Designer Spotlight: Maggie Grants

Maggie Grants has been in the Kitchen and Bath Industry for over 20 years.  She passed the National Kitchen and Bath Association Certified Kitchen Designer Exam in 1989.  Maggie’s kitchen designs have been featured in the September 2008 issue of Houston House and Home and various other publications.  Maggie contributed to the design and layout of Cabinets & Designs’ beautiful showroom.

Background:

I attended Central Michigan University to study Interior Design and received a BAA in Fine and Applied Arts. Moved to Houston two weeks after graduation and have been here ever since.

How did I get in the industry?

I did not know kitchen designers existed until after the furniture store I was working in closed and I took a job at a jewelry store. One of our regular clients was a kitchen designer and he offered me a chance to get back into the design industry. I gave it a shot and realized I loved to plan spaces more than picking out paint, fabric and wallcoverings. 

Best advice to give clients:

Plan ahead and assume it is going to take longer than you think to build or remodel. Expect that there will be bumpy patches along the way, but know that there is always a way to solve a problem.

What was a difficult design challenge and how did you overcome it?

I was presented with the challenge of a completely round 15’ wet bar that would be fully functional, maximize storage space and fit rectangular appliances and cabinet boxes.  After a lot of sketching and re-drawing, it turned into a really great design.

What has been your favorite addition as far as cabinetry features go?

Soft close, slam proof hinges and drawer slides. Taking drawers out and putting them back without having to line up the parts has made life so much easier.

What’s next?

I don’t know… maybe appliances that maintain food cold and heat them up in time for dinner, all in one.

If you were not a kitchen designer, what would you be?

I would probably work in animal rescue.

We, at Cabinets & Designs, are honored to have Maggie’s knowledge and talent as part of our design team.  Call or visit the showroom to set up an appointment with Maggie or one of the other designers.  We look forward to meeting you.