KITCHEN DESIGN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you are planning a kitchen remodel, new build, or whole-home cabinetry project in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin, you probably have a lot of questions. This page pulls together the most common design process FAQ topics we hear from homeowners and professional builders alike. From cabinetry questions answered in plain language to remodeling FAQ basics and design consultation questions, everything here is grounded in how Tailored Spaces LLC actually works. Principal designer Natalie Spiniolas brings over 25 years of kitchen and bath industry experience to every project, and the team is here to make the process feel clear, not overwhelming.
Cabinetry Questions Answered
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Cabinetry Questions Answered
Cabinetry Questions Answered
Common Remodeling FAQ Topics for Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin Homeowners

  • What does the design process look like from the first consultation to the final walkthrough?

    The process at Tailored Spaces LLC moves through three clear phases. The first is the design phase, where Natalie and her team meet with you to define the scope of your project, establish a budget, and sign a design retainer. From there, the team moves into product selection, which includes a 3D presentation of your space, material and finish refinement, and your final sign-off on all selections. The third phase covers project implementation: procurement and material tracking, contractor coordination for jobsite readiness, site visits, design intent oversight, and a final walkthrough to confirm everything was executed as planned.

  • What areas does Tailored Spaces LLC serve?

    While Tailored Spaces calls Harvard, Illinois home, our work is not confined by geography. We proudly serve clients throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, including McHenry, Lake, Boone, Cook, and DuPage Counties, as well as the Lake Geneva region and surrounding Walworth County communities of Fontana and Williams Bay. From distinctive primary residences to vacation properties and luxury renovations, our projects frequently extend beyond our local market and across state lines. Regardless of location, our mission is the same: to create thoughtfully tailored spaces that are beautiful, functional, and deeply reflective of the people who call them home. Our studio and showroom, located in the historic Starline Factory, remain the creative hub where every project begins.

  • What types of spaces does Tailored Spaces design beyond kitchens and bathrooms?

    While kitchens and bathrooms are a core focus, Tailored Spaces handles cabinetry and space planning for the entire home. This includes mudrooms, laundry rooms, home offices, wine cellars, bars, craft rooms, sewing rooms, and garage cabinetry. The firm also works on outdoor cabinetry and provides whole-home cabinetry planning for new construction projects. Whether you are working with a builder on a ground-up build or remodeling multiple rooms at once, the team can coordinate design documentation and selections across the full scope of the project.

  • What wood species and finishes are available for custom cabinetry?

    Tailored Spaces works with a range of wood species suited to high-end residential projects. Options include rift-cut white oak, knotty hickory, knotty alder, walnut, and teak. Specialty finishes available include French Biscuit, Ebony-stained, Cashmere, and vertical saw kerfs. For countertops and surfaces, the team works with materials such as quartz with black-veined or waterfall edge details, marble in herringbone patterns, stacked stone, Venetian plaster, and reclaimed materials. Decorative hardware is available in brass, honey bronze, and flat black.

  • Does Tailored Spaces work directly with builders and contractors, or only with homeowners?

    Tailored Spaces actively partners with residential builders, architects, and contractors. For professional trade partners, the firm provides detailed installation packets that give trades the documentation they need to execute the design accurately on-site. The team can also assist with client selection timelines, which helps builders manage the decision-making process without delays. This builder partnership model is designed to function as an extension of the builder's own team, reducing jobsite friction and keeping projects on schedule.

  • How do I know how much to budget for a kitchen remodel?

    Tailored Spaces uses a practical budgeting framework that positions a kitchen renovation as roughly 15 to 20 percent of a home's value, which helps set realistic expectations for high-end residential projects. The firm also offers a Kitchen Renovation Calculator as a budgeting tool to help clients get a clearer picture of scope before the first consultation. Specific pricing structures, design fees, and retainer amounts vary based on project scope. The studio serves clients working on projects in the $500K and above range.

  • What can I expect to see during a 3D design presentation?

    During the product selection phase, Tailored Spaces presents a full 3D rendering of your space. This gives you a realistic view of how your cabinetry, finishes, surfaces, and fixtures will look and work together before anything is ordered or installed. The 3D presentation is also the stage where material and finish refinements are made, so you can feel confident in your final selections. This step is designed specifically to reduce the uncertainty that often comes with large renovation decisions and to make sure the completed space matches your original vision.

  • Is the Tailored Spaces showroom open to walk-in visitors?

    The Tailored Spaces showroom is available by appointment. It is a 3,000-square-foot space located inside the historic Starline Factory in Harvard, Illinois. The showroom is designed to give clients and trade partners a hands-on look at materials, finishes, and cabinetry options in a setting that reflects the firm's aesthetic. Visiting by appointment ensures that a member of the design team is available to walk you through the space and answer questions specific to your project.

Still have questions? We're here to help — contact us today or give us a call!