As a design consultant for new homes and renovations I have helped thousands of homeowners achieve exactly what they want for their new kitchen. Everyone has different priority and my focus is to make sure I listen to them and make their wishes become a reality.
I started my career remodeling my own home when I was 20 and first married. The house was 150 years old, tiny and with a dirt floor in the basement. To me it was a blank slate waiting for my creative ideas. I had no money so I learned to sniff out a bargain to achieve the look I wanted.
Since then I have remodeled or built at least 50 homes of my own and in the process made a career out of helping others with their home projects. After training as a kitchen designer, I spent 10 years focusing on just kitchen projects which gave me a thorough understanding that no two people have the same priorities. Some homeowners just want a place to cook a fast dinner and some insist on the latest accessories and style. And of course most home builders just want a basic, low cost kitchen.
When the project is complete it gives me great satisfaction to hear them say they were glad they took my advice. Sometimes it takes a lot of compromise when there is more than one person making decisions. This can stall a project unless I can help them come to some understanding of what will give them the best results. I used to call myself a kitchen counselor because there really is a lot of psychology involved in consulting.
Whatever your goal, I would love to help you with information, tips, shopping and decorating ideas. I look forward to answering your questions on designing your ultimate (within budget!) kitchen.
Yvonne Kraft
Hi Yvonne,
Enjoyed the IKEA kitchen article; was hoping to comment there but the section is closed.
We are a custom cabinetry company in Los Angeles who has come around to IKEA, as well – their sturdy melamine boxes, high-end Blum drawers and hinges, and sound overall construction. Best of all, they let you but their kitchens without the doors for the ultimate in customization!
To that end, we’ve launched our Semihandmade line of doors, panels and drawer faces for IKEA kitchens. If you get a chance, give our selection of hand-picked veneers, laminates and reclaimed lumber a look.
Keep up the good work!
jm
Hi Mel,
What an interesting idea and one that could turn out really great if you have the funds to do it right. You would be turning a portion of the home that is not considered living space into a part of the indoor space of the house. This can get expensive but of course not as much as building on an extension.
I can certainly help you with the initial space and design planning Then if you are interesting in going further you can take my plans to someone local who can do up a formal plan to apply for a building permit and do construction drawings for the renovator.
If you are interested I would need some photos of the space and a basic sketch with dimensions marking any doors, windows, water and electrical locations.
I look forward to hearing from you about this project,
Yvonne
I just stumbled upon your site as I am looking around at ways to convert my two car attached garage into a kitchen. I have never done anything like this before. What do you charge for your services?
Thanks
Mel