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Main Line Kitchen Design Podcast
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Paul McAlary of Main Line Kitchen Design answers kitchen design and cabinetry questions from callers across the United States.
Paul’s bio from the magazine Kitchen and Bath Design News:
Paul McAlary possesses a voice that resonates far beyond the boundaries of Philadelphia’s western suburbs and the city’s prestigious Main Line – the location of his well-established Delaware Valley design firm. McAlary, president and senior designer of Bala Cynwyd, PA-based Main Line Kitchen Design, is an internationally recognized kitchen design authority who has won more than a dozen local and national design awards, including being named a 2017 Viking Appliances Designer of Distinction.
Beyond his achievements as a designer, McAlary has also forged a burgeoning reputation as the creative force behind the “Main Line Kitchen Design Blog,” a unique online forum and social media resource that is read by more than 40,000 people each month and has been honored as one of the top kitchen design blogs in the world. Main Line Kitchen Design’s videos and blogs address a wide range of kitchen/bath-related topics aimed at sparking a constructive exchange of ideas among both consumers and design professionals.
McAlary, whose kitchens and comments often appear in trade magazines and on social media sites, is sometimes at odds with the kitchen design establishment, but he maintains a distinct sense of humor and is known as a fierce advocate for design standards, ethics and transparency in the kitchen design trade.
Paul’s bio from the magazine Kitchen and Bath Design News:
Paul McAlary possesses a voice that resonates far beyond the boundaries of Philadelphia’s western suburbs and the city’s prestigious Main Line – the location of his well-established Delaware Valley design firm. McAlary, president and senior designer of Bala Cynwyd, PA-based Main Line Kitchen Design, is an internationally recognized kitchen design authority who has won more than a dozen local and national design awards, including being named a 2017 Viking Appliances Designer of Distinction.
Beyond his achievements as a designer, McAlary has also forged a burgeoning reputation as the creative force behind the “Main Line Kitchen Design Blog,” a unique online forum and social media resource that is read by more than 40,000 people each month and has been honored as one of the top kitchen design blogs in the world. Main Line Kitchen Design’s videos and blogs address a wide range of kitchen/bath-related topics aimed at sparking a constructive exchange of ideas among both consumers and design professionals.
McAlary, whose kitchens and comments often appear in trade magazines and on social media sites, is sometimes at odds with the kitchen design establishment, but he maintains a distinct sense of humor and is known as a fierce advocate for design standards, ethics and transparency in the kitchen design trade.
57 Episodes
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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.
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.
AI Summary podcast of Main Line Kitchen Design Website.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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