Home remodeling comes with so many choices and selections, but these decisions don’t have to feel overwhelming. Just start with some creative exploring.
“With a lot of our customers, we suggest they start a Pinterest board or go on Houzz.com to search for ideas,” says Nic Gleason, lead project designer at Advance Design Studio, in Gilberts. “The important thing is to get an idea of what they’re looking for.”
A good place to find conversation starters is with remodelers like Advance Design, which shares lots of project photos on Pinterest, Houzz and Instagram as @advancedesignstudio.
As you search, set aside images you like. A qualified kitchen/bath designer can help you to bring it together.
“Typically, one of our first meetings is on site, so we can get a sense of the space you’re working with,” says Gleason. “We can see your personal aesthetic and the feel of the house. That’ll give us lots of direction.”
One of his next steps is to present a “mood board” that joins cabinet colors and styles with samples of flooring, countertops, backsplashes, wall colors and other elements. It’s a way of seeing, at a glance, your future room.
Once you choose materials, your designer builds a floor plan that shows how everything fits together. That map should include accessories that maximize every cabinet. Pullout and pull-down shelving is transforming the way we use hard-to-reach cabinets. There are drawers where you can hide your charging devices and there’s even a multi-tiered silverware caddy.
There’s a big advantage to making these selections with a professional designer. Not only can they quickly narrow down your options, but the good ones also bring years of experience. Some, like Gleason, are certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
“It really goes to show that we take the extra time to be educated on the products we’re selling,” he says. “We have become an expert in the field.”
Advance Design Studio is located at 30 Railroad St., in Gilberts. For a free estimate, call (847) 836-2600.