Research before your appointment

Know what you want and do some price checking before your appt.
Sould be able to get supplier/finishes list from builder before
Create a wish list . It’s best to choose what you like the most, and to have a secondary choice too. Then, price your choices for upgrade costs and go from there

Consider upgrades for main rooms & standard options for secondary rooms

Ensure you have cohesive finishes throughout the home, especially in a small space
Consider hardwood for living room & master bedroom and broadloom for basement & guest rooms
marble/stone for foyer, kitchen, master ensuite & powder room, porcelain for guest bathrooms

When do you expect to move in?

Although you can sometimes get things cheaper installed after the fact, is it worth it.
Weigh convenience of moving right in finished vs. having to do more work or not being able to move in on possession

How long do you plan on living in the home?

Are you making decisions for you for the next 20 years or for resale within 5 years
Less personalization for quicker resell
Good appliances sell
Simple neutral palettes sell
Long term you can save some money by doing upgrades in few years

Consider hiring a professional to help for a few hours

Some design centres have staff and will offer some time with a design consultant
Can save you money in the long run by quickly pulling together a look
Takes stress out of the selection phase

Good tips to know:

The developer is allowed to change 10% of your floor plan without consulting with you
If you’re thinking of changing the floor plan, keep in mind it could be costly. It’s a big deal to change because they have to change the plans and monitor/manage the change to ensure it’s executed for you.

Biggest single investment in finishes in home

Like a diamond buy the best you can afford
Choosing your cabinet doors is the most important thing you’ll do in your condo.
Your cabinets will likely total nearly three quarters the cost of your kitchen
They’re the most visible and once chosen, they make all other decisions easier

Review layout

Make sure the layout makes sense i.e. work triangle, positioning of sink to stove to fridge, storage, etc.
Can usually change basic layout without charge if not changing the amount of cabinetry needed or structural or walls

Choose door style first then colour, stain or painted & appliances and interior hardware i.e. soft close, touch latch

Know the style of kitchen you want modern, contemporary, traditional. This will make the doors style and colour choice easier
Choosing a Shaker vs. a Flat Slab for your Cabinet. A shaker can be made to look a little more traditional or a little more contemporary or even modern. A flat slab will always look clean and contemporary.

Choose counter, flooring & backsplash

Choose faucet, sink

Choose decorative hardware

This choice is a bit more fun, functionality is important but different hardware can completely change the look of a kitchen.
Small knobs are best for upper cupboards or on light lower cabinets
A pull handle is best for drawers
All handles should have the same finishes
In certain cases, you need to ensure your cabinet door gloss does not clash with the finish of your handles

Upgrading Your Kitchen Island

Extending a 24-inch deep island to 36-inch is a worthwhile upgrade as it will allow you to build a reveal where you can put stools with leg room for people to sit at the island
A waterfall adds a glamorous and polished aspect to your kitchen
To save money, only do the waterfall on one side of the island instead of both – do the side that is more visible

Michelle Mawby
Lucid Interior Design
www.lucidinteriordesign.com