[LizKVA]

I've found a design inspiration on IKEAFANS for my kitchen renovation (jgsearles lovely kitchen http://www.ikeafans.com/forums/legac...vation-11.html), picked out the cabinet style (Adel MB of course), and laid out the kitchen a few times on the IKEA kitchen planner but it's not coming together due to space issues. So I thought I'd see about getting some professional help and called a local KD that I found on the NKBA website who provides design-only services (my DH will be doing the work so I won't be availing of any design services offered by a contractor or, since we're using IKEA, a cabinet company). When I mentioned that we were going with IKEA cabinets, she said with authority,"Oh, they're no good--they'll only last you a year!" I didn't think that was an auspicious beginning but I forged on to get more details about the fee structure--around $2500 for several designs. Yikes! That's about half the cost of the cabinets! I could make some more calls but am afraid I'll get a similar response about IKEA cabinets and a similar fee structure. Has anyone had a successful experience working with a KD on an IKEA kitchen ? Is the rate I quoted typical? Can anyone recommend a KD in the DC metro area who likes to work with IKEA cabinets?

	DH definition DH usually means Dear Husband (or, pick your own adjective starting with D).

[Tigratrus]

Does it need to be someone local to you? There are quite a few designers around here that might be able to help you out. There are folks that do it for a living as well as a wealth of folks here that simply love to do kitchen design.

Have you considered posting what you've got and seeing if somone can help you make it work in your space?

James

[Dwarfskinner]

When you consider that there are plenty of unemployed/under-employed designers out there $2500 is way too much imo . I'm sure with a little effort you can bid this job out for @ $1000. Lighting, materials and color coordination is the real reason for a designer...the kitchen planner and your friends here will supplement your cab layout.

	IMO definition IMO means In My Opinion

[Kayla]

Dwarf is right. (great name btw ) And there are even people here relatively skilled in helping with that. Why not tell dh you can get it done for $2500, do it here and then go shopping for new pans

It's worth a go, at least while you're looking for that perfect designer (and you could always donate some money to the site since it is run primarily by donation)

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	DH definition DH usually means Dear Husband (or, pick your own adjective starting with D).

	BTW definintion BTW means By The Way

[DesignDiva]

I actually designed Jenn's kitchen...and I'd be happy to help you!

[LizKVA]

Thanks, everyone, for your encouraging words. I will certainly seek your design input here. First I have to sketch out a floorplan since my main problem is architectural more than it is the layout of individual cabs. Then I'll plug in some cabs on the IKEA planner and produce 1 or 2 plans for folks to comment on. I love the DIY spirit represented here! I just feel like I've saved myself $2500!

	DIY defininition DIY means Do It Yourself