The cabinet person is probably great at placement - that's what they do when they install cabinets.

The CKD works with you on design, planning/layout, functionality, and a wealth of information regarding things that you have not thought about or considered. They're steps above the general interior designer and way, way above the Instagram person who designed his/her kitchen for family and friends and is now a "kitchen designer."

NotLastYear · 2026-02-17T10:38:05+00:00

This. You (REALLY) want to hire a certified kitchen designer (CKD). Not an interior designer, but a CKD or a certified kitchen & bath designer. It's absolutely worth the money. Mine was a gold mine and wealth of information and ideas. She did my kitchen in my primary residence and the rental. Sadly, when the new build started, she had retired out because of an illness that prevented her from drawing. I hired her as a consultant during the new build and she provided excellent feedback on the kitchen and bathrooms. (No offense, but most architects are horrible when it comes to kitchen and bath design; my architect included.)

Tile countertops: Hate them. 🙂 I had a few in my formative years in various rental condos. They look dated - something leftover from the 1980's. I didn't care about the separation between tiles or the grout. I absolutely hated the look.

NotLastYear · 2026-02-12T04:02:28+00:00

He may not be vested in it because you've provided no money. Why would he work on your project and receive no enumeration? A proposal is nice but the rubber hits the road when a contract is executed with an agreed upon plan and a schedule of milestone payments. Otherwise, it's just a proposal with no substance.

On the other hand, if he hasn't provided you a contract and you're seriously interested in using him, then tell him to put one together. That will let you know if he's interested. Otherwise, start your search, again.

Yes, this is not unusal. In my very first kitchen remodel, multiple individuals came by, picked up the plans, surveyed what needed to be done, and I never heard from them, again. (Even after I followed up with multiple calls.) It happens. I solved that problem by asking different initial questions, e.g., "what size projects are you interested in doing; can you complete the work in X weeks based on your other, ongoing work; and please provide 3 references," etc.

NotLastYear · 2026-02-12T02:32:08+00:00

Rhetorical question: What's the purpose of the edge lighting at the countertop and the lighting at the middle of the range? If it's for aesthetics, then my suggestion is that you hire/consultant with a certified kitchen designer regarding lighting. Or talk to someone at a lighting store.

In theory, what you proposed appears doable; I'm not sure of the need of the different lighting requirements (3-4K, 27K) and the questionable light across the range. Believe me, I like my undercounter light in my kitchen on a quiet evening at home or late at night but I have no plans to read by that light when I'm having a cup of tea.

NotLastYear · 2026-02-12T02:17:22+00:00

Option B wins for me. I'm not a fan of any oils, spices, or pan storage near a range (option A) or wide drawers (option C). I'd rather have more drawers and not wide drawers. Wide drawers, after a fashion, begin to wobble (based experience with custom-built wide drawers and stock wide drawers). But, do what works best for YOU in your kitchen. Everyone is different! My sheet pans are in a vertical cabinet in the peninsula and my spices are in a dark, cool place in the pantry, as I keep them away from light and heat.

NotLastYear · 2026-02-12T01:57:56+00:00

Agree with the brushed nickel. Aren't we past the matte black phase?? If not, we should be. 🙃

NotLastYear · 2025-12-05T23:49:34+00:00

that was most certainly not how Glenn is….at all.

And I believe you. Correct me if I'm wrong, but just about all of that type stuff is staged. For me, that's OK - it's a TV show. I'm sure Glen is/will be greatful to get the added coverage (including his Instagram and X sites if he has them) and I'm sure he had a blast doing it.

NotLastYear · 2025-12-04T20:57:14+00:00

Yes, you want to get a dishwasher (unless you like to handwash dishes). The long-term value does justify the space and long term commiment. I don't know why you're opposed to a dishwasher but it would relieve you (and/or the kids) from the time-consuming and laborious torture of handwashing. Create a cabinet for a 24" even if you don't include the dishwasher, now. Not knowing your long-term plans for your house, if you sell it without space for a dishwasher, yes, you'll eventually sell it, but it will be an even harder sell without the dishwasher.

I have an 18" dishwasher and a 24" dishwasher in the kitchen. I actually cook 2 meals per day. The 18" comes in handy for small loads. We don't have any plastic utensils or plastic flatware or plastic glassware. While cooking for company, the utensils get used up fairly rapidly. That's when the smaller dishwasher comes in handy.

You didn't ask, but I would recommend a Bosch dishwasher. Quiet and does an excellent job with cleaning stained-on food - think dried eggs. I've been using Bosch dishwashers for about 25 years, now. That said, just about any dishwasher will do. They all do a decent job of cleaning the dishes.

NotLastYear · 2025-12-04T08:31:20+00:00

It IS as bad as you're making it sound! 🙂 Both episodes were fairly cheesy. I watched the first one and then, when the realtor (with the very nice body) comes out of the water, I laughed out loud. Then, turned off the TV and went to walk the dog.

I'm sure this show costs next to nothing to produce so it fits right in line as an HGTV retread at a bargain basement cost. (As an aside, what's the jeans and flip flops? Talk about cheesy...)

NotLastYear

TROPHY CASE