Kitchen & Bath Design News

MAR 2016

Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.

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the schedule and all of the selections and things that go into it," she states. As part of her process, at the frst meeting, she takes feld measurements at the project site. During the second meeting back at her showroom, she uses 2020 design software that allows clients to see 3D renderings of what their actual kitchen will look like. Using a large screen to share the rendering, she will manipulate the design on the spot so they can see diferent options and ultimately make an informed decision. "I think our ability to break the deci- sion-making into digestible bites for people and get through the process in an exciting and positive way so they're not overwhelmed is [what sets us apart]. That's my job, to make it easy," she notes. A FEW OF HER FAVORITE THINGS O'Rourke says her favorite project is always the last one she's worked on, since every project ofers a new challenge. Her current favorite is a small Cape cottage that she's still working on. The clients are big entertainers – they have about 40 people over every weekend, according to O'Rourke. In achieving the customers' vision of a coastal, but not "cottage-y" look, a wall was taken down and an elevated kitchen island installed. O'Rourke was most recently on the job site at 6:30 a.m. to oversee the countertops going in, making sure they were installed correctly. "When I can see what I've worked so hard to execute – and I do walk through my jobs all the time – you walk in and you're like, that's exactly what I thought it was going to look like and it does and I'm so pleased," says O'Rourke. She continues: "I charge people a lot of money – cabinets and countertops are very, very, very expensive – so I take it really person- ally. I spend it like it's my money and I'm very conscientious that everyone gets value for the dollar. When I walk in and I see a $40,000 kitchen look like a $70,000 kitchen, that makes me really happy." This also ties into O'Rourke's other favorite part of her job: problem solving for the client. She really enjoys providing solutions for customers. "Really changing how they live in their home is the end result. How they entertain and how they spend time with their family – it's how they feed their family, it's how they enjoy their space – that's what I really like." Height was added to the cabinets to work with the high ceilings of this kitchen, while gray hues were used to warm the space. The door to the dining room was closed of to provide more wall space, and the range was relocated into the corner. With its porthole mirrors and lantern light fxture, this bathroom was transformed into the owners' own little oasis retreat. The pebble stone detailing under the tub, the vanity countertops and coloring add a sophisticated, personalized look. Photo: Paul Blackmore – Blackmore Photography Photo: Michael J. Lee March 2016 • KitchenBathDesign.com 39 Circle No. 24 on Product Card Circle No. 23 on Product Card

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