Welcome to the latest edition of Behind the Brand, where KBB seeks to illuminate – somewhat! – the creative process from the perspective of top product designers in the kitchen and bath fields. Being able to look at everyday objects in a radically different way is the [un]common denominator of these talented individuals.
This month, we hear from:
Vittorio Asaro, creative director, Gaspare Asaro
Emily Arthur, founder & chief creative officer, Isla Porter
Chris Wilson, category manager, Newport Brass
As a product designer, my greatest responsibility is…
Asaro: Designing and overseeing production of products that consistently give our clients newness, differentiation, and emotionally impactful, compelling pieces they want to have in their homes. Our production and design is based in a country, Italy, where tradition is steadfast and hard to break from, but we continue to develop original concepts, new finishes, innovative techniques, and to push the envelope with our unique, talented artisans and work with embracing their techniques to create
Arthur: To ensure that every design is both timeless and relevant in the market. We review every detail with care so that functionality brings ease and integrates seamlessly into a customer’s life. With so many options available today, it’s important that when we introduce new choices, they meet a genuine need and offer something that will stand the test of time.
Wilson: As product designers, our job is to look into the future (and the past) for ideas that feel original, relevant and worthy. Our responsibility, however, is to ensure that we develop these ideas in a way that is not simply self-serving for the short term, but rather future-focused. In an environment where the loudest, boldest and brashest design voices can receive a larger share of immediate attention, it’s understandable, and perhaps even justifiable, to want to follow that blueprint. But when we prioritize longevity versus immediacy, when we willingly look past instant gratification, we start making different types of design decisions where we trade timely for something that will ultimately be timeless.
Cuore Mantova Square by Gaspare Asaro. Photo: Borgianni & Associati
One of my creative touchstones is…
Asaro: Bringing nature indoors. In almost all of the pieces I’ve designed, you’ll see that nature has been a significant source of inspiration. I spend quite a lot of time outdoors, and it is important for me to bring that serene energy into our craft. Whether it be in a literal sense, like the Palma or Leaf light, shades in the shapes of flower petals, or in the materials we utilize and craft from, like natural Alabaster sourced from Volterra, Italy, it is a consistent thread. We have a new finish coming out this fall that is inspired by the weathered shrines and torii gates of Kyoto, Japan. At the end of the day, my inspiration always seems to come back to nature and travel.
Arthur: Good design shouldn’t need explanation. A customer should feel a sense of awe and inspiration without requiring context. The best design speaks for itself – beautiful, functional, and self-evident.
Wilson: Dare I say travel? No, I can’t, that just feels way too easy and I’m not sure it’s entirely accurate. Not that it’s inaccurate, but travelling to somewhere new often means being in a car / bus / plane where everything passes by in a blur. So, I’m going to qualify “travel” a bit.
This is by no means a groundbreaking perspective, but to internalize, I find it helpful to interact and for me, that simply means an aimless walk about. Cities I’ve been to countless times look dramatically different depending on the time, the season, the weather, while a leisurely walk helps create unexpected mental connections. And it’s never a shame to stumble upon a new delightful cup of coffee or even better, a perfectly filled almond croissant.
An industry trend that I’m watching is…
Asaro: Hyper-customization. I am no longer seeing the trend of in the industry as a whole the need to flock to the same popular fixture that everyone has. That trend has done a 180-degree turn, and clients are actually veering away from having what they are seeing in their friends’ and neighbors’ homes.
Clients and designers are really embracing making lighting their own and having a piece that is truly unique to them. We recently received a request to customize a light with five unique shades of orange. Another project had one singular arm extended an additional six feet to illuminate the client’s favorite reading nook. Clients now want their fixtures to fit their particular home like a glove. We keep this in mind with all new designs, recognizing the need for flexibility in modifications and customization.
Arthur: The resurgence of intricate molding details. Carved rope patterns, stepped crowns and acanthus leaves are returning, replacing the pared-down minimal approach we’ve seen for years. I’m also watching the embrace of color – customers are seeking more unexpected palettes, with top swatch requests leaning into bold reds and yellows.
Wilson: Color. It’s always color.
Cabinets by Isla Porter. Photo: Christian Torres
The best part of my job is…
Asaro: One of the best parts of my job is when a sketch turns into reality. The first reveal of a production piece, which sometimes began as a scribble, transforms into a real piece. With any artist, the creative process can look different; for me, conceptually, I start with an idea and marinate on it for weeks or months until the details come together. When the fruits of your labor come alive and you can bring them full circle to the clients, it is a great feeling.
Arthur: I love working with designers. Seeing how they interpret and reimagine the elements they want in their kitchens constantly inspires me. Experiencing the Isla Porter Cabinetry Kit of Parts through the eyes of so many talented interior designers is always a delightful surprise.
Wilson: Easily the people and the stories they tell. The personalities, the perspectives, the shared interests, the commonalities bring strangers together in a way that gives us an opportunity to effortlessly broaden our view of the world along with the people that live in it. Their stories make us laugh, cry, and experience a sometimes-uncomfortable level of vicarious embarrassment. But I am most appreciative for the chance to walk cities, eat meals, swim in waters and hike mountains that I have not yet, or may never have the chance to see.
East Linear Kitchen Faucet by Newport Brass. Photo: Newport Brass
If I had a week off from the studio, I would…
Asaro: Without a doubt, I’d travel! I love to travel with my wife and business partner, Allysa, and explore new places to experience new cultures. We try to visit at least three new, diverse countries a year to expand our perspective of the world. We love to immerse ourselves in nature, history, and, of course, food- and absorb the energy of the environment and its people. No matter where we travel, we return with a fresh perspective on design, finding inspiration for new pieces and incorporating elements of it into our business.
Arthur: Travel and go antiquing. I love finding inspiration in old homes, interiors, restaurants, and hotels. A day spent exploring home stores, thrift shops, and flea markets feels like Christmas. Whether I buy anything or not, discovering both old and new design always sparks fresh ideas and renews my creative energy.
Wilson: When I was a young child, I remember my grandmother would talk about my grandfather “puttering” around the house. And though I didn’t understand the concept at the time, I do believe now that he was onto something special. The pursuit of anything and everything without a specific purpose or goal is wonderful in that it reduces an otherwise hectic pace of life, while the opportunity to try and potentially fail at any given activity without repercussion is refreshingly freeing.
