Trade

Building Excellence: A New York City Kitchen Installer’s Story

Meet Eli, a New York contractor who has installed over 250 European-style kitchens. Discover why he values working with FORM Kitchens and how the quality materials and thoughtful design makes all the difference to his work.

Kristen Davis

November 15, 2024

Elegant, minimalist kitchen with marble countertop, integrated sink, and modern brass faucet featuring a sleek, contemporary design with a minimalist flair. Built-in appliances and hidden lighting illuminate a marble backsplash and create a warm, sophisticated ambiance. Over the island, four pendant lights add vertical interest and enhance the space's modern style.

So, you might have seen some of our projects and wondered who's behind them. Let us introduce Eli, a seasoned contractor and kitchen installer from New York. With over 250 kitchens under his belt, he's all about solid work and getting the job done right. Teaming up with FORM Kitchens, Eli brings quality European designs into American homes without any fuss.

Eli, a New York contractor who has installed over 250 European-style kitchens.

Hands-On Beginnings

Growing up, Eli always loved working with his hands. "My mom told me, she had never seen a little kid pick up a hammer and just fix things," Eli recalls. While he doesn't remember all the details, his mom's stories highlight his early interest in building. Eli's passion for building led him to architectural studies, then a fast-track into the building world. He joined the carpenters' union, where he learned the practical skills of woodworking. This hands-on experience laid the groundwork for his future career.

- Early Interest: Loved using tools and fixing things from a young age.

- Educational Path: Went to school for architecture, then transferred mid-course to an apprenticeship in carpentry and construction.

“I’ve built things since I was a kid”

Sleek, contemporary kitchen with a minimalist design, featuring a central island with a marble countertop and integrated sink, accented by a modern brass faucet. The wall cabinetry includes built-in appliances and hidden lighting, illuminating a marble backsplash and creating a warm, sophisticated ambiance. Four pendant lights hang above the island, adding vertical interest and enhancing the space’s modern aesthetic. Light wood flooring complements the neutral tones, bringing warmth to the streamlined design.

Stepping into Entrepreneurship

When the pandemic hit, Eli saw an opportunity—with a growing family to support, he took the leap into entrepreneurship. Eli reflects, “ I just had my first daughter—she's five—and I thought let me give it a shot.'”. He connected with a German kitchen company in Florida and this opened the door to a significant opportunity: installing European-style kitchens. Eli's expertise grew rapidly as he worked on numerous kitchen installations. "I did about 250 kitchens last year," he notes. He became proficient in handling different kitchen layouts—whether it was a one-wall kitchen in a NYC studio or a larger space in a three-bedroom home. This high-volume work taught him how to be efficient without sacrificing quality.

- Making the Move: Launched his own contracting business during challenging times.

- High Volume Experience: Installed over 250 kitchens, gaining efficiency and expertise.

- Appreciation for European Kitchens: Values the quality and precision of European cabinetry.

“I did about 250 kitchens last year”

Modern galley kitchen featuring a marble countertop island with a built-in sink and brass faucet, accented by a butcher block. The cabinetry is finished in a sleek, neutral tone with brass handles, complementing the warm herringbone wood flooring. Pendant lights hang above the island, adding a contemporary touch, while tall cabinetry maximizes storage and creates a streamlined look. Large windows provide natural light, highlighting the room's elegant finishes and sophisticated design

Collaborating with FORM Kitchens

Our partnership is both a digital and real world collaboration. "This is my second project with FORM”, he says. He appreciates FORM's sturdier cabinets, intuitive designs, and the detailed planning and support that makes installations straightforward. Additionally, by showcasing his work on social media, Eli gained the visibility that led to FORM meeting him. “I thought, you know what, let me give social media a shot, and that's how we met, from the videos I posted,". Eli is open to future collaborations and plans to expand into bathroom renovations and other cabinetry projects with FORM Kitchens, valuing the partnership that brings quality European design to his clients.

- Quality Materials: FORM's cabinets are sturdier and of higher quality.

- Efficient Installations: Thoughtful design and better hardware streamlined the process.

- Enhanced Visibility: Social media presence led to increased opportunities with FORM Kitchens.

"This is my second project with FORM”

Minimalist kitchen with tall, sleek cabinetry that extends to the ceiling, offering ample storage space and a clean, modern look. A central island with a marble countertop features a built-in sink and brass faucet, complemented by a butcher block for added functionality. Brass handles on the cabinetry add a touch of warmth and elegance, while pendant lights above the island provide ambient lighting. Subtle under-cabinet lighting enhances the bright, refined feel of the space.

Bringing It All Together

At FORM Kitchens, we genuinely enjoy collaborating with Eli on our New York projects. The tri-state area is one of our most popular locations, where the blend of European style with American living spaces has been a great combination. Our showroom at the NY Design Center, 200 Lexington Ave, Suite 429, is a great place to explore our finishes and our functionality in person. If you're ready to transform your kitchen, schedule an appointment to visit our showroom.

Ways to meet:

- In San Francisco, New York or Denver?: Book a studio visit

- Not near a studio?: Complete your studio tour online

- Ready to design? Move forward with our $499 Online Design Package

Elegant kitchen with a luxurious marble backsplash and countertop, featuring brass accents that add a touch of sophistication. The cabinetry is sleek and minimal, blending seamlessly with the marble surfaces. A built-in cooktop sits flush with the countertop, enhancing the streamlined look. The island includes a butcher block for added functionality, while the herringbone-patterned wood flooring adds warmth and texture to the modern design.

FAQs About Eli's Work with FORM Kitchens

How many kitchens has Eli installed?

Eli has installed over 250 kitchens, specializing in European designs.

What does Eli like about European kitchens and FORM Kitchens?

Eli appreciates the quality, sturdiness, and precision of European cabinetry. With FORM Kitchens, he values the thoughtful design, quality materials, and support that make installations smoother.

Does Eli work on projects other than kitchens?

Yes, Eli is a general contractor who also handles bathroom renovations and other construction projects.

Images: Elias Lebron
Instagram: @silverback_contracting_llc
Featured Installer: https://formkitchens.com/featured-contractors/#elias-lebron