A little preparation goes a long way. From securing the help of a designer to taking defensive measures to prevent the installation headache, it’s best to know what to expect.

Working With A Designer
Intro: Think of a designer as a stylish insurance policy. Working with a professional can take a lot of the uncertainty and stress out of the process of getting new cabinetry.

What role does a designer play?
Working with a kitchen designer is like mounting a bicycle built for two. You may be steering, but your designer contributes equally to the navigation—and the pedaling power.

Consider your designer as your partner who responsibly handles all of the dry, technical details. If the countless door style, finish, and hardware choices seem overwhelming, imagine how the load doubles when you add measurements, ordering, and installation into the process.

There are thousands of kitchen design specialists available to help direct your planning process, make stylish, cost-effective decisions, and avoid pricey mistakes. Kitchen designers typically operate out of storefront showrooms, perhaps in your local mall or along your neighborhood main street. Some have focused exclusively on kitchens throughout their careers, while others have been trained more broadly as interior designers.

Some have also received the designation of Certified Kitchen Designer from the National Kitchen and Bath Association. While it’s not mandatory for designing kitchens, the CKD designation requires the passing of a certification exam and a minimum of seven years full-time professional experience designing kitchens or a combination of education and experience.

What does a designer do?
A designer trades the guesswork out of the design process without taking you out of the equation.

When it comes to cabinetry, an incorrect measurement as nominal as 1/2" can cause major problems—and a major gap. A designer is not only trained to professionally execute the technical aspects, but has practical experience that may be outside your sphere—for instance, knowing that the walls in vintage homes are often slanted, a crucial detail if you want your cabinetry to lay flush to the wall.

The designer will keep you from getting bogged down in details that can throw your planning off track. You’ll be free to dream, while the designer thinks through all the measurements, material coordination, and construction logistics.

You might want a food pantry, for example, but you can’t quite figure out where it would fit so you decide to go without it. If you were working with a designer, he might know exactly how to create a specialized cabinet, or might be aware of a manufacturer that fabricates extra narrow pullout models. Based on his experience with similar kitchens and his specialized training.

In other words, a good designer will help you do it right the first time, see possibilities where you could not, and make the entire experience go smoothly.