Sam & Kim Kitchen Remodel

March 21, 2016/in Consumer Information, Custom Projects /by Stacey Walker

Sam & Kim’s Kitchen Remodel

In 2015, Sam and Kim decided to move back to Sam’s former home and update their kitchen. Enlisting the help of Walker Woodworking and Tony Brooks of Beam Edwards & Brooks, this kitchen remodel became an amazing transformation from an enclosed kitchen to an open floor plan. Follow this link to see the complete before & after photo gallery.

Walker Woodworking Before & After

Returning Home

Sam’s family moved into this house in 1962 as its first owners. Over the years the home was remodeled several times. Multiple additions included adding a master bedroom, enclosing the carport to build a playroom, and adding a sunroom. Sam along with his brother Al and his sister Andrea grew up there. Many children through the years considered it their home while Sam’s mom ran a daycare until the mid 80’s.

Growing up in the home the formal living room was used only on special occasions or to take family photo. The 7 grandchildren considered this their second home and have fond memories of playing and being loved there.

After Sam’s mother’s death, his father continued to live in the house and host weekly Sunday Dinner for the family. After his dad’s death the house was vacant except for grandchildren sometimes living there.

Planning & Design:

In working with Tony Brooks, a plan was formed to open up the formal living room and convert to an open floor plan. The playroom was converted to a den for use during construction.

After a desire for the open floor plan was determined they met at Walker Woodworking with kitchen and bath designer, Brandon Fitzmorris, to complete the kitchen design. Brandon was able to plan out the space for optimized cooking and storage. Since this will be their forever home, they wanted to make the space as functional as possible. One of the design challenges was to achieve seating at the peninsula while still maintaining the feel of an open floor plan. We were able to accomplish this through team work with the general contractor by incorporating a pass through to the living room.

The process:

Demo – Demolition started and cabinets came out. Site prep was done by adding a protective floor covering to prevent damage and a dust barrier to the existing living space.

Before demo started

This double door was made into a single pocket door to add wall space for the kitchen area.

Walls that needed new sheet-rock & finish work after cabinets were removed.

Construction – A wall was removed and carpet from the living room came out. Hardwood was added to the kitchen and den and matched up to the existing hardwood in the living room, a treasure hidden beneath the carpet. The end result was seamless, there is nothing left of the previous wall separating the formal living room from the kitchen.

Kitchen wall and living room after the wall was removed and the header added.

Plumbing & Electrical – The next part of the process was to update plumbing & electrical. By using our preplanned CAD drawings, the subcontractors were able to quickly and efficiently make the necessary changes to the updated kitchen layout.

Sheetrock & Primary Painting – Sheetrock repair and primary painting is definitely an expectation with an extensive remodel like this one. The wall that needed to be removed was a load bearing wall. We had to build a header across the room and sheetrock that area.

Cabinet Install – Usually a 2 day process for a kitchen similar to this one. Our trucks show up full of cabinets, already assembled including the decorative hardware. One of the things that we do differently than most companies is to apply the toe kicks after the floors are finished. In most cases this eliminates the need for shoe-moulding. This will give the cabinets more of a finished furniture style.

Walker Woodworking – Cabinetry Install

Counter-tops – Typically counter-tops are ready for the template after the cabinets are installed. Once the template has been done, it will typically take 1 to 2 weeks before the tops are ready to install. Each fabricator is different. Granite can be installed in a kitchen like this usually in half a day.

Appliances – In most situations appliances will go in after the counter-tops. Every project is unique and having professionals that realize the importance of when certain things should happen is important for a smooth remodel. This will also help to ensure that cabinets, flooring and counter-tops are not damaged during the process.

The Finishing Touches – The last few things that need to be done include the tile back splash, final coat of paint, and the final sanding & finishing of the floors.

Be sure you see all of the before & after photo’s in our Before & After Photo Gallery.

“Both Tony and the team at Walker Woodworking held our hand through the process, which at some times was emotional because of the changes being made to the family home. The end result was more than we could have ever dreamed possible.The remodel was completed in time for us to continue family traditions of Thanksgiving & Christmas in the home.” ~ Kim Davis

The open space was once a wall that extended the entire length of the room.

Kitchen-remodel-after-with-family-in-kitchen

These guys can still see whats going on the living room.

This home will be enjoyed for many years & future generations to come.

We would like to thank Sam & Kim for allowing us to share their story. Follow this link to see the complete before & after photo gallery.

Design Trends for 2016

January 23, 2016/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

Design Trends for 2016

A look at Design trends for 2016

With the beautiful designs of 2015 how will design trends evolve for 2016? Most of our clients try and steer away from trendy designs while finding a happy balance between what’s new and what will stand the test of time. No one wants their brand new cabinetry, granite, and back-splash to be dated two years from now. Finding that happy balance in 2016 will be easy. Keep things simple, light, and clean. Bring in elements that can easily be changed with your accessory items and you will be in fashion for many years to come.

From Zillow

Video from Zillow

According to trends on Zillow – chalk boards, mason jars and burlap are going out and Art Deco is in. Also in style is Artisan goods, nubby textures, and encaustic tiles. What is encaustic tile – be sure to watch the video to see what Zillow has to say about these design trends for 2016. We are certainly seeing these trends already, from High-point Market to everyday client consultations, Zillow is right on target.

See the full blog at zillow.com. They have great examples of how these new trends are being used today.

As we look to Houzz, here are a few suggestions for what they think is trending for 2016.

As we look to Houzz design trends, we see a combination of classics in design, along with modern and rustic elements. Many of the trends from 2015 are still going strong for this new year. From simple color schemes, black and white decorating ideas with a touch of bright color to impressive centerpieces and over-sized furniture, just to name a few. You won’t be left out with the subtle and soft color design and decorating ideas in retro style from the 50’s to 70’s and even the 80’s when designing your home in 2016.

25 Design Trends Coming to Homes Near You in 2016

Walker Woodworking Kitchen Trends for 2016

And what are we seeing day to day here at Walker Woodworking? Painted cabinets are still hot. Most of our clients are going for a shade of off-white painted frameless cabinetry with a stained island. White and gray still seem to be a popular flavor for 2016, staying neutral to keep that balance of trends and timeless design to maintain the everlasting kitchen that can be enjoyed for many years to come.

Textured wood is also trending in those accent pieces that add a rustic yet modern flair, making the transitional design one of the most popular trends we are seeing today. We can’t wait to photograph some of these unique projects once they are finished.

custom cabinets, kitchen design trends for 2016

Be sure to stay connected with Walker Woodworking for more great consumer information coming soon!

Article by Stacey Walker, email me a topic of interest to stacey@walker-woodworking.com and I will be sure to include it in my next blog.

Organize Your Kitchen

January 23, 2016/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

Start Your New Year Organized!

With so many unique storage options available to organize your kitchen, here are a few ways that Walker Woodworking can help you get your kitchen organized. Our team of experts were really creative with making some of these storage options work to the homeowner’s very specific requests and needs.

An organized kitchen helps things run smoothly so that you can focus more on creating great meals. When planning your new kitchen, take time to plan your space fully; even measuring cutlery, plates and platters to create spaces within the kitchen so that everything has a place in which it belongs.

The Pantry

Photo by Walker Woodworking Staff – All Rights Reserved.

Light up your pantry! This is a simple yet bright way to be able to see what you have hiding in your pantry. Another great idea is keeping the pantry area shallow, sometimes its hard to reach all the way back for your favorite snack. If you have the wall space in your kitchen, having adjustable shelves or pull out drawers behind cabinet doors is a great way to keep all of your grocery’s organized and easily accessible.

Organize your space – trim back the contents of your pantry until you have some open space on each shelf. Organize what’s left into a set of matching food storage containers or open baskets. This may mean removing excess food. Remember that a staged kitchen is not necessarily a practical kitchen!

Large Pullouts – Get your storage and great looks.

Vertical storage – the possibilities for pullouts go beyond traditional pantry-style drawers. These special decorative pullouts for specific items can boost the functionality of your kitchen. Groceries are easy to see and the shelves in this unit are adjustable. This is an great option for using absolutely every inch of your kitchen.

Shallow Cabinet Shelves

This homeowner wanted to make use of every possible space available so we added panels on the end that open into shallow adjustable shelves. This is ideal from storing spices to multivitamins and other small items that tend to get lost in larger pantries. This is one of the many ways you can design custom cabinets to help you organize your kitchen.

Custom Drawers

Divide and conquer – taking it to the extreme. One of the things only a custom cabinetry company can provide – custom drawers. It’s always a challenge to make the best use to the space under a cook-top. This dovetail U shaped drawer is just one of several options that we can do. Many of these details are discussed during the design phase. We factor in appliance specs as well as the homeowner’s preferences when planning space under the cook-top.

Double Decker Drawers

This is always a client favorite! Double-decker drawers are most often used to store utensils. With more and more kitchen gadgets available, more space is needed to store these items for easy access. These double-decker drawers have been used in many of our client’s kitchen designs over the last few years. We use heavy duty Blum Soft Close Undermount Drawer Slides in all of our drawers.

Mixer Lift

Clutter-free counters provide space for food prep and entertaining. An appliance pullout provides easy access to everyday items like toasters or coffee machines, which can slide out in a snap and just as easily be hidden away when not in use. The mixer lift is a popular item for our clients who really love to bake. Most mixers are really heavy and a hassle to get out and put away. The mixer lift storage unit is perfect for making the mixer very easy to access when needed. The hardware does the heavy lifting for you, all you have to do is pull the leaver and the lift comes right up, when you’re all done just push the unit back in place and close the door.

Silverware Dividers

Keep things in order with drawer organizers – cluttered drawers can alter the functionality and efficiency of a kitchen. All of our new kitchens come with a complimentary silverware tray divider. This is how you make use of all the space in a large drawer. Keeping your silverware organized is a must. Sometimes one is not enough, these are easy and inexpensive to add to your drawers during the design phase of your kitchen.

Did you know that we have an entire photo gallery dedicated to the many storage options that can be incorporated to your design? Click here to dive in.

Living the Easy Life

May 4, 2015/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

Of course, we all know the “Easy Life” is with a book in our hand, toes in the sand.

Then reality hits us right smack in the face! We are micro managers of our household! What could make life easier is organization. Seems simple enough right? A kitchen well designed from the beginning will make for an easier life!

So, let me explain how it is you can have the“Easy-Life” with custom cabinets.

If you are considering building new or remodeling a home in the near future, you should consider custom cabinetry.

There are many more reasons to consider custom cabinetry than you might realize.

Cabinet organization can reduce clutter, make things easier to store and find–which makes cooking more enjoyable!

Organization built into your design might just begin to create the “Easy -Life” for you!

Benefits of working with a custom cabinet shop:

Built to last
Local sourcing
Elements you NEED, and none that you don’t
Personalization
Built to fit
Not mass produced
Space planning and functional design

At Walker Woodworking we have a talented designer who can guide you through all the options of custom cabinets with your best interest in mind. Custom design elements will increase the value of your home. “Cookie-cutter” or boxed cabinet manufacturing cannot offer the elements of a custom shop.

Your kitchen design is often based on the purpose of your kitchen. That may seem crazy to say, but not all kitchen owners actually cook; therefore, perhaps pan dividers and spice racks are not needed. Your lifestyle is important to the design of your kitchen. Does the whole family cook? Do you need more counter space for preparations? Do you eat in the kitchen? Do you have large serving pieces? All of these questions and more will help the design process be most efficient for you and your family.

Here are a few suggested kitchen design ideas that will help you begin the “Easy Life”.

Tray dividers:

Not a new concept to the kitchen, but new ideas in the design area. Tray dividers can store various items such as: Cutting boards, cookie sheets, & serving trays. Placement for this type of storage will give your kitchen more function without compromising space.

Base wall and pullouts:

Pullouts are perfect to fill in a space and use for storage of spices, oils, cooking utensils & other small items. When closed, the pullouts will blend with the kitchen design and sometimes go unnoticed. Maximize your storage and get the most out of your space.

Pantry & roll-out drawers:

Adjustable roll-outs are perfect for canned goods and dry food storage. This helps eliminate the problem of never seeing what’s in the back. Everything is easily accessible and at your fingertips!

Appliance garage:

The mixer now has a place to be stored.
No heavy lifting just to make a cake! Coffee makers, blenders, toasters and small appliances can be stored with convenience; thus making your life easier and your back stronger! Frees the counter top of clutter and begins to make life easier!

Recycle bin:

Recycling is important. But really who likes having the three large ugly plastic storage bins at your garage door entrance? Now you can get the family involved in recycling. Recycling can be stylish and functional. Custom cabinets will allow you to have more than one area of trash bins in your home.

Rustic Home, alder wood,bar stool,cabinet covered appliances,rustic style kitchen

Picture shows a two-can trash pullout recycle bin to the left of the sink

and to the right, is a paneled dishwasher!

Docking drawer & drawer dividers:

Free up your counter space–custom drawers, docking drawers and cutlery drawers will certainly help with the clutter of small items. Several of our home owners need storage for various things including: hair dryers, curling irons, DVD’s, jewelry, guns, serving utensils, tools and so much more!

A designer will provide answers to your questions that will allow us to design cabinetry that is best suited for your lifestyle.Docking drawers are becoming more and more popular in today’s households. A docking drawer has the electrical components inside the drawer which can charge your electronic devices without clutter on the countertop.

Refrigerator drawer and warming drawers:

Like the look of a mini bar, wet bar or need extra refrigerated space for the kids to have easy access to after school drinks and snacks? A refrigerator drawer is functional and stylish. Custom cabinet appliance panels can be placed on the outside to have the drawer look as if it was part of the cabinetry. Warming drawers also can be incorporated into your kitchen design to blend with the cabinetry.

We understand kitchen and home remodels or new construction can be a daunting experience. It is our intention to assist you each step of the way. At Walker Woodworking, our focus is on creating high – end custom made products to enhance your home and lifestyle. We believe that our quality, custom, hand-crafted woodworking makes the difference between an ordinary house and an extraordinary home. Quality is the foundation for everything we do.

Go enjoy the “Easy life” and call us when you need custom cabinets!

Jan Blanton – Walker Woodworking

Cookbooks to Tablets

April 19, 2015/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

Technology is what’s trending in today’s kitchen.

Today’s kitchen trends encompass far more than colors, counter tops, flooring and appliances. Your grandmother’s recipe cards or cookbooks are now the latest framed Pinterest project. Milk, bread and flour, once a staples in your grandmother’s kitchen, are now been replaced with a refrigerator that includes HD televisions and mounted kitchen tablets that are functional and fun.

Consumers have come to expect technology in all facets of their lives; the kitchen is no exception!

It is important how the kitchen fits into your lifestyle and it is even more important how it functions.

Kitchens are now being designed as smart kitchens, with mobile devices everywhere. Smart homes feature WI-FI enabled appliances – all of which must be considered in your kitchen design. Home management is important and you may want to have a message center, a drop zone, key racks, mail-slots and individual storage for each family member and even for the four legged family members. Custom cabinet design features can help you customize your space.

Technology is being integrated into the kitchen design. Interactive appliances with touch screens, digital devices compatible with phones and tablets, docking drawers and charging stations are increasingly popular in the latest kitchen designs. Wireless appliances such as blenders and toasters are in the near future.

refrigerator drawer,hidden appliances,built in,kitchen ideas,black cabinets,storage island

Microwave drawers, as well as refrigerator drawers, and warming drawers are becoming more popular for the function and

warming drawer,pull out cutting board,raised panel,entertaining ideas

the safety for all generations, as we now have young and old living together in one home.

Accessibility, functionality, storage, style and “going green” are additional design trends being integrated into today’s kitchen design. Money-saving tips would be to have energy efficient appliances, low-flow faucets, task lighting and natural light.

At Walker Woodworking we will not only customize your cabinets, we will customize the design process to fit your family needs – keeping up with all the latest trends! Fitting all your wants and needs into one space and into your budget is our utmost objective!

Jan Blanton – Walker Woodworking

Call us today for more information about how we can help you customize your kitchen! 704-434-0823

CLOSETS …CLOSETS … CLOSETS

April 19, 2015/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

Turn your clutter and chaos into a clean closet!

Before starting this blog I thought I would see how Webster defines a closet. A closet is usually small room that is used for storing things (such as clothing, towels, or dishes).

clos·et noun \ˈklä-zət, ˈklȯ-\:

A closet can be small room, enclosed recess, or cabinet for storing clothing, food, utensils, etc. is how Dictionary.com describes it. Either way, a closet is a place of storage with the number one goal to keep organized and have everything easily accessible. Unfortunately, clutter and chaos can easily take over your home whether it be in the kitchen, master bathroom, home-office, or your garage. Who knew there were so many different types of closets!

shoe storage,full length mirror,dressing room,custom closets,classic white

Everyone wishes they had more storage space especially at Christmas time, and it would be nice to reduce the clutter year round!

Children today are involved in numerous sports, or dance with so many items needing to be stored. A college student never comes home empty handed, and even after 4 years they may have to return home to live, or perhaps one day we realize it is best for the parents if they now live with us. Whatever your household is like, the need for storage just became a necessity. Having the perfect storage unit for everyone’s belongings will miraculously make chaos disappear in your home. And we could all use a little magic when it comes to keeping the home organized!

Walker Woodworking can help you design a unique storage space for many areas of your home.

Broom closet: A narrow floor-to-ceiling space for the storage of lengthy items such as brooms, mops, & dustpans. You can easily add an 8 inch broom closet to the pantry, opening with side by side doors. This small space can save steps making kitchen cleanup a breeze.

Coat closet: A coat closet is a closet of a house where people store their hoods, jackets and coats. A coat closet is typically located in the entryway, so that it is close to the front door. It is becoming more and more popular to have your entryway flanked with a custom built mudroom or closet to be seen as you enter the home. Making it so accessible for the children to place their book-bags and coats, because we all know they hit the floor as the children walk through the door!

Linen closet: A tall, narrow closet, typically located in or near bathrooms and/or bedrooms. Such a closet contains shelves used to hold towels, washcloths, sheets, and toiletries. Even if your space is limited in the bathroom, you would be surprised at the storage you can get in a vertical space. Over the toilet, beside the door or shower, if you are building new or remodeling be sure to allow room for a linen closet. After all, we have all forgotten our towel once or twice only to realize it AFTER our bath! Problem solved with a linen closet in the bathroom! No more naked running in the house!
Utility closet: A closet used for permanently housing appliances, most commonly the heating/cooling unit and water heater, especially in apartments where they cannot be put in a garage, attic, or basement. Today more than ever we have appliances of all sizes and shapes. Appliances are no longer just the water heater or the washer and dryer. Ladies have hair appliances, men have tools, those of you with culinary skills have many appliances in the kitchen such as, mixers, blenders, and panini grills. Coffee makers are also an appliance many homeowners wish to have hidden until time to use. Custom built closets can be any size!
Walk-in closet (often shortened to “walk-in”): A closet large enough to walk inside to store clothes or other objects, on two or three sides. They may have lighting, mirrors, and flooring distinct from adjacent rooms. A walk in closet is a dream for every new homeowner! A walk-in closet can also be custom built into the room, it can be a walk-in pantry, a walk-in craft room, a walk in wine cellar, whatever you choose to walk into, Walker woodworking can customize your space efficiently and maximize functionally.

custom, closets, mirrored cabinet door, island

Walker Woodworking can help you organize any closet you have in mind! Take a look at some of these custom built organizational storage units built by Walker Woodworking.

View more closets by Walker Woodworking.

Turn your clutter and chaos into a clean closet today!

www.walker-woodworking.com – or call 704-434-0823 to set up a consultation.

By Jan Blanton – Walker Woodworking

Make the most of your Home Show Experience

August 11, 2014/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

Planning your Home Show Day

No matter what type of show you are attending it’s almost impossible to see everything there! Here are some helpful tips to plan your day!

When you’re attending a home show it is easy to walk in the door and be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of exhibitors and beautiful displays that are vying for your attention. Here are a few tips that will help make your experience enjoyable and assist you in getting the information that you went to the show to find. We want you to leave feeling knowledgeable about any project you have in mind to conquer in your home.

1. Before you go make a list of projects you want to look into.

Having specific places to go will help you save time and not be overwhelmed by the numerous exhibits. You should take a list of questions with you for the vendors you plan to visit so you’ll be doing an even comparison – booth by booth.

For example, if you are looking into cabinets it may be important to you if the product is made by American employees using US materials. You could ask questions such as the following: Do you use solid wood construction? Do you offer free estimates? Is the installation cost included in the pricing? Having questions in mind that are important to you and specific to you project will help you keep the conversation focused. You will quickly determine the product you are most interested in pursuing, which will allow you to compare and eliminate prospects.

2. Get a show program and map out you vendors.

When you start going through the show, begin on a specific route with your planned targets and stick to it. That way you’ll be less likely to be pulled in multiple directions and miss a whole row of vendors completely.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

Many companies that work with different sectors of the remodeling industry are knowledgeable in various topics and trades of the home industry. The key staff work the shows and network with other vendors. Their knowledge and resources are extremely valuable.

4. Dress for comfort.

Remember if you want to get the most out of your show experience then expect to do lots of walking and standing. There are few sitting areas available unless you are sitting down to eat or hear a presentation.

5. Bring cash with you.

Many displays will offer samples. Food booths have items available for purchase. Most will accept credit cards but it’s nice to have cash to purchase a bottle of water and you always need cash to pay for parking.

Walker Woodworking has had a booth at numerous shows over the last 10 years. We have talked to many consumers, as well as other vendors at these shows. We enjoy meeting new people and have had positive feedback over the years from show visitors. We hope these tips will make your show visit a pleasant one and hope to see you at our next show.

For more information about Walker Woodworking or our upcoming home shows, be sure to visit our Website. Our design experts will be happy to assist you.

Remember to take breaks, have fun and enjoy the show! Visit us at our next show The Southern Ideal Home Show, August 22, – 24.

Post by: Jeneane Beaver

CAD drawing,kitchen design ideas,before and after

Why you should hire a Kitchen and Bath Designer

May 31, 2014/in Consumer Information, Custom Projects /by Stacey Walker

Benefits Of Hiring A Kitchen & Bath Designer

Many consumers can feel overwhelmed by the daunting task of remodeling a major portion of their home. The average homeowner is not a naturally skilled handyman, especially with built in cabinets, so construction knowledge may be limited and can seem like a lot to learn. That is why it is very important to have the right people with the correct knowledge and skill set to assist with your project. Want to view photos from this entire project?

If you’ve never done a renovation, when you begin the process of planning a kitchen and bath remodel, it is easy to be inundated by the sheer number of design options (inset, overlay, full overlay), selections (appliances, tile, lighting, flooring), and the numerous vendors (counter top specialists, plumbers, electricians) who want to sell you items for your home. This is where a designer can come in and help you sift through these options for you. They can help you achieve your new ideal space, without sacrificing quality or your overall budget. The main benefits for hiring a Kitchen and Bath designer are:

Custom Cabinets by Walker Woodworking. Photo by Walker Woodworking Staff - All Rights Reserved.

Education and credentials: Many designers have attained their preliminary design knowledge through education in the form of a Bachelor’s or even Master’s degree from a reputable University. The subject and course matter will vary from school to school but most institutions will teach a wide range of courses, such as: 2D and 3D Design, space planning, human dimensional standards, drafting, AutoCAD, finishing and textiles, history of design, lighting, and color study. In addition to a large course load many design students are required to complete an internship to gain invaluable field experience and learn the core of client relationships that are built when working in a design firm. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in interior Design during the spring of 2008 from Western Carolina University. Their design program is NKBA accredited, which helped give me an added boost in Kitchen and Bath Design specifically. Many designers choose to add to their credentials by attaining another level of certification after they graduate and begin working. I did this through the NKBA by completing an extensive exam to become a certified Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer. As a designer’s career progresses they will be able to achieve higher levels of certification through many different organizations and tests, such as: ASID, IDS, NKBA, and NCIDQ. The important thing is to make sure they have some type of education in design before you hire your designer.

Daily Learning: Since the average homeowner may only complete one or two remodels in their lifetime it is important to utilize the expertise of someone who plans out kitchens and baths on a daily basis. The trends for the home are ever changing and a designer will have access to all of the latest gizmos and gadgets to make your room work best for the way you live in it. Many people think ‘I know what goes into a kitchen or bath; it can’t be that hard to plan’. However, you would not go into a hospital and tell a surgeon how to operate, you relinquish the control to him because you think ‘he must know what he’s doing; he does it all the time’. Granted, this is a bit extreme, but it is the same reasoning people should use when hiring a designer for their expertise. They plan spaces all the time and they know what they’re doing, you can trust their ideas and you won’t be disappointed.

Background in space planning and functionality: Every person has their own preferences for their particular space. Being a good designer means listening to your clients wants, learning how they use their home, noticing physical characteristics or any limitations, and then melding these items into a cohesive design that works for the end user. There are certain “Standards” in kitchen and bath design planning that a designer automatically knows based on the average user. Some of these standards are set by code, but others come from the development of our homes through previous years of trial and error. Any good kitchen designer should know that the work triangle in the kitchen is centered around the layout of the sink, cook top, and refrigerator (since these are the main work areas). There are standards of how much room should be left between each of these areas as well as standard depths, minimum clearances, workflow considerations, and many other spatial planning constraints to consider. Only a qualified designer will know all of these standards and be able to implement them in your home.

Business relationships with vendors: As I discussed earlier, sorting through all of the finish details for a project in your kitchen or bathroom can seem like an endless task. Since designers plan spaces everyday they already have an integral network of reliable and trusted business partners that they can recommend to you. The good thing about using their referrals is the level of confidence your designer will have using their contacts. Trust is a crucial key to business relationships, so you can be sure they trust the work of whoever they recommend for your home.

Custom Cabinets by Walker Woodworking. This beautifully styled french country kitchen has many elements of character. The custom hood, egg and dart trim accompanied by the glass front cabinets give this kitchen the feel of warmth and welcome! Photo by Walker Woodworking Staff – All Rights Reserved.

Budget planning, saving time and money: Still not convinced? The most important reason of for hiring a designer, it will save you time and money. You can make all of your selections in advance and feel good about those decisions and know exactly how much your renovation will cost before you even start. Designers can save you money; they know where to find the best prices and their resources are unlimited. They will save you time by bringing the selections to you and giving you a select few choices. Don’t hesitate to give your designer a budget from the very beginning; if you have a limit on what you are willing to spend you need to let them know that. Remember if you are ‘doing it yourself’ and you are not happy with what you have selected, changing your mind might cost money, making mistakes cost money. Good planning with the help of a designer will save you time and money in the end.

These are just a few of the benefits of using a Kitchen and Bath Designer to assist you with your project. When you hire a designer, or work through a firm that has one, you get the expertise of an experienced professional who can solve problems, help you avoid costly mistakes, and create and attractive, affordable space that meets your lifestyle needs.

More photo’s from this project.

Sam & Kim’s Kitchen Remodel

Returning Home

Planning & Design:

The process:

Design Trends for 2016

A look at Design trends for 2016

As we look to Houzz, here are a few suggestions for what they think is trending for 2016.

Walker Woodworking Kitchen Trends for 2016

Start Your New Year Organized!

The Pantry

Large Pullouts – Get your storage and great looks.

Shallow Cabinet Shelves

Custom Drawers

Double Decker Drawers

Mixer Lift

Silverware Dividers

Turn your clutter and chaos into a clean closet!

Turn your clutter and chaos into a clean closet today!

www.walker-woodworking.com – or call 704-434-0823 to set up a consultation.

Planning your Home Show Day

No matter what type of show you are attending it’s almost impossible to see everything there! Here are some helpful tips to plan your day!

1. Before you go make a list of projects you want to look into.

2. Get a show program and map out you vendors.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

4. Dress for comfort.

5. Bring cash with you.

For more information about Walker Woodworking or our upcoming home shows, be sure to visit our Website. Our design experts will be happy to assist you.

Remember to take breaks, have fun and enjoy the show! Visit us at our next show The Southern Ideal Home Show, August 22, – 24.

Benefits Of Hiring A Kitchen & Bath Designer

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