How to Prepare for Your Kitchen Design and Remodel: An Interview with Laura Bordeaux, ASID, of FX Design, Inc.

Tell us a little bit about your company and the services you offer.

FX Design specializes in solving complex kitchen and bath design and space issues with unique, creative solutions. We guide the homeowner through each step of the remodeling process, providing professional aesthetic design guidance. We begin the design process by getting to know each client's tastes and renovation goals. That way we can reflect their personalities and requirements in the final design.

What's one of the biggest mistakes you've seen people make during the kitchen design and remodel process?

Homeowners selecting a builder or contractor first and obtaining a build-out budget prior to hiring a design professional to plan their kitchen. The owner risks being hit with paying costly up charges for the finishes they really want but were not included in the builder's quote. In this scenario, the owner would have no idea what level of quality the builder's quote includes. For instance, if the builder tells the owner granite is included in his price, exactly which granite is included? There are hundreds of choices and granite costs vary widely. The same issues arise when selecting kitchen cabinets. The homeowner may end up with stapled and glued drawer joints instead of self-closing dovetailed drawer joints.

I have also worked with clients who pre-purchased their new appliances before we laid out the space, which in turn restricts the placement of say a large fridge or double oven.

What do you do to help homeowners avoid this mistake?

We provide multiple kitchen layout options to insure their kitchen functions as envisioned. Then we assist them with finish selections to meet their budget. That way the owner knows exactly the aesthetic look and level of quality they will ultimately end up with.

What are the basic steps of designing and remodeling a kitchen? Which is the most involved and why?

At FX Design, we follow a 3-step process.

Phase I, Program includes measuring the existing conditions and digitizing this information in AutoCad. This provides us with an accurate format from which to plan. In this phase, we also gather as much information as possible about our client's requirements and wishes.

Phase II, Design Development includes laying out the kitchen configuration options and presenting them to our clients so they can choose their preferred layout. In this phase, we also select all the finishes. Once the layout, finishes and appliances are selected, we can determine general budgets.

Phase III, Develop the Final Plans Dimensions and Finishes for Build-out. This detailed information will provide three reputable contractors or kitchen cabinet companies with the information they need to supply the homeowner with accurate competitive pricing. These fixed quotes allow our clients to determine, based on price and reputation, which contractor and/or cabinet company meets budget and expectation requirements to build their dream kitchen.

What are the most helpful things that people can do at the beginning of a kitchen design/remodel?

Figure out what priorities are the most important to them for their new kitchen, and then list their second and third wish list requests. Peruse multiple design publications and select photos of kitchen designs they like. These are key elements that their designer will need to start the creative process.

What advice would you give a homeowner who wants to make the most of their budget when they're redoing their kitchen?

Hire a design professional, at minimum, to provide them with a layout they are comfortable with. An interior designer possesses the creativity, knowledge and experience to evaluate all aspects of your new kitchen and its function. A design professional can save the homeowner money by directing them to the highest performing material, at the best pricing. An ASID or NKBA professional designer is a member of trade associations that provide continuing education, and training on trends and new products on an ongoing basis.

What's the best way for people to get in contact with you and your company?

We can be reached by calling 860-657-8161. Alternatively, you can email Laura Bordeaux directly at lbordeaux@fxdesigninc.com. You can access our website at: www.fxdesigninc.com, then click the link for kitchen and bath design. Notice each client's project is unique and designed specifically for their tastes and budget.