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  • installation, bad experience, IKEA, cabinet installation, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    A Bad Experience with an IKEA Kitchen Cabinet Installation

    I wrote about helping a friend with an IKEA kitchen remodel recently. Unfortunately, it has not gone well. We are very disappointed with the cabinet installation. A problem that could’ve been addressed and resolved on site was ignored. The resulting mistake has not been acknowledged and fixed. Instead of taking responsibility and apologizing, the contractor…

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  • creative process, custom-built, IKEA, kitchen, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    My Creative Process: IKEA Kitchen That Looks Custom-Built

    I’m on a mission to help a friend and do it as efficiently as possible. It’s a personal quest. How quickly can I plan an IKEA kitchen that looks custom-built? Since this blog has become something of a journal, I’ll record the stages of the creative process as it unfolds.

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  • powder room, makeover, custom, vanity, cabinet, architect on demand, advice without strings

    A Powder Room Makeover: Design a Custom Vanity Cabinet

    A couple of weeks ago I wrote about some of my design ideas for a powder room makeover. Aside from a custom wedge-shaped vanity cabinet, I’ve proposed a very straightforward, sensible fix.

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  • how to streamline kitchen elevations, architect on demand, advice without strings

    How to Streamline Your Kitchen Elevations

    My DIY Ally client emailed: “They have hooked us up with a contractor to do our kitchen remodel, which includes ‘design’ services. We have been underwhelmed by their cabinet layout designs, so we were wondering what you might charge to look at their proposal. Can you show us how to streamline our kitchen elevations?”

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  • upcoming project, planning, kitchen remodel, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Upcoming Project: Planning for a Kitchen Remodel

    As a DIY Ally, I am always on hand to help with a layout for an upcoming project. This particular kitchen remodel is no exception. A couple came to me with the following request: “Our main goal is to open up the kitchen to the adjoining dining/living room area in order to take advantage of…

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  • kitchen, work triangle, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Applying the Kitchen Work Triangle

    Last week, in this blog’s Design Ideas installment, I discussed one of my projects. It’s a two-story building renovation in Jersey City. I outlined my thought process while coming up with four versions for a loft kitchen plan. This week, let’s take it further and apply the concept of the kitchen work triangle to all…

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  • bookcase, closet, architect on demand, advice without strings

    A Closet in a Bookcase

    Our “Garden Room” has a built-in 11-inch-deep bookcase comprised of predominantly open shelves and some closed storage. Even though minimum reach-in closet depth is two feet, I planned to use a portion of the unit as a closet.

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  • kitchen, cabinets, Home Depot, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Martha’s Kitchen Cabinets at The Home Depot

    Martha’s kitchen cabinets exclusively at The Home Depot are the answer. Edward and Margarita need my advice on updating their condo. It’s easy. It just needs fresh paint and new kitchen cabinets. They can keep the existing boxes, but replace drawers and cabinet doors.

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Get inspired

  • DIY like an architect
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  • get to know
    • meet Alla
    • testimonials
    • accolades
    • legacy
  • get started
    • DIY like an Architect
  • get inspired
    • kid-focused design
    • ideabooks
    • blog
  • get in touch