Start by picturing dream kitchen

Having the patience to see a design project through to the end, or maybe even getting one started, can be as painful as watching wallpaper dry.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all emulate Samantha Stephens during these painstaking design times and fix things with a simple twitch of our nose? Twitch, twitch.

Sadly, and thankfully, it’s not that simple. There are so many steps that go into a really good design plan. Skipping ahead to the finished product would be gratifying, but you’d be missing all of the important steps that create the personalized finished product.

There really is a process to this design madness. And if you take the time to thoughtfully approach the various steps, you’ll end up with a project that moves according to your plan – with a magical final outcome.

Picture this

After living in your residence for 10 years, let’s say it’s time to redesign your kitchen. You’ve saved a healthy budget for this project, and you’re ready to go.

Perhaps you’ve been thinking about this remodel for 10 years, or maybe just the past few weeks. In any case, the question that kick-starts the design process is: What do you want the kitchen to look like? Once you have this image in mind, figure out how to make this image come to life and who will help you execute the process.

It’s imperative to find a contractor. This person, along with a team of qualified subcontractors, will be your best friend throughout the remodel and will lead the construction plan of attack. It’s helpful to have a drawn-out design plan, showing all of the building elements and materials, so the contractor can assess your project to provide a bid.
Even if you’re keeping the same footprint as your existing kitchen, it’s great to have a design road map for all involved to follow.

Do your research

Don’t rush the research and sourcing steps. It takes time to find a contractor whom you connect with and who has availability to work on your project. It takes time to source materials and come up with a thoughtful layout. And it takes time to organize all of the parts and pieces as well as timelines for all involved.

These steps are not to be taken lightly. Building the foundation and expectations of your project in the beginning will help the project move more fluidly, making sure your team is in sync.

Eventually, you’ll find yourself being able to sit back – just a bit. At this point, you’ve done your design homework and the project physically begins. The demo is underway, and moves are being made to implement the new plan.

Unknown bumps in the road will come up that need to be reviewed and worked around, but for the most part, your kitchen remodel is in full force. The kitchen will continue to evolve, from appliances set into place to cabinet pulls and knobs installed.

Then one day, not too far away from your official start date, you’ll see your kitchen take its new shape. You trusted the process by following the correct sequence of events and building a design foundation with a solid team of contractors and inspired finishes. This process will help keep you focused and lead you to your desired outcome.

And now, reward yourself for a job well done. Maybe an endless supply of your favorite beverage that magically appears in your refrigerator, night after night. Twitch, twitch.

Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.