Before meeting with a CCL HomeScapes designer, there are a few things you can do to get prepared. Since our team’s goal is to bring your vision to life, it’s helpful for you to spend some time considering what your vision truly is and what parameters may influence that vision. This will help make the process smoother, faster, and more exciting. 

Set a Realistic Budget 

While we all wish the sky was the limit, budget plays a major factor in the materials you select and the renovations you make. It will also serve as a key guard rail as you make decisions throughout the process. Can I afford to remove this wall? To shift the sink over 10 feet? Would I rather save money to invest in a higher quality counter top?

 

Communicating your budget to your designer early in the process is key to ensuring they make suggestions that will be realistic to accomplish. 

 

Tip: Remember to account for the cost of the full renovation when you are budgeting. This means getting quotes from your contractor for any major (or minor) renovations.

Consider Your Timeline

If your kitchen remodel has a due-date, let your designer know ASAP. Do you need it done by Christmas to host the family? In early spring before your child’s graduation party? While certain aspects of the timeline are difficult to control, the HomeScapes team will do all they can to provide realistic expectations around the timing for each phase. 

 

Note: While demolition and installation are taking place, you won’t be able to access most of your appliances. If there is a certain time you won’t be able to accommodate this, flag that too.

Reflect On Your Kitchen Usage Habits

The way you use your kitchen is fundamental to its design. While aesthetics are key, even more so than other rooms, functionality in a kitchen is key. Below are a few helpful questions to consider. And remember, you should have these conversations with everyone who will be using the space!

• Do you have one lone cook, or a family of cooks?
• If you’re a family of cooks, do you need multiple workstations?
• How many people do you typically cook for?
• Do you entertain frequently?
• Where do you tend to host guests when you entertain?
• Where do you typically dine on a daily basis?
• Do you tend to be more of a baker or a cook?
• How is your current kitchen not working for you?
• Do you have pets and want a dedicated space for them to eat in the kitchen?

List Out Your Non-Negotiables

Priorities are important, especially if you have a tight budget or schedule. By listing out your top few non-negotiables, you’ll be sure your new kitchen accommodates your key needs. 

 

Some popular non-negotiables include:

• Counter or drawer space
• Storage solutions (open vs. closed)
• Specific appliances
• Seating for X number of people
• An island 

 

Tip: Appliance decisions are extremely important as the shape and size of your desired appliances will impact the layout of your new space. Considering what specific appliance you want (e.g. GE vs. Frigidaire refrigerator) early in the process can be very helpful.

Gather Inspiration

The last thing you’ll want to do before heading into the showroom is to gather inspiration. This could be a Pinterest board, a list of web links, photos of a friend’s kitchen you like, or even clippings from a magazine. 

 

As you pull inspiration, consider both your design aesthetic (colors, materials, styles) and layout. Your kitchen is a very personal space, which you’ll want to reflect you and/or your family’s personal style, so don’t shy away from sharing images of what you like. 

 

For reference, it may also be helpful to bring photos of your current space to point out what your currently like and what you’re dying to change.

Get Started With CCL HomeScapes

Ready to get started? Schedule a visit to the showroom today!