Empowering yourself

This week I have been  thinking alot about what is in and what it out.  I have had so many people stop in or call the showroom confused and bewildered by the information that they are getting from experts! 

Case and Point, a couple stopped in wanting new countertops and were so confused and overwhelmed by the materials and colors available.  After looking at their samples and listening to their story it was clear that they knew what they liked and wanted what they liked whether it was in style or not.  They were even told by an "expert" not to paint their wainscotting even though it depressed them to look at it and enter the spaces where it was because it just might come back into style!    I have to say it broke my heart.  No space should ever, EVER depress the owners!  If it does, why not paint it?  Our homes must soothe us and be our place of refuge! 

After 20 minutes of combing samples and showing them that what they wanted would work in their space they left my office feeling empowered and excited about their home.  I even received a phone call from them the next morning saying how grateful they were to me for that empowerment.  All experts should be that way but they are not.  If you find you are bound by someone else's rules and tastes and you have lost your sense of self then they are not the right expert for you! 

So many people are playing with color these days.  It is a quick inexpensive update to do to your home.  New paint, new countertops, new hardware can quickly spruce up a space.  Just remember that sprucing up doesn't fix poor layouts or poor quality workmanship. 

Have a good weekend--Thanks for visiting. 

What's In

When people discover that I am a Kitchen Designer, I am always asked, "What's In?".  That is such a difficult question to answer!  I can certainly tell you what colors and materials are hot but I don't think that is as accurate as telling people to follow their hearts!  Right now our most popular colors are those yummy, dark chocolatey colors but if they are not right for you, than "what's in" isn't a good barometer for you! 

Instead take a good look at what colors and styles you have always been drawn to!  Clip out pictures from magazines, visit showrooms, tour houses and take notes!  Look at your belongings from your accessories on your table tops to your clothing!  You will see your style emerging.   A good kitchen designer will look at all those cues and help you develop your style rather than dictating that you follow what is "hot" if it isn't right for you! 

The other thing is to pay attention to the style of your house!  Whether it is an Arts and Crafts Bungalow, Old Colonial Revival, Suburbia 50's, Contemporary, or Uban Loft your house has a story to tell and honoring that to some degree will also help make your space wonderful!

Introduction to Stephanie Burris

Let me introduce myself, my name is Stephanie Burris.  I am a kitchen designer with almost 20 years experience in the kitchen industry--11 of them with Builders Kitchen.  I have worked in all areas of Kitchen Design.  I started off in the box stores in Springfield, Mo.  I worked for an award winning, high-end firm in Oklahoma City before landing in Des Moines.  I have worked on everything from minor updates, new homes, to full scale remodels and everything in between.  I have had recoginition in local and national television and magazine publications.  Along the way I have accumulated lots of information and ideas.  Combined with my collegues talents, we can offer reliable advice, ideas, and opinions!  I hope that you visit this site often and ask lots of questions!  Thanks for visiting!