Totally relate to your experience with cardboard mock-ups. When I was renovating my kitchen, I initially relied solely on digital renders too, but once I physically mapped out the island using cardboard boxes, it was a revelation.
"You'd be surprised how much difference a few inches in height or depth can make when you're actually standing next to it."
Exactly this. My original dimensions felt perfect on-screen, but in reality, the island was way too big and cramped the whole space. Ended up downsizing it significantly—best decision ever.
Had a similar experience when we redid our master bath. Thought I'd nailed the vanity height digitally, but once I mocked it up with boxes, realized it was awkwardly high—felt like brushing my teeth at a bar counter, lol. Ended up lowering it a few inches and it's way more comfortable now. Curious if anyone's found the opposite though... ever mock something up and realize you actually needed to go bigger?
"Curious if anyone's found the opposite though... ever mock something up and realize you actually needed to go bigger?"
Happens more often than you'd think. Recently worked with a client who insisted on a compact kitchen island. We mocked it up using plywood and cardboard, and within minutes they realized it felt cramped and underwhelming. Ended up expanding it significantly, and now it's the centerpiece of their kitchen. Digital renderings are great, but nothing beats physically standing in the space to truly gauge comfort and functionality.
Interesting point, but doesn't going bigger usually mean more costs creeping in? Wondering if anyone's mocked something up, realized it felt cramped, but still stuck with the compact version due to budget constraints... Curious how that turned out.
I've been there—mocked up a layout, felt it was tight, but stuck with it anyway because the budget just wouldn't stretch. Honestly, it turned out better than expected. The key was getting creative with storage and furniture choices. Think vertical shelves, multipurpose pieces (like ottomans with hidden storage), and lighter colors to open things up visually. Sure, bigger can feel nicer initially, but smart planning can make compact spaces surprisingly comfortable...and easier on the wallet.
