Family owned and operated since 1978, Holland’s Custom Cabinets has been building cabinets and working with clients for more than four decades. Suffice to say, we’ve experienced just about every aspect of the design, fabrication, and installation process. These lessons learned are something we’re happy to share with clients every step of the way.
While we can’t guarantee a 100% stress free experience, here are a few tried and true tips to help keep your kitchen cabinet design experience positive and productive:
TIP #1: Don’t Ever Assume Anything About Price
For most, the biggest roadblock to having custom cabinets built for a new space or renovation is the financial commitment required. Real or perceived, the prevailing notion is that custom cabinetry is expensive. While this can certainly be true for high-end designs where no expense is spared, the reality for most homeowners is that high quality custom cabinets, such as those available through Holland’s, can be had at price points similar to some of the better off-the-shelf cabinetry offered through big box stores. The lesson here is that it never hurts to get a quote . . . and that you (and your budget) just might be pleasantly surprised.
TIP #2: Take the Process One Step at a Time
The second biggest hurdle for homeowners is stressing out over the actual process of having custom cabinets designed, built, and installed. Yes, the experience can be daunting and, yes, spouses and partners have been known to squabble. But if 40+ years in the business has taught us anything, it’s that the best way to “eat an elephant,” is one bite at a time. While it may sound cliché, you don’t have it all figured out on day one. Take small steps to reach your design goals.
TIP #3: Don’t Be Shy – Share What You Like (or Don’t Like)
While the way people show their ideas has changed over the years, morphing from pictures torn from magazines to digital images shared through text or email, the idea remains the same. You know what you like and you know what you don’t like, so don’t be shy about sharing!
For example, Pinterest is a great tool for creating collections of images such as “My New Kitchen.” This way, if you’re searching the internet and find a kitchen design you like, you can post it there. Similarly, if you like a particular door style, a paint color, or a kitchen hood, you’ve got a place to collect representative images. When you’re ready to meet your Holland’s Project Manager, you can then print out your Pinterest pictures to share with us. In many cases, we can actually produce samples of doors, materials, colors, finishes, etc. for you to examine.
TIP #4: Realistic Expectations Matter, But Don’t Let Them Get in the Way of Creative Solutions
When considering aspects of your design, keep in mind the space where your cabinets will be installed. While Holland’s works diligently to ensure your new cabinets reflect your taste and personal style, the design obviously must conform to any existing footprint, especially when renovating. For example, if you’re loving pictures of decorative hoods or cabinets pictured in kitchens with 9- or 10-foot ceilings and you’ve got an 8-foot ceiling, it’s not going to look the same.
That said, don’t get discouraged. While it’s true that the more space you have, the more you can focus on form and design, having a small kitchen shouldn’t prevent you from getting what you want. You (and your designer) just need to be creative. If you want dark cabinets in a small space, you can keep your countertop, backsplash, paint, and floor on the lighter- or mid-range side and focus on providing good lighting to the room. Voila! Your smallish space suddenly doesn’t feel so small anymore.
TIP #5: Use Your Designer – That’s What They Are There For!
Take advantage of everything your designer has to offer, from various design and modeling tools to samples you can hold and textures you can touch, to their years of design expertise and knowhow. Holland’s Custom Cabinets takes a hands-on approach to the entire process. Our El Cajon, California showroom, our receptionists, our website, the quality and detail of our 3D renderings, and the project manager who guides you from start to finish, are there to reassure you every step of the way.
From initial consultation and ideation, to the creation of CAD designs and 3D models, to the sourcing of materials, construction, installation, and follow-up, the Holland’s team takes meticulous care through every project milestone. We want you to be certain of your choices before we ever build anything.
Let’s Talk
No matter the size of your project, our licensed, bonded, and insured team of cabinetry professionals and project managers works hard to give your new or renovated space a fresh look or functional facelift. To discuss your project in greater detail, call us at 619.443.6081 or submit a request online.
