Brave Element

I’ve been dying to share this with you guys… For years we have been combating the most common question that we receive in the planning stages of a remodel: “what does an average kitchen cost?”

The answer is simple: “There is no average kitchen.” - What is average to one person’s perspective is not average to another’s. We all have different preferences, expectations, priorities and budgets… I’ve gotten myself into hot water more times than I care to admit, by trying to appease our clients and come up with a number that I think an average kitchen might cost, and no matter how many times I have said “you can’t hold me to this number because you might have different expectations than average” sure enough we go over the fake number they created in their head, and the result is, they are mad at me.

Well that comes to an end now…. My team and I created a guide to help determine where your expectations will lie and if we are a good fit for your project. We designed 3 kitchens, all in the same exact footprint, starting with streamlined, accessible finishes all from ikea, stepping up to a mid-range of upgrades without getting too crazy, all the way up to about as custom as you can get while still using ikea cabinets as a base for your kitchen…

Each tier shows a total price for the kitchen displayed, including ALL fees from materials, to labor, tax and delivery… even credit card fees! This is all-in pricing with nothing to hide. And the BEST part is, we broke it down to a “per linear foot” cost, to help you determine how much you can expect to invest on your own project, so you can adjust accordingly based on your budget.

I’m so proud of this guide that we made and we have already put this into practice with great success… you can find this on our website under “cost examples” and we will also have printed versions of these for you to have when you come visit us at our Georgetown Studio.

Thanks for looking and please share with your friends who are considering ikea for their upcoming projects!

Feeling very nostalgic over here today, as I did a little warranty swap on this kitchen. The built in microwave drawer became defective and discontinued, so the client chose to swap it for 2 more drawers….

I installed this kitchen nearly SEVEN years ago, at the very beginning of my career as a business owner…. This was my first legit full kitchen install as Brave Element after leaving Traemand…. What an absolute wild and CHAOTIC time in my life….

When I installed this kitchen, I was brand new to business, going through a divorce, moving from one apartment to another to another, and working night shift security at bars on the weekends…

The way this kitchen has held up and stood the test of time is a testament to my determination to ALWAYS give my best work, no matter what I’m going through…. Integrity always comes first…. Keith took a chance on a brand new company (and has also been very patient with my schedule to come make this swap)

These matte black shakers from are SUCH a classic and look just as good as they did on day one…. Especially with the brass hardware and walnut shelves. So timeless…

It’s easy to caught up in how crazy life is, how insane business is…. Time absolutely FLIES, especially when I’m working 80 hours per week….. but standing in this kitchen, seeing where I started, and how far I’ve come, makes me feel a sense of pride in myself that I never thought possible. It truly is an honor to make a living doing something I love. Thank you so much to everyone who has taken a chance on this gentle giant 🦍❤️