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Knossos Cabinetry

538 6th Avenue (between 14th & 15th)
New York, NY
212.242.0966

2004_8_11_knossos2.jpgSpeak to Spiros. Walking into Knossos Cabinetry is a like walking into many stores in New York, it is quiet, not too busy and you may need to ask for help. One wonders how the revolution in our service economy still has failed to stir the heart of our fair city. Maybe that's what The Container Store is for. Nevertheless, Knossos is a great resource for mid priced cabinetry in the Big Apple.

While the dusty displays may put you off, if you speak to Spiros, he will tell you that he can build whatever you want. And he isn't kidding. If you have a clear idea of what you want - or even a photograph of what you want - Spiros will sit you down and begin drawing (pencil and paper), asking you all along exactly how you want it. He is patient. You will get the feeling that you can trust this process.

When you have a rough design and Spiros knows your measurements (no pun intended), he will be able to quote you an estimated price. Give him a deposit, and he will show up at your apartment, measure and produce an exact drawing on autocad for you to review before moving forward. Easy.

If you need built in shelves, radiator covers or cabinets, Knossos will do a good job in 3-4 weeks at a reasonable price. They ain't cheap, and they ain't expensive. For this, you should be careful to watch them like a hawk and make sure everything is totally clear. If there are any problems with the finished product, they will fix it, but you should contact them right away. Don't be shy. They will do a great job if you do.

Know more about Knossos? Please leave a comment below....

 
 

Related Links:

Manhattan Cabinetry

Myk Henry: Carpenter

Musa Sangare: Carpenter & Handyman

(ReEdited from 2004-8-12 - Rebecca B)

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Comments (16)

would like more information on bedroom wall units and pricing.

posted by Vanessa Goldberg on 2005-01-02 17:09:54

New England’s finest Custom-Designed Kitchen Plans, Cabinets, Cabinetry, Custom Countertops and Bathrooms with complete On-time Installations and to fit all budgets.
URL: http://www.mdcabinetry.com/


posted by Ramona on 2006-03-14 23:36:17

WARNING !

Not a good experience. We do not recommend Knossos Cabinetry AKA Furniture Designed by Knossos.

At the retail store was the man was knowledgable, helpful and accomodating.

The two delivered pieces of built-in furniture / radiator covers (wall units) were OK. Not constructed particularly well, but adequate. They had the potential to look decent. Although, it did not represent $~6000 worth of craftsmanship. Of note, there were areas that could have been finished better. There were some minor dings, tolerable.

However, the installation was awful, rushed and very sloppy. Screws that secured the unit to the wall were place 'willy-nilly' through the finished surfaces of the furniture. Ultimately, the units were not secure. The walls cracked and the screws were lose and crooked. Then, holes 1 1/2 inches were drilled through finished surfaces to pass an electric cord.

The screws are visible, elevated and crooked on the finished surfaces. Gaps between the wall and based-board were not tight. Hence, it did not attain the 'built-in look' that was agreed upon.

A 'customer service representative' if you can call him that, came and tried to defend quality of the work. He claimed it was a "standard installation". To make a long unsatisfying, patronizing, converstation short, he agreed
only to return portions of the units to the factory for repair. Although, both complete units needed to be returned for repair.

Now, the same representative called to tell us that we owe $600 more for the repairs.

We have little confidence that this will ever be done correctly.

Obviously, we recommend that you stay clear of this cabinet company.

posted by Bob on 2006-08-11 14:12:44

I agree with bob above.. From the recommendation here, to working with the draftsman, I felt at ease, but as soon as I signed off on the final drawings, things went down hill. First off, the job was fairly large (4 large closets, a bed, headboard, entertainment unit, sink cab) and was quoted as having a 4-6 wk lead time. They did not START on the job until late june.. and were finally ready to deliver in late july.. This would be forgiveable if they came through with the final product and installation.

before finishing I went into the factory to inspect and choose a finish. I unfortunately chose a stain that was ultimately too bright (totally my fault).. I was so upset, that I decided to have them redo it at a cost of $4000.. (the original price for all the pieces was $10000.. again.. nothing major.. just my money..

I painstakingly chose the new stain/finish with their guys and was assured everything would be fine... it wasn't and ultimately I was delivered something that did not match the sample. They did agree to restain some the more "off" pieces. In the end I was pissed that it didn't match the sample (much darker, redder) but it was still pleasing. The thing that annoyed me the most was the horrific installation. Shoddy driven screws, sloppy caulking, chipped, scratched surfaces, seams where there shouldn't have been etc.

I can see using them for a one off, self install piece.. but I would not recommend them for a large job.

posted by andrew on 2006-08-23 13:58:54

to clarify above.. the final drawings were signed off of in late March.. and the piece were delivered in early august.. thats over 4 months.. quite a bit more than the 4-6 wk. lead time I was quoted.

-a

posted by andrew on 2006-08-25 19:23:58

I would highly reccomend Furniture Design by Knossos. My experiences with them have always been exceptional . My pieces were delievered on time , in very good condition , and at a reasonable price. They truly can build absoulutely anything if you know what you are looking for . Installation went very smoothly and I thought they did an impeccable job . I have dealt with many large piece installation companies before being an interior designer and there will alway be flaws but Knossos always does a good job . A++ Highly Reccomend
-Lisa

posted by Lisa on 2006-09-09 12:29:19

I was cleaning out my files and came across a Knossos invoice for my order of two 3 drawer unfinished cabinets that my husband and I had custom designed to fit in our bathroom in Tribeca ($159 in 1994). We are now living in New Hampshire and still have those cabinets, and a fond memory of the store, the person who took our order, and the timely delivery (I was expecting my first child!). They remain in excellent condition to this date, and continued to be utilized - though not in our bathroom.

I give kudos to Knossos, and "Thanks for the Memories!"

Kathleen

posted by Kathleen LaBonte on 2006-12-01 10:55:07

Awful, simply awful.

posted by Mark on 2006-12-19 17:59:58

Very bad installation. Very poor finishing.
Sorry but I must tell the truth.
CS

posted by Cynthia on 2006-12-19 18:05:21

It almost sounds like 2 completely different companies! I had them build a table, huge entertainment center, customized stereo cabinet, bookshelves and customized small standing cabinet 4 or 5 years ago (not sure exactly) - all still looks good and is holding up fine. I'm thinking of stopping in to see if they can build me a bathroom vanity and cabinet since I can't seem to find anything remotely affordable that I like!

posted by Laurie on 2007-03-22 15:44:23

As a third generation Decorator/Designer/General Contractor in NYC,I highly recommend cabinets,although I never recommend KNOSSOS for radiator covers and simple things that don't require alot of deatil,and don't change things around with them,they have a hard time with keeping up,but are good at most of what they do.........I have used them before and have seen their work......
Of course my clientel base and refferals require real "HIGH END" cabinetry........



"WE ARE NYC'S # 1 RATED GENERAL CONTRACTING FIRM"

Kevin A Klepper
A-1 Home Improver Construction Co.
227 East 50th st Suite 13
Manhattan,NY 10022
646-288-7371
VISIT US AT WWW.Angieslsit.com
WWW.Contractors.com

posted by Kevin A Klepper "Mr A-1 Home Improver" on 2007-03-25 20:33:01

I also had an EXTREMELY negative experience with Knossos. I was bullied into giving them a $2000 deposit. Once they had the signed receipt, the representative became quite evasive regarding their policies (e.g., what if the cabinets don't fit, won't explain deposit policy, refusal to take measurements, etc.) The more questions I asked the angrier the representative got. Then he started lying, denying earlier statements regarding the pricing and their policies. This was quite troubling, so I asked for my money back. (I had signed the receipt only about 15-20 minutes earlier.) They refused to refund the money that I had paid only minutes before. Four employees, including the manager, surrounded me and started screaming at me. I'm sure they thought they could scare me into leaving without a refund because I'm a woman. At that point, I called the police. Once the police arrived, and after much cajoling on the part of the officers, the manager finally returned my money. What a nightmare.

posted by sadapartment on 2007-05-10 21:03:18
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Dear Customers.,
I agree with all of you , those who like and feel satisfied from our product , and those who received what they didn't expect.
I'm working as interior and furniture designer and artist painter for more than 15 years , and i met during this period thousands of customers and clients and collectors , through my experience i found that something we can called chemical relation between the designer and the client ,so sometimes this relation lead us to come up with designs perfect for them from an aesthetic point of view and finishing quality and sometimes due to unknowledge and agressive client with this personality and his suggestions lead us also to something very bad for both of us , the client in this case not satisified and he bother the association entirely.
My advice , when you go to the doctor cause you complain from a desease you don't suggest your medicament , do the same with your interior designer that you feel comfortable with him.
Amir Wahib.

posted by Amir. on 2007-10-19 17:06:02
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ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. They took twice as long as their estimate, then when the unit was finally delivered it was the wrong material, wrong color and some of the unit's main functions (pull out drawer) weren't included. NO QUALITY CONTROL WHAT SO EVER FROM THE GUYS ON 6TH AVENUE.

posted by village_gal on 2007-12-19 21:15:38
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Well,just loged in to the site to do some internet shopping,and was shocked by some of the comments,about Furniture Design by Knossos.

Moved to New York from Miami on a long term Design Project, (nine months ago ),and had the pleasure to complete my work in time,thanks to Knossos and their ability to dictate,plan and execute what my client ask for, perfectly.

They were highly recomended to our firm, by one of the most prestige Architectural Design Firms in New York.

I took them on, as the exclusive Cabinet makers on a high seven figure renovation, that took place on a Fifth Ave. apt. which was recently purchaced by a Movie mogul.

George Despotopoulos,the owner of Knossos,and his staff,did all Shop Drawings,all Design and Material configurations,all measurments,planed all schedules,and,delivered and installed what they promised in time.

Quality of their work,was on a high end level,installation was done as per our instructions and aproved by both Client and General Contractor.
Their Supervisor visited the site and inspected all items installed,scheduled service calls,and im done and ready to go back home.

As far as prices go,well, i ll say this.General Contractor had a similar firm,pricing the same millwork project.
Their proposal had a price of 35% higher,plus a greater time of completion, by six weeks.
I went by Knossos to see,if they can shipp cabinetry to Miami,only to discover, that they have a new line of Italian made Kitchens,plus a new showroom that displays their cabinetry.
Great stuff,Thank you Guys.
Ps.Knossos is in the market for the past 31 years,i had to check them out, prior to contract award.

posted by Grecci on 2008-02-21 18:03:16
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Like many of the people who have commented here, my experience with Knossos was absolutely horrible. They were incompetent, unprofessional, evasive and dishonest. It was shocking. I hired them for a fairly basic installation in my home. Over the course of four months they came to my house five times to install the finished product and they screwed it up every time. On multiple occasions they delivered pieces that were measured wrong and did not fit the space. Pieces were delivered that were made out of the wrong materials and made in a design style completely different than what we had signed off on. The installation of the pieces was sloppy and insecure. I had pieces literally hanging out of the wall. There was absolutely no accountability from anybody in the company. It was as if nobody had any idea what was going on or communicated with anybody else in the company and the only answers I was given were "I don't know" and "it's not my fault." The basic feeling I got was that once these guys had your money, they could care less about actually satisfying the customer, and just did not want to bothered. There was no sense of oversight, management, or pride in a job well done. I was made to feel like an unreasonable annoyance because I was demanding what I paid for. After four months of fighting with these people I gave up because I just didn't want to take the stress and aggravation of being involved with them any longer. After their final trip to my house, they left things in a complete state of disrepair. I had to hire another carpenter to modify and reinstall the Knossos pieces and repair the damage the Knossos laborers had done to my house. I really have no idea how a company like this is still in business.

posted by west side on 2008-02-23 15:36:56
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