Why are Cabinet Designers Important


When you start a new home or a remodeling project, a well thought out cabinet plan will determine how successful you space is. A cabinet design should be functional, accurate and accommodate your needs. Cabinet designs are more complicated that just placing them in the walls. Cabinets will determine where your appliances, lighting and storage will go! Design being a reflection of your personality and budget, you also want it to represent your style, tastes, functionality, and needs. 

Why are Cabinet Designers Important 

There are many online tools out there for DIY homeowners to use when creating cabinets for their space. However it is best to consult with a cabinet designer before creating a layout or plan. Designers have a library of options to present and offer to you while coming up with a plan. Not to mention they will also have questions and solutions for more complicated projects. 
When creating a layout without the assistance of a designer it is easy to forget certain factors, like storage, space use, walk ways, work triangles, appliance size, traffic flow, appliance locations, and so much more to name only a few! If you approach this planning stage on your own consider if something goes wrong or if you forget a small factor, it will result in additional costs and time to fix these issues that may show up. 
With a designers help you will not have to worry about these, they will automatically consider them when designing. We offer a free quote and cabinet design, so why not utilize a professional! 
An example of bad kitchen design - a dishwasher placed in the corner prevents a cabinet drawer from opening.
Something as small as considering how large the oven handle was would have eliminated this headache!

What is in a designer's mind?

A professional designer thinks of three things when creating a custom cabinet design: Style, Safety and Functionality. 
  1. StyleA cabinet designer is not an expert on interior design, however they do keep their finger on the pulse of the latest trends. With that being said they can off you advise about wood choice, color schemes, cabinet styles and more. With their vast knowledge of specifications and materials, a custom cabinets designer can address the weird corners, features or obstacles in your space and utilize them with in a stylish design. 
  2. Safety: the Complete Home Medical Guide of Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons says “The kitchen is the most dangerous room in the house,”. In just one room alone, you can be faced with falls, cuts, burns, electrical shocks, and possibly fires. Not to alarm you, but there are a lot of hazards and guidelines to consider when creating a layout for the Kitchen alone. Designers are trained in these guidelines and will plan with them in mind. They will make sure to design you adequate landing space or counter-top room around your stove, microwave, and sink so that handling hot cookware or food will be safer and easier. 
  3. FunctionalityA design is useless if function has not been considered. A lot of DIY homeowners forget to consider function over style. A cabinet designer's main goal when creating a custom cabinet design is ensuring that the cabinet function is made for the environment.  If you space is small and tight, or oversize and open, designers will create a layout that will be usable and comfortable. They do this by discussing and organizing the core factors of your needs, want, space measurement, body movement, space layout, and light. This means they consider what you want from your space and compares it to the restraints of your space. They will discuss with you how you will plan to use you space so they can create a layout that is more accommodating to you. Maybe you are left handed or right handed, which means they may suggest moving dishwasher to improve your accessibility of your items.

How do they do it? 

Cabinet designers have many things to consider when designing a functional layout. Each space in your home requires a careful and detailed consideration of multiple factors that designers are trained and educated in prioritizing. Listed below are just a few of many guidelines for creating a custom cabinet design for your just your kitchen:
  • Work Areas: The main work areas of a kitchen are the oven or cook-top, sink, and fridge. If placed efficiently they will create what is known in the industry as a Work Triangle. To create an efficient kitchen layout, the length of side of the triangle should be between 4 and 9 feet. This principle is also applied for a kitchen that has all work areas arranged on the same wall. 
  • Traffic Flow. Your users of the space should be able to gain access to the space without interrupting the work areas. Work paths should be Work aisles should be at least 42 inches. Walkway widths should be at least 36 inches. 






  • Clearance. Space in between your counter-tops and your wall cabinets should be at least 15-18". Your oven and sinks will require more room. Also think of seating and the height of counter-tops if you plan on an island.  
  • Landing Areas. A few areas in a kitchen like around your sink, oven and fridge will require a different amount of counter-top space. Making sure you have an adequate area next to these features will make your space easier to use while handling food items, dishes, or cookware.
  • Space and Storage. Depending on you space size and layout you cabinet storage areas will vary. Just a few numbers: for counter-top spaces, a total of 158 inches of frontage is suggested. For shelf/drawer frontage storage a 1,400 inches for a small kitchen is recommended(150 square feet or less); 1,700 inches for a medium kitchen (151 to 350 square feet); and 2,000 inches for a large kitchen (more than 350 square feet).
  • Safety. Sticking to guidelines will help your space remain safe! Simple things your designer will consider like not placing a cooking surface under an window with flammable treatments or covers.

What Do I get from a designer during the free quote? 

A free cabinet design from Lakeside Cabinets comes with:
  • A time to review with your designer to list out your project details and goals.
  • 3D Project Renderings of you cabinet layout.
  • An itemized estimate with the project final cost

I am ready now what? 

  1. Measure your space: Need help figuring out what we need? Use our handy Measuring Packet to get the ball rolling. Don't worry we will double check your measurements! 
  2. Select Options: Review all the options and perks of custom cabinetry in our Client Guide. Select your material, drawer boxes, drawer slides, hinges and more to get the most accurate quote! 
  3. Fill Out: Quote Form. Not an online user? Call us, we will gladly fill it out for you! 
  4. Get a Designer: Once you submitted your quote form, you will be paired with your best match. With the measurements, and your custom options specified you will be contacted by your designer to determine more about your needs, wants, budget, goals and more. You can work with your designer by appointment in our showroom, phone, or by email to review your project details. 
  5. Get a Design: Once you reviewed and approved your design, your plans will be submitted to our estimator. 
  6. Get an Estimate: You will get your breakdown of your projects costs and options in detail. If you are ready to build learn more about Our Process. 
We have a group of educated, trained and passionate cabinets designer with a combined experience of over 30 years, ready for you!

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