A conversation about trends in kitchen remodels with Laura Natale, Stephanie Cano, and Susan Grimes of Canyon Cabinetry and Design:
Q: “Based on the projects you’ve worked on recently, what here feels most true to what homeowners are actually doing right now?”
A: More natural approaches, organic, softer woods, softer floors, less veining, less accents, indoor/outdoor feel. Industrial Zen approaches.
Q: “What do homeowners usually not expect when they start a kitchen remodel in Arizona?”
A: The time it takes, the amount of detail, customers misunderstand material pricing, labor costs
due to worker shortages, and material shortages. They are higher-end but do professional service work. They have in-house installers, have complete control over the job, are very hands-off with homeowners, and see projects from inception to completion. They are a small company; everyone is involved and knowledgeable across all projects.
G: “Are there any trends people talk about a lot, but that you don’t see playing out much in real projects?”
A: Curves, rounding, softer tones and shapes, rounded corners, softer lines, people choose
more practical remodels than before.
Q: “If this article were advice you were giving directly to your own clients, what would you add or
emphasize?”
A: Give yourself and the process plenty of time, “move out or take a vacation if possible, don’t
live through a remodel if you can.” Don’t phase it out too long, bathrooms sometimes cost more
than kitchen remodels due to plumbing, etc. The process is very different and takes longer than
HGTV.
Q: “What do you think is unique about remodeling specifically in Arizona?”
A: People who migrate here have different ideas of the Southwest. They like versatile styles, so
many different versions of “southwest”. People in general don’t understand wood and its
complexity, wood reacts differently here due to the climate so natural wood floors are fewer
and far between.
Q: “How do you balance seeing a client’s vision through while also keeping things realistic and maximizing their ROI?
A: We must never dismiss clients; clients want to be heard. Designers and builders must be careful in drawing fine lines between “don’t do it” and being honest with them about navigating realistic options.
Q: “Is there anything you want clients to know?”
A: Factor in resell value, really customized is difficult both in execution and for resell value. They
don’t want clients following trends that will pass quickly. Don’t be too trendy, but transitional;
Durability is best to maximize ROI. Also, don’t put too much in a house relative to its value. With
many of their clients, CC&D sees that approaches are important to them. Don’t
maximize your budget.
Q: “Anything else you want me to know or emphasize?”
A: CC&D are allied designers, not just “cabinet girls.” That’s a big misconception. Clients are
working with professionals who have interior design, architectural, or other degrees. CC&D are
space planners; they have a stake in designing the entire home, not just building cabinets. It is a full scope business.
"Designers and builders must be careful in drawing fine lines between 'don’t do it' and being honest with them about navigating realistic options."