What is a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer?
As a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD), I have met certain qualifications that signify that I am an expert in designing kitchens and baths, recognized as such by the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
To put it another way, when you are having heart problems, you want a board certified cardiovascular specialist, not a family doctor. Same with me! I am specifically trained and have years of experience specializing in making kitchens and bathrooms as beautiful and functional as possible!
Read my blog post here.
I see that you are a specialist, but what does working with a CMKBD mean to ME?
True kitchen and bath design is more than just a beautiful space. Functionality is just as important as the visual aesthetic. When working with a CMKBD, you can rest assured that every detail has been carefully planned for…guidelines for spacing, construction codes, plumbing & electrical systems, even the science behind a practical layout…it all comes together to create a beautiful and functional space. Fun fact- I am 1 of only 3 CMKBDs in Memphis!
If I already have an interior designer, why do I need a kitchen/bathroom designer?
A kitchen and bath designer specializes in cabinetry for areas of your home. We have been trained to layout, specify, and order cabinets, which are highly technical. We deal with fractions of inches. Interior designers are great for helping you with the overall design aesthetic to flow with the rest of your home and material selections for the kitchen and bath. Having said that, we do love to collaborate with interior designers on projects!
Do I call you or a contractor first?
Short answer, call us first! Contractors need to know what your anticipated design will be in order to give you an accurate quote. Our expertise and experience allows us to have a good idea of construction restraints when designing the new space. Once we are in the design & construction planning phase, we will create a contractor list of items for them to review and include in your bid, along with basic design drawings.
Will you work with any contractor?
Yes, we are happy to work with (almost) any contractor. The better question is will your contractor work with us. Your contractor will need to agree that we will be supplying cabinetry for your project. We can certainly make the contractor’s job easier and the project run smoother. If they are unsure, direct them to our Services for Builders/Contractors page or let’s schedule a meeting to meet and discuss.
Can you paint my existing cabinets?
We only work on projects where we are able to provide all new cabinetry. Our value is in the ability to create a more functional space for the way our clients live. We aren’t able to change or improve the function or flow by just painting existing cabinets.
What if I just want to replace the uppers?
Our cabinetry is factory made. New cabinets would not match the existing cabinetry nor the paint finish, therefore we only work on projects that include all new cabinetry. A local cabinet maker may be a better option for this.
My cabinets are fine, I just need new doors.
We do not offer “refacing”. The new doors have to be custom made to fit the exact specifications of the existing cabinets, then everything will need to be refinished. There are companies that specialize in this, which often entails replacing hinges or drawer components.
I have a cabinet maker, can you just do the design work?
We only offer design services for those intending to purchase cabinetry through us. Each line of cabinets is unique in its offerings of sizes and modifications. In-depth knowledge of each line and those characteristics are key to a successful design. With purchase of our cabinetry, we ensure you get what we have designed and walk our clients through the entire construction process.
I just need a kitchen refresh. Can you help me pick new countertops, backsplash, and a paint color?
We are a cabinet dealer and work on projects with new cabinetry only. For our clients purchasing cabinets, we do offer a material selection service to assist with selecting those items.
I’m building a new house, why would I need a kitchen/bath designer?
Architects are well versed in overall space planning, but they aren’t specialized in cabinetry. Having a master certified kitchen and bath designer review your plans, allows us to make changes to better enhance your design before construction begins. Being able to specify electrical, plumbing, or framing changes & additions, saves you costly change orders that can delay your project.
What about bathroom mirrors, rugs, wallpaper, window treatments?
Yes, for our cabinetry clients that aren’t working with an interior designer, we are happy to assist in these areas!
Can you help me pick a kitchen table?
Although we do not deal with furniture, I am always happy to refer my clients to an interior designer or home furnishings store who will be able to assist you with those selections! The only exception to that is for a custom table, which is especially important for areas with banquette seating. My husband has made tables for some of my clients in those situations.
For cabinet hardware, will you tell me what size and how many to buy?
When our cabinetry clients purchase hardware through us, we guide you on what sizes to use where and how many you will need. We also create a hardware map to show the installer what size goes on which cabinet, thus reducing mistakes.
What project management services do you provide?
We provide many services that are included with your cabinet purchase. We will schedule a meeting to do an electrical/plumbing walk-through with the contractor and trades. We stop by the project at various intervals to check on the progress and to be an extra eye to help ensure items are done according to our design plan. We assist with scheduling the cabinet installer and countertops, if using our trades. We are also available to be onsite for the countertop template, when needed. The daily project management of subs, however, falls under the contractor’s umbrella.
Do you only do kitchens and baths?
We also design laundry rooms, bar areas, mud rooms, and any other area that includes cabinetry.
