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I’ve often wondered why the kitchen design business was so male dominated as, let’s face it, it’s more often than not the woman who graces it the most. It appears I’m not on my own as owner of the quality kitchens and appliances shop Room for Living in Cowbridge, has now enlisted the design skills of Jo Buckerfield.
A WOMAN’S TOUCH
What’s your background?
I’m a Neath girl born and bred. Having graduated from the Swansea Institute University with a merit in Art and Design Foundation Studies, I then went on to Kingston University to study and subsequently graduate with a BA(Hons) in Product and Furniture design. I was employed for five years by Hyperion Furniture, a family business designing and manufacturing bespoke furniture. Working for this company was inspirational. Being a closely knit family run business, attention to detail and seeing a job through from initial discussions to installation was paramount. The experience I gained there has been invaluable to me and I’ve been able to pass this on to my clients. The last three years have been spent working for several kitchen companies gaining valuable experience in the kitchen industry.
“Families need room for development with plenty of space. Enough room for cooking, eating, playing, laughing and living.”
What qualities do you bring to Room for Living?
I bring enthusiasm, experience, expertise and passion for design. This, along with acute attention to detail, I hope will contribute towards Room for Living’s continued success.
What will your role involve?
I will concentrate on helping clients achieve their aspirations. I like to work with the client, giving them as much opportunity to be part of the creative process as they would like.
Is the industry male led?
I don’t know if it is statistically accurate to say that most kitchen designers are male but in my experience, it would seem to be a very male dominated industry. However, in my house the kitchen is the domain of the woman, whether I’m cooking or not.
With that in mind, I do my best to relate to my client, who might be the woman or the man with ‘whatever she wants (within reason)’ written all over his face. There are some brilliant male designers in the industry. I only wish there weren’t so many salesmen for whom the sale or profit is more important than the design.
“When image is everything. This kitchen exudes style - the form follows the function with a high level of design.”
Why Room for Living?
My husband and I moved to the area in 2006 to raise our young family. I immediately approached Room for Living as it was obvious to me that it was a quality company, selling great products. I have worked with them on a freelance basis since 2006 and now the time is right to make a more permanent commitment to them.
What are the current trends in kitchen design?
Kitchens are once again becoming the heart of the home. Open plan is definitely the order of the day, with living areas adjoining cooking and eating. Designs are definitely reflecting this trend and it is a challenge for the designer to make one space work for all of these different activities. This trend can influence the designer down a difficult path as they attempt to turn a room into a ‘Swiss Army Knife’. It is easy to lose sight of the fact that a room must combine functionality with beauty. Technology will play an increasing part in people’s desires, with intelligent fridges and networked appliances but there is no point loading gadgets, televisions and quirky appliances into a kitchen whose fridge is in the wrong place or whose cabinet hinges crumble after twelve months.
I have definitely seen a shift towards a more contemporary look. High gloss and bright colours are definitely more popular than at any time in the last 20 years. However, there is still a strong market in the traditional looking cabinets with turned columns and raised and fielded panel doors. Whatever the design a person should go for, I would stress that the most important factor is quality and functionality at a price that is affordable to their budget.
Describe a typical customer at Room for Living.
Every customer is an individual and all individuals are unique. This means that each person’s requirements can vary from one extreme to the next. It is possible to group people to some extent, however, the beauty of my job is that you never know what to expect when a potential client first walks through the showroom door. The one thing that doesn’t vary is the requirement of the designer to match the design to the desires, and needs of the client as best you can to their budget. Young professional couples, the elderly, families, the single person, and the disabled person can all come in looking for a new kitchen on any given day. I relish the opportunity to help them create the kitchen of their dreams. It never ceases to amaze me how people shatter any first impressions when they begin to chose their new kitchen. And there is no better feeling than seeing that kitchen, modern or traditional, installed successfully and making a real difference to the life of my client.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
This is like asking a child what they want to be when they grow up (and I didn’t have a clue then!). I would love to have a crystal ball and look ahead, but at this moment in time I am achieving what I want out of my professional career and long may it continue.
Room For Living
Willow Walk,Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7EE
01446 771 234
info@rflkitchens.com
www.roomforlivingcowbridge.com |
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