Introduction

My name is Erin Martier and I own a kitchen design business.  I began my career in 1993. 

When I meet someone and tell them what I do they invariably ask me a kitchen based question or they want to upgrade or remodel or change something about their kitchen.  So I figure there must be a lot of kitchen questions out there.  I will gladly answer your questions and give advice.   Any answers/advice that I give based on plumbing or electric I would suggest that you ultimately consult with a certified tradesman.  I also design bathrooms and home offices. 

This blog can also be a forum for other kitchen designers to toss around ideas, suggest products or help each other with design issues.  The kitchen is the most frequented place in the house  and the first room that gets an uplift or a total remodel.  My guess is there are many people out there that don’t know who to ask about kitchen related issues and many times they end up asking an unknowledgeable contractor.  Kitchen designers typically don’t want to consult for free so you can’t walk into a showroom and just start asking questions.  And I don’t blame them.  Many work on commission only.

If I don’t get many inquiries then I will blog about my kitchen design experiences.  You may find them interesting and possibly helpful if you are in the midst of a kitchen remodel. 

So bring on the questions.  Need to know typical refrigerator sizes?  What size stools to get for a 36” high countertop, or 42” high countertop?   How much walkspace is desirable around an island?  Can you fit an island in your kitchen?  The difference between a free standing stove, a slide-in or a drop-in?  Is it cheaper to replace doors instead of new cabinets?  Can’t find replacement hinges?  

Sometimes you just can’t get the answers from the red apron people.