Showcase of Homes: A retail design showroom powerhouse steps onto center stage.
Design enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the return of regional Showcase Home events where every living space has been meticulously curated by an area design professional. To find out how these beautiful spaces come to fruition, I spoke with Sara Bovee Hines, President of Kitchen & Bath World, whose team is responsible for designing many projects in Kohler Homes’ Saratoga Showcase.
Kitchen & Bath World (KBW) is a retail, design, and installation showroom that primarily services Capital Region homeowners. Home Builder Erik Kohler and his wife Danielle enlisted Sara’s expertise to design and furnish materials for the kitchen, pantry, bar, master-bath, guest-baths, and powder-rooms in the Kohler Builders Showcase Home, which will become the couple’s residence.
“Sara’s ability to deliver and communicate a custom design that homeowners can easily visualize is a tremendous gift,” said Home Builder Erik Kohler.
“Architecturally speaking, It’s a modern farmhouse, but Erik and Danielle wanted an inviting, casual, and eclectic space,” said Sara. The kitchen’s design employs three different colors of cabinetry, distressed finishes, and mixed materials resulting in a beautiful bouquet of rich textures and patterns. Overall the 5,000 square foot home has six different colors of Cambria solid quartz countertops and uniquely styled cabinetry selections from Decora, Kemper, and Medallion.
Paula McCormick, Interior Designer to Kohler Builders, said, “Kitchen & Bath Worlds extensive upscale retail design showroom is an amazing resource for homeowners, builders, and design professionals.” While some builders have their own showrooms, Paula says none can compare to the variety of displays and finishing materials found at Kitchen & Bath World. “Kohler is a custom home builder, so you are going to need more options,” said Paula.
Kitchen and Bath World redefined home renovation and has been offering homeowners retail, design, and installation services since its inception in 1983. Sara said, “Our concept is simple. Each client works with one designer to put together a full creative vision for their space. Often the design or showroom experience ends with cabinets and countertops. Our retail showroom and design resources allow customers to touch, feel and visualize their chosen finishes from floor to ceiling all in one space.” Design services from Kitchen & Bath World include paint colors and fixture selections. “To achieve a truly magnificent design, you have to carry it through,” said Sara.
The way one chooses to work with Kitchen & Bath World is completely customizable and based on a customer’s individual needs. High demand can cause longer lead times for installation. Whether you are looking for ideas, design help, retail, or design installation Sara says that the flexibility of design-build vs. design-retail allows clients to meet preferred remodeling timelines and work with a preferred contractor or do-it-yourselfers.
When asked about supply chain delays, Sara says there are advantages to Kitchen and Bath World providing design, sales, and installation on renovation projects. “Logistically, our process is designed for these types of challenges.” Upon a projects’ start products are ready to arrive with installation teams.
For homeowners looking to achieve a showcase quality renovation, Kitchen & Bath World in Albany has six full-time designers. It is open to in-person, by appointment, or virtually seven days a week. See more of this stunning collaboration.