“Our clients count on us. They know that we do what we say we are going to do.”

Kim Evans, general manager, strategic marketing (and former founding partner) of Cranbury Design Center, is emphatic about the firm’s reliability, reputation, and quality work.

“We project manage our jobs. We sit down with the customers, and everything is planned out. We pay attention to every detail. We are in constant touch with the clients and let them know what is happening throughout the process.”

Known for its kitchen and bath design and build projects, Cranbury Design Center is located at 146 West Ward Street in Hightstown. Owned by Frank O’Leary and Charlie Rini, it was founded in 1999. Refreshing, remodeling, and renovating are the firm’s specialties, and they can advise clients on the latest trends in the industry regarding cabinetry, appliances, finishes, hardware, etc., while keeping in mind budgetary requirements.

Existing Footprint

If clients want to keep their existing cabinets, but would like a new sink and stove, then a “refresh” is the choice, notes Ms. Evans. This is popular, but even more typical is a remodel.

“In this case, we keep the existing footprint, but add new cabinetry as well as new appliances. In the case of a renovation, everything is new and often completely rearranged. This can also include an addition to expand the area. We do all size jobs from powder rooms to full spa-type baths, and small to very large kitchens. The kitchen is the heart of the home. No matter how big or small its size, people like to gather there. We have done some very charming small kitchens.”

People choose to make an investment in kitchens and baths for various reasons, she adds, and this can underscore their selection. “If they are planning to move, they may decide on a refresh, just to make the bathroom or kitchen appealing to prospective buyers. People who are not moving may decide to fix up the bath or kitchen if an appliance has worn out or perhaps they just want a new look and something more up-to-date. Interestingly, new owners often call us as soon as they move in because they want a remodel or even a renovation.”

Ms. Evans has seen a lot of changes and trends in kitchen and bath design over the years. There has been a definite trend toward a more open look, with one room flowing into another without doors. This is very true in the kitchen, she points out.

“No matter what size the kitchen is, people like it to be open and not shut off from the rest of the house. Often, family rooms are adjacent to the kitchen, without any demarcation except a kitchen counter.”

Kitchen Islands

Ample storage space and functionality are other factors that are important to clients today. “We also see the styles moving away from the traditional, heavily decorated look to more contemporary clean lines. It can also be a transitional look. Some people like an avant-garde feel, with stainless steel backsplashes, for example. There are just so many choices today.”

Kitchen islands are a must, and they are getting bigger, reports Ms. Evans. “They’re multi-functional now. People eat there, set out food for entertaining, etc.”

Wood floors in the kitchen are in demand now, although tile is often favored by many homeowners. Granite continues to be the number one choice for countertops but other options, such as Corian, silestone, natural quartz, and laminates are all available.

“Granite is king,” says Ms. Evans. “It is known for its durability, and there are more choices in the variety of colors now. People seem to like a combination of colors and contrasts. For example, you can have a dark island and light cabinets. Or the island can have a different countertop — wood with granite around the perimeter.”

Both light and dark cabinets are popular, and they can be as customized as the client wishes. Choices include stock cabinets, which can also be customized, and typically take three and a half to four weeks to be delivered and installed; semi-custom, which are not standard size and can have some modifications, with a time frame of eight weeks; and fully customized cabinetry, which takes eight to 12 weeks.

Customers like the cabinets to have convenient features, such as sliding drawers and lazy susan corner slides for easy access. “All our cabinetry is high quality at whatever price level,” notes Ms. Evans.

Up-to-Date Styles

“Lighting is also important, and under cabinet lighting is in demand today.”

Many of the same features seen in the kitchen are also desirable in the bath, she reports. Ample storage, easy access, and up-to-date styles, including clean, contemporary lines, are all important. “Granite and marble countertops are popular, and the floor is nearly always tile. Some of the tile can even look like wood.”

In some cases, clients are also opting for larger showers, and even eliminating tubs.

The Cranbury Design Center’s staff focus is to ensure that the client’s kitchen or bath refresh, remodel, or renovation progresses smoothly from start to finish, says Ms. Evans. “At the outset, co-owner Charlie Rini goes to see the client’s house and asks specific questions regarding life-style, and how long they plan to stay in the house. Depending on this, they select different cabinets and appliances. I also love going to the house and helping the client through the process. It can be very creative.”

And the clients are from all backgrounds and walks of life, she adds. “Some clients come in with the complete shopping bag. They know exactly what they want. Others may have some idea as to color but don’t have too many specifics in mind. Still others don’t have a clue — they just know they want something different. We do our best to help them find the way to the best kitchen and bath design to fit their needs.”

The firm’s many repeat customers and referrals are testimony to its long and valued reputation.

Cranbury Design Center’s handsome show room with many sample kitchens and baths on display is open Monday 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday until 5, Saturday until 2. (609) 448-5600. Website: www.cranburydesigncenter.com.