White tiled walls provide a breezy backdrop that allows the range hood, shelves, and cabinets to pop. Black cabinets take their design cue from directoire-style french furniture but feel modern thanks to their streamlined geometry and stainless-steel trim. Pretty parisian kitchens | better homes & gardens. Modern french rustic kitchen, minneapolis open concept kitchen - mid-sized rustic l-shaped travertine floor and gray floor open concept kitchen idea in minneapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, dark wood cabinets and stone tile backsplash - houzz Next take this information and visit a custom shop so you can review your desires against the realities of the build.”Ī good woodworker will be able to help you construct a budget so you can be sure of getting the most for your investment.Modern french - rustic - kitchen - minneapolis - by kieran. “To avoid this I suggest researching comparable items in the marketplace. “There is a point in custom design where your attempts at saving money begin to cut into the benefits of custom design - namely, custom sizing, function, styling,” he says. “The fact that the woodworker must first design the piece, then acquire materials, set up tools, fabricate, finish and deliver means that costs can add up quick.”Įxpensive doesn’t necessarily mean better, he cautions.

The base is buried under the grass.Ĭost considerations. “It’s important for prospective clients to understand that custom work is almost always going to be more expensive than comparable retail or commercially available pieces,” Evans says. This redwood table and benches,responsibly sourced and crafted by Smith, were commissioned for poolside picnics at a vineyard in Sonoma, California. “This is incredibly important not only to most of my customers,” says Smith, “but for the longevity of the business and resources in the industry.” Responsible sourcing. If you’re concerned about where your wood will come from, it’s important to work with an artisan who gets wood ethically and sustainably. Tip: Make sure to read the contract outlining what to expect, how payment is to be made, the delivery date and the costs before agreeing to work with someone. A good woodworker will help you make decisions and, if need be, isolate the critical factors in the project Once you’ve figured out which person you’ll entrust your vision to, it’s time to work together to devise a plan that includes the size of your project, wood species, finishes, budget and calendar. A woodworker needs to be able to take the time to listen, ask clarifying questions, show examples and narrow down specifics.” “It’s more a look and feel that they’re going for. What finishes or materials can you recommend?Ĭommunication is key. “Sometimes it’s difficult for a client to describe in technical terms exactly what they are looking for,” says Smith.Have you done something like I’m asking for before?.How long have you been in business for yourself?.How long have you been in the woodworking business?.“Design and fabrication are about problem solving, and that’s what makes your project, and the work itself, custom.” “Be sure to see how broad the woodworker’s portfolio is,” says Atlanta furniture maker Stephen Evans (shown here working on a commission). In this sort of small-business community, it’s common for woodworkers to refer potential clients to other artisans that might be a better fit for a particular custom job. Artisans are usually a one-person operation, with maybe a small staff. If the woodworker is local, visit the shop if you can. Then seek out more examples of that professional’s work through a website, Houzz profile and press coverage. If you see something that catches your eye, find out who made it. Referrals are a great way to begin your search. “It’s important to search out an artist that specializes in your desired type of project.”

“Some people are experts in crafting fine furnishings, while others excel in rustic pieces,” Smith says. Find the right woodworker. Each artisan has a different skill set.

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