Most have seen those "to die for" kitchens showcased in magazines like Country Kitchen Ideas, Kitchen & Bath Showcase and Kitchen Design. You know, the ones with the glitzy galley kitchen or the more traditional granite counters, wainscot and tile backsplash surrounded by cherry cabinets and elaborate cooking stations--all beautifully lit with recessed ceiling and under-cabinet lighting.
4500 Alpha St.The design process begins when Hagerman meets with potential clients to start discussing and drawing plans. He uses several computer-aided drafting and design programs, including Squiggle(R) and Google'sTM SketchUp(R), to create 3D models.Hagerman, who works by himself, launched his own private label line of cabinetry three years ago. That allows him to add special custom details not always available from the other name brand lines of cabinets he sells. He uses a cabinetmaker in the Detroit area, familiar with his architectural style, to produce his custom cabinets.Traditional kitchen design is still the top pick of homeowners across mid-Michigan, Hagerman says, with cherry cabinets and granite countertops all the rage. However, maple has made a resurgence because it can be painted either cream or beige.If you are considering selling your home, a minor remodeling job can be a great investment. While doing a major remodel might get you a small increase in your selling price, you definitely will get better value from a small job than from a major remodel. Remember, just because you like a peach colored paint in the kitchen, does not mean a prospective buyer will. If you do paint or add something else with color, stick with neutral tones and smaller jobs. You will get more bang for you buck.Granite remains the most popular countertop material, and the thicker the better, he says, with some clients asking for two-inch thick tops. Marble isn't as popular since it requires too much maintenance for most of his clients; it's also prone to nicks and scratches.1. Choose an earth tone color or natural gray. No bright colors.1. Add a new backsplash in the kitchen. This can make you kitchen have a new look for a minimum investment."I loved studying blueprints. I think that is where I began to enjoy the drawing and design part of the process, and developing my interior design skills," Hagerman says. "Learning how to build cabinets as a young man helped me understand how everything fits together."He adds that good architecture remains long after fads come and go. "It's important for designs have real character and interest."Let�s take a turn-of-century "Craftsman" style kitchen for a hypothetical example. The cabinets would most likely be frame-and-panel with flush inlay doorframes. There would be wood wainscoting in the dining area and perhaps tile around a single porcelain sink. The lighting fixtures might have beveled glass or echoes of Tiffany lamps. What concrete application would be appropriate in this situation? I would look into one or more of the following ideas in combination:2. Keep the front face, or thickness, of the countertop at a minimum of 2-1/2" up to 5".As they say, it's all in the details.Hagerman, the son of a carpenter, gained experience by working at a variety of job sites many summer days with his father. It was on those projects that he fashioned the start of his career by drawing remodeling jobs.Hagerman, a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD), founded his company in 1993. Over the years his designs have won national awards and garnered attention from professional publications. He's attracted clients like Jeff Smith, of the Frugal Gourmet, whose career on public television ended in the 1990s. He even once redesigned the kitchen in the governor's residence for the State of Michigan.Naturally, doing the project yourself will save additional money. If you or someone in your household has the time, energy and talent to tackle the job, great. If you need additional tools (tile cutters, paint sprayers, etc.) be sure to check with your local store which may have tools and equipment to rent. Some of these outlets also offer seminars and classes which can be very helpful in giving you the confidence to tackle your project yourself.Some of those showpiece kitchens can be found right here in mid-Michigan, designed by Dave Hagerman, owner of Hagerman Kitchens, Inc. in Lansing."They know how the trim works and how we like the electrical. They are just accustomed to how our kitchen designs go together," Hagerman adds.3. Go outside. A new barbecue grill can liven up the forgotten square footage of your home.While the economy has certainly slowed down new home construction across mid-Michigan, Hagerman says people are excitedly tackling smaller remodel projects--and the kitchen is typically a good place to start."Designing with a budget in mind, whatever that budget may be, that is really the starting point. I always speak with my clients about what they want and then whether the budget is compatible with it."Open kitchens are very much in style, he adds. Hagerman's clients want to be able to cook, entertain and eat in one centralized location.4. Recess the appropriately sized or proportioned ceramic tiles with some embossing on them into the face of the countertop or into a cast backsplash. Allow the recess to be at least 1/4" in depth.Once the design plans are approved, Hagerman advises clients to hire a general contractor to supervise the day-to-day construction activities. He also recommends clients hire subcontractors that are familiar with his designs.5. Make-over you closets. Lots of kits and ideas are available at your local retailer.His quarter of a century of experience designing kitchens has taught Hagerman there will always be crooked walls and uneven floors to deal with on site, and even more importantly, homeowners who are prone to over-estimating their budget.6. Line the drain board into the sink with tile or marble.
www.hagermankitchens.com
Author: Stine, Randy J
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