All Over Albany

I'm facing the same issue, but with my bathroom that needs a total teardown and overhaul. I'm going to give Kitchen & Bath World (1980 Central Ave) a try and would welcome input from anyone who has used them.

In getting estimates from contractors, it's clear to me that even bigger outfits lack the capability to give comprehensive input on design. You are either on your own, or need to use an actual kitchen/bath design company. That's if you care about anything more than a real generic look where you can go to a big box store to pick out fixtures, tile etc. I, too, am fairly clear about the "look" I want -- classic black & white bathroom with a "cottage" aesthetic suitable for a small 1930s bungalow. I know I want a middle price point (not cheap, but not luxury -- no hot tubs, marble etc), can't have a pedestal sink (I need the storage space of a cabinet sink), want a nice tile job (maybe subway tile), and some fixtures which might help me "age in place" as I get into my 70s and 80s. So I'm not a "blank slate" on what I want in a bathroom, yet I'm still kind of paralyzed on how to go forward with what I do want. So I'll be dropping by Kitchen & Bath World soon to get a sense of what they can do to help me. I can really sympathize with anybody doing a whole kitchen as that is so much more complex than a bathroom.

... said chrisck on Sep 16, 2014 at 12:30 PM | link

We just completely renovated our kitchen last year. I highly recommend using (or at least talking to) a designer. They can give you so many ideas and help you avoid the pitfall of a novice. I talked to several designers from those who come to my house to those who just look at the floor plan and give the design. Definitely having someone come see the actual space is much better. In my experience, they give a much better design and can make sure the new kitchen will blend well with the rest of the house. That includes a better use of space we have available.

Jay Miller of Curtis Lumber did an EXCELLENT job for us. Her recommendation completely changed (for the better) the original plan we had. At the end, we didn't use 100% of her design since I like to put my own touch on it. But, the major idea was hers.

... said CVAA on Sep 16, 2014 at 1:30 PM | link

The thing to keep in mind when designing a kitchen is workflow. Each individual or family uses the kitchen differently. Think about your workflow in terms of everyday function and social use. How many people cook there at the same time, if your kitchen is also an entertaining or social space, and what your long- and short-term goals are for the kitchen.

After you've decided on your wish list, take a good look at what will actually fit. Some things like islands, require a lot of space and just don't work in narrower spaces. Refrigerators can only fit in certain areas, and the kitchen layout's relationship to windows and doors is also a big priority.

Friends of mine just redid their kitchen and removed all of the upper cabinets. It’s amazing how it opened up the space. They added drawers versus cabinets below which made for a better use of space (you can see and get to everything). They used Häfele peg system to keep all of their cookware, dishes and glasses safe and in place. They also put in a pantry with a glass door, LED lights automatically come on when the door is open and turn off when the door is closed.

... said Jamie on Sep 16, 2014 at 2:20 PM | link

@M : I work for a small, local architecture firm and deal with questions like this on a daily basis.

In terms of design, the two main things to consider are 1) the overall layout and 2) the interior design. For 1), I can't recommend enough the benefits of sitting down with a designer/architect and sharing your goals + vision. Not only do we do this kind of thing every day, but we follow projects through to completion, maintain relationships and then get value feedback about decisions that were made back in the planning stages. We're knowledgeable on cost, time-line and frankly - what looks good! You may have seen a design you like once or twice in a magazine. We've probably seen 20+ versions of that same design and have all of the subtle variations of it tucked away in our heads, just waiting to get out! :)

After you solidify 1) your layout, you can focus more on 2) interior design. Depending on your budget / style, a good architect can work-with and introduce you to the appropriate vendors / stores that will help you hone your vision (tile selection, cabinet finish, etc). However, now you'll be armed with a layout that works well for your style + budget and you can make confident, informed decisions!

The name of my company is Architex (in Latham). Feel free to contact us 782-7319 (or any other small, residential architecture firm)! It doesn't cost anything to meet with us or talk on the phone, even if our advice ends up leading you in a different direction.

BONUS : The owner of the firm is just completing a Kitchen / Dining Room renovation on his house (medium/high end) and one of the Project Managers is just beginning a Kitchen / Dining Room renovation on their house (low/medium end). Lots of experience! :)

... said Local Designer / Architecture Firm on Sep 16, 2014 at 3:33 PM | link

We used MKC Kitchens 2 years ago and they were terrific. Pam was really good at putting our vague ideas into a nice plan. They were flexible and made good recommendations on painters, flooring suppliers etc.

... said Jim on Sep 17, 2014 at 9:09 AM | link

As someone who has an AAS in Interior Design and has been working in the K&B industry for over ten years (on the operation/technical end btwn designers & contractors), I would suggest a designer who specialized in K&B. You could go to the NKBA site and search for a local designer. The National Kitchen & Bath Association is over 40 yrs old and has designed specs to follow for great, functional design. Both Jay Miller from Curtis in BS and Pam from MKC are members of the local chapter are great people (know them both). Be up front about your budget, have an idea folder of things you like and don't like, make sure you let a designer know how you want to use your space and if you have any special storage needs (large cookware, lots of spice storage, bending issues, etc), but a good designer should interview you and find that out. Other designers I know, but not all of them: Nancy Moore with Millbrook in CP and Larry Miller Designs. GREAT contractor: Jim Macrina / BarMac Construction. I have not heard anything bad out of K&B World, just don't know any of them personally. Good luck!

... said Laura on Sep 17, 2014 at 11:22 AM | link

I design and build a lot of kitchens in my apartments and get to try out lots of ideas, but when I finally redid my own Kitchen I knew I wanted some design help. When spending that amount of money I wanted to make sure I didn't screw anything up! I worked with Stacy Snell with Design on 20 and she provided very valuable input, and tracked down things for me that had the look I wanted. What I liked about this setup was that I did not have to order my cabinets, counters,etc through her and could use who I wanted. i paid for her time, which was well worth it, And if she brought something to the table I bought it through her.
Good Luck

... said Albany Landlord on Sep 17, 2014 at 9:17 PM | link

We met with MKC and several others mentioned already.We thought MKC offered a lot--they were helpful and patient, too.

We ended up going a different route, but we really liked MKC.

... said Elisabeth on Sep 20, 2014 at 10:18 PM | link