Forest Kitchen Design Studio

"Very pleased with Forest Kitchen design. Excellent and attractive showroom. Access to innovative cabinet designs not readily available elsewhere. Joel Linn showed excellent attention to detail to ensure a precision fit. Joel achieved the modernistic and sleek look in the cabinets which perfectly matched the kitchen appliances."

"First, the rating is in no way a reflection of the designer that I worked with, Allison was very professional and thorough. We planned to remodel our house and Allison was sent to us by the builder that we assumed we would be working with so we engaged her services, paid her design fees for an initial kitchen design, and per the builder's instruction chose cabinets. I signed a contract to get the cabinets ordered but the builder never engaged and the cabinet order was put on hold. During the process, it became apparent that the initial kitchen design would need to be changed. At that point, I was asked to sign a design contract for $5,000 that was to be applied to the deposit for the cabinets. Allison completed the new kitchen design and put specks to a master bath design that we had already completed. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we will not be able to remodel the home we are living in and, again unfortunately Allison is no longer designing kitchens for Forest. When I called Joel (the person to whom Allison referred me), to explain that we could not complete the remodel I asked that he consider refunding a portion of the $5,000 because 1) we were not ordering cabinets and therefore we did not get the benefit of the deposit being applied to the deposit and; 2) Allison had not spent $5,000 worth of design time redoing the kitchen design and doing specs for the master bath. (I based my figures on what I had already been charged for the initial kitchen design.) Joel informed me that I had signed a non-refundable design contract and that he would not be refunding me any of the fee. Readers of this review will either decide too bad for me - I should not have signed the contract. Or they will decide that Forest Kitchens is not customer-friendly and that even though the remodeling world is fraught with constant challenges for both customers and vendors some vendors just want to make money, even if the service has not been provided. We did not get an additional $5,000 worth of design services and since we did not order cabinets we did not get the benefit of the deposit being taken off our cabinet costs. Proceed at your own risk. I am adding on to my review so that I can respond to Joel's reply. First I would never entertain the idea of contracting with Forest in the future but I appreciate your willingness to work with me. Second, thank you so very much for nullifying the contract for kitchen cabinets and your efforts in "avoiding a debacle." Third, no matter how many people worked on the project I still do not feel that I receive $5,000 worth of design time for my deposit based on past billings and what I had already paid Forest. But again, we come from two very different perspectives and I did sign the contract IN GOOD FAITH so we can agree to disagree and the reader of the review can take away what they will and act accordingly. I appreciate you taking the time to respond and I wish you well in your future endeavors."

"Forest Kitchen design is the most professional and creative company I have worked with. We love our kitchen remodel. Joel had a vision which he carried out to perfection. He and his crew created a beautiful and functional space for our family. I received many compliments and highly recommended Joel for all your kitchen and bath needs. Sherry Valk"

"Forest Kitchen Design are a skilled and dedicated team of people, with meticulous design standards, and the ability to imagine and create a transformative result. We have been restoring a 1960’s mid-century home designed by Kirk Craig, with significant potential. The most extensive and important part of the renovation was the kitchen, which had spaces that needed opening, and an overhaul of appliances, cabinetry, flooring, and counters that spanned decades. The challenge for us was finding partners who understood how to bring the forward-looking design of the house together with fresh materials. We needed a team that could see the look and feel we were trying to achieve, the talent and insight to combine and create space, and bring beautiful cabinet brands and finishes in at the right price point. Joel Linn, Todd Mercer and their team had the vision and ability to make that happen. They are smart and dedicated to their craft. Joel owns the outcome and the process, showing up to see that installation of cabinetry, counters and marble are right. Joel and Todd made us part of the process - consulting, coaching and challenging us to accomplish something that lives up to the potential of the home and our ability to create. We absolutely recommend Forest Kitchen Design if you want to work with the best."

"While I haven't personally used their services, I can vouch for the character and integrity of the owners and employees of this kitchen design company. Knowing them personally, I can confidently say that they are trustworthy and honest individuals. Their commitment to ethical practices and their reputation for good character make them a reliable choice for anyone seeking a kitchen design service."