Life is NOT a HGTV Show

Shocking I know...Let me explain further...

1)  HGTV shows make remodels look easy and painless, weekend handyman be warned...If there is something that will go wrong it will....Costing you more money, time and of course your sanity and the sanity of those around you.

2)  HGTV shows make remodels look like they are done with a wiggle of the nose (remember Samantha from Bewitched?)  Those shows have large crews who planned everything out months in advance and have you heard of editing?  What is a wiggle of the nose to us takes time behind the scenes.

3)  HGTV shows make remodels look inexpensive.  I love it when I watch one of those shows and at the end they will say something like, "and this room only cost $1,000.00 to complete"...Who are they kidding?  Most of those shows don't factor in the lots of free product, labor, etc.

That said,  I do love having first meetings with clients, because most of them really have a pretty good grasp on design elements already, which in turn make my job easier.  Clients nowadays seem a lot more open and willing to experiment or step out of their comfort zones and I think it's because of shows on HGTV.

So at the end of the day, I think it's important to walk into your remodel with your eyes wide open and not be lulled by HGTV magic. Be prepared and buttoned up with your crew; ie: Architect; Designer; Contractor, BEFORE moving forward, I promise you will have a lot better experience that way.

Now back to my HGTV show...Ha!

All You Need is Kitchen Cabinet Love

I have sooo many clients who want to update their kitchens and get really scared when they start pricing cabinets.  Can you blame them?  That is one of the priciest areas of a kitchen.

I can't tell you how many times their cabinets have good "bones" they just need a refresh is all....And yes this is pickled and yes we did something about it.

(before)

(almost after, we are wrapping this job up so not completely done but you get the idea I hope on cabinets)

Even those horrible oak cabinets that we are all familiar with...You know the ones that turn yellow over time?  Yep, even those can be improved on at a fraction of the cost new cabinets would be.

(before, bad pic sorry about that)

(after)

I am not pooh poohing brand new custom built kitchen cabinets at all...I love them, my clients love them, but if cost is a factor adding paint or stain to your existing is a wise way to go.

(WAAAYYY before, this was a flip house, I know we are talking about kitchen cabinets but how do you like that wallpaper?)

(after)

Oh and stay tuned here is my latest....The yellowing oak is going dark...Should be done around mid April, with of course new floors, backsplash, granite countertop and new cabinet hardware, looking forward to showing you..

Here is the stain I am using, or my painters are using anyway....SW 3125-O "Ranch Oak".