Episodes

Jul 27, 2021

Paul talks with Michael who has a kitchen design just a little too tight. Or as Paul says “ten pounds of sausage in an eight pound wrapper.” Paul also talks about The IKEA Effect which is a common psychological delusion that all kitchen designers must face daily from their customers. For those curious: The IKEA effect was identified and named by Michael I. Norton of Harvard Business School, Daniel Mochon of Yale, and Dan Ariely of Duke, who published the results of three studies in 2011. In these studies, researchers found that consumers valued their own work product far above what would be considered reasonable or rational. For example, the majority of people attempting origami for the first time irrationally rated their own creations above those of origami masters.

Aug 4, 2021

Paul talks with Jeremy who has a small kitchen in Manhattan New York. Maximizing the usable space in the apartment is discussed, not only for Jeremy’s kitchen, but also for his living room and bath. Jeremy plans on renting the apartment in the future and Paul talks about the do’s and don’ts when designing a kitchen for a rental property. Main Line Kitchen Design podcast engineer and producer Felipe Archila asks Paul some pointed questions about designing kitchens for tough spaces.

Aug 9, 2021

Paul talks to Olga who called in previously to get advice on her kitchen design. Olga talks about her bread making and gets Paul’s help getting the appliances and the countertop she needs worked into her kitchen design. Paul explains why you shouldn’t use a particular design feature just because you like it. Paul explains that design elements and appliances need to work well in the design and fit. Olga’s original design, seen below, was too tight and left her without a kitchen table. In the revised kitchen design seating is comfortable and spaces actually work.

Aug 18, 2021

Paul talks to Sam, who like many podcast callers, and people that write us on our blogs, is concerned about selecting the best cabinet brand for her kitchen. Paul explains why comparing kitchen cabinetry brands can be difficult and how pricing works at different cabinet dealers and showrooms. Paul also explains to Sam why the design of her kitchen is more important than the cabinet brand that she selects. Paul discusses with Sam and later with Felipe what makes a cabinet well constructed and what the difference is between framed and frameless cabinetry. Towards the end of the podcast, Paul and Felipe discuss incorporating pets into the design of a kitchen. If you are price comparing kitchen cabinets, particularly less expensive kitchen cabinet brands, this is the must listen to podcast episode of Calls with Paul.

Sep 30, 2021

Paul talks to Wendy, a return caller that took much of Paul’s design advice from a previous call and is now calling in for advice on some final tweaks to her design. Paul explains why 33″ Lazy Susan cabinets are a bad design feature and solves much of Wendy’s design challenges by recommending that she use the absolute smallest cabinet that fits a standard single bowl sink. Surprisingly many professional kitchen designers are unaware of what that size sink cabinet this is, and what the advantages are in using that size are over a larger size cabinet. Paul also explains why 36″ high wall cabinets should be used in rooms with 8′ high ceilings.

Dec 1, 2021

Paul talks with Linda about everything from designing a kitchen to cabinet features and pricing. Paul explains why so many kitchen designers give customers misinformation. And Paul also talks about what pricing features are needed or worth it when buying cabinets.

Dec 16, 2021

Paul talks with Fahad and looses his cool. Paul explains how frustrating it can be for kitchen designers when architects, who generally know very little about kitchen design and cabinetry, insert themselves into the kitchen design process. Paul discusses possible layout changes and what things are impossible or poor design choices in Fahad’s kitchen.

Dec 21, 2021

Paul chats with fellow podcaster Nancy Hugo, the host of the podcast Home Design Chat with Nancy, about the most dangerous kitchen design mistakes. Nancy and Paul go over what makes these design mistakes so dangerous and discuss how common they are. This episode is a combined podcast with Nancy.

Feb 1, 2022

Paul talks at length with Tina about a wide range of topics. If you are considering more expensive cabinetry this is an especially relevant episode. Painted finishes are discussed at length. As are custom paint finishes. What types of people make good designers is discussed. Design techniques used for 10 foot high ceilings such as stacked cabinets and moldings, and tray and coffered ceilings are compared. If you have high ceilings this is an episode you should listen to.

Mar 11, 2022

Paul talks with Eric and about Dekton and other countertop surfaces and the difference in price between different types of countertops. Paul explains the design challenges with Erics current design and recommends changes. Paul also talks about what color types make cabinetry expensive. Paul goes on the Kraftmaid website and looks at their colors.

Mar 23, 2022

Paul talks to Elizabeth who has a kitchen designed with custom cabinetry but a simplistic design. Paul encourages her to not use such high wall cabinets and to possibly lower her ceiling in order to remove an unsightly beam and save by no longer needing custom cabinetry.

Apr 4, 2022

Paul talks with Laura who is planning on two kitchen renovations. One renovation is for a rental property. Paul explains the difference in less expensive brands like Fabuwood,,J& K, CNC, Forevermark, and GreenForest. Paul also explains why all good designers use 36″ wall cabinets and a two-piece stacked crown molding in an 8 foot high room. Paul also explains why you must check a ceiling with a laser level if you are not allowing and adjustment in the crown molding for an installation.

May 20, 2022

Paul talks to Loretta who has an island that is far too large for her kitchen. Paul explains how to find a good kitchen cabinet dealer and how Main Line Kitchen Design rates cabinet dealers on our web site. Paul also explains why Main Line Kitchen Design sometimes get a 1-star review from a caller that Paul has annoyed and why Fabuwood is a good cabinet selection for a shaker white door style. Loretta finds out why spending more money on cabinetry might not make any sense.

Jun 22, 2022

Paul talks with Allison and Sebastien who are doing a complex kitchen renovation, Sebastion is an architect. Paul explains why kitchen designers and architects have very different successful design criteria for any space. Paul preaches once again about ten pounds of sausage in an eight-pound wrapper.

Jul 18, 2022

Paul talks with Jennings, who is building a brand-new home down south. The views from the site are spectacular. The design is good but needing a few tweaks to make it the home it should be. Paul and Jennings put their heads together and give it a try. If you are building a new home from scratch this is a great podcast for you. It shows how collaboration leads to better design. And it shows the level of oversight that the homeowner needs to employ. Jennings gets 5 stars from Paul for the hands-on approach he is taking.

Sep 22, 2022

Paul talks with PJ, who is considering American Woodmark cabinetry from Home Depot. His design is fairly straight forward but can still be improved. Paul talks about why home centers can be safer places to buy very simple kitchens then at private dealers. Paul talks about cabinet pricing and the advantages of Fabuwood over some brands.

Oct 15, 2022

Paul talks with Holly who has a 99″ high ceiling. Paul explains why splurging on materials like appliances and cabinets makes no sense without first creating the best layout and design in a kitchen. Based on this concept, Paul advises Holly to add a window over her sink before splurging on expensive appliances. Paul also recommends Holly getting a much less expensive and smaller appliance package in order to get better cabinetry and countertops.

Nov 23, 2022

Paul Speaks with Bernie who really wants to add an island to his kitchen. Paul does the calculations for Bernie’s kitchen and talks about what space you need to have an island. Paul explains what happens when you don’t leave enough space. Finally, Paul talks about cabinet sizing, costs and cabinet construction.

Dec 24, 2022

Paul talks with Dan whose wife is working with an interior designer to design their kitchen. This is a pet peeve of Paul’s as interior designers are generally not qualified to design kitchens. Paul explains why you want to work on your kitchen design with the company that is selling you cabinetry. Paul once again explains the problems with French Doors. Paul strongly advises against creating tray ceilings in rooms 8 feet high or less.

Jan 1, 2023

Paul talks with Holly who was working with Costco on her kitchen. Moving a doorway and changing the direction of Holly’s island makes her design better. Paul eliminates the blind corners in Holly’s kitchen. Paul explains how moving a light fixture can create needed space.

Jan 19, 2023

Paul talks to Eric who has a kitchen designed by Home Depot. While the design is OK, it could be better configured. Paul moves cabinetry around to create a more functional kitchen. Paul explains why you don’t want a speed oven with an oven door that folds down placed too high. Paul explains why slab doors look better in frameless cabinets.

Feb 24, 2023

Paul talks to Jennifer who has a townhouse and a community board with homeowner renovation restrictions. Paul moves things around to create a better space with a banquette. Paul explains how connecting walls over doorways can make rooms feel more separated and defined while not changing the space. Paul explains how we find the other dealers we recommend outside our service area. He also explains how to pick a designer inside a company we might recommend. Paul explains how durable painted vs stained cabinets are.

Mar 24, 2023

Paul talks with Anne who hosts family events that need seating for all her grandkids. Paul gives her a couple of design change possibilities that give both more storage and more space in her kitchen.

Mar 30, 2023

Paul takes a break from answering calls and discusses nearly all the different types of kitchen countertops. He talks about the advantages and disadvantages of each type and what to expect. If you have countertop questions, there’s a good chance the answer is discussed in this podcast.

Apr 29, 2023

Paul walks Kevin through his whole kitchen. They make changes after talking through each part of the kitchen. Kevin is so open minded that they just keep talking and changing and the final design turns out to be something Kevin likes a lot better. This is a good episode showing what happens when you discuss your design with a professional kitchen designer and make choices after getting additional information. Kevin’s starting point is in the artwork for this podcast.

May 21, 2023

Paul talks with an Shazia who’s an engineer with a great sense of humor. Besides going over design changes, Paul explains why engineers can be tough customers for kitchen designers. Paul talks about Main Line Kitchen Design’s funny video on why you need a kitchen designer and the engineer that appears in that video. Who the actor playing the video’s engineer is a very relevant surprise. For those in the know, a quick search of the engineer’s name on the Main Line Kitchen Design website will bring up some funny topics.

Jun 4, 2023

Paul talks with Steve who has some really good questions. Paul explains what makes cabinetry expensive and why imported cabinetry bought through US suppliers is such a good value if you are on a budget. Paul discusses individual cabinetry brands at the lower price points and explains some of the dangers in some of those brands door styles. Paul also explains why assembling cabinets yourself isn’t a good investment of your time. Paul talks about off gassing and why less expensive brands can off gas less.

Jun 15, 2023

Paul breaks down the process of designing a good kitchen for Taylor and Lex. He moves one window and raises another. This creates a kitchen that will dramatically increase the value of their home. Later, Paul goes through the process of how to find a good cabinet dealer and kitchen designer. Main Line Kitchen Design uses this same process to find the cabinet dealers we recommend around the United States. If you are having trouble finding a kitchen designer and a good cabinet dealer in your area listening to this episode will be very helpful. Our link to a list of recommended dealers is : https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/recommended-kitchen-designers-cabinet-dealers-outside-service-area/

Aug 6, 2023

Paul explains why island cooktops are undesirable and create venting and design problems. Episode 29 Paul talks with Debbie who among some of her design challenges has an island cook-top. They discuss why Island cook-tops create ventilation and counter-top problems. While critiquing Debbie’s design, Paul explains why 24 inch cabinets are not the most functional size. He also explains why double ovens can add thousands of dollars to a kitchen. Even beyond the added cost of the appliances. How moldings are used to hide hood venting is discussed. Surprisingly, while discussing shelving, the danger’s carpenters face installing from wall cabinets is explained.

Aug 22, 2023

Paul speaks with Rose and explains why it saves time working with a kitchen designer as early as possible when you are remodeling a kitchen. Kitchen designers can throw “monkey wrenches” into customer’s remodeling plans when they inform them about issues that hadn’t been considered. Paul brings up issues previously not considered in Rose’s kitchen. Both Paul and Rose go through possible tradeoffs to make Rose’s design better.

Sep 14, 2023

Paul talks with Richard who plans on customizing kitchen cabinets in the new home he is building. Lots of red flags worry Paul. Inventing cabinetry of your own is far more difficult than people realize. Paul warns Richard about several problems he sees in some of Richard’s kitchen cabinet customizations. He critiques the kitchen layout, appliance locations, and other design choices. Most importantly, having carpenters build cabinetry to customer’s specifications is discussed and why buying kitchen cabinetry from larger manufacturers through reliable cabinet dealers is recommended.

Sep 25, 2023

Paul talks with Cheryl who has a home built on a slab. After asking some questions Paul believes Cheryl’s contractor inflating prices for moving plumbing. They discuss how to find contractors and possible design changes. Below are Cheryl’s kitchen drawings and a hand drawing by Paul on how a two-piece crown molding is installed. This is the type molding profile Paul recommends for Cheryl’s kitchen.

Nov 4, 2023

Paul and Mark discuss Paul’s pet peeves as a kitchen designer. They go over the customer interactions that can be frustrating. Why Paul isn’t a big fan of builders like Toll Brothers. The different techniques kitchen designers use with their customers. And how top selling kitchen designer Doug Mottershead is able to break sales records wherever he works. Paul reveals what he thinks is wrong with HGTV. Plus, other cranky gripes unmentioned!

Nov 26, 2023

Paul goes over Emily’s kitchen plans in great detail. He notices all the unusual custom cabinet sizes but thinks that these unusual sizes and dimensions are unattractive and impractical. Paul finds many dimensions that don’t work for Emily’s design. For example the microwave will not fit in the appliance garage, and the oven is so high off the floor that shorter people will burn their arms reaching inside. If you are working with a designer that doesn’t use kitchen design software this is a warning sign that your designer is too old or inexperienced, and doesn’t know the cabinet market. This can cost a customer a fortune and yet give them a poor design.

Dec 14, 2023

Paul and Main Line Kitchen Design’s Ed Sossich discuss some of the famous customers Ed has worked with. Both Paul and Ed have worked together at several showrooms. Very early in their careers they worked together first at The Home Depot and then at Lowe’s. Among the celebrities Ed has worked with are Brooke Shields, David Morse, Charles Barkley, and others.

Dec 31, 2023

Paul talks with Michael who is over budget on the kitchen addition he is working on. Paul talks about different ways to save money on cabinetry. He and Michael discus the design and possible changes. French Doors come up again and why they are often poorly thought out by architects. Grabel, Medallion, Starmark, and Fieldstone cabinetry is discussed.

Jan 20, 2024

After examining James’s design and discussing kitchen communication Paul recommends finding another kitchen designer to work with. The present design has too many inexperienced mistakes. Paul recommends several design changes and does one rough version of the design himself. James plans on calling back so we will probably get to watch his kitchen as it transforms over the coming months.

Feb 3, 2024

Paul talks with Charles who has done all kinds of kitchen research. He has many ideas and plans yet hasn’t yet gotten any professional kitchen design help.

Feb 19, 2024

Paul talks with Vicki about her kitchen design, the designer she is working with, and the Shiloh cabinetry that she is considering. In a nutshell – He thinks all can be improved. Paul also explains and demonstrates the process Main Line Kitchen Design uses to locate what we hope are good cabinet dealerships for homeowners across the United States. Listen to this podcast and learn how to find good showrooms and designers near you.

Mar 3, 2024

Paul talks with James and Chelsea who have called in previously. They discuss the new design they are working on and make more changes and modifications after further discussions. As a second time caller, new problems arise with the new design’s location of the sink, cook top and refrigerator. James and Chelsea decide to remove the wall between the kitchen and the dining room which improves their design.

Apr 2, 2024

Paul designs a kitchen from photos. He talks to Monica who sent in kitchen photos and a rough floor plan of her kitchen. Paul puts her kitchen on his computer and then designs a functional kitchen in her space. Monica had a brick enclosed range area which Paul advises removing. Paul explains why he placed the cabinetry and appliances where he did and explains why the design is more functional this way.

Apr 20, 2024

In this episode Paul speaks with Chuck Arnold, the spokesperson and Vice President of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Alliance (KCMA) and Betsy Natz, the CEO of the KCMA. They discuss how the KCMA tests cabinetry and represents the US cabinet industry. While the talk does get a little technical it explains what the KCMA does and covers the newest issues in the cabinet industry.

May 8, 2024

Paul talks with Cooper who is thinking about acting as his own general contractor on his kitchen renovation. Paul recommends hiring a general contractor and putting in a new longer beam across the load bearing section of his kitchen. He also advises not hiring the cabinet supplier to install the cabinets. The company getting the room ready for cabinets and running the plumbing, electric, and doing other renovations should ideally also be responsible for installing the cabinets. Otherwise “the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing”, and in keeping with that metaphor – a lot of finger pointing may ensue.

Jun 7, 2024

Paul talks to Lynn about the renovation of her historic home. Paul REALY wants her to change having her powder room door opening onto her island seating. He discusses how much space is needed for a kitchen table. Lynn and Paul also talk about the pros and cons of waterfall ends to an island countertop. They discuss the work flow in in the kitchen. And ways Lynn might consider improving the function of the kitchen design. The possibility of creating a tray ceiling is brought up and how it can save money.

Jul 13, 2024

Episode 45. Podcaster Dennis OZ from the podcast Remodeler Success interviews Paul about his background, his business and marketing strategies and what he sees for the future.

Aug 11, 2024

Claudia has lots of doorways and lots of congestion in her present plan. Paul suggests reconfiguring the layout and closing and moving doorways to create a more attractive and functional space. The present plans by the architect calls for banquet seating which doesn’t really work in Claudia’s space. It also calls for a stackable washer and dryer which will not fit into the space once the cabinetry is installed. Replacing the stackable unit would mean removing al the cabinetry and countertops in the room. Once the doorways are configured the new way, many of these and other problems are resolved.

Aug 29, 2024

Paul and Julie talk about how Main Line Kitchen Design got started. How the podcast got started, and the future of the the Main Line Kitchen Design website using AI. They share some of Paul’s favorite kitchen design related stories. They talk at length about the design process with one of their favorite customers because it illustrates Paul’s design philosophy so well. Shout out to Paul’s stepdaughter Riesling who recommended turning the Main Line Kitchen Design help desk into a Podcast!

Sep 27, 2024

Paul McAlary advises Hannah on redesigning her kitchen, emphasizing the importance of proper layout and fixing existing mistakes. He suggests moving the stove and sink to improve ventilation and countertop space. Paul suggests relocating the hot water heater to the mud room. Paul warns against the financial and safety risks of not properly designing the kitchen. Such as reduced home value and fire hazards. He recommends a symmetrical layout with a single large sink and a dishwasher. He stresses the importance of hiring a competent contractor who values good design. Paul also advises against splurging on expensive but non-essential features.

Nov 2, 2024

Paul McAlary and Katie discuss the feasibility and costs of remodeling Katie’s kitchen and dining room. Key points include the potential cost savings of keeping the existing window versus installing two new windows, with the latter costing more. The conversation also covers the impact of removing a load-bearing wall, which could reduce cabinet space and increase costs. McAlary suggests alternative designs, such as moving the sink and stove to optimize space and functionality. He advises on cost-saving measures, like switching to less expensive cabinet brands and considering more popular colors. The total project cost is estimated, with construction costs varying significantly based on contractors.

Jan 31

Claudia has lots of doorways and lots of congestion in her present plan. Paul suggests reconfiguring the layout and closing and moving doorways to create a more attractive and functional space. The present plans by the architect calls for banquet seating which doesn’t really work in Claudia’s space. It also calls for a stackable washer and dryer which will not fit into the space once the cabinetry is installed. Replacing the stackable unit would mean removing al the cabinetry and countertops in the room. Once the doorways are configured the new way, many of these and other problems are resolved.

Feb 21

Paul McAlary critiques Tim’s kitchen design, advising against using 54 inch wall cabinets and suggesting alternatives like 36-inch cabinets with 12-inch or 15-inch upper cabinets and 3-inch molding. He recommends reducing cabinet height to 8.5 feet for standard sizes, which could save significant costs. Paul also suggests repositioning the stove and oven for better layout, using a wider hood than the cooktop, and considering a built-in microwave. He emphasizes the importance of symmetry and proper cabinet configuration. The conversation highlights the potential cost savings and design improvements by opting for standard cabinet sizes and avoiding custom options.

Mar 21

Paul McAlary ‘The Kitchen Whisperer” discusses a caller’s kitchen design. He and Gina review changes to the peninsula and vent issues, suggesting solutions like removing drywall and using furring strips. Paul explains the benefits of 42-inch cabinets over 30-inch ones, estimating a cost savings of $5,000. They discuss the durability of stained versus painted cabinets, recommending stained for longevity. Paul also advises on countertop materials, favoring quartz for its durability and resistance to heat. He suggests using a lighting system to adjust cabinet colors. Paul emphasizes the importance of proper design for kitchen functionality and value.

Apr 11

In this episode of Better Call Paul, Paul McAlary discusses kitchen design options with a Ally, focusing on the transition between molding and cabinetry, the placement of doors, and the use of a tray ceiling. He suggests painting all moldings the same color as the cabinets or using a block of wood for a seamless look. Paul also recommends extending the tray ceiling to the kitchen and dining room to standardize cabinet heights and make the space more interesting. He advises on the placement of appliances, the use of floating shelves, and the benefits of having a small sink in the island. Cost considerations are discussed, with inexpensive cabinet brands like Fabuwood estimated at $20,000-$25,000 for a standard kitchen.

May 11

Ron and Paul discussed Ron’s new home’s kitchen design, focusing on space optimization and functionality. Paul explains why architects don’t consider door swings, travel space, and furniture placement when they design a new home. And why these considerations are so important. Paul suggested making the kitchen island cabinetry 12 inches deep on the back and 24 inch deep cabinets on the front, resulting in a 49.5-inch counter-top. The counter top includes a 12 inch overhang to sit at on the back and possibly one side and a 1 1/2 inch overhang on the front. He recommended a 42-inch dining table with a 36-inch clearance from the windows. They discussed the importance of proper cabinet and counter-top dimensions, including a 36-inch cook-top and a 42-inch hood. Ron considered using Fabuwood cabinets and stacking them to the ceiling for a more built-in look.

May 16

AI Summary podcast of Main Line Kitchen Design Website.

Jul 24

Paul McAlary discusses a kitchen design with Jay, emphasizing the benefits of removing the island to gain more cabinetry and countertop space. The new design includes recessing the refrigerator into a corner, adding 12-inch deep pantry cabinets, and floating shelves. The counter depth refrigerator is recommended to avoid space issues. The total cost is estimated at $10,500, a 25-30% increase from the previous design. Paul advises against a corner sink and suggests a free-standing range instead of wall ovens to save costs. The design also includes a Lazy Susan, a 24-inch sink cabinet, and options for a microwave drawer or speed oven.

Sep 6

Paul McAlary and a Rick discuss kitchen design plans. Rick’s existing kitchen, built in 1991, has an outdated design. Paul’s design changes to the new plan include 36-inch wall cabinets with 12-inch upper cabinets and a two-piece crown molding to hide ceiling irregularities. The island will be 18 inches deep with 30-inch columns for support. The refrigerator will be moved to improve space efficiency. The sink cabinet will be 33 inches, and a 15-inch deep cabinet will accommodate appliances. A built-in wooden hood will replace the chimney hood for a more integrated look.