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.

Paul talks with PJ, who is considering American Woodmark cabinetry from Home Depot. His design is fairly straight forward but can still be improved. Paul talks about why home centers can be safer places to buy very simple kitchens then at private dealers. Paul talks about cabinet pricing and the advantages of Fabuwood over some brands.

Paul talks with Jennings, who is building a brand-new home down south. The views from the site are spectacular. The design is good but needing a few tweaks to make it the home it should be. Paul and Jennings put their heads together and give it a try. If you are building a new home from scratch this is a great podcast for you. It shows how collaboration leads to better design. And it shows the level of oversight that the homeowner needs to employ. Jennings gets 5 stars from Paul for the hands-on approach he is taking.

Paul talks with Allison and Sebastien who are doing a complex kitchen renovation, Sebastion is an architect. Paul explains why kitchen designers and architects have very different successful design criteria for any space. Paul preaches once again about ten pounds of sausage in an eight-pound wrapper.

Paul talks to Loretta who has an island that is far too large for her kitchen. Paul explains how to find a good kitchen cabinet dealer and how Main Line Kitchen Design rates cabinet dealers on our web site. Paul also explains why Main Line Kitchen Design sometimes get a 1-star review from a caller that Paul has annoyed and why Fabuwood is a good cabinet selection for a shaker white door style.

Loretta finds out why spending more money on cabinetry might not make any sense.

Paul talks with Laura who is planning on two kitchen renovations. One renovation is for a rental property. Paul explains the difference in less expensive brands like Fabuwood,,J& K, CNC, Forevermark, and GreenForest. Paul also explains why all good designers use 36″ wall cabinets and a two-piece stacked crown molding in an 8 foot high room. Paul also explains why you must check a ceiling with a laser level if you are not allowing and adjustment in the crown molding for an installation.

Paul talks to Elizabeth who has a kitchen designed with custom cabinetry but a simplistic design. Paul encourages her to not use such high wall cabinets and to possibly lower her ceiling in order to remove an unsightly beam and save by no longer needing custom cabinetry.

Paul talks with Eric and about Dekton and other countertop surfaces and the difference in price between different types of countertops. Paul explains the design challenges with Erics current design and recommends changes. Paul also talks about what color types make cabinetry expensive. Paul goes on the Kraftmaid website and looks at their colors.

Paul talks at length with Tina about a wide range of topics. If you are considering more expensive cabinetry this is an especially relevant episode. Painted finishes are discussed at length. As are custom paint finishes. What types of people make good designers is discussed. Design techniques used for 10 foot high ceilings such as stacked cabinets and moldings, and tray and coffered ceilings are compared. If you have high ceilings this is an episode you should listen to.