Renovating a kitchen is exciting, but it can also be intimidating. There are all those aesthetic, functional and budgetary decisions. Should the counters be granite, soapstone, quartz, or solid surface? Will porcelain floor tile perform better than ceramic tile? What’s the advantage of a fire clay sink versus stainless steel or cast-iron? Is the $600 faucet necessary? There are also local codes to consider, plumbing, electrical, framing and the sequence of installation. To save time, money and hassles, it makes sense to work with a savvy, experienced designer.
One easy way to put your mind at rest is by working with a Certified Kitchen Designer. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) was founded in 1964 and offers educational and management support to its more than 39,000 members and promotes consumer awareness. NKBA-formulated guidelines address issues small and large, from where to hang the toilet paper holder (in front of the toilet within the reach of a seated person and 26 inches above the floor) to the minimum distance between obstacles like island and counter or end of peninsula and wall.
To become a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD), a design professional must meet rigorous standards. In addition to having seven years of experience and education in the field (with a minimum of three years planning and executing kitchen or bath designs), designers seeking NKBA certification must submit professional and client references, and they must pass a daylong examination.
The overall look and esthetics of the kitchen are paramount, but efficiency and safety are equally important. A CKD can tell you if your kitchen is big enough for an island and if so, exactly where it should go.
If there’s a new kitchen in your future, visit the Kitchens Etc. showroom located at 23119 Lyons Avenue or call 661-253-0981. For more information on the NKBA, visit their website at www.nkba.org .