This site uses cookies. Some are essential while others improve your browsing experience and allow us to advertise. For more info visit the privacy policy page.

Allow inessential cookies for:

Your preferences have been updated.

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 27

Thread: 2023 Our Condo

  1. #1
    Senior Member robin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Location
    Eagle Beach, Oceania, north side
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    2023 Our Condo

    On Wednesday, we went back to Berloni. I told her we need to change the design. I wanted something more like an American kitchen than an Italian kitchen. Her design was nice, but it was too white, too flat, too monochromatic and did not fit the feel of the condo. I got, "we don't do many American kitchens because people don't want them". Well, you know, it is our kitchen. She had one shaker style door, but it was wrapped in something that made it look like shiny plastic wood. She just didn't have a sample of anything else that wasn't totally flat fronted. She still did not like the idea of putting the cabinets at a height I could reach(what is standard at home). I seriously do not trust her to do what I want, because I think for her it is design and for me it is function and design. When you are 4' 8" tall, function is important. Stu has not been happy from the start and that has not helped matters. I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt, but I was not a happy camper.

    We left and instead of going home and calling the other company recommended, EuroKitchen, I decided to just drive there. Wow, what an amazing difference. First, they had a large display area and with many different types of cabinets and options. They had sink bases with drawers, they had lowers that look like door, but has drawers inside, lots of countertop options. They had actual sinks and faucets, not just pictures. Second, they have appliances that sell and they service, including Bosch(I loved my Bosch dishwasher). All their appliances come from Germany as do their cabinets. We did not like the style of only fridge they had, but I can get one elsewhere. Third, attitude. Their cabinets come in different heights and they are will to do what we want. They are flexible. Darwin, was a sweetheart and showed us so many options. He gave us a catalog to take home. It is in German, French and Dutch, but we can see look at different options via pictures. Fourth, it's an overall feeling we had there. It's the little things, such as, their restroom was clean and bright and it had paper towels. I use the restroom in both places and the other one didn't even have anything to wipe your hands on. The display area was well lit and welcoming. We walked out very happy. We have someone coming over on Friday to measure and then we will work on the design.

    We stopped at both AMC Unicon and Crown on the way home to look at fridges. We realize we have to get a smaller than 36 in fridge in order to get a larger sink, at least based on Berloni's design. We did find a 30 inch french door at Unicom-it's a Whirlpool, but we are okay with that. Crown had an LG and our friend said they have so many electronics that to stay away. We will wait on the design to make a final decision. We may just get the fridge now, since we are fighting with our icemaker in our current fridge.

    Today, I started looking at options for pendant lights and backsplash. I think I found a backsplash tile I want. I'll upload a picture I took of it sitting on a stool in the condo. It has a white/off white background, with light gray, dark gray and a blue similar to the furniture and walls. It is different being a cement tile. I was looking for glass tile, and this caught my eye. Options here for tile and lighting are limited. I still need to try a few other places as I have not found lights and do want to see if I can find the glass tile I was hoping to find. If I use this tile, I will do white cabinets and gray countertop.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Pegmeister's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Any beach!!
    Posts
    8,840
    Post Thanks / Like
    There is nothing more frustrating than dealing with a kitchen person who will not listen to you. Glad you moved on to another place and found people you could work with. Years ago I picked out a cabinet door I liked and the designer was pushing for another option. I told him to give me estimates based on both choices rather than argue with him. He came to the house with an estimate based on his choice!! I moved on. Hope everything goes smoothly from this point on.

    0 0
     

  3. #3
    Senior Member schexc's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    The Pearl at Eagle Beach
    Posts
    3,341
    Post Thanks / Like
    Ahhhhh….the second opinion. Like you said, it’s “your” kitchen, for up to six months a year. The tenants could care less. They want the beach, the view, A/C and a comfortable place to sleep. I always say, go with your gut.




    OUR COUPLE'S RETREAT. THE PEARL CONDO HOTEL AT EAGLE BEACH. CONDO ACCOMMODATES TWO ADULTS. YOU MUST REQUEST UNIT #8. https://photos.app.goo.gl/lRquP1F4VtxyZhR42 RENTING DIRECTLY http://www.pearlarubacondos.com/. SEND PM BEFORE BOOKING FOR REFERRAL .
    0 0
     

  4. #4
    Senior Member cpjones's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Eagle Beach, Glitz Casino, Manchebo Beach Resort
    Posts
    7,103
    Post Thanks / Like
    Should be an exciting time.... but looks like some obstacles are strewn in your way! Good luck!
    A wise man never knows all......only fools know everything!
    0 0
     

  5. #5
    Aruba since 1979
    Moderator
    Andrea J.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Posts
    43,144
    Post Thanks / Like
    YOUR kitchen!
    Go for it girl!!

    It is frustrating enough to be doing a kitchen redo when one is in the house or within a short distance away.
    Unimaginable doing it from 1800 miles away.

    The restroom checkout is one of my famous "judge of character".

    Your kitchen Your $$.
    THINK.. is it Thoughtful? Helpful? Inspirational? Necessary? Kind? sidtm
    0 0
     

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Posts
    1,417
    Post Thanks / Like
    We did our kitchen this past summer along with other renovations including a bathroom, new flooring, etc. Searched high and low for the best remodeling company for us. My kitchen designer just listened to what I wanted. I wanted contemporary modern and that’s what I got. I absolutely love it. They sent me to all their vendors and everything was flawless even if a tiny thing went wrong because they all work together. I know it must be different in Aruba to find a team that works together. It’s stressful enough living through having no kitchen. You did the right thing to move on from the first person.
    0 0
     

  7. #7
    Senior Member robin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Location
    Eagle Beach, Oceania, north side
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like
    Thank you everyone. We remodeled the kitchen in our old house, current house and former shore condo and never had issues like this. I know I have to compromise on somethings because it is Aruba and they do not have a huge selection of pendant lights or tile or bring it in with us. I am not going to give someone 100% of payment before they start working when I don't feel comfortable with them. The tile store wants 60% upfront for specials orders and the rest before you pick it up/have it delivered, which makes sense.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Kent-ArubaBob's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    palm beach, mangel halto for snorkling
    Age
    59
    Posts
    1,173
    Post Thanks / Like
    When I did my brand new kitchen in Aruba, I hired Aruwood. Right beside Kooymans. Those guys are TOP KNOTCH. They will design what you want. They do all the new kitchens for all the timeshares in Aruba. Frank and his Son are the best.
    0 0
     

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Posts
    1,417
    Post Thanks / Like
    Quote Originally Posted by robin View Post
    Thank you everyone. We remodeled the kitchen in our old house, current house and former shore condo and never had issues like this. I know I have to compromise on somethings because it is Aruba and they do not have a huge selection of pendant lights or tile or bring it in with us. I am not going to give someone 100% of payment before they start working when I don't feel comfortable with them. The tile store wants 60% upfront for specials orders and the rest before you pick it up/have it delivered, which makes sense.
    Your are 100% right. Don’t pay them too much. They may disappear! We paid our contractor in increments. 10% upon signing contract and 40% at time of demo. Then 40% before last inspection. And 10% at the end. Very fair. Stick to your guns.
    0 0
     

  10. #10
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    655
    Post Thanks / Like
    Robing...good for you! "Attitude" is not an island thing...it is a person thing. There are many more choices here now! Both on the island and at home I only deal with people who treat me with respect....don't argue with me about the design I want....you ain''t living in this house buddie (Hmmm maybe this belongs in 'whine' thread...lol). As I noted in e mail we were very happy with BBS. While this was about 14 years ago they required a third to begin the building of the cabinets, counters, a third when they came to install, the last third 5 days after the installation (for us to notice anything that may not be 'right'). Worked for us.
    0 0
     

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •