Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom is exciting and fun, but it can also be a little daunting and overwhelming at times. There are a plethora of choices when it comes to fixtures, tiles, appliances, cabinets, and countertops, and it helps to have an experienced professional guide you through the process. Family-owned Kitchen & Bath Galleries has been in business for 20 years, and in addition to showcasing a dizzying selection of options, they also offer design, installation, and remodeling services. The design portion of Kitchen & Bath Galleries is what sets it apart from your standard retailer. Their full-service capabilities coupled with great customer service is the foundation of their success. In fact, Christy Rosario, one of their in-house designers, can walk you through your entire project from start to finish. “We are not typical sales people who sell it and forget it. We stay involved in your project from beginning to end,” Rosario says. “Everyone has a sense of ownership in each project, and it shows in our dedication to making it a great experience.”
Rosario can handle it all, from designing and ordering, to execution and installation. “When I meet with clients, it’s important for me to really listen to their needs and hopes for their remodel,” she explains. “When they are open and honest about their budget and their design challenges, it eliminates surprises and the back and forth, and really makes the process smoother.” Rosario adds that during most projects, they even have a whole meeting devoted to organization, a common trip-up for most kitchen redesigns. “Often, the small feeling of a space can be remedied with better storage or better organization,” she says. One particular client expressed that she entertains a lot and has several crock-pots and small appliances to store. Rosario was able to work some clever storage options and outlets into the kitchen design that made the client’s life easier and entertaining more manageable. When asked about some of the trends she’s seeing, Rosario says gone are the days of using just the backsplash to spruce up a kitchen. Now custom hoods are making a statement in the redesign, with cast concrete, wood, or a wood and metal combination being popular. As an anchor in the space, it’s a great way to create a focal point or design piece. “It’s like adding rouge to the kitchen,” Rosario explains.
With the shift to kitchens as part of the living space, panel-ready appliances are bringing a kind of laid-back feel to a normally function-forward space. “Putting cabinet fronts on dishwashers and refrigerators creates a comfort in the kitchen that allows people to hang out and linger,” Rosario says. Another trend Rosario sees is a move toward wood countertops used on islands and raised bars. Walnut and cypress can be adopted into any style of home and can be easily maintained for manageable wear and tear. “For a recent project, we installed a 3-inch thick Australian butcher block island that we stained with tea and finished with a food-safe wax varnish,” Rosario recalls. For bathrooms, Rosario is excited about the matte black fixture and hardware trend. A sort of replacement for oil-rubbed bronze, the matte black tub fillers, faucets, and handles are a gorgeous contrast when used with bright white, warm wood, or neutral paint colors. “I’m excited to design in today’s climate,” she says. “There are so many styles that people are willing to try, and further, are willing to mix and match. With the strong traditional style in Raleigh, it’s so nice to see clients take these timeless homes and blend some modern style into the remodel. It’s really a nice juxtaposition.”
Looking to remodel your kitchen or bath? Contact Kitchen & Bath Galleries to get started. Visit www.kandbgalleries.com for more information, or call 919-783-7100 to make an appointment.