I want it all

Bargain Buy!

I want it all:

How Fast? How much? How low can you go? Do you find yourself also in this frenzy of getting as much as you can for as little as possible?  The changed economy is totally responsible and we all know that. I talk to many possible clients who have this same quest when it comes to remodeling.  It has seem to become an overall new trained behavior, not just for the bold and gutsy to ask anymore.

But think about it. If you apply this to your health, your family, or your happiness. What do you think you’ll really get in the end? Fast & cheap?  Doesn’t slow and worth it sound more appealing? Hhhhmmm.

You get what you pay for is a very old saying. I have no idea of it’s origin, but it still rings true through all generations. Who hasn’t felt ripped off after maybe a deal too good to be true, or didn’t receive the same good service on a negotiated contract? Of course there are exceptions to this basic rule. Once in a while you strike it rich with an incredible find or sale. Giving you new hope that you  can get what you want for pennies on the dollar. I love that feeling. Like the time I nabbed a Ralph Lauren black
patent vinyl rain jacket for $10. I wore it forever and retold the story of it’s find with every compliment. But quality reputation was why I went into his store for starters, and was not expecting a great deal at first. That jacket is still in my closet, I still love it. Timeless fashion, and it’s a RALPH. No way around it,  I got more than I paid for.

However, a friend of mine works at a florist.  They love Groupon and their internet deals.  It gives them the opportunity to get rid of the older flowers and they will also use less flowers since those deals would otherwise lose them money if they did it their quality way for the regular price!  Surprised?  A good business person will price their goods based upon what it takes to make a business successful and work within industry standards, thus enabling them to offer their best heart driven product or service at the quality they want their reputation to be known for.  Homecenters can sell light bulbs, tools, materials, and many other brand name products at a lower price because they struck a deal with those manufacturers to make a cheaper lower quality versions of that same product and you don’t know the difference inside that brand name box.  Hence why you will never see Wood-Mode sold in homecenters.

Quality is what we all want to begin with.  It’s something that might take a little longer and maybe cost a little bit more, but cost that will be well worth it in the life of your cabinetry and remodeling projects. I am so lucky.  Having Marius for a husband brings me the joys of a 24/7  quality handyman. He innately builds quality with his Lithuanian craftsman heritage as his fuel.  Same goes for Wood-Mode and their integrity to help me provide you with the best product available for your hard earned dollars.

Most of you don’t have a Marius, and are not born with an innate gift to use a Porter Cable 22 gauge micro-pinner properly. But you can call Marius.  Not only can he service you as minimally to adjust
your cabinet doors, but he also can build and install a beautiful new kitchen. The right way. The quality way.  And maybe for less than you might think!  What do you have to lose?

Preserving Memories with Tchotchkes

tchotchke  [ chach-key ]

I love this word. It means knick-knack. Do you know what I’m talking about? All those things you’ve collected throughout your life, and feel the need to show off or admire in private. Lots of mementos from travels and adventures over the course of your timeline. Art and gifts from friends that give my living environment a personality, a karma for my personal space. I learned  the word 25 years ago while working on the North Shore when I was a kitchen designer for Nappanee Wood Products. An “Amish” cabinet company that was actually owned by Harley Davidson.  Yes the motorcycle company.

But tchatchkes are a huge part of my life. I love accessorizing every aspect of my life. Like most people, it’s my world of things dear to me, comfortable and inquisitive, extreme one of a kind decorating style that I share with my 2 favorite live in peeps. When I am asked to design kitchens, there are so many possibilities of things that you hold close to your heart. You may want to share their story and let them have their place in your kitchen. Your vacation cook book collection that tell stories of fun times with family & friends, or gaze upon your entire english tea cup collection on a daily basis, and enjoy their intricate hand painted details. On an open shelf or behind glass doors?How much is too much stuff on top of your cabinets? This is where I can help you design that part in your remodeling project and will walk you through the ideas and possibilities for your feelings of pleasure in the kitchen. Decorating your kitchen yourself can be intimidating. There is a need for knowing a sense of balance, color, and form… having a third eye, a professional, to help you walk through your home and help restage your memories and tchatchkes.

Recently, I was asked my opinion about the Pantone 2012 trend color Tangerine Tango by Lynn of Walsh Communications. I’m very familiar with it. Hot hot orangey red. Shocks my senses but I thought, it really isn’t so hot yet. It’s bold. It’s the year of the dragon, so let’s be on fire. I don’t do reds or orange, but this color does make me get that feeling inside that has a jolt of electricity. Looking at it in my existing fashions, I saw that it was so powerful. A little goes a long way… and that thought got me digging through my cabinets looking for it. I know I have it in some serving tchatchke piece and it will look hot on display. I discover 4 ceramic serving pieces, and pick up a gallon of paint. Voila! Ravishing Red on the walls with ceramic bowls splashing the color and details to enjoy this hot new trend that is exciting, fun, and easily changeable. These simple tchatchkes have transformed a nice (blah) elegant kitchen into a passionate new view and feeling. If you’ve got that feeling that your rooms need a better feeling, don’t fret yourself. Call us at 708-579-5879 to talk about helping you redesign your space.