Paul talks with an Shazia who’s an engineer with a great sense of humor. Besides going over design changes, Paul explains why engineers can be tough customers for kitchen designers. Paul talks about Main Line Kitchen Design’s funny video on why you need a kitchen designer and the engineer that appears in that video. Who the actor playing the video’s engineer is a very relevant surprise. For those in the know, a quick search of the engineer’s name on the Main Line Kitchen Design website will bring up some funny topics.

Paul walks Kevin through his whole kitchen. They make changes after talking through each part of the kitchen. Kevin is so open minded that they just keep talking and changing and the final design turns out to be something Kevin likes a lot better. This is a good episode showing what happens when you discuss your design with a professional kitchen designer and make choices after getting additional information. Kevin’s starting point is in the artwork for this podcast.

Paul takes a break from answering calls and discusses nearly all the different types of kitchen countertops. He talks about the advantages and disadvantages of each type and what to expect. If you have countertop questions, there’s a good chance the answer is discussed in this podcast.

Paul talks with Anne who hosts family events that need seating for all her grandkids. Paul gives her a couple of design change possibilities that give both more storage and more space in her kitchen.

Paul talks to Jennifer who has a townhouse and a community board with homeowner renovation restrictions. Paul moves things around to create a better space with a banquette.

Paul explains how connecting walls over doorways can make rooms feel more separated and defined while not changing the space. Paul explains how we find the other dealers we recommend outside our service area. He also explains how to pick a designer inside a company we might recommend.

Paul explains how durable painted vs stained cabinets are.

Paul talks to Eric who has a kitchen designed by Home Depot. While the design is OK, it could be better configured. Paul moves cabinetry around to create a more functional kitchen. Paul explains why you don’t want a speed oven with an oven door that folds down placed too high. Paul explains why slab doors look better in frameless cabinets.

Paul talks with Holly who was working with Costco on her kitchen. Moving a doorway and changing the direction of Holly’s island makes her design better. Paul eliminates the blind corners in Holly’s kitchen. Paul explains how moving a light fixture can create needed space.

Paul talks with Dan whose wife is working with an interior designer to design their kitchen. This is a pet peeve of Paul’s as interior designers are generally not qualified to design kitchens. Paul explains why you want to work on your kitchen design with the company that is selling you cabinetry. Paul once again explains the problems with French Doors. Paul strongly advises against creating tray ceilings in rooms 8 feet high or less.

Paul Speaks with Bernie who really wants to add an island to his kitchen. Paul does the calculations for Bernie’s kitchen and talks about what space you need to have an island. Paul explains what happens when you don’t leave enough space. Finally, Paul talks about cabinet sizing, costs and cabinet construction.

Paul talks with Holly who has a 99″ high ceiling. Paul explains why splurging on materials like appliances and cabinets makes no sense without first creating the best layout and design in a kitchen. Based on this concept, Paul advises Holly to add a window over her sink before splurging on expensive appliances. Paul also recommends Holly getting a much less expensive and smaller appliance package in order to get better cabinetry and countertops.