Today, one of the most consistent requests from clients is the ability to customize their spaces, regardless of their budget. After more than 13 years of running my residential design firm and completing hundreds of kitchen and bathroom projects, it’s clear that personalization opportunities are no longer just a luxury for high-end clients, they are something all homeowners desire.
Above photo: The hood and shelves in this kitchen designed by Tanna Edler were custom-built on site to fit the design scale perfectly, then painted and stained to match the aesthetic. A Sub-Zero refrigerator, Daltile backsplash, cabinets by Sollid Cabinetry, Moen faucet, countertops by Arizona Tile and Hinkley pendants round out the design.
Why Personalization Opportunities Remain Important
At its core, customization allows homeowners to feel a sense of ownership over their design. Whether it’s a small detail or a significant feature, having the ability to tailor a space to their exact tastes and requirements gives them a unique environment that can’t be replicated elsewhere. A cookie-cutter solution often doesn’t meet the specific needs of a homeowner’s day-to-day life, and they want their spaces to be as practical as they are beautiful. Clients today are savvy and knowledgeable, thanks to inspiration from platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, and they come into the design process with strong ideas about what they want.
Customization at All Budget Levels
Whether it’s cabinetry, hardware, fixtures or even appliances, there are now opportunities for clients to personalize their spaces, no matter the size of their budget. For example, in kitchen cabinetry, I often guide clients through semi-custom options, which provide a high level of personalization without the hefty price tag of fully custom cabinets. This allows even budget-conscious clients to get a kitchen that feels unique and functional without sacrificing style or quality.
In bathrooms, the opportunity to customize often comes down to choosing the right materials and fixtures. Clients are willing to compromise on other areas of the project if it means getting a feature that feels uniquely special.
How Designers Can Leverage Customization
As designers, we can guide our clients through the many ways they can personalize their kitchens and bathrooms, using the available tools and products to create tailored spaces. Here are some of the key areas where we feel customization is thriving.
- Cabinetry & Storage Solutions. From fully custom cabinets to semi-custom and even modular solutions, clients have more control than ever over how they use their kitchen storage. I work with clients to determine how they move through their kitchen and what their needs are, whether it’s pull-out shelves, deep drawers or specialized storage for small appliances. The ability to choose these custom solutions means that no two kitchens are the same, even if they use similar layouts or materials.
- Fixtures & Finishes. Our clients want the ability to select their faucet style, sink shape and even the finish of their hardware. With so many options available, the clients can express their personality. Even in more budget-friendly projects, swapping out standard fixtures for something a little more unique can make a big impact.
- Countertops & Backsplashes. While natural stone has long been a way to add a personalized look, quartz has gained popularity among our clients because of its durability and range of customizable options. Many of my clients are choosing quartz not only for its functional benefits but also for the variety of colors and patterns available. Pairing a unique countertop material with a custom backsplash allows homeowners to inject their own style into these surfaces.
- Appliances. The rise of customizable and modular appliances is another exciting trend. With options to mix and match panel colors, handles and controls, our clients can blend appliances into their cabinetry or make them stand out. This makes it easier for clients to match appliances to their overall design aesthetic, a feature that resonates with those who want every detail to reflect their taste.
- Tile & Flooring. Our clients are gravitating toward more creative uses of tile, including custom patterns, color combinations and shapes. In one recent bathroom project, a client chose a bold geometric pattern for the floor, while opting for a simpler, more classic subway tile on the walls. This mix-and-match approach allowed them to create a space that felt distinctly theirs without the need for a major budget increase.
It’s clear that customization will continue to be a priority for clients in the kitchen and bath industry. From high-end projects to more budget-conscious remodels, homeowners want spaces that reflect their unique tastes and lifestyles. It’s an exciting time to explore new ways of personalizing homes and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in design.
