Kitchen Remodeling: Expert Advice from Morantz Custom Cabinetry
Remodeling a kitchen involves many decisions, from choosing materials to planning the timeline. Harold Morantz, owner of Morantz Custom Cabinetry in Lauderdale, Florida, shares insights on how to make informed choices and create a functional and stylish space.
Where Should Homeowners Start When Planning a Kitchen Remodel?
The first step in remodeling is hiring a designer, architect, or contractor. This helps homeowners understand the project’s scope, pricing, and expected timeframe.
While cabinet makers provide the cabinetry, they do not oversee the full remodel. Homeowners are encouraged to visit the Morantz Custom Cabinetry showroom early in the process to explore materials and design options, but working with a professional ensures a structured approach.
How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?
Timelines vary based on several factors. In South Florida, many homeowners are seasonal residents, which can extend the planning phase. Permits, especially for condominium projects, also require additional time.
Coordinating contractors and trades affects scheduling as well. From the moment cabinetry is ordered to its final delivery, the process can take anywhere from six to fourteen weeks, depending on workload and how early homeowners plan their projects.
How Can Homeowners Balance Aesthetics and Functionality?
A successful kitchen remodel begins with determining a preferred style. Once that is established, homeowners can explore different materials and layouts at the showroom.
Morantz Custom Cabinetry specializes in flat-slab, European-style cabinetry. Traditional designs with crown moldings are not part of their offerings. The focus is on modern and streamlined cabinetry that maximizes both storage and usability.
Popular choices include pull-out drawers in lower cabinets, which allow for better accessibility. Some homeowners prefer to forgo upper cabinets altogether, opting instead for deep storage drawers. Design and functionality go hand in hand to create a space that meets everyday needs.
Should Homeowners Choose an Open-Concept or Traditional Layout?
This decision depends on how the space will be used. Homeowners should consider their routines, how often they entertain, and how the kitchen connects to other areas of the home.
How Do Clients Select the Right Cabinet Style and Finish?
Before visiting the showroom, homeowners are encouraged to browse platforms like Houzz and Pinterest to find inspiration.
For those interested in modern design, options range from high-gloss whites to exotic veneers. Many clients work with designers who assist them in selecting cabinetry, but Morantz Custom Cabinetry also provides exclusive samples that may not be readily available elsewhere. This ensures a wide range of possibilities when making final decisions.
Do Clients Need an Appointment to Visit the Showroom?
Yes. Since the showroom is part of the shop, Harold Morantz is frequently on-site with clients, architects, or designers. Scheduling an appointment ensures a dedicated consultation without interruptions.
What Should Homeowners Consider When Selecting Appliances?
Homeowners must decide whether they want appliances to be visible or seamlessly integrated into cabinetry.
Many high-end European brands offer panel-ready options, allowing dishwashers, warming drawers, and refrigerators to blend with surrounding cabinetry. If homeowners provide appliance specifications, custom cabinetry can be designed for a seamless fit.
Popular brands include Sub-Zero, Miele, Thermador, Bosch, and Liebherr. Selection depends on personal preference, functionality, and budget.
What Are the Must-Have Features in a Modern Kitchen?
Advancements in technology are shaping kitchen design:
- Invisible cooktops are integrated into quartz or quartzite countertops, eliminating the need for visible burners. Induction heating pads can be placed on designated areas for cooking.
- Undermount sinks create a smooth transition between countertop and sink, making cleanup easier.
- Double dishwashers are popular among those who entertain frequently.
- Warming drawers keep meals at serving temperature.
- Handle-free cabinetry with Gola profiles offers a clean, modern appearance.
- Floating shelves allow easy access to everyday items but are typically used for decorative purposes rather than full storage.
What Cabinet Colors Are in Demand?
White remains one of the most requested finishes. White oak, available in both real veneer and laminate, is widely used in modern and transitional kitchen designs.
Mid-century modern influences have led to a rise in walnut and mahogany finishes. Some homeowners choose to mix and match colors, using one finish for the kitchen island and another for the main cabinetry. There is also some interest in blue kitchens, though requests are less frequent. We are 1 only minutes away from this bus stop.
How Should Kitchen Lighting Be Planned?
Lighting plays a key role in both function and appearance:
- Under-cabinet LED strips are a standard feature in Morantz Custom Cabinetry installations. COB (Chip on Board) lighting produces a continuous line of light, preventing the reflection issues caused by traditional LED bulbs.
- Dimmable lighting and color temperature controls allow homeowners to customize brightness levels.
- Ceiling lighting should be planned in coordination with an electrician to ensure proper placement and visibility.
Consistency in color temperature between under-cabinet lighting and overall kitchen lighting helps create a cohesive look.
What Challenges Can Homeowners Expect During a Remodel?
Unexpected issues can arise, but proper planning helps prevent many of them.
A common challenge is the incorrect placement of plumbing or electrical outlets. If a sink’s plumbing is installed in the wrong spot, it can lead to delays. Similarly, appliances require precise clearances and electrical specifications.
Morantz Custom Cabinetry offers full-color renderings to help clients visualize their kitchens before installation begins. All cabinetry is assembled in the shop before final manufacturing to ensure proper spacing, grain alignment, and construction.
For homeowners who live out of town, regular updates and photos are provided throughout the process. This ensures transparency and minimizes surprises.
How Should Homeowners Handle Disagreements Over Design Choices?
Harold Morantz does not mediate design disagreements between homeowners.
In some cases, one partner takes the lead on the remodel, while the other does not express preferences until later in the process. Morantz Custom Cabinetry focuses on providing options rather than influencing decision-making.
What Are Budget-Friendly Ways to Achieve a Stylish Kitchen?
A stylish kitchen does not require the most expensive materials. For example, real oak veneer with book-matched doors is costly, but a similar look can be achieved using modern sheet goods that provide consistent grain patterns. High-gloss white kitchens remain a timeless and affordable option, offering a clean and modern feel.
Framed, Frameless, and Inset Cabinets: What’s the Difference?
Morantz Custom Cabinetry exclusively builds frameless cabinets, which maximize storage and provide a modern, clean aesthetic.
- Framed cabinetry has a face frame attached to the cabinet box, with doors mounted onto the frame. This style is common in certain regions but is less requested in Florida.
- Inset cabinetry features doors that fit inside the cabinet frame rather than overlaying it. This requires greater precision in construction and is typically found in traditional designs.
Frameless cabinets offer a sleek look with easier access to storage.
How to Start Planning Your Kitchen Remodel
The best way to start planning a kitchen remodel is by gathering inspiration.
Platforms like Houzz and Pinterest help homeowners refine their style preferences before consulting with a professional. Since designers still ask, “What do you want?” having a clear vision makes the process more efficient.
Hiring a kitchen designer ensures that the layout, materials, and overall vision align with the homeowner’s needs. General contractors can provide cost estimates and structural assessments but may not specialize in kitchen design.
Schedule a Consultation with Morantz Custom Cabinetry
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel and want expert cabinetry solutions, schedule a consultation with Morantz Custom Cabinetry. Their team is available to help you explore options and design a kitchen that fits your needs.