Five key questions Acclaim Renovations & Design’s Bob Gallese asks before starting a kitchen remodel
By Patricia Nugent
Bob Gallese, founder of Acclaim Renovations & Design, says that after he’s finished consulting with a client on a kitchen renovation, they almost always say that his questions brought up things they never would have thought about.
Here are a few of them:
1. Are you a party animal? “There are subtle differences in space allotment and island configuration to cater to someone who entertains a lot. If they throw big parties, we opt for a big island, and then create enough space around it for people to gather and still walk around those who have gathered. Or, if you want an island to accommodate two children who like to do their homework there, we can design around that,” Bob says.
2. How tall are you? “There are ways we can position cabinets, appliances and countertops to cater to shorter or taller people,” he notes. “For example, if you are short, we would not design a microwave built in over the range, but would instead install it counter height. Instead of hanging cabinets high, we stop short of the ceiling and finish it with crown molding, which adds a touch of distinction and really opens up the room.”
3. Are you right-handed or left-handed? “This makes a difference in how we orient the appliances to make them more accessible,” he reveals.
4. Which do you prefer, cooking or baking? “Cooks should have a large, top-of-the-line range and hood. And bakers would be well-suited to a double oven. If you use a heavy stand-up mixer, we’ll put in a cabinet with a fold-up shelf that pulls it up easily,” Bob says.
5. What kind of lighting is best? “Lighting is a game changer for setting the mood, and we explore all of the different types. Instead of nightlights, some people love lighting down below in the toe kick of the cabinets. We install a lot of soft, indirect, under-cabinet lighting, too,” he says. “And the fun assortment of pendant lights also adds personality.”
Acclaim Renovations & Design powered by One Man and a Hammer is located at 8550 East Avenue in Mentor. Call 440-974-8082 or visit AcclaimReno.com for more information and to view some amazing before-and-after galleries of room makeovers.