Paul talks with Michael who is over budget on the kitchen addition he is working on. Paul talks about different ways to save money on cabinetry. He and Michael discus the design and possible changes. French Doors come up again and why they are often poorly thought out by architects. Grabel, Medallion, Starmark, and Fieldstone cabinetry is discussed.

Paul and Main Line Kitchen Design’s Ed Sossich discuss some of the famous customers Ed has worked with. Both Paul and Ed have worked together at several showrooms. Very early in their careers they worked together first at The Home Depot and then at Lowe’s. Among the celebrities Ed has worked with are Brooke Shields, David Morse, Charles Barkley, and others.

Paul goes over Emily’s kitchen plans in great detail. He notices all the unusual custom cabinet sizes but thinks that these unusual sizes and dimensions are unattractive and impractical. Paul finds many dimensions that don’t work for Emily’s design. For example the microwave will not fit in the appliance garage, and the oven is so high off the floor that shorter people will burn their arms reaching inside. If you are working with a designer that doesn’t use kitchen design software this is a warning sign that your designer is too old or inexperienced, and doesn’t know the cabinet market. This can cost a customer a fortune and yet give them a poor design.

Paul and Mark discuss Paul’s pet peeves as a kitchen designer. They go over the customer interactions that can be frustrating. Why Paul isn’t a big fan of builders like Toll Brothers. The different techniques kitchen designers use with their customers. And how top selling kitchen designer Doug Mottershead is able to break sales records wherever he works. Paul reveals what he thinks is wrong with HGTV. Plus, other cranky gripes unmentioned!

Paul talks with Cheryl who has a home built on a slab. After asking some questions Paul believes Cheryl’s contractor inflating prices for moving plumbing. They discuss how to find contractors and possible design changes. Below are Cheryl’s kitchen drawings and a hand drawing by Paul on how a two-piece crown molding is installed. This is the type molding profile Paul recommends for Cheryl’s kitchen.

Paul talks with Richard who plans on customizing kitchen cabinets in the new home he is building. Lots of red flags worry Paul. Inventing cabinetry of your own is far more difficult than people realize. Paul warns Richard about several problems he sees in some of Richard’s kitchen cabinet customizations. He critiques the kitchen layout, appliance locations, and other design choices. Most importantly, having carpenters build cabinetry to customer’s specifications is discussed and why buying kitchen cabinetry from larger manufacturers through reliable cabinet dealers is recommended.

Paul speaks with Rose and explains why it saves time working with a kitchen designer as early as possible when you are remodeling a kitchen. Kitchen designers can throw “monkey wrenches” into customer’s remodeling plans when they inform them about issues that hadn’t been considered. Paul brings up issues previously not considered in Rose’s kitchen. Both Paul and Rose go through possible tradeoffs to make Rose’s design better.

Paul explains why island cooktops are undesirable and create venting and design problems. Episode 29

Paul talks with Debbie who among some of her design challenges has an island cook-top. They discuss why Island cook-tops create ventilation and counter-top problems. While critiquing Debbie’s design, Paul explains why 24 inch cabinets are not the most functional size. He also explains why double ovens can add thousands of dollars to a kitchen. Even beyond the added cost of the appliances. How moldings are used to hide hood venting is discussed. Surprisingly, while discussing shelving, the danger’s carpenters face installing from wall cabinets is explained.

Paul breaks down the process of designing a good kitchen for Taylor and Lex. He moves one window and raises another. This creates a kitchen that will dramatically increase the value of their home. Later, Paul goes through the process of how to find a good cabinet dealer and kitchen designer. Main Line Kitchen Design uses this same process to find the cabinet dealers we recommend around the United States. If you are having trouble finding a kitchen designer and a good cabinet dealer in your area listening to this episode will be very helpful. Our link to a list of recommended dealers is : https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/recommended-kitchen-designers-cabinet-dealers-outside-service-area/

Paul talks with Steve who has some really good questions. Paul explains what makes cabinetry expensive and why imported cabinetry bought through US suppliers is such a good value if you are on a budget. Paul discusses individual cabinetry brands at the lower price points and explains some of the dangers in some of those brands door styles. Paul also explains why assembling cabinets yourself isn’t a good investment of your time. Paul talks about off gassing and why less expensive brands can off gas less.