In February, home improvement expert Danny Lipford will start a new project to help first-time homeowners get a handle on home remodeling. The project will span six episodes of his television show, Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford (check your local listings) and follows his daughter, Chelsea Lipford, as she remodels her first home. Danny and Chelsea will use with these five tips to navigate the remodeling process.

1. Assess the Space

Understand exactly what you have to work with in your space, and be realistic about the changes you can make. Learn tips and tricks to take advantage of useful resources that help you visualize the space’s potential.

2. Identify Your Style

Look through magazines, blogs, store catalogs and other visual resources to find things you like and capture them in a single location like the Merillat Ideafolio. This includes furniture, accessories, cabinetry and more.

3. Determine the Scope of the Project

Consider time line, budget and design needs when beginning a project.

• Time line: As exciting as it is to start a project, keep in mind that the process takes time. You may have limited use in certain areas of your home until it’s finished.
• Budget: Set one and stick to it. Don’t be tempted to spend more than the money you’ve allotted.
• Make two lists: Make a list of “must haves” and a list of things that would be nice to eventually add. Focus on the “must haves,” and over time, add the other pieces to your design.

4. DIY vs. Professional

Certain projects can be completed on your own, but others should be left to professionals. If you aren’t an expert plumber, hire an expert to do it correctly. Hiring a designer can also be a very helpful resource, as he or she can help you figure out how to make your space work well and assist you in determining your personal style.

5. Make Time for Fun

Remember that this is an exciting time! Celebrate each step of the process, especially when the details become overwhelming. This is your house and you’re making it your own home!

It’s taken months and months of hard work, but I am pleased to say The Kuppersmith Project is complete and looking better than ever!  You have been able to witness the full transformation of this 1920s Tudor style house in Mobile, Ala. on my show, Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford.  Now it is time to see the final reveal of the entire home, including the Merillat cabinetry and DeNova countertops used throughout the home.

As you know, at the start of the project the Kuppersmith home was a 1900-square foot home without central heating or air-conditioning, the plumbing and wiring were outdated and the kitchen and bathroom were small, outdated and needed to be completely redone.

We were lucky to work with our friends at Merillat and DeNova to provide cabinetry and countertops solutions for various rooms throughout the home.  Even though the Kuppersmith house was a huge undertaking, in fact my biggest yet, Merillat and DeNova’s integration made for quick and easy installation.  We used this cabinet + countertop combination all over the house to help simplify the remodel and make each room beautiful and more functional.

Merillat cabinetry, filled with innovative storage solutions, brings a new dimension of style and functionality to the Kuppersmith kitchen.  Some of my favorites are featured in the kitchen and include the CoreGuard™ Sink Base—there is no better way to help avoid under sink damage, plus it is durable and easy to install.  The cutting board kit and deep drawer peg board are perfect and convenient for keeping your kitchen organized while you cook. This is a family friendly kitchen that will be easier and more enjoyable to work in.

The Kuppersmith Project is a great example of how Merillat kitchens are more functional with ingenious features that make life in the kitchen easier.  Plus, the integration of Merillat cabinets with DeNova countertops lends itself to a more seamless remodeling process.  I’m speaking from experience and know that all contractors will appreciate this!

Check out my web site for more information about the Kuppersmith home.  And if you missed the unveiling of the home or any of the other Kuppersmith episodes, you’re in luck because we are re-airing the 13-part series.  Click here to find out when the shows air in your area!

The “drop zone” in the Kuppersmith kitchen helps keep everything organized.

We’re making great headway at the Kuppersmith home.  When we started out, this 1920s house was very much a product of its era and in desperate need of some smart, 21^st Century design improvements. Our goal was to use cabinetry to create designated storage spaces to bring more functionality and make living in the home easier for the family.  I’m pleased to report that the cabinets are in and we already see huge improvement in the overall design and functionality of the home.  Let me take you on a guided tour of sorts and explain the various cabinetry solutions Merillat has provided for specific areas of the house.

One of the first storage problems we noticed was the lack of a guest closet in the front entry.  We used Merillat Classic® Portrait with a five piece drawer door style in a Maple Chiffon finish to substitute for the missing closet and to create a functional space to hang coats and store shoes.  Since this space is next to the living room, the open wall shelves can also display decorative items and add to the aesthetics of the room.

From the living room, let’s move into the dining room. This room was also lacking sufficient storage space for dishes.  Instead of buying furniture we created two hutches for two corners of the room.  The Merillat Classic Somerton Hill door style in a Cherry Cider finish gives these hutches a furniture appeal detailed with crown molding.  The homeowners now have a space to store their dinnerware and can even put their china dishes in the glass display cabinets for all to see.

In the kitchen, the new Merillat cabinetry makes entertaining, working and living in the kitchen easier.  The Kuppersmith kitchen is full of functional storage accessories like Merillat’s deep drawer peg-board divider and roll-out trays giving every item in the kitchen a designated spot.

To create an even more functional kitchen space, Merillat has created a separate prep station for coffee, the microwave and extra pantry storage.  The Maple Chiffon cabinetry finish used here is different than the rest of the kitchen giving this storage space a freestanding, furniture appeal.  Designated spaces in a kitchen, like this prep station, make it easier to stay organized and help eliminate the stress of a cluttered mess.

Not only are the walls lined with cabinetry, but we have also installed an island fully equipped with additional storage space for cookie sheets and trays as well as a sink, dishwasher and trash compactor making clean up a breeze.  The kitchen also includes Merillat’s CoreGuard™ Sink Base to help protect this new kitchen against damage caused by minor leaks and spills under the sink.  We used Merillat Classic Avenue with a five piece drawer door style in a Maple Kona finish to complement the lighter Maple Chiffon finish on the pantry.

When designing a kitchen it is important to think of ways to make the kitchen more efficient.  One way we did this was to install the refrigerator adjacent to the doorway to the garage.  This makes it easier for the family to unload groceries when entering the house.  On the other side of this doorway we created a drop zone area with cabinetry that surrounds the window looking out into the back yard.  This is the perfect place to drop keys, sort mail and store the dog leash as you enter the home from the garage.  There are even cubbies specifically for charging cell phones and iPod™ in this drop zone area. Now, everything has a place making things easy to find and much more organized. We also have a window seat making it easier to take off shoes and with space to store them below the seat in the two open cabinets.

Merillat cabinetry is also found in the Master bedroom and bathroom on the first floor of the home.  With “His & Hers” closets, the homeowners are able to keep their items separate and organized.  These cabinets and open shelves provide ample storage solutions for clothes, shoes and accessories.  In addition, the bathroom is equipped with “His & Hers” sinks so each person has their own space to get ready without bumping into one another.  For the Master bathroom and closet we used Merillat Classic Tolani door style in a Maple Chiffon finish.

As you can see, Merillat’s goal for the Kuppersmith home was to implement as many functional spaces and storage solutions as possible.  Sometimes just adding a little cabinetry here and there can make a world of difference in keeping your home organized!

Watch sneak peeks of the project and keep track of the progress on Danny’s Facebook and Twitter pages.  We’ll also be sure to keep you posted about the project’s status on Merillat’s RoundTable.

At our company, we like to say that “every top has a bottom and every bottom has a top.” That allows us to match our cabinetry brands exclusively with our DeNova™ countertop brand.  In the Kuppersmith Project, we deployed our own process that uses laser, electronic data transfer and computer design to make countertop templating and fabrication easier, faster and more accurate. It replaces the tedious (and often inaccurate) paper, cardboard or plywood templating normally used to measure countertop spaces.  This can be used on both new construction or remodeling projects for measurements at the drywall or stud stage, or even when the cabinets are already in place.

Laser measurements can be taken very quickly, and will take into account all the nuances of the room – imperfections in the walls, and the different turns and levels of the countertop space. The data gathered by laser and computer are immediately transferred electronically to the fabricating facility, where the templates are developed and the countertops produced. In some cases, the countertops, sinks and cabinets can be delivered together and installed by one crew on the same day – saving installation time and expense. This process also can reduce callbacks.

In the Kuppersmith house, the Merillat cabinets were already in place when we began our laser templating. Our process captured precise cabinet and wall measurements and all the character and imperfections of an 84-year-old house.  The end result? The cabinets and countertops became one very coordinated element of the kitchen – from color and style selection to measurement, fabrication and installation.

To see out laser templating process in action, please watch this video.

The transformation of the house starts this week in a 13-part series on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford.  In this series, Danny shows realistic approaches to remodeling while also addressing the top challenges average homeowners face in a remodel.  You’ll see practical ideas for remodeling your home. You’ll also see firsthand how Merillat Cabinetry and DeNova countertops are adding functionality and style in nine areas of the home.  Click here to find the show in your area!

For a sneak peek at the Merillat cabinetry we’ve used even before the kitchen episode airs, take a look at our Kuppersmith web page and see what cabinetry styles, features and accessories we’ve used to bring fun and function to different rooms in the house. The site will be updated throughout the renovation so visit often to see what’s new.

Keep track of the progress on Danny’s Facebook and Twitter pages.  We’ll also be sure to keep you posted about the project’s status on Merillat’s Kuppersmith web page and RoundTable.

A "before" shot of the Kuppersmith House

Danny Lipford has asked Merillat and DeNova to be a part of his biggest project to date—and we couldn’t be more excited!  This ambitious project is a top to bottom remodel of a 1920s Tutor style house in Mobile, Ala.  The Kuppersmith Project, named after the family who lived in the home for about 50 years, is a collaboration to remake the traditional American home.

The renovation will include a beautiful Merillat kitchen and bathrooms and features DeNova countertops.  In addition, Merillat will be featured in the home’s living room and laundry room.  The transformation of each room will be documented throughout a 13-part series on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford; airing will start, the week of January 31, 2011.

With Danny at the helm, viewers will learn practical, realistic approaches to remodeling while addressing the top 50 challenges average homeowners face.  Plan now to join Merillat and DeNova as we work with Danny to transform the Kuppersmith house into practical, timeless, beautiful rooms designed for the way people live.

Watch a sneak peek of the project and keep track of the progress on Danny’s Facebook and Twitter pages as well Merillat’s Facebook and Twitter pages.  We’ll also be sure to keep you posted about the project’s status on Merillat’s Round Table.

On a recent episode, sweepstakes winners Kim and Josh Osburn of West Bloomfield, Michigan saw their crowded galley kitchen transformed in both style and function.

Of course, we can’t give everyone a kitchen makeover. But we do hope that seeing the Osburns’ kitchen transformation will help inspire some ideas about the hidden potential in your own!

As you watch, here are a few key features to look for:

A clear sense of style. Merillat Classic® Fusion maple cabinets with a deep Kona finish and sleek nickel hardware are the perfect complement to the contemporary style throughout their home. Whatever your style, consider how the kitchen will affect adjoining rooms.

Accessorize appropriately. Storage solutions make it easy to customize cabinets by lifestyle. Rollout shelves and garbage/recycling bins are a plus in any home. SoftAction™ drawers and doors mean a quieter kitchen and protection against pinches. For an avid baker like Kim, a specialty item like Merillat’s base mixer shelf is a dream come true—keeping her heavy stand mixer off the counter, and yet still within easy reach.

Cabinets outside the kitchen. The Osburns replaced their dining room table with a granite-topped island for additional storage as well as seating. A home office area in the dining room is made of matching cabinets and a granite work surface—keeping the couple connected during daily tasks, while  still looking elegant enough for company.

Beauty+Duty. The old bar area had style, but no storage. Adding wall cabinets and replacing the bar’s glass block base with cabinets and a wine cooler created a fun, functional hub for entertaining.

Twice can be nice. At first, the Osburns worried that a bar/prep sink just around the corner from their kitchen sink might be overkill. Now they’re wondering how they ever got along without it.

Keep it the same, but different. Encompassing both the kitchen and dining rooms, the Osburns’ design needed both consistency and variety. The glass tile backsplash in the kitchen gives way to stainless tile in the bar, and the wall cabinet doors in that area are replaced with frosted glass inserts. The dining room bar, island, and desk area feature the same granite surface, but at different heights (36”, 42” and 30” respectively) for both functional and aesthetic reasons.

To see the Osburns’ complete kitchen makeover, watch the full episode here.

Then, watch our video below to learn more about how this kitchen, and this episode, came to life.

Now comes the hardest part of all. Waiting while it happens!

Tearing out the old kitchen and installing a new one can disrupt your home for weeks or even months, depending on the extent of the work, and the people and products involved.

Kimberly and Josh Osburn had a slight advantage in their project. As the winners of Today’s Dream Kitchen Sweepstakes, their kitchen remodel would be featured on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford.  Suffice it to say, knowing lots of cameras and producers would be around has a way of helping to keep everyone on schedule!

But even the smoothest projects can be seem frustratingly slow when it feels like your home has been turned inside out. So it’s important to work with strong partners (like KSI, the Merillat dealer overseeing the Osburn kitchen project) and to go into the process with realistic expectations. Here are some tips to help make the waiting game smoother and more enjoyable.

Ask about lead times upfront.
A new kitchen isn’t a single purchase. It’s an entire process, involving numerous manufacturers, retailers, inspectors and tradespeople. Some products have longer lead times than others—like cabinets. Ask about lead times when you order. Some cabinet manufacturers may require 4-6 weeks for delivery. However, Merillat’s Kitchen-At-A-Time process allows each kitchen featuring Merillat Classic or Essentials cabinetry to be built to order in just 5-6 days.

Be prepared to be flexible.
Plan ahead for how you’ll handle daily kitchen activities from your morning coffee to making meals. Decide which daily essentials you’ll want close at hand, and pack the rest away. (But label the boxes clearly, just in case!) Since eating out can really eat into your budget, find a temporary location for your refrigerator and microwave that lets you manage some meals at home. Stock up on paper goods if you won’t have easy access to a sink.

Expect the unexpected.
Especially in older homes, the tear out process can reveal unanticipated issues that result in delays or other adjustments. If challenges arise, take comfort in the fact that your crew is making sure the job is done right.

Pay it forward.
Before your old cabinets or appliances are destroyed or discarded, ask around. Many charities are able to put them to good use! Other components and materials may be able to be reused or recycled. The Osburns donated their old cabinets to a local chapter of Habitat for Humanity and recycled the glass block removed from the bar. You could make a difference that goes well beyond your own four walls!

Enjoy the ride!
Remember, construction is temporary. So approach it with a sense of adventure. Take pictures. Start a journal or a blog. Documenting the process can help you appreciate progress along the way, and provide a keepsake to look back on—as you enjoy your fabulous new kitchen!

Merillat offers online tools that can help make it fun and easy to define your style, find inspirational design ideas, and experiment with a variety of door styles and finishes, counter tops, flooring, and other features. Doing your homework here saves you time in the showroom and gives your designer the information he or she needs to take your kitchen to the next level.

Today’s Dream Kitchen Sweepstakes winner Kimberly Osburn envisioned a dramatic color change for her new kitchen: going from bright white cabinets in her existing kitchen to Merillat’s new Kona finish—a bold, espresso-colored brown.

The Osburns’ vision also included making better use of the space available in her narrow galley kitchen. An avid baker and host, Kimberly craved an efficient work triangle and improved traffic flow for entertaining. Her husband Joshua needed a generous workspace with ample storage to contain plenty of paperwork.

With a clear vision of what they hoped to achieve, Sandra set to work.  Since cabinet space and storage features are a top priority among today’s homeowners, she developed an innovative floor plan to maximize every available inch. Base and wall cabinets extend the functional space of the kitchen into the adjoining dining room, creating a stylish bar and perfect gathering place—outside the kitchen—as well adding valuable counter and storage space.  A multi-purpose island and generous desk area provide extra space to work, eat, prep, or entertain, as the occasion demands.

By combining the couple’s tastes and lifestyle with a designer’s understanding of flow and function, the Osburns’ new kitchen is a makeover that’s much more than skin deep.

“Must be nice,” you think, “but I’m footing the bill myself. I have to work within a budget.”

When it comes to remodeling, there’s always a budget. And whether yours is half of the Osburn’s—or even twice as much—chances are, you’ll have to make some tough decisions about where to save and where to splurge. But when cash-strapped homeowners look for ways to save on remodeling, professional design services are often the first to go. And that can be a costly mistake.

Here are a few reasons to go pro.

Kitchen professionals can help you get the most for your money. They understand what today’s homeowners are looking for and what options are available for each budget. With access to the latest product and design innovations, they can help spot tomorrow’s trends today, so your kitchen will feel current for years to come.

Your kitchen has huge impact on the value of your home. Merillat research has shown that the kitchen is a deciding factor for most home buyers. A pro can help you understand how the many decisions involved in your new design may help or hinder your home’s appeal and resale value later on.

Kitchen renovations are more than skin deep. Carpentry, plumbing, gas and electricity may be involved, putting more your financial resources, as well as your safety, at stake. Certified design professionals, dealers, and installers are trained to ensure quality, and code compliance, and to help protect your remodeling investment.

It helps to have a roadmap. With endless choices at every turn, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture. An objective partner can be a huge asset in keeping you on course. To get the most for your money, be honest about your budget. And keep in mind that major changes can be phased in over time. Just because you can’t afford your dream kitchen today doesn’t mean you have to give up on it entirely. A design professional can help you develop a plan for bringing your vision to life over time—step by affordable step.