Kitchen Enthusiast since 1984
Everett Lakoduk founded Kitchen Enthusiast in 1984 and specializes in kitchen design, cabinets and product specification, as well as contracting services and room additions. Because many remodels require permit approval we also draft plans, including Title 24 specifications and engineering calculations when needed. We then get all the necessary permits.
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“I think kitchens should look like furniture, and I use affordable cabinets and creative ideas to do it, it’s why we are so successful in this tough market.”
Low Overhead Design Studio
After a terrible fire totally destroyed my other showroom, I realized what I really needed was a small studio to meet my clients, display product, do design work, print, fax...then this lousy economy hit, and I am very glad I don’t have the overhead burden plus this new studio is a good fit, since I find it best to work by appointment anyway. I do however like to have a time for drop-Ins, so Saturday’s from 11:00 - 3:00 I keep open for anyone to just come by. It gives me the freedom to keep doing what I love and make it affordable.
I recently remodeled my kitchen and I learned a lot about the decision overload that my customers go through; it was like choosing one of my children over the other. I have always believed in staging, that is taking a group of samples, like a door or wood sample, a piece off a granite slab (ask the granite yard, they’ll snap off a chunk) tile, paint chips, maybe a knob and seeing if you like all the parts together, here’s the thing, I call it amplification, it goes like this: if something looks a little odd, it will be really odd in the larger “stage” of your final room. If everything looks “nice”, it will be very nice. If the small stage looks really good, it will be terrific when completed.
Another thing that helps when making kitchen planning decisions is pictures. The real help here is in communicating your ideas to your designer. You probably won’t find one kitchen picture that has everything you want, but you can get a composite view with a few pictures. Here’s a word of advice; be sure and let them know what it is exactly about the picture you like, or you may get way off track and down an expensive road, here’s why. Say you find a picture of a nice, simple (read inexpensive) white kitchen. You show it to your designer and say “I like this very simple look”, well you just showed them an inset door in a Plain & Fancy ad. This is a very expensive cabinet company…you get my point.
I have done a lot of kitchens in the last 25 years, and I see people make decisions that will affect their home for many years, I have seen a lot of good decisions from very intelligent people, still I’m not shy about letting someone know if the decision they are making is off track and why. For example, there are rules for design, by the National Kitchen & Bath Association NKBA, these are ergonomic rules mostly, sometimes people ask for something that will break one, so I let them know. It’s not a big deal, but I’d want to know if I was breaking an important ergonomic rule. I don’t want my ears burning for years to come! Be sure your designer knows the 40 kitchen planning design guidelines.
Another thing that helps when making kitchen planning decisions is pictures. The real help here is in communicating your ideas to your designer. You probably won’t find one kitchen picture that has everything you want, but you can get a composite view with a few pictures. Here’s a word of advice; be sure and let them know what it is exactly about the picture you like, or you may get way off track and down an expensive road, here’s why. Say you find a picture of a nice, simple (read inexpensive) white kitchen. You show it to your designer and say “I like this very simple look”, well you just showed them an inset door in a Plain & Fancy ad. This is a very expensive cabinet company…you get my point.
I have done a lot of kitchens in the last 25 years, and I see people make decisions that will affect their home for many years, I have seen a lot of good decisions from very intelligent people, still I’m not shy about letting someone know if the decision they are making is off track and why. For example, there are rules for design, by the National Kitchen & Bath Association NKBA, these are ergonomic rules mostly, sometimes people ask for something that will break one, so I let them know. It’s not a big deal, but I’d want to know if I was breaking an important ergonomic rule. I don’t want my ears burning for years to come! Be sure your designer knows the 40 kitchen planning design guidelines.
Decisions, decisions
About us
It’s the finish
All of our cabinets have a baked on cabinet finish also known as conversion varnish. It is vastly superior to small shop finishes which are simply lacquer. It is a two part finish much the same as epoxy and once mixed will catalyze and convert or “cross link” into a new impervious finish. What that means for you is that your cabinet finish will probably outlast your desire to look at it. This finish is used on wooden
Instruments like guitars because it really holds up.
Instruments like guitars because it really holds up.
Copyright 2009 all rights reserved
Blast off to a successful kitchen remodel kitchen
...many years have passed and I had my own 13 year olds, they say I grew up in the depression because of the stories I can tell. And I have worked on over a hundred kitchens, some very nice ones and I have observed 10 key commonalities of successful kitchen projects I would like to tell you about. Let’s count down before you blast off.
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Read entire article...
Why pick a professional to design your kitchen? And why me?
Having begun my kitchen design career in the mid 1980’s, I am constantly amazed at the number of choices one has when deciding to do their kitchen today. An explosion of colors, textures and design concepts has occurred over the last 25 years. Trends in kitchens can be various and seemingly conflicting at the same
Having begun my kitchen design career in the mid 1980’s, I am constantly amazed at the number of choices one has when deciding to do their kitchen today. An explosion of colors, textures and design concepts has occurred over the last 25 years. Trends in kitchens can be various and seemingly conflicting at the same
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“A successful kitchen remodel is a blend of knowledge and craftsmanship along with an ability to unlock the true desires of the customer.”
time. Do we have to use stainless steel appliances? Are there any alternatives to granite countertops? If I achieve a certain look in my remodeled kitchen how can I be assured it won’t look dated in 5 years? These are all valid questions I have heard many times.
I think that what leads me to being a successful designer is being able to use my considerable experience and expertise only after listening to my clients’ particular needs and desires. A successful kitchen remodel is a blend of knowledge and craftsmanship along with an ability to unlock the true desires of the customer. Of course budgetary concerns, time factors and the space available for the new kitchen all enter into the final decision, but hopefully the fusion of designer skills with the customers’ wishes will lead to a cohesive and memorable experience.
The other essential for me as a designer is the achievement of clarity. Once I have a clear and distinct picture of a new kitchen and that picture is shared with the client, then we will have no option but to succeed. The elimination of assumption is the essence of a great remodeling experience.
So, why a professional? Because your project is too important to leave to the uninitiated. Why me? Because I can help. And we’ll have a good time getting to that kitchen of which you have dreamed for so long.
Looking forward to talking with you.
~Ross
I think that what leads me to being a successful designer is being able to use my considerable experience and expertise only after listening to my clients’ particular needs and desires. A successful kitchen remodel is a blend of knowledge and craftsmanship along with an ability to unlock the true desires of the customer. Of course budgetary concerns, time factors and the space available for the new kitchen all enter into the final decision, but hopefully the fusion of designer skills with the customers’ wishes will lead to a cohesive and memorable experience.
The other essential for me as a designer is the achievement of clarity. Once I have a clear and distinct picture of a new kitchen and that picture is shared with the client, then we will have no option but to succeed. The elimination of assumption is the essence of a great remodeling experience.
So, why a professional? Because your project is too important to leave to the uninitiated. Why me? Because I can help. And we’ll have a good time getting to that kitchen of which you have dreamed for so long.
Looking forward to talking with you.
~Ross
So, why a professional?
Ross Nelson
Everett Lakoduk