Pro Spotlight: 3 Key Tips for Starting a New Kitchen Project

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Who: Amir Ilin of Kuche+Cucina
Where: Paramus, New Jersey
In his own words: “I love it when a client says to me, ‘You did my kitchen 25 years ago, and it still looks good today.’”

Gorgeous marble countertops. Luxe cabinetry. Eye-catching details. A beautiful, well-appointed kitchen is everyone’s ideal. Providing the designs and products to achieve that ideal has been designer Amir Ilin’s mission since he started Paramus design studio Kuche+Cucina in 1986. “We provide quality design, products and expertise for homeowners and professionals,” Ilin says.

Kuche+Cucina

A focus on quality design. Whether you’re building or remodeling, the most important step is getting the right design for your needs. Ilin, the company’s president, urges homeowners to look for designers who are known for their work rather than simply concentrating on price. “Great design doesn’t cost more than terrible design,” he says.

Kuche+Cucina

The long view. Ilin advises homeowners to be patient when remodeling a kitchen, especially if budget is a concern. “If you’re planning to stay in your house for at least five years, you should wait until you have the money to do it right,” he says, adding that something done cheaply will soon fall apart.

Ready for a new kitchen? Ilin offers some key advice to help you get started.

Kuche+Cucina

1. Build an Experienced Team

Seek out experienced and innovative professionals. “Look for those who are the best at what they do,” Ilin says. His company worked with a top team chosen by homeowners in Jersey City to remodel the kitchen of their historic factory turned private home, which made the process go smoothly.

The homeowners requested a refined and modern European feel for the space, seen here. On Ilin’s recommendation, they selected wall cabinets with a white matte glass finish, pairing them with white lacquered base cabinets for subtle contrast. The same contrast is found between the white marble backsplash and island top and the white quartz counters. “They should blend rather than match,” Ilin says of the kitchen elements. The exposed wood supports, beams and ceiling joists as well as the piping pay homage to the building’s commercial roots.

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Kuche+Cucina

2. Tailor the Kitchen to Your House

Design your kitchen to flow with the rest of your home. “The kitchen has to fit the house,” Ilin says. When designing the show house kitchen in Saddle River seen here, for example, he made sure the large space still felt warm and inviting. “It was important not to get lost in the size,” he says.

Ilin chose a transitional style that leans toward traditional to keep things airy and bright. The traditional elements include the coffered ceiling, handcrafted beaded-inset cabinetry, and marble countertops and backsplashes. The more transitional notes include the valance above the sink, clean-lined lighting and sleek hardware. The dark wood flooring and island top and the lighter-tone wood breakfast table add warmth.

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Kuche+Cucina

3. Spring for a Specialist

If you have a very specific kitchen requirement, bring on a specialist for the best results. “Doing kosher kitchens is a large part of our business,” Ilin says. He adds that clients are willing to travel a bit for that expertise.

The team created the modern open-concept kosher kitchen in Lakewood seen here. Light wood flooring and a mix of dark and light flat-paneled cabinetry anchor the space. Ilin paired these elements with dark fixtures and gray porcelain countertops and backsplash; the backsplash extends to the ceiling for a cohesive look. A two-level white quartzite island brings bold style and high functionality.

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More: For more information on Amir Ilin and examples of his work, visit Kuche+Cucina’s Houzz profile.

This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.