Cutting-Edge Design

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DESIGNER SKETCH

Hometown: St. Louis; resides in Lake St. Louis
Education and years in the field: Associate's degree in Interior Design; 15 years of experience with Cutter's Custom Kitchens & Baths
Cutting-edge products: Reclaimed products for countertops, such as Paper Stone, Vetrazzo and ECO
Popular requests: White kitchens and eco-friendly products

www.cutterskitchens.com

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What do you recommend as the first step in the remodeling process?
Establish a realistic budget. By remodeling within a budget that fits the value of your home and neighborhood, you'll be more likely to get a better return on your remodeling project as an investment. A budget is also a valuable tool for your designer, who will be able to better recommend products that will work well in your space.

What are some new trends in kitchen and bath design that will be available at Cutter's in 2010?
Consumers will be looking for kitchens that are functional and beautifully designed, but also for a good value. Smart space planning and excellent customer service are top priorities for consumers. I think we'll continue to see horizontal wood grains on slab doors in both very dark and natural finishes, and there has been a resurgence of inset door style construction.

How would you approach renovation projects in older homes?
In older homes, attention to detail is vital. It is crucial to be thinking ahead constantly, for example, measuring the ceiling and determining if it needs to be leveled. The designer also needs to be sensitive to the design, moldings and trim in regard to the original style of the home. The finished product should look as if it could have been installed in the house originally, if the products had existed at that time.

Why is it important to use a full-service kitchen and bath dealer?
The biggest advantage is having the ability to work with an experienced team, and the key to a great remodeling project is communication between the designer, installers and the homeowner. Most full-service dealers have designers who are comfortable working with their own installers and contractors.

"Customer service throughout the remodeling process is essential."
– Jason Cutter, CKBI, CKBR,
of Cutter’s Custom Kitchens & Baths