Tips from the pro: Christopher Peacock

Last week we met Christopher Peacock who will be opening his showroom at the DDB, and celebrating his company's 20th anniversary, this fall. We used our persuasive powers to pry some design tips from the kitchen and cabinetry guru, even for those who are still only aspiring to a Christopher Peacock kitchen. Here's what he had to say:

-"I hate kitchen design. I also love it, of course! Everyone, no matter how much money is in the bank, has to prepare food and that usually involves a kitchen. The way we think of ourselves, the way we compose ourselves, sustain ourselves, our movement in kitchens is very important to me.

-"I recommend allowing 21" to 24" for kitchen stools at an island. We find that Remains Lighting has the best and most interesting over-the-counter island lighting. We're actually collaborating on a collection with Remains that should be available soon.

-There's still a tremendous focus on islands. I typically suggest an island 5 feet wide by 8 feet long. You don't want it to look like an air craft carrier, and you don't want to have to walk around it to clean up and wipe it down. You want to be able to reach across it effortlessly.

-Renovation is happening much more than starting-from-scratch these days. I get asked a lot about where to cut costs. "Value engineering" is something I hear a lot. The biggest mistake is to try to save by cutting out the specialist advice and using a woodshop to copy a product. You always tend to get what you pay for, and it shows in the final look. If there are sensible areas to save money, I think it should be on flooring and backsplash tile, and ancillary items such as special wall finishes and fabric. I am amazed by how people tend to spend too little on cabinetry and hardware and then how much they'll spend on a wall finish, or a decorative item that won't last and stand the test of time. Tastes change, and the room's decoration becomes replaceable, long before the fixed items such as cabinetry and countertops need to go."