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Revisiting My Post-COVID Kitchen Design

In February of 2022 I presented at the Voices from the Industry Conference at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Orlando, Florida.

For part of the presentation I developed my version of a Post-COVID home design focusing on the Kitchen and Greatroom areas.

In this VESTA Blog post I would like to revisit that kitchen design.

Thinking about how peoples lives changed during this unprecedented time, I developed thoughts on how Kitchen design may need to evolve.

In Part 1 of this VESTA Blog I will take you through my thought pattern on developing this Kitchen design.

Continue reading “Revisiting My Post-COVID Kitchen Design”
+ Hidden kitchen concept

The Hidden Kitchen Trend and How to Design One

As designers, we are all aware that the Kitchen has become part of the greatroom.

Also as designers, we are always looking for new ways to design this room to work in these open spaces.

The “Hidden” Kitchen is a trend that has been creeping into Kitchen design lately and in this post I would like to explore what that entails.

Read on to learn my 15 ways to get this look!

Continue reading “The Hidden Kitchen Trend and How to Design One”
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Kitchen Case Study: An Updated Greatroom Design

As an educator, I feel it is important for me to continue to design and implement kitchen projects so I understand what is truly happening in the marketplace.

These private design projects also give me the opportunity to share my design process with my followers and students, illustrating how it works with real projects.

The following is a recent project that highlights my design process, providing my client with the perfect renovation for them.

I followed my process starting with a needs assessment with the client, moving to design development options for them, and ending with the final perfect design.

This process has never failed me!

Read on to see how this greatroom kitchen was reimagined.

Continue reading “Kitchen Case Study: An Updated Greatroom Design”
+ Award winning kitchen

How to Design a Kitchen Using Universal Design

When working with a client to design their dream kitchen, you need to consider the longevity of space.

The kitchen is not a room that is redone often so as the kitchen designer you should consider presenting a solution that works for your client’s lifetime. 

There are statistics that can be presented to your client to nudge them to think beyond the aesthetics of their space and to include solutions that will work for them and their households for as long as they occupy the space. 

Continue reading “How to Design a Kitchen Using Universal Design”
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Can You Identify the Errors in this Kitchen Design?: Part 2

Errors in the design of a kitchen hurts both the consumer and the designer.

For the consumer, an error or mistake in the design of their kitchen can cause irritation daily or produce an unsafe environment.

For the Kitchen Designer, mistakes and errors can hurt your reputation, erode your margins and decrease your referrals.

This blog article we will look at part 2 of this series and help you identify common errors in Kitchen Design so you can avoid them.

If you prefer to view rather than read you can check out Identifying Common Errors in Kitchen Design for FREE on VESTABUL SCHOOL OF DESIGN.

Well worth it for the extra Designer Tips presented in that presentation!

Continue reading “Can You Identify the Errors in this Kitchen Design?: Part 2”
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Can You Identify the Errors in this Kitchen Design?

The Kitchen is the most complicated room in the home to design and if you make a mistake it can be very costly to fix.

Helping Designers avoid mistakes is important to me so I focus a lot of my VESTABUL SCHOOL OF DESIGN training around teaching designers the guidelines, clearances and functionality of this room.

This part of Kitchen Design is called the Science of Kitchen Design.

In my next few blogs I am going to walk you through a Kitchen layout that at a glance looks like a good design but is filled with mistakes.

Read on to learn how you can identify and ultimately avoid these common kitchen design errors.

Continue reading “Can You Identify the Errors in this Kitchen Design?”
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Time Management for Kitchen Designers: Taking Control of Your Schedule

As a kitchen designer, managing your time effectively is crucial for meeting deadlines, delivering exceptional results, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

However, the demands of a busy schedule, client meetings, design development, and project coordination can often leave you feeling overwhelmed.

In this VESTA Blog, we will explore strategies and techniques that kitchen designers can employ to take control of their time and maximize productivity.

Continue reading “Time Management for Kitchen Designers: Taking Control of Your Schedule”
+ training at supplier

The Importance of On Going Training for Kitchen Designers

When people ask me why I founded VESTABUL SCHOOL OF DESIGN, I have a simple answer.

“To train and mentor people passionate about the Kitchen Design Industry.”

To excel at anything you need to be constantly learning.

The Kitchen Design Industry is very complicated and initial training plus ongoing learning is what will set you apart and take you to the top of your career.

I constantly observe mistakes by kitchen sales people that could have been avoided with some basic knowledge and training.

This VESTA blog highlights the importance of on going training for the professional kitchen designer.

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Design Trends from KBIS 2024: Part 3

In my last two VESTA Blogs I presented 6 of the 7 Trends I observed at KBIS 2024.

Check out Part 1 and Part 2.

When you walk a show with over 100,000 people you are bound to miss something but these trends stood out to me.

  1. Kitchen Cabinet Interior Lighting
  2. Fluting and Reeding Details
  3. Curves and Soft Geometry
  4. Colorful Appliances
  5. Open Shelving Change
  6. Sinks with Built In Faucets

The Number 7 Trend is an interesting one!

Continue reading “Design Trends from KBIS 2024: Part 3”
+ KBIS 2024

Design Trends from KBIS 2024: Part 2

Last week I brought you 3 of the 7 main trends I observed at the Kitchen Bath Industry Show (KBIS 2024) from Las Vegas.

In this VESTA Blog I will highlighting 3 more.

As you recall, the first 3 KBIS 2024 Trends I observed were:

  1. Kitchen Cabinet Interior Lighting
  2. Fluting and Reeding Details
  3. Curves and Soft Geometry

Read on for my next 3 trends.

Continue reading “Design Trends from KBIS 2024: Part 2”
+ KBIS 2024

Design Trends from KBIS 2024: Part 1

Every year I look forward to attending the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.

This year was the 60th anniversary of the show and it attracted almost 120,000 visitors. (A bit crowded but all part of the adventure!)

It was also reported that KBIS 2024 broke records for the most exhibitors to date with 670 booths spread across 3 halls.

There was a lot to see, so I will post a number of VESTA Blogs on my experience at KBIS 2024 in Las Vegas in the coming weeks.

Starting with some trends from KBIS 2024.

Continue reading “Design Trends from KBIS 2024: Part 1”
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The Beauty of Custom Cabinetry in Kitchen Design

I have worked with stock, semi custom and custom cabinetry during my kitchen design career.

In the last several years I have designed most of my projects specifying custom cabinetry.

Custom cabinetry is an essential element of kitchen design that not only serves practical purposes but also enhances the aesthetics of the space.

In this VESTA blog, we will explore the beauty of custom cabinetry in kitchen design, highlighting the advantages, options, and considerations for creating personalized and stunning kitchens.

Continue reading “The Beauty of Custom Cabinetry in Kitchen Design”