Cabinets, Tiles & Backsplash

Sammy,

To answer your questions of what cabinets to use it really depends on what position you are in and what is your goal. When I work with clients that are first timers they generally have a 5-7 year plan and then want to start a family and need a bigger apartment. For those clients I suggest going with Ikea or something like it. For a homeowner that is planning to stay for over 10 years I would recommend going custom, however if their budget was tight I have no problem with Ikea.

I have found lately that most of my Hi-End clients are using Ikea. They have no problem spending 20k on thew appliances but find Ikea to be of great value.

For tile I like Nemo on 21st and park http://www.nemotile.com ask for Nikki Stone or Nic Jennings

If you have any questions feel free to email me primerenovations@me.com or call 646-436-3942

Jeff

www.primerenovationsnyc.com

Thanks Primer! Very helpful.

My goal is to be here for a while i.e. 10+ years. My concern about Ikea (mostly based on perception, not experience) is durability. Do you think ikea cabinets can stand the test of time?

Sammy,

I have been installing them for years and have yet to have a call back. I own a millshop and would not hesitate to put them in my own home

IKEA - I wouldn't buy an expensive apartment with their cabinets. I also agree with the perception vs reality. I would try to look outside of NYC. I found one cabinet company (sells omega /dynasty) my architect recommended in Danbury Ct. I haven't used her but her prices are reasonable and she will deliver to the city. I would also try some of the stores in college point, ny the cabinets are nicer and less expensive than IKEA.

Thanks, Primer. Will definitely look into it.

TeaCup - do you have name of the person/business in CT?

Sammy - I didnt use Lisa yet (my architects sister did and the kitchen looked great) but her prices were less than other places.

Lisa - http://www.kitchens-by-design.net/

Sammy, I think you need to see if your space lends itself to stock cabinetry or custom cabinetry. I just gut renovated my apartment and there was no conventional kitchen space so I had no choice but to put in custom cabinetry. I found a young furniture maker in NJ who agreed to build it. In fact he did all the wood work which you can see here: http://www.forbes.com/sites/marcellefischler/2013/03/17/8-amazingly-tiny-micro-apartments/ . It was written up on Forbes.com. Mine is the blue/green apt.

Teenyteacup75,

Why wouldn't you buy an expensive apartment with Ikea kitchen cabinets? I think I would rather Ikea kitchen cabinets then that you recommend. There are very few, by that i mean one dealer in manhattan for yours. There usually is a reason for that.

Sammy300

Before buying any kitchen go to some places that have the cabinets to look and feel them and then make your decision

I have Ikea cupboards, and love them. There are only two reasons I'd hesitate to go IKEA for a new kitchen:
A) System had fewer choices than more expensive systems. Want a narrow pullout drawer for bottled oils and stuff, and to fill out extra space? Tough.
B) Door styles are increasingly dull and unsophisticated compared with their previous offerings. More middle American.

That said, a good contractor can come up with custom modifications here and there. I've even heard of people using only the boxes and drawers from IKEA, and going all-custom for the doors and fronts.