Enlisted to deliver an upscale interior for a local condominium that was about to go on the market, Henrietta Heisler, a member of NKBA and ASID, took on the job with confidence. She had previously worked with real estate developers on other units in the building, so she was familiar with the give-and-take process as well as the accelerated schedule for such projects. She brought staffer Olivia Shaak on board to assist her.
Time is Money
“Developers are great clients, but they are often driven by tight budgets,” said Heisler, the founder of Lancaster, Pa.-based Henrietta Heisler Interiors. “Convincing them that extra details costing extra dollars up front will ultimately help sell the unit faster can be challenging, but when they listen, it always pays off.”
For this project, set in a new building in the central business district in Lancaster, the real estate developer required an exceptional kitchen that would be as much a part of the high-end condo as its own distinct space. To sell the property quickly, the space needed to be aesthetically arresting, highly functional and offer ample storage. Heisler often relies on renderings to make the case for her designs, typically providing the developer with two schemes for review.
The design team discussed the pros and cons of the apartments they had completed previously, and a paneled refrigerator – while ultimately more expensive than a steel-front – topped the list of ROI assets. Feedback on cooking appliances led them to opt for a gas cooktop rather than an induction model. The workstation sink was another upgrade to the room that was deemed affordable.
Swapping & Saving
Some of the initial choices for cabinet hardware were out of budget, but the designers found a new source, Golden Warm, that was able to supply specialty hardware for the refrigerator and pantry doors at a reasonable price. The hardware on the pantry pullouts and the refrigerator was stained to match the custom reeded walnut cabinets in the kitchen.
The countertops posed another opportunity for a cost-conscious substitution. A beautiful but much more reasonable stone, River Blue granite with a leather finish was installed for about half the price of the first selection, Blue Roma quartzite.
Heisler and Shaak originally called for a Philip Jeffries wood veneer wallcovering on the dining room wall, but it was value engineered out of the design. The substitute – a Benjamin Moore blue paint – was carefully chosen, owing to an existing optical condition in the building.
Because the windows have a green tint that affects the perception of colors used on the interiors, Heisler said all the materials and finishes were vetted on site at different times of the day to be sure they were complementary. With the developer’s requirements for economy and function stylishly satisfied, the residence was soon purchased.
Sources
Design: Henrietta Heisler Interiors Inc. Henrietta Heisler, NKBA, ASID lead designer; Olivia Shaak, assistant designer General Contractor: Ebersole Construction Granite Fabrication and Flooring: Indoor City Photography: Justin Tearney KITCHEN Cabinets: Custom by Duane Weaver Cabinet Hardware: Golden Warm, Richelieu Cabinet Inserts: Rev-A-Shelf Cooktop, Dishwasher, Microwave, Oven, Vent Hood, Wall Oven: Thermador Countertops: Granite River Blue Faucets: Kohler Flooring: Vertex Lighting: Flos Paint: Benjamin Moore Refrigerator: JennAir Seating: Uttermost Sinks: Ruvati Wine Cooler/Beverage Cooler: Sub-Zero
