Last week we discussed the reasons why you should work with a design professional. This week we take a look at how to prepare for a meeting with a designer.
Getting Ready
- Do Your
Homework. Arrive with a general idea of the
look, flow and equipment you want. Bring a floor plan of your current
kitchen, a wish list for cabinets and appliances, and any magazine photos
you’ve gathered that indicate your style preferences.
- Establish a
Budget. If you can afford pro grade
appliances and high end finishes your designer needs to know that from the
start so they can integrate those ideas into the design. On the flip side, be honest about
your financial constraints. Good designers will have the know-how to
stretch your dollars as far as they can go.
- Questions to
Think About. A good designer will want to know
lots of things about what we call your personal kitchen style. Questions will include: Who’s in your family? Who uses the kitchen? What’s your cooking style? (solo, just the two of you, lots of helpers). Do you
want a computer center? Will kids do homework there? Are there ergonomic and
accessibility issues?
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| This elegant kabi kitchen was the result of homeowners knowing what they wanted and relying on professional advice to make it happen. |
- Questions to
Ask. Request photos of actual projects the designer has
worked on—not brochures from manufacturers. Ask if they have done any project similar in size and
scope to yours and what it cost. You should also request information
regarding payment schedules, contracts, and timelines. Ask for references
and be sure to call them before you sign anything.
- Go with Your
Gut. Of course you want to hire someone
whose work you like but beyond that the ideal designer-client relationship
is based on honesty, trust, communication, respect, and a sense of
teamwork. Remember whoever
you chose is going to be in your home and disrupt your lives for as long
as it takes to get the job done. Trusting and liking the person you hire
will go along way toward making the design or remodel of your kitchen a
positive experience.
Apple Crumble Pie
Part
pie, part crisp and totally delicious.
1 (9
inch) pie crust, unbaked
FILLING
2 teaspoons
lemon juice
1/2
cup sugar
1/2
teaspoon cinnamon
5 cups
apples, cored and sliced (about 5 small, Granny Smith apples work well)
1/2
cup raisins (optional)
TOPPING
3/4
cup flour
1/2
cup sugar
1/2
teaspoon cinnamon
1/3
cup butter
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees and
set butter out so it will be at room temperature.
2. Line 9" pie pan with
unbaked crust.
3. Core and slice apples.
4. Sprinkle the apples with
the lemon juice.
5. Mix in the sugar &
cinnamon.
6. Fill pie shell with apple
mixture.
7. In a small bowl, mix the
topping's flour, sugar and cinnamon.
8. Rub the topping ingredients
and butter together with your fingers until the mixture is crumbly.
9. Sprinkle topping over pie.
10. Bake 10 minutes at 425 degrees
then reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake until crumb topping is
browned and apples are soft, approximately 50 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream of
desired.
