Design help for renovating a small kitchen?

kitchen tools in metal holder

D. emails:

We are wondering if you can help us with recommendations from your readers about kitchen designers locally. We have an old brownstone with a very oddly configured kitchen, and want to do some upgrades. We need help maximizing the space and achieving the look we want. Would your readers have any insight on a kitchen designer creative enough to do this?
We're not looking for the typical overbuilt Chef's Kitchen, but rather a modern take on a smaller space.

We had a similar question a few years back. But we're interested in the small space/odd space part of D.'s question. There are so many older homes in this area with kitchens that are, by modern standards, small or cramped or just lacking certain amenities that people often look for now. So we'd love to hear how people adapt and update these spaces.

Got a suggestion for D.? Either a designer to recommend or resource to check out or even an experience to share? Do tell, please! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending a place or designer can be a big help.

Comments

If you're up for it, I would seriously consider going the IKEA route. It takes a little while to familiarize yourself with the design software (and it's a little quirky), but their kitchens can be customized in any configuration--they're also inexpensive and have a 25 year transferable warranty.

I'd be happy to talk to you about our IKEA experience more if you want (AOA Greg can make the connection).

If that's not your thing, I would reach out to MKC Kitchens in Troy.

Good luck!

I recommend Tim Gallagher of Architex in Latham. He's done many projects just like this in Albany's Center Square neighborhood. He'll meet with you for free at your house to discuss your project and help guide you on the right path, even if that doesn't involve hiring him and using his services. (518) 782-7319

For your own piece of mind and confidence, make sure to contact a few different companies. You'll get differing opinions from all of them, but overall they'll help you make smarter decisions moving forward in terms of cost, practicality, etc.

We used Builder's Kitchens about a year ago for our layout and cabinets. We wanted a new kitchen in our OLD house. Our existing layout is tricky and we didn't want a cookie cutter look either - they took on the challenge and I couldn't be happier. We used Ed Writer of Colonie Contracting as our contractor and I highly recommend him as well.

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