When people think about renovating a kitchen, they often focus on the big, exciting decisions: cabinet color, countertop material, appliance finishes. But any seasoned designer knows the true success of a kitchen renovation lies in the small details—the decisions you don’t even realize you need to make until you’re in the thick of it. That’s where working with a professional becomes invaluable.
We guide clients through all the subtle choices that pull a kitchen together into a seamless, functional, and beautiful space.
Here are just a few of the small (but vital) choices that come up in every kitchen project:
1. Selecting Tile Patterns and Edging
Tile is never just “tile.” Do you want it laid in a classic brick pattern, stacked, herringbone, or diagonal? Each layout creates a different visual effect. Then there’s edging. A clean bullnose finish, a metal Schluter trim, or mitered edges all change the look and polish of your backsplash or floor. A designer can help visualize these details before they’re permanent.
2. Choosing Grout Color
Grout might seem insignificant, but it can completely change the look of your tile. A matching grout creates a subtle, seamless feel, while a contrasting grout outlines each tile for a bold statement. We always bring samples and consider lighting and style before making this call.
3. Countertop Edge Profile and Corner Shape
Most clients know what stone they want but are caught off guard by questions about the edge profile. Do you want a simple eased edge, an elegant ogee, or something more modern like a waterfall edge? What about the corners—sharp for a crisp look or rounded for safety (especially with kids)? These little details impact both the aesthetics and livability of your kitchen.
4. Cabinet Hardware Placement
You’ve selected gorgeous hardware, but now comes the decision of where exactly to place it. Centered? Toward the edge? Vertical on drawers? These seemingly minor choices affect both the function and overall feel of the space.
5. Cabinet Lighting
It’s easy to forget about cabinet lighting until it’s too late. Do you need under-cabinet lighting for detailed tasks? What about lighting up those glass cabinets – do you want puck lights on top, or an LED strip down the side? How about toe kick lighting? We help clients choose between tape lights, puck lights, or linear fixtures and coordinate it with the rest of the electrical plan.
Why Work with a Professional?
All of these tiny decisions come with deadlines and dependencies. One wrong choice—or worse, forgetting to make a choice at all—can cause costly delays and regrets after installation. A professional keeps track of every moving part, prevents mistakes, and helps you stay true to your vision without the overwhelm.
In the end, the little things are the big things. We’ve seen firsthand how details like grout color or counter edge shape can take a kitchen from ordinary to exceptional. Our job is to sweat the small stuff so you don’t have to—and so you can love every inch of your new space for years to come.
