Life, Styled
You love your home, but there are some areas that are no longer working for you, if they ever did at all. You have made the big decision to renovate your kitchen, to give yourself the space you have always envisioned, but it feels overwhelming. How do you know which layout will work best for you? Which style best represents you, and what wood type will pair perfectly with certain colors? The kitchen can be a more difficult renovation because it involves multiple facets, such as plumbing and electrical. Adding in the appliances, lighting, and cabinets decisions can be enough to make your head spin. Planning is a critical part of a kitchen renovation, making it a key area of focus, which is why an experienced designer can help you accomplish your dreams on time and on budget.
What Does A Kitchen Designer Do?
Don’t let the word design fool you into thinking they just create a design for the contractor to follow. There is much more to their job description than that. They are experienced in layout, cabinet design, hardware selection, materials, colors, and more. Their job is to help guide you through the renovation process, lending you their years of design experience to create a kitchen that is perfect for you. Our designers are experts in layout and cabinet design, with a creative eye and good communication skills, both of which are essential to building a design that will last a lifetime. A good kitchen designer can take a space, mold it to your specific needs, and help you achieve the dream space you have always wanted. Their job is to guide you through the journey, making it enjoyable and with minimal stress for the whole family.
The Benefits Of Hiring A Kitchen Designer
Hiring a kitchen designer is more than just having a person help you with your selections. There are multiple benefits to having a kitchen designer, including:
- Saves money
- Less stress
- Experience
- Achieve goals
A kitchen renovation can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have the right help because there are numerous details that go into this project, such as appliances, lighting, and even plumbing. Having someone who can help you through the remodel can make a huge difference.
Because you are paying for a design service, you may not agree that you’re saving money, but their experience means you will avoid costly mistakes and other issues that they know to avoid. Their knowledge is invaluable to you as you make your way through the renovation.
Stress is the number one killer of enthusiasm for a project. It’s easy to get discouraged and disgruntled when things don’t go right, but a designer who has completed hundreds of projects will know how to plan your renovation so that everything goes according to schedule, leaving you feeling relaxed and at ease, able to enjoy the journey.
Experience also lends itself to a quicker layout since they know what works and what doesn’t. They know what size hardware works for a particular cabinet and just how much lighting is needed for the kitchen. A designer will be able to easily tell you how your wish list can be transformed into a design and if there are any elements that will not work within the given space. They are also able to tell you which layouts work best, which, again, saves you time.
The ultimate goal is to create a design that functions and reflects your unique style, and a kitchen designer will be able to help you check off the boxes for your new space. Our dedicated team has helped so many clients accomplish their renovation goals as smoothly as possible. That is the ultimate desire for every kitchen designer: to help their clients get the space they need and still enjoy the journey. Read a few more reasons why you should hire a designer in this blog post by This Old House.
Questions To Ask Your Kitchen Designer
Questions are a vital part of a design meeting. We have a list of things that we ask when doing an initial consult meeting, such as:
- How many people will use this space?
- Do you have any pets?
- Are there any specific needs or wishes you have?
- Are the cooks left-handed or right-handed?
- Do you do a lot of baking?
- Will you need an additional prep sink?
- How about a built-in microwave or warming drawer?
- What are your style and color preferences?
- Do you want a dedicated beverage area?
We ask these questions because we want to get to know you so we can best understand how to serve you. We also understand that you may want to ask us questions, but are unsure of what to ask specifically. Here is a list of some questions you will want to ask your kitchen designer:
- Ask what other projects they have done and look at pictures.
- Have they done anything similar to what you want?
- Ask about the approximate timeline.
- Get information regarding payment schedules as well.
It is important to communicate your needs and expectations upfront so that you will know if they can meet your needs. Hiring a designer is an important decision; they are the ones who will provide you with a new kitchen layout that you can enjoy for a lifetime, so you have the right to be choosy. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Walker WoodworkingWithout a doubt, the most significant statement piece in a bathroom is the vanity, as it is usually the first thing the eye sees. Floating vanities have become increasingly popular, particularly with minimalist, clean, and modern aesthetics. This blog will explore what they are, what designs complement floating vanities best, and the benefits this style can bring to your bathroom.
Granite, Quartz, Marble, or Quartzite?
These are the top contenders when it comes to selecting the perfect countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom. Each one brings its own strengths, aesthetic appeal, and practical considerations—making the decision both exciting and a bit overwhelming.
Granite is a natural stone known for its durability and unique, one-of-a-kind patterns. Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered surface that offers a wide range of color options and is prized for its low-maintenance qualities. Marble stands out for its timeless elegance and heat resistance, though it requires more upkeep. Quartzite closely resembles marble in appearance but offers greater durability and easier maintenance.
When making your selection, it’s important to consider factors such as heat and stain resistance, ease of maintenance, and of course, budget. Below, we break down the key differences, pros, and cons of each material to help you determine which surface best suits your lifestyle, design vision, and practical needs.
The kitchen pantry is often one of the most underutilized yet high-potential spaces in the home. While it can easily become a catch-all for clutter, a well-designed pantry is a true hidden gem—capable of transforming the functionality of your kitchen. From storing oversized serving pieces to housing everyday essentials, a thoughtfully planned pantry helps keep countertops clear and mealtime prep more efficient.
Whether you have a compact pull-out pantry, a spacious walk-in, or a dedicated butler’s pantry, innovative organization is key. A well-designed pantry not only maximizes storage but also supports the flow of your kitchen. Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite design ideas and practical tips to help you better utilize your pantry space—and maybe even inspire your next kitchen upgrade.
Our showroom’s grand opening was the culmination of two years filled with vision, planning, and hard work—a dream brought to life through dedication and passion. Now, as we prepare to celebrate our second anniversary, we find ourselves reflecting on how quickly time has passed. It feels like only yesterday that we opened our doors and welcomed our very first clients into the space we’ve come to love so much.
Join us as we take a walk down memory lane and revisit the milestones, challenges, and moments that brought us to Uptown Shelby. This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of time—it’s a celebration of growth, community, and the relationships we’ve built along the way.
Walker WoodworkingThere is more to color than simply a large selection of hues. Color sends a message and can represent thought and emotion, especially in the world of design. Each year, Pantone announces its choice for the color of the year, a tradition that started in 1999, and designers everywhere eagerly await the news. Classic Blue was this year’s choice of color, a color that represents the future.
As we prepare to close the door on one decade and begin anew, many are filled with anticipation of what the coming year will bring. Blue has always been associated with stability, relaxation, and tranquility, as is seen in nature with the ocean and sky. We understand that hectic schedules and stressful office days generate a need for a place to unwind and completely relax. Here are a few ways to incorporate the color of the year into your home and give it that welcoming environment that will last throughout the coming decade and beyond.
Walker Woodworking