How to Work With A Professional Designer Remotely
Master Account • June 12, 2020
Many homeowners in Chattanooga have been spending a lot more time in their homes lately than they could have ever imagined. During this time, many of our neighbors have found parts of their homes don't look as beautiful or function as effectively as they would like. They see the need for change, but might not be comfortable making an appointment to visit a showroom. If you fall into that group, don’t worry. You are not alone, and you don't have to postpone the renovation of your dreams. We have developed tools that our clients and our designers can use to design and manage renovations remotely.
Step 1: Determine your Goals.
Our initial conversations with prospective clients focus on how they want their new kitchen or bath to function, look and feel. How will the space be used, and who will be using it most often? What functionality does your current kitchen lack, and what is on your wish list for the new space? What do you enjoy most about your existing kitchen or bath? What are your primary motivators for renovating now? How often do you cook and for whom? What other tasks do you perform in the kitchen? What is the style of your home? What other goals do you want to achieve?
Step 2: Measuring the Space.
Before stay-at-home orders were issued, we would visit with our clients in their homes and measure the space. Many are not comfortable with that option during the pandemic. As such, we have developed measurement tools that homeowners can use that enable us to get started. We use Facetime, Zoom or another video platform to assist our clients in measuring the space. On the first pass, the measurement does not have to be completely accurate, but it will provide sufficient information to develop preliminary design concepts and a budget. Before the final design is submitted, we will want to measure the space in person, and we will do so wearing protective equipment to safeguard the health of our clients and our staff.
Step 3: Video.
To gain a better appreciation for our clients' space and style, we ask that they video their existing kitchen and several other rooms. These videos provide additional tools that are necessary to meet the space and style needs of our clients.
Step 4: Developing the Design.
We prepare a preliminary design based on our client’s goals, wishes and budgets and present it with different options. We encourage our clients to make an appointment to visit the showroom to see, feel and experience firsthand different cabinets, countertops, fixtures, backsplashes, flooring and hardware and styles, colors and finishes. If a homeowner is not comfortable visiting our showroom, we can arrange to have a limited number of samples delivered to the home or alternatively provide a virtual tour of the showroom through Zoom or another video medium. We then fine-tune the design to incorporate comments from our clients and modify, as needed, for final presentation before ordering products. It is critical to ensure that you are 100% comfortable with the solutions presented. The number one cause of budget overages and expanded timelines is making changes after approving the final design.
Step 5: Construction.
We can use video technology to oversee the construction process and installation. Our designers can monitor progress as it’s happening; issues can be addressed or amended in real-time.
Step 6: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate.
In today’s environment, it is even more critical to have a constant flow of communication between the homeowner, designer, contractor, installers and trade professionals. We work with homeowners in Chattanooga to develop a communications protocol that they are comfortable with and that respects their time.
Many of our clients appreciated the virtual processes that we use to create dream spaces in their homes. Virtual design can take place based on the homeowner's schedule, and we have found it has increased collaboration. Even after the health risks pass, we plan to continue to offer design services remotely because not only do they work, they make the process easier for our clients, and that's priceless.
If you would like to discuss a remote design for your new kitchen or bath, give us a call at 423-266-0077 or make an appointment to visit our showroom either in person at 2601 Broad St #1A or virtually.
Upgrading to soft-close cabinets and drawers can significantly enhance the functionality and longevity of your kitchen, bathroom, or any space with cabinetry. One of the most immediate benefits of soft-close mechanisms is the reduction of noise. Traditional cabinets and drawers often close with a loud bang, which can be particularly jarring in a busy household. Soft-close technology ensures that drawers and doors glide smoothly and shut quietly, creating a more peaceful and serene environment. This feature is especially appreciated in open-concept living spaces where kitchen noise can easily permeate throughout the home. Another major advantage of soft-close cabinets and drawers is their contribution to the longevity of your cabinetry. The gentle closing action reduces the wear and tear on the hinges and drawer slides, preventing the damage that can occur from slamming. Over time, this means fewer repairs and replacements, preserving the beauty and functionality of your cabinetry for years to come. Additionally, soft-close mechanisms help protect the contents inside the drawers and cabinets from shifting and potentially breaking, which is particularly beneficial for delicate items like glassware and china. Finally, soft-close cabinets and drawers add a touch of luxury and modernity to your home. They are a sought-after feature in high-end cabinetry and can increase the overall value of your property. This technology demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to quality, which can be a selling point if you decide to put your home on the market. Moreover, soft-close systems are a user-friendly addition, making it easier for people of all ages, including children and seniors, to use the cabinets and drawers without exerting much effort. Investing in soft-close technology is not just about convenience; it's about enhancing the overall experience and longevity of your living space.
he Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), held in Las Vegas at the end of February, stands as the premier event in the industry, offering a glimpse into the future of kitchen and bathroom design. With a record number of exhibitors, KBIS showcased an array of new product introductions, emerging trends, and cutting-edge technologies that will help homeowners in Chattanooga create the kitchens and baths of their dreams. At this year's KBIS, a spotlight shone on health and wellness, with numerous plumbing manufacturers unveiling innovative reverse osmosis systems capable of eliminating up to 90% of contaminants from drinking water. Complementing this focus on healthier living, new products designed to enhance shower experiences took center stage, promoting well-being and beauty through rejuvenating skin treatments and muscle-relaxing massage therapies. A nod to nostalgia emerged as a delightful surprise, as several faucet manufacturers unveiled retro-inspired designs tailored for homeowners in Chattanooga seeking the timeless allure of mid-century modern fixtures. Echoes of the 1960s reverberated through grooved channels and faucets designed to complement Shaker cabinets, while a wide range of bridge faucets exuded vintage charm. Meticulous craftsmanship garnered attention, with one faucet manufacturer earning acclaim for its unique faucet handles crafted from Murano glass, each bearing its own distinct character. Intricate hand-hammered details, knurled textures, and detailed facets adorned faucets, sinks, and fixtures, showcasing an unwavering commitment to detail. A shift towards natural hues stole the spotlight, particularly among countertop manufacturers, who unveiled an array of cream, taupe, and gold-toned surfaces. This trend reflects homeowners' departure from sterile, all-white palettes towards softer, warmer tones, inviting a sense of comfort and serenity into their homes. Moreover, countertop and surface material manufacturers unveiled environmentally conscious and sustainable options, including tiles crafted from 100% recycled materials and quartz products engineered to minimize their environmental footprint by significantly reducing silica content. Innovation in appliances also took center stage, with manufacturers unveiling sleek matte black and satin stainless-steel finishes, alongside smart features that redefine convenience. From washing machines equipped with precise detergent dispensing technology to ovens controllable via smartphone apps, appliances are evolving into intuitive sous chefs, offering recipe suggestions, monitoring cooking progress, and even capturing time-lapse videos for homeowners to share on social media. Exciting advancements were also seen in home automation, with systems seamlessly integrated into stone or engineered surface countertops, allowing wireless charging of up to three smart devices. Give us a call at 423-266-0077 or make an appointment to visit our showroom either in person at 2601 Broad St.
We know that many homeowners in Chattanooga are fans of the Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate . The show features world renowned chefs discussing their favorite foods eaten at their favorite restaurants. Asking an expert what they like the best is not the exclusive province of celebrity chefs. Homeowners in Chattanooga often ask our designers and showroom professionals what are the best things they would put in their primary baths? Here is a partial list of our showroom’s favorite features: An in-home spa: Nothing beats having a personal refuge featuring fixtures such as a tub or shower that provides in-home spa experiences that may include steam, massage, color, sound and aroma therapies. Creating an in-home spa provides homeowners in Chattanooga to spend a few minutes a day away from texts, tweets and little feet to recharge their batteries, improve their health and well-being and rejuvenate tired minds and muscles. Heated floors and towel bars. There are few more luxurious feelings than walking on a toasty floor on a cold evening or reaching for a warm, cozy towel as you leave a shower or bath. It’s an unparalleled spa-like luxury experience. The right light. Homeowners in Chattanooga can make personal and bold design statements with over-sized chandeliers, sculptural pendants and dramatic flush-mount lighting. Installing LED strips underneath vanities and along walk ways virtually eliminate the having to disturb a partner if you have to use your bathroom in the middle of the night. Integrated LED lighted mirrors provide even, glare-free task lighting for the vanity area allowing homeowners in Chattanooga to ensure they always look their best when they prepare for their day or a night on the town. Storage, storage and more storage. A well designed primary bath is an organized bath. There needs to be a place for towels, cosmetics, medicines, accessories, hair dryers, tooth brushes, etc. From gorgeous cabinetry to open shelves and everything in between, a dream bath has a place for everything and everything has a place. Niches. Carve outs in the shower or tub area provide extra space for hair care products, soap, sponges and other products. It’s a little touch that makes a huge difference. In drawer outlets help create a clean and natural look and feel by eliminating the need for electric tooth brushes, hair dryers curling irons or other bathroom appliances from having to sit on the countertop or interact with water. Smart showers with digital controls that allow homeowners in Chattanooga to use voice activation, smart phones or settings to set the exact water temperature, flow rate and therapies for individual family members. High quality plumbing fixtures that not only provide superior functionality, a near-lifetime of longevity and an aesthetic that sets the tone for the entire bath. What are the best things you would want in your dream bathroom? Give us a call at 423-266-0077 or make an appointment to visit our showroom either in person at 2601 Broad St.
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