Help! Where do I find a KD??

18 years ago

I'm gathering info for a remodel of a small galley kitchen (12'6" x 5') and an across-the-hall closet (6' x 28"), which I hope will house a built-in fridge and custom cabinetry. Early stages of thinking here, but I've already had a general contractor look at the space and work out preliminary numbers. His services include rough design and I would be ordering cabinets from him. This may not work for me, as I am picky and spent ALL my time in the kitchen, where every inch counts and I haven't even seen "his" cabinets yet in person, just pictures. So I also want to approach this planning stage from other ways, such as the services of a KD (not HD).

So, my moronic question of this Sunday holiday weekend is: where the heck does one find a KD?? Is this even done for such small space? Do they only rep certain products? How are they paid?

I'm no heiress, but I've been saving and opened a line of credit, so I'm willing to shell out some $$$ for the kitchen of my dreams that the lousy available space allows.

P.S. I live in Chicago, and have made trips to the kitchen design showrooms at the Merchandise Mart for inspiration. The rep at CastPoint, Cabinetry by Woodharbor, said their semicustom cabinets were "competitively priced." Would they, for example, require a professionally prepared layout for quoting? Or do they do that themselves, taking into account my appliance/sink/etc. needs? Yes, I should have just asked her, but my brain was full that day.

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Comments (2)

edlakin
18 years ago
when you deal with a cabinet retailer or kitchen remodeling storefront type place, the design services are included in the price of the cabinets. after all, the cabinetry layout really dictates the design.

so, no, they won't need a layout to give you a quote. if you opt to work with them, they'll do the layout for you.

this does not include interior design services, however, so they won't really help you with flooring, walls, counters, etc...but they will do layout.

if you want to work with a true KD or interior designer, you could look for one on angieslist (a good option), do a simple google search for your area, go through the NKBA (national kitchen and bath association), or call a few remodelers and ask for referrals.

in my experience, if you have a decent idea of what kind of style/feel you like, you don't need a KD. the cabinet design person you use for your cabinets will be sufficient.

I actually live in chicago as well, angelina, and have done three kitchens in the last six years, so have a pretty good list of resources you could tap into. feel free to email me at elakin@excite dot com, or just ask questions here in this topic.
rebeccainchicago
Original Author
18 years ago
@edlakin: Thank you for your response! I will e-mail you shortly. The subject line will be "Kitchen Forum Question," so you don't think I'm spam!
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