Looking to refresh or revamp your home? Tired of looking at the same old kitchen? Does your bathroom not beckon you with spa like energy? Local expert Paul Hable at Ferguson Showroom gives us the inside scoop on himself and sheds some light on what is trending in kitchens, bathrooms, and lighting. You can fall in love with your spaces once again as we head into the coziest season of the year with help from Paul and his team.
Tell me about yourself - what made you want to work in home design?
I’ve always had a passion for real estate. So, when I was 10, I wanted to be an agent. Of course, at that age, I wasn’t aware of the ins and outs of the business but I often thought about how I could be a part of the emotional decision of home buying and how I could help people through it.
What do you like best about what you do?
Two things immediately come to mind. First, watching a project from inception, seeing pictures of what clients want, culling it all together and seeing the end product. I really enjoy not having a complete vision at first but then making it all come together into something great. We have designed some truly spectacular kitchens, bathrooms, lower-level bars - a wide variety of spaces.
Second, the people we work with. I love working with people. I enjoy seeing all of their different styles, tastes and wishes and helping them turn those ideas into reality.
When you’re not at Ferguson Showroom, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy boating with family on Lake Minnetonka, traveling, and if not those you most likely will find me on the golf course.
Big changes have affected all businesses and buying habits these last couple of years. What changes have you seen recently in the market? What do customers want now?
The pandemic has taught us that while there is a housing boom, there is minimal housing inventory. People are choosing to invest in their current home. Home has become even more important to them. So, whether it be a new build or retro fitting in their existing property, customers are creating spaces that are unique to their current needs.
Where I see the market at and heading is more technology based. We are seeing smart appliances, blue tooth connected plumbing, voice-activated toilets, touchless fixtures.
We have also seen the installation of meditation rooms and rooms designated for relaxation or for study or work. Rooms that are dedicated spaces to find your Zen. Places to decompress. These spaces often have calming paint colors, wood centric tones. Neutral palettes. Wood grain items. Bringing the outdoors in. Flexible lighting for different atmospheres.
What styles are hot right now when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms?
What is old is new again. The gold, black, and white colors from the 70s are making a big comeback. This time in matte finishes. Classic colors that parlay into appliances and matte finishes with mix and match handle tones. Giving both kitchens and baths a touch of color.
In bathrooms, touchless faucets are in. Manufacturers are realizing people want function but also done in an attractive way. Many of the newest styles are touchless.
What goals does Ferguson have when it comes to serving customers? Is there a company philosophy?
We believe in working hard, working together and uniting for one common goal-to create the best experience possible for our customers. The thing Ferguson has to offer that sets us apart is our best-in-class associates. We take tremendous pride in exceeding customers’ expectations from first interaction to final.
To work with Paul and the experts and create the home of your dreams call Ferguson Showroom at 763.591.5700 or visit them at 925 Decatur Ave North in Golden Valley.
