Kitchen & Bath Business - July/August 2017 - 8

July/August 2017

e d i t o r ' s

n o t e

LEARNING FOR YOURSELVES AND YOUR CLIENTS

onsumers today desire functional designs and
products that make their lives easier and more enjoyable.They want efficient kitchens for entertaining and bathrooms in which to relax and unwind.
Most homeowners probably know about such
things as how induction cooktops work and the
difference between granite and marble countertops. But do they know about the phenomenon of
the connected home? Do they know about smart technology that can turn on
a bathroom floor tile warmer before they get into the shower? A refrigerator
that tells them when food is expired?
What about the improvements in design and products that have been
created for people to age in place in their homes? Do they know about
comfort-height toilets with seat warmers? That microwave drawers and
floating vanities are attractive, trendy and accessible options for wheelchair
users? They may not even know these options are available to them, because
according to Christopher Grubb of Arch-Interiors Design Group,"No one
wants to be reminded they are getting older, and their pride can prevent them
from planning ahead."
How much do you as design professionals know about the connected
home and universal design? You can't implement smart home technology
and aging-in-place elements into a renovation very easily if your client doesn't
know enough about the options available or how to even broach the subject.
It is your job to inform them on making the right choices for their families
and lifestyles - you, after all, should be the experts.

KBB has been doing extensive research on
these two significant trends for a recent webinar
on multi-generational design and a special section
in this issue on residential technology.The following are some of the tips we've uncovered for you to
decide on what you need to be educated and how
to successfully present these topics to your clients.
Having certified professionals on staff will help
potential clients feel like you and your firm truly
understand their needs.
If a client seems unsure about how to bring up
certain requests, be intuitive and do it for them.
Know the costs involved in implementing various technology and products into projects.
Have a responsive conversation about your clients'needs, and talk to them in a professional yet
empathetic manner.
Know which design elements you need to
incorporate into projects for future lifestyle
changes and needs.
Be the expert, and take the legwork responsibility from your clients.
If you are educated on these two platforms,
you can prime your clients for early adoption
of them.
We hope you obtained some good insight from
our research, and we also want to know how we
can help you as professionals grow in your respective positions. We stay up to date on the latest
industry apps, trends and products, and we frequently leverage our Editorial Advisory Board
for helpful advice on getting and staying ahead.
We make you aware of various industry events
and programs available to help you network and
learn, and we select projects from which we expect
you to discover something new.
What else can we do to help? Please feel free to
send us any suggestions you have - we are always
striving to improve as well, and we want to be your
most useful kitchen and bath resource.

CHELSIE BUTLER
Executive Editor
chelsie.butler@emeraldexpo.com
Twitter: @kbbchelsie

Kitchen & Bath Business / JULY-AUGUST 2017 / KBBONLINE.COM / The official publication of KBIS (KBIS.com)

http://www.twitter.com/kbbchelsie http://www.KBBONLINE.COM http://www.KBIS.com

Kitchen & Bath Business - July/August 2017

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