THE CAPITOL DESIGN BLOG

Is It Time for a Kitchen Renovation?

August 21, 2015 by Capitol Design

Time for a Kitchen Renovation

If you are considering a kitchen renovation, chances are you’ve spent a fair amount time searching the internet for various options and browsing through kitchen designers. Chances are you have also noticed just how many options there actually are. Kitchen renovation is a full-time job. Finding appropriate materials is only one piece of the puzzle. Deciding on a style and color scheme is equally important. If you already have a full- time job, (one that would pay for your kitchen renovation) you may find it nearly impossible to squeeze in the time for a DIY project on this scale. That’s why many people choose to hire a kitchen designer.

What is a Kitchen Designer?

A kitchen designer is a professional with many years of experience and expertise in kitchen renovation. A professional designer not only knows about materials, space planning and trends, but he or she can also guide the planning of your kitchen in a direction that fits your personality, taste and budget.

Where Do I Find a Kitchen Designer?

Kitchens are a special niche in the design and renovation field. As the most highly functional space and frequently the central focus of many homes, one should look for a designer who specializes in just that – kitchens. To ensure a successful kitchen renovation project, be certain to seek out a professional kitchen designer. Joe Currie of Capitol Design in Austin, Texas has been designing kitchen renovations since 1981. Check out his website at wwwcapitoldesign.us/news to view examples of his expertise and talent.

Discussing Your Renovation Budget with Your Kitchen Designer

First of all, your designer will want to discuss your budget. Now this is not a tactic to shake you down! Discussing your budget is a practical way to make your dream kitchen come true. Kitchen renovations are possible on small and large budgets; however, appropriate plans need to be made in either case. To avoid disappointment, be honest about your renovation budget with your kitchen designer.

Discussing Materials with Your Kitchen Designer

Now that you and your kitchen designer have discussed budget and style, it’s time to talk about materials for your kitchen renovation. If you have a modest budget, but expensive taste, your kitchen designer can recommend affordable alternatives for materials, such as vinyl flooring rather than tile, or possibly laminate countertops instead of granite. Again, it is possible to achieve a fresh, chic look, even on a budget. This is an excellent reason for choosing a professional kitchen designer for your renovation. A designer should know the local market for materials and can guide you in the right direction based on your needs.

Making a Plan with You Kitchen Designer

Once you have decided upon your kitchen re-design plan, you and your designer can move forward with the actual renovation of your kitchen. Be certain to discuss your preferences and needs with your kitchen designer. As in any working relation, communication is key-especially in home renovations.

Finding a Kitchen Designer in Austin

Are you looking for a professional Austin area kitchen designer? Joe Currie from Capitol Design has been producing beautiful kitchen renovations since 1981. Joe has designed projects for media celebrities, Fortune 500 CEOs, and even a well-known chef. He can also design one for you. Check out Joe’s portfolio here:

Traditional Kitchen Designs

Contemporary Kitchen Designs

Transitional Kitchen Designs

Do I Need to Hire a Kitchen Designer?

August 19, 2015 by Capitol Design

Hiring a Kitchen Designer

If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, chances are that you’ve spent a fair amount of time searching the internet for various options and browsing kitchen designers. And chances are that you’re noticed just how many options are out there. The truth is, a kitchen renovation is truly a full time job. Finding appropriate materials is only one piece of the puzzle. Deciding on a style and color scheme are equally important. If you’re already working full-time, it’s nearly impossible to complete your kitchen renovation in a timely manner. There just aren’t enough hours in the day. That’s why many people choose to hire a kitchen designer.

What is a kitchen designer?

A kitchen designer is a professional with many years of experience in kitchen renovation projects. Professional designers not only know about materials, but they can also help to guide the style of your kitchen in a direction that fits your personality, taste and budget.

Where do I find a kitchen designer?

It can be tricky to find a designer who specializes in kitchen renovation. Many designers are generalists therefore wouldn’t necessarily be specialized in kitchen design. If you want a truly professional kitchen renovation, it’s best to find a designer who really knows their stuff. If you’re in the Austin area, check out Joe Currie from Capitol Design. Joe has been designing kitchen renovations since 1981.

Discussing your renovation budget with your kitchen designer

First of all, your designer will most likely want to discuss your budget. Now, this is not just some tactic to see how much money you have. Discussing your budget is a practical way to see how to make your dream kitchen renovation come true. Kitchen renovations are possible on small and large budgets. However, appropriate plans need to be made in either case. Therefore, be honest and upfront about your renovation budget with your kitchen designer.

Explaining your taste to your kitchen designer

Next, your kitchen designer will want to discuss your personal style and taste. It’s a good idea to keep magazine clippings or a Pinterest board of kitchen styles that you like. If you visit a nearby paint shop you can easily pick out some colors that appeal to you. Be sure to give your kitchen designer as much information as possible so that they can match the style that you’re seeking for your kitchen renovation.

Discussing materials with your kitchen designer

Now that your kitchen designer knows about your budget and your style, it is time to talk about materials for your kitchen renovation. If you have a lower budget, but expensive taste, your kitchen designer will recommend affordable alternatives for materials such as linoleum rather than tiles, or formica countertops rather than marble. Again, it is absolutely possible to achieve a chic look even on a budget. This is one reason why it is incredibly important to find a professional designer to help you with your kitchen renovation. A designer knows the local market for materials and can steer you in the right direction based on your needs.

Making a plan with your kitchen designer

Once you’ve decided upon your kitchen redesign plan, you’ll need to make a plan with your designer about the actual renovation of your kitchen. Discuss your preferences and needs with your designer. Being upfront with your communication is incredibly important in any working relationship, but especially with home renovations.

Find a kitchen designer in Austin

Are you looking for a professional Austin area kitchen designer? Joe Currie from Capitol Design has been working with kitchen renovation since 1981. Joe has designed projects for media celebrities, Fortune 500 CEOs, and even a well-known St. Louis chef. Check out Joe’s portfolio here:

Traditional Kitchen Designs

Contemporary Kitchen Designs

Transitional Kitchen Designs

Wine Cellar

July 10, 2015 by Capitol Design

It takes a village. This fabulous project is the result of a collaborative effort between Jeff Goshorn Interiors, Paul Johnson Interiors and Capitol Design. Custom wine storage fixtures are from Kessick Wine Cellar of Greenville, SC. Jeff designed the space while Paul’s crew did an excellent job of executing the difficult install with their unparalleled precision. Capitol Design was responsible for the design of the bar area. It features custom cabinetry built from sapele mahogany and floating glass shelves mounted in front of a full mirror back splash.

Bethesda Master Bath

April 28, 2015 by Capitol Design

Our latest project takes us to Bethesda, Maryland for a whole house remodel in a private residence. The house is unusual because it is a single story on slab. This 40 year old home has been remodeled several times with last being in the mid 1990s. We will be designing a master bath suite and a contemporary gourmet kitchen.

Kitchen Remodeling 101: Countertops

April 10, 2015 by Capitol Design

One hottest trend source says “white” is the new neutral in minimalist kitchens with oil rubbed bronze fixtures outranking stainless steel. Another expert proclaims black as being the statement color for this year’s kitchen cabinetry. Really? We installed a shiny black kitchen in the 80s once, but I can assure you, little cooking was done in it! Quartz for countertops is bypassing natural stone. Since “everyone” can afford granite, it’s not so special anymore. The point is there are many excellent options that suit different tastes and lifestyles.

In my last post, I promised that we would began exploring the different elements in kitchen design that not only make design work, also express who you are.

Let’s start with what people feel pretty passionate about. Countertops. Yes, countertops. Countertops are the workhorse of the kitchen, but they also contribute a lot of style and color. Gone are the days of butcher block (and imitation butcher block laminate aka Formica). No sad remorse here!

The well-known rule of design is form follows function-or does it? Only you can decide. How does your kitchen function in your home, and how do you function in your kitchen? This is where a well-experienced designer can be an invaluable asset. He or she will know what questions to ask and will also be able to answer many of your questions. First, a disclaimer: ALL materials require upkeep and maintenance. There is anecdotal evidence for everything! Do your homework-or retain a designer who already has.

STONE

Natural, earthy, can be cut and shaped, stain resistant, durable, heat resistant, elegant, long lasting. Stone pricing ranges are based on rarity and location of mining. Fossilized stone can be pricey. Stone should be sealed to increase durability.

Granite – wide range of colors. The darker the stone, the less porous thus more stain resistant
Soapstone – greenish to black color
Travertine – Sand colored
Marble – white, green, black pink veined, preferred for patina and baking prep surfaces, porous
Quartz – Referred to as engineered stone. Simulates stone, more stain resistant and color consistent. Does not require sealing. Costs a little more than granite.
Acrylic polymer – man-made stone. Non- porous, lower maintenance, seamless, wide variety of colors. E.g. Corian, Wilsonart, Avonite, etc.

Acrylic polymers, stones and quartz can be comparable in price because they are regional products.

METALS

Stainless steel – hygienic non porous, preference in commercial kitchens
Zinc – works for outdoor kitchens and bar areas
Copper – interesting patinas as the copper ages

OTHER

Concrete – can be shaped and colored and have additives such as glass for interest. Needs to be sealed. Regional and local companies mix their own styles.
Glass – shapeable, durable, contemporary, beautiful, can be joined but not seamless. Thickness Over ¾” for countertops. Expensive
Tile – ceramic or porcelain, economical to materials, but labor intensive
Wood – natural, beautiful, wide variety of exotic woods and ingraining, can be repaired easily, require sealants, higher maintenance
Laminate – still a very popular choice for its wide variety of colors and patterns and very affordable pricing
Compressed paper
Leather

This was just an overview of some of the most common materials (well, a few are less common) used for countertops. This should give you something to google! Or wait until next time and I’ll go into more detail. And did I mention, I’ll have pictures?