Kitchen Design: Space Planning VS Decorating

In design, the first questions can be paired down into two categories: Form and Function.
This is the age old question in design, which comes first?

The answer really lies with the client. Is the client remodeling or building a space? How will he or she use it? Do they order in and simply reheat and make coffee? Do they have staff? Do they entertain? Is status an issue? Do they want that new La Cornue because they love to cook up a storm or because they love to impress their friends and business associates?

Perhaps the client is a family with young children and mom (or dad) stays at home managing the household.

Either way, the best place to start is where most seasoned interior designers start. That is with a complete "program". These questions, along with others must be answered. A professional designer will want to know all the facts and will create a "Design Statement" as well as help develop the clients "Budget" before they ever start the first cad drawing.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact me at Richard@richard-allan-marti.com

Curved vanity design ideas

Here is an example of a Curved front vanity.
Working with curves persents some awesome opportunities as well as some challenges. Not all cabinetmakers can execute curved doors and properly mount them to the frame. Even more important is to insure that the curved doors remain stable permanently.

This project was completed with Mahogany cabinetry and Mirror frames with fully integrated medicine cabinets behind the mirrors, silver plated hardware, faucets and lighting. The beveled glass mirrors are mounted on concealed freeswinging hinges and touch latches. ( be sure your client knows there will be finger prints on the mirror!)


If you would like further details, please contact me. mailto:Richard@Richard-allan-marti.com

How to choose a kitchen designer?

I want to know your thoughts on this topic. As a kitchen designer, I have a lot of ideas on the criteria that I would use, the questions I would ask. But, I am not a consumer. I design kitchens, I have built kitchens with my own two hands ( and luckily 10 intact fingers.)

Please tell me what is important to you... I'll be happy to share with you lots of information from the design side!

Best Wishes,
Richard

I am proud to be a part of the Southern New England Chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. It is a great organization that is working hard to increase its value to members by increasing professionalism and in the process, increase the value to our clients... The people who place their trust and dreams in our hands.

I will post design trends as I see them and I hope that people find them of value. I am going to try to leave at least one tidbit of information in each post that will have value to others. Today I will let readers know that the number one reason people choose designers is that they were recommended by someone they know. So.... Talk to your friends, learn who they chose to work on their project and why. Ask them about their experiences. Were they favorable or just tolerable?

Good Luck with your project!
Richard Allan Marti Jr.

Connecticut Kitchen and Bath Design Ideas

April 9, 2006 Start Blog after Leadership and Strategic planning meeting with the NKBA in Hartford, Connecticut.