Things we did not regret with our carpentry

90% of our carpentry was completed on the 4th day, with the exception of a few doors and the abs trimming. We thought we could visit our unit on Sunday and discuss matters privately, but were so surprised the carpenters were present and working!!! Anyways, here are some things we were pleased about the carpentry:

1) Laminates turned out exactly how we wanted with no surprises

We went with mostly Ibiza nogal and salt microcement for the house, and this really ensured a consistent look throughout, tying the whole look together. It was also important to look at the extremely large format samples at the lamitak studio to be certain about the grain pattern.

2) Blum hinges

We checked with our ID and negotiated for having Blum hinges and also drawers in our kitchen carpentry. This gave us assurance that the hinges would work well for a long time.

3) Having sufficient drawers in the kitchen

We ended up with a total of 8 medium-shallow drawers and 4 deep drawers. The carpenters initially made a mistake by not creating a shallow internal drawer but made a deep drawer instead. Turned out this mistake was a true blessing as we already had more than half a dozen shallow drawers but only 3 deep ones. This meant that we could even potentially keep smaller kitchen appliances hidden away when not in use.

#carpentry #kitchenrenovation #homerenotips #renovation #japandi

3/22 Edited to

... Read moreFrom my experience with home carpentry projects, the details really make a difference in both functionality and long-term satisfaction. I completely agree with the choice of Ibiza nogal and salt microcement laminates—they provide a remarkably uniform, elegant grain that blends well with Japandi aesthetics, which aim for simplicity and nature-inspired elements. Visiting a showroom like Lamitak to see the large-format samples firsthand was a smart move; it helped avoid unpleasant surprises post-installation. The inclusion of Blum hinges is another recommendation I stand by. These hinges offer smooth operation and durable mechanics, which means fewer repairs or replacements over time. When I renovated my kitchen, I made sure to invest in high-quality hardware like Blum as well, and it has truly been worth it. One of the most satisfying parts of the carpentry was having well-planned kitchen storage. Initially, my carpenters also made a few unexpected changes, but we found these 'mistakes' turned into bonuses—like having more deep drawers than planned, which helped hide bulky appliances neatly and keep countertops clutter-free. That flexibility in design really elevated the kitchen's usability. In conclusion, thoughtful material choices, attention to hardware quality, and practical storage solutions transform carpentry from a mere installation process into a lasting improvement. Patience during the build, including surprise visits when carpenters are working, can also reveal how committed your team is to your design vision. This experience has enriched my approach to home renovations and underscores why these details should not be overlooked.