Our curated group of interior design experts in the field, whose role it is to exemplify expertise in the industry.
Moderator: NKBA Chief Revenue Officer Geraldine Morrison
This session began with a lively round of “skip it” or “spec it”, comparing panel and audience reactions to trends such as butler pantries (spec it), oversized islands (it depends), interior cabinet lighting (mixed), and all-white kitchens (skip it). Then, it was time for Q&A. Here are some outtakes:
How do you design for both cook and guests without compromising either?
Berk: It’s all about space, but you make sure you work with brands (like those we partner with at Broad Hall) who know how to integrate storage and functionality.
Cheng: Functionality supersedes everything else, and you build from there. Ask the client, “How do you cook? Do you need trash cans close to you at all times? Do you microwave?”
How do designs made in the kitchen ripple throughout the design of the home?
Cheng: The kitchen is the heart of the home, so color and hardware are part of it and will impact the other rooms.
Orsman: Kitchens often open to other rooms, so we have to think about how the lighting impacts all other areas. The idea is high output, low glare–so that way you can turn it up, and it still feels good.
The NKBA Kitchen Designs Trends report revealed that personalized style and storage are major themes. How do you integrate this for your clients?
Berk: With color matching, allowing a client to go crazy with a color they really love is now an option we didn’t have before.
Orsman: Softness of materials. As people lean away from white, we’re seeing a trend toward heavier woods.
Cheng: I recently did a primary bath where we wanted to separate the toilet from the vanity, but they wanted the vanity on a certain side. We didn’t have the room, so I made the wall into the storage area.
How are wellness and hospitality trends showing up in baths today?
Orsman: Wellness is creeping up more and more into the bathroom. It’s a much bigger job in every project.
Berk: We just implemented an amazing hydrotherapy tub from KOHLER. It’s like getting a massage in the bathroom.
Are there any new trends you see emerging that we should be on the lookout for?
Orsman: Red light therapy. It’s actually proven to help.
What’s your advice for how designers can think about their businesses and remaining relevant?
Berk: Going to shows like this. Those who are serious about what we do need to keep networking.
Cheng: Aside from the importance of attending events, forget about the word “trend” for a second. If you want to continue to be relevant to your clientele, talk to them. Ask them what they really need as their family grows. I have a lot of repeat clients. When you come to these shows and learn about innovations and develop partnerships, you can bring this back to your clientele.
