Main Line Kitchen Design Podcast

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.

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.