Buying Cabinets From the Right Place – The Complete Guide

 

We’ve seen it all. Seriously – I can’t tell you the number of times we’ve had to fix a kitchen completed by a cabinet dealer or big box store. This makes my heart hurt as a designer. Kitchen remodels are a serious investment! Wouldn’t you want it to be the best it can be?

There are oodles of places to get cabinetry from. When you’re driving around there is a kitchen and bath dealer on every corner these days. Big box stores are constantly running promotions to make you feel like you’re “getting a good deal”. Then there is the lesser-known route- an interior designer.

In this article I’m going to take you on a journey of how our business developed with cabinetry, and why a big box store is not necessarily the right route for buying cabinets!

Sherwin Williams Forever Green paint color

In The Beginning

Once upon a time, we used to work with a local custom shop or a local cabinet dealer when we needed cabinets for our clients. We’ve become convinced over the years that this is not in the best interest of our clients. Instead, we have decided to overhaul our business and take on selling cabinetry.

When our clients hire us, they expect the best. They want a fantastic design, and they also want fantastic products in their space. They expect their homes to last and their investment to be maximized to the fullest. What is the best way to make this happen? Hire a qualified kitchen interior designer.

Let’s be clear about something before we get into the nitty-gritty. When you go to a kitchen and bath dealer or a big box store, their objective is to sell you cabinets. They won’t be spending a ton of time understanding how you use your kitchen, your cooking style, or what your family’s needs are. They will create a 3D drawing of a bunch of cabinets- possibly inspired by your inspo images and try to sell, sell, sell you. Ugh. It can be worse than buying a car! It’s so important to find the right person to design the kitchen. Your best interest needs to be front and center.

We’re an interior design firm first and we happen to sell the products our clients will use in their homes secondary to this. This has been based on thousands of projects and seeing what works and what doesn’t work over the years. I’ve been frustrated as an interior designer trying to source cabinets in the past, but not anymore. Now we handle it all!

When we’re designing a kitchen, we have several different cabinet lines to select from. Full custom cabinetry may be the best option for some of our clients, but out of budget for others. Equally, stock cabinetry may be the best option for some of our clients. There is also a semi-custom in-between options. There is no one size fits all, so we have an adaptable plan to meet people where they are.

The Buying Experience

How is the cabinet buying experience different when working with us as opposed to a mainstream option? 

It’s dramatically different.

We dive deep into your needs and even project your needs into the future! Do you have small children? They won’t be small forever. We plan for life so that your investment lasts longer.

We’re comparing linear storage from what you have today to what you may need in the future. 

Many of our clients have kitchen items being stored in other areas of the home. We look at the full picture to understand why these items are stored elsewhere and how we can make the cooking and meal prep process better overall.

We’re in the business of improving lives, not just selling you a bunch of stuff you may or may not like – or need! – later on.

Expert Design Services

If you’re looking for thoughtful interior design within your kitchen, bathroom, closet, and even built-ins, we’re ready to help. You can expect thoughtful design that is custom tailored to your needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you are contemplating a project.

Personalize Your Space

Would you like a professional interior designer to pull your space together? Contact us for in person interior design services in the Chicagoland area or virtual interior design services anywhere in the world.