CUCINA KITCHEN DESIGN — Attraction in Alameda

We hired Lisa Cannelora of Cucina di Cannelora to design our kitchen remodel during the summer of 2016. She provided designs and recommended Colin Zak of Kodiak Construction for the construction. She managed the whole project for us. We were very happy working with Lisa, Colin, and their teams.

As the designer and project manager, Lisa was both creative and proactive to give us the kitchen we wanted and keep the schedule and the costs in check. She listened to what we wanted and guided us on the design that would fit our 1934 Storybook Tudor home explaining what could and could not be done given the space parameters and current building codes. She steered us to better options given her years of experience as both a designer and a chef so the kitchen is not only beautiful but very functional as well. She showed us lots of sample imagery and materials for each piece of the project helping us avoid pitfalls that we might have otherwise thought were good ideas. For each element of the project, we were given options to spend more or less on different elements, understanding whether the extra price was warranted. For instance, we spent more to get Neolith countertops given their advantages, but spent less on backsplash tile as the appearance of a less expensive tile looked great and there was no need to spend more.

The remodel entailed a complete tear down to studs and the subfloor. We also opened a wall with a door to create an open arch and a few other custom touches. This job was done as a fixed bid. During the project, a number of extras came up, repairing dry rot for example, and these were added on for time and materials for a very reasonable cost. We were never surprised by extra charges for anything that wasn't clearly outside the scope of the bid.

As for project management, Lisa always kept us, the vendors, and the crew moving all the steps along so that there would be no delays. For example, she made sure we had selected our appliances early on, and had them delivered and stored in our garage, on-site, so they were available when it was time for them to be installed.

The workmanship of Colin's team was excellent. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, and the team kept to a schedule and completed the work in the estimated 13 weeks. Whenever there was an unknown, or the option to do something different, Colin's team always kept us informed and offered us choices. Some issues required Lisa working with Colin to determine the best course of action. They routinely fixed, updated, and repaired anything, including all the wiring unearthed after the demolition, and came up with a creative re-working of some of the cabinetry trim to fashion custom shelving for mason jars of bulk goods.

Seven years later, we're still in love with our new kitchen. We were delighted working with Lisa & Colin, and would highly recommend them as a design build team for a...

Cucina Cannelora is truly a gem in the world of kitchen remodeling and interior design! We had the pleasure of working with them in 2019 to transform our 1922 home, and the results have been nothing short of spectacular.

From the moment we embarked on this journey with Cucina Cannelora, it was evident that they had a deep understanding of not only how a kitchen should look but also how it should function within the context of our historic home. Their attention to detail and dedication to creating a space that worked seamlessly with our home's design was truly impressive.

One of the standout qualities of Cucina Cannelora is their expert guidance. They left no stone unturned, providing us with invaluable insights into every aspect of the project, from cabinets and appliances to fixtures, tile, counters, floors, doors, and windows. Their commitment to excellence extended even further with services like wood table refinishing and custom cushion covers, which added a personalized touch to our home.

What sets Cucina Cannelora apart is their exceptional project management skills. They not only ensured that every detail was meticulously planned but also connected us with contractors and craftspeople who were equally dedicated to delivering outstanding work. Thanks to their know-how and project management expertise, our project was not only completed on time but also within budget—a rarity in the world of home remodeling.

The value of their consultations cannot be overstated. Cucina Cannelora provided us with a roadmap for our project, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. Their project management oversight was instrumental in keeping everything on track, and they seamlessly handled permitting and inspections, which can be daunting for any homeowner.

The contractors they recommended were truly exceptional, bringing their A-game to every aspect of the project. Their craftsmanship was top-notch, and their attention to detail was evident in every corner of our newly remodeled kitchen and home.

In summary, Cucina Cannelora is the epitome of professionalism, expertise, and dedication in the world of kitchen remodeling and interior design. If you're looking for a team that not only creates stunning spaces but also ensures they function flawlessly within the context of your home, look no further. We are beyond thrilled with the results of our project, and it wouldn't have been possible without Cucina Cannelora. They have our highest...

We worked with Lisa to remodel our kitchen in 2021 and we love it. From our initial consultation, we knew that she was someone whom we could trust. This started with helping us navigate the myriad choices we were faced with. Layout, cabinets, finishes, material, appliances and more. Lisa deftly guided us through all of those and even addressed things we would never even have thought of on our own.

She listened to what we wanted, brought us many choices to consider but did not overwhelm us. Her process throughout was easy and enjoyable for us. We are exceptionally happy with our kitchen. The cabinets are beautiful, the layout works very well, and the whole design is tasteful, functional, and elegant. She brought to us an incredible island countertop that stuns everyone who sees it. She also brought us two 1930s Art Deco light fixtures that we both love.

We were also fortunate that Lisa managed the project for us. Contractors are often a major problem for renovations but that was not the case on ours. Lisa’s general contractor for our project was someone we could trust. Polite, diligent, knowledgeable. The worksite was clean every day. The project finished on time.

Lisa also has a large pool of subcontractors and specialists who she brought in who were also great. Electricians, plumbers, demo, and a structural engineer. Issues always come during renovations and it can be hard to find subs to even come out to a job but Lisa had them out quickly and problems were resolved without delay. Lisa and her team also managed the permits and inspections for us which we would have found overwhelming.

This was our first renovation project and a kitchen is a major project. We don’t have the experience to identify trustworthy contractors and subcontractors. Or the ability to manage them, get them onsite, or find specialists quickly. Lisa did all of this and we are happy that we made the choice to have her do it for us.

From our initial consultation, to the GC and structural engineer bids, a very detailed and easy to understand project and budget proposal, through the renovations (and advice on living without a kitchen) and all the way to the finish, we are thankful that we...