Great looking kitchen – cabinets by Ikea
I was going to feature this kitchen in my backsplash post, because I just love these panels of travertiine – so much more interesting than blah 4×4 tiles on the diagonal. But when I found out that the cabinets are from Ikea, I figured it deserved a post of its own (via):
Kitchen by Croma Design
I just wanted you to know that not all kitchen designers hate Ikea – a well designed layout is the most important thing, whatever your budget. Spend the money on a professional designer to create a great plan for you, and save it on the cabinets if you have to. They offer the same European hardware as many high-end lines, and 25 year limited warranties on certain styles and finishes. I would just suggest that you should tell your designer if you plan to use Ikea (you know who you are 
) – we are really not that scary and judgemental, are we?
Yes, yes, yes – the most expensive and beautiful cabinets in the world won’t save a half-baked design. And isn’t it beautiful travertine? I need to find a better link to the article….
I LOVE the travertine backsplash! It warms up the industrial look of this kitchen (exposed ceiling ducts, windows, etc).
I have to admit: sometimes (when the client’s budget is one of project priorities) I use a big-box store cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms. The client is usually surprised, how much of a “custom look” can be achieved just by creative mixing of standard elements by a skilled designer (the quality of cabinets is another story…).