Convo By Design®

WestEdge Wednesday Part Seven | 645 | Kitchen rEvolution: Crafted, Curated Spaces Created for an Evolving Clientele

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Kitchen Revolution: Elevating Kitchens and Baths for Lifestyle, Wellness, and Technology. Designers and innovators discuss how kitchens and bathrooms have transformed into lifestyle-focused, wellness-oriented, and tech-savvy spaces, shaping the homes of today’s discerning clients. From pandemic-driven shifts to smart appliances, spa-like bathrooms, and open-concept living, this panel explores the evolving demands of homeowners and the strategies designers use to balance aesthetics, function, and innovation.

1. Introduction

  • Host Virzine Hovasapyan, Experience Director of Marketplace of Innovation for Pacific Sales, introduces the panel and sets the stage: kitchens and baths are no longer purely functional—they are deeply personal lifestyle environments.
  • Emphasis on the convergence of beauty, comfort, and smart technology to meet wellness-focused and tech-savvy client needs.

    • 2. Panel Introductions

    • Karen Rideau, Kitchen Design Group: three decades of experience, expanding from kitchen and bath to full interior architecture.
    • Holly Hollenbeck, HSH Interiors: bi-coastal firm specializing in remodels and new builds, high focus on kitchen and bath.
    • Lori Hafele, Hafele Design: luxury cabinetry-focused design, hard surfaces specialist.
    • Pam Barthold, Poziom Designs: national remodels, holiday decor focus, wellness integration.

      • 3. Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Shifts

      • Kitchens evolving into living spaces for family interaction and entertaining.
      • Movement from segmented to open-plan living; the kitchen is now the “heart of the home.”
      • Rise of furniture-like cabinetry and hidden storage to maintain aesthetic beauty.

        • 4. Collaboration Between Designers and Showrooms

        • Importance of collaboration between designers, manufacturers, and showrooms.
        • Need for continuous education on appliance and technology innovations (steam ovens, microwaves/air fryers, modular units).
        • Designers as knowledge bridges for clients.

          • 5. Wellness in Kitchen and Bath

          • Bathrooms now spa-like: steam showers, infrared saunas, cold plunges.
          • Kitchens adapting for wellness-conscious lifestyles: beverage centers, accessible hot water, herb gardens, indoor/outdoor cooking integration.
          • Efficiency for tech-savvy clients: proximity solutions, outdoor entertaining, smart layout adjustments.

            • 6. Technology Integration

            • Challenges of over-technology vs. simplicity: balancing clients’ desire for tech with usability.
            • AI and digital inspiration may introduce non-buildable concepts; designers interpret and adapt.
            • Circuit breaker capacity and smart appliance integration considerations.
            • Strategies to educate clients and ensure the right technology fits their lifestyle.

              • 7. Translating Client Dreams into Practical Design

              • Process includes space planning, 3D renderings, vendor collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
              • Importance of editing ideas to fit space and budget.
              • Budget discussions start early; expectations around pricing, lead times, and custom millwork.

                • 8. Setting Expectations & Discovery

                • Use of robust client questionnaires to uncover lifestyle, wellness, and usage patterns.
                • Managing timelines, trades, and supply chain realities.
                • Addressing dual-client decision-making and educating clients on care and maintenance of appliances and materials.

                  • 9. Audience Q&A Highlights

                  • Managing open-plan kitchens and sound/visual separation through back kitchens, secondary prep spaces, and innovative layouts.

                    • 10. Key Takeaways

                    • Kitchens and bathrooms are now multifunctional lifestyle spaces, blending aesthetics, wellness, and technology.
                    • Collaboration, client discovery, and education are critical for successful design.
                    • Designers balance aspirational visions with practical realities to deliver functional, beautiful, and personalized homes.

                      • Links / Resources:

                      • Pacific Sales – West Coast leader in Kitchen, Bath, Outdoor, and Total Home solutions.
                      • Kitchen Design Group – Caren Rideau
                      • HSH Interiors – Holly Hollenbeck
                      • Hafele Design – Laurie Hafele
                      • Pazzam Designs – Pam Barthold
                        • ...more
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