By Industry Partner 2020, A Cyncly Company
Designers are benefiting from customers willing to invest more in design services, particularly higher-income clients who are actively seeking to upgrade their spaces with high-quality materials. Leverage these current pricing dynamics by learning about five exceptional materials that can elevate kitchen and bathroom designs for high-end clients.
The most recent Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) from the National Kitchen Bath Association (NKBA) features several promising findings for designers. Perhaps the most positive of the quarterly report’s survey results concerns the increase in “pricing power” that designers are currently enjoying.
However, it’s important to remember that not all customer segments are the same. Designers surveyed for last quarter’s KBMI said that price-sensitive customers were less likely to spend, but higher-income customers made up for this decrease. This higher-earning demographic isn't just unfazed by higher prices; they’re actively looking to upgrade their spaces with higher-quality materials.
When creating spaces for high-end clients, attention to detail and quality craftsmanship are essential. Every element – from the layout to the colors and, most importantly, the materials – offers an opportunity to reflect a luxurious, sophisticated style.
Bathrooms and kitchens are two of the most obvious spaces to implement high-quality materials. These rooms, more than others, provide a stage to showcase materials that exude elegance. Here are five original materials for bathrooms and kitchens that will leave a lasting impression on discerning clients.
1. Calacatta marble
Calacatta marble is a favored choice for high-end bathrooms and kitchens. A rare and expensive marble variety, it features a distinctive white background with dramatic grey veining, creating a stunning visual impact.
2. Macassar Ebony wood
There’s a wonderful warmth inherent to Macassar Ebony wood. Its deep brown, almost black, coloring is interspersed with fine, golden lines. It somehow combines subtlety with an opulence that few other materials can match.
3. Onyx
It’s nearly impossible for anything made of onyx not to be a focal point. The translucent stone comes in a spectrum of hues and possesses the unique ability to transmit light. The interplay of light and color in onyx can make any space sparkle.
4. Leathered granite
Striking to the eye, soft to the touch, leathered granite offers the perfect balance between luxury aspiration and tactile practicality. This finish provides a textured surface that adds depth and dimension to any design, all while maintaining an air of refinement.
5. Hand-blown glass
As an accent, few materials can compare to hand-blown glass. It immediately elevates the ambiance of any high-end interior design by infusing it with a sense of artistic charm. The individuality and craftsmanship of glass also resonate especially well with clients seeking one-of-a-kind, bespoke creations.
Inspiration for high-quality designs
Designing for higher-income clients requires a keen eye for selecting materials that embody luxury, elegance, and uniqueness. The five materials mentioned above each bring their own distinct characteristics that can transform bathrooms and kitchens into spaces of exceptional beauty.
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then kitchen cabinets are the bones. Cabinets are the structure and back drop that make up the lay-out of your kitchen and how you will use it for years to come. Everything else – countertops, backsplashes, paint, appliances – is a supporting character to the main attraction.
There was a tremendous learning curve for the two remodeling novices. Kathi and Don felt they needed to join a professional trade association which would provide them with the education and networking opportunities needed to become industry experts and grow their business.
Recessed lights have a design that is functional and pleasing to the eye for homeowners, giving any room a needed upgrade to better quality light. Check out these tips to share with clients on how recessed lighting can brighten up their home: