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DESIGNING DACOR
Although the customer was not the average family, designers Charlotte Panico of Chicago and Stacey Black of Metropolitan Design Limited in Atlanta, took an approach similar to what they would have with any customer when redesigning the Dacor Design & Culinary Centers.
Sticking to the first and most important step in any design process, talking to the customer to find out their needs, the two designers created dream spaces that not only exceeded expectations but also satisfied every need.
For Dacor, the goal was to create showrooms that would inspire design professionals, excite consumers and accommodate training classes easily with spectacular vignettes accented by beautiful cabinetry and countertops, yet still allow the appliances to stand out as showpieces.
In fact, appliances inspired Panico to create a sleek and modern space to perfectly highlight the tuxedo styling of Millennia in the Chicago Design & Culinary Center. Using Ultracraft Cabinetry with a striped zebra finish paired with an ivory countertop and unexpected brilliant green accents, she created an eclectic kitchen that keeps the appliances with black glass and stainless steel panels center stage.
“The Millennia collection is much more than your average stainless steel appliance,” said Panico. “The refrigerator design is so modern and needed something to make it pop. I no longer saw it as just utilitarian but as a piece of art for the kitchen. When I saw the zebra cabinetry door I knew it would work with the design of the refrigerator.”
The design worked so well, Dacor featured this vignette in the Dacor booth at the 2008 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, and included it in the redesign of the Atlanta Design & Culinary Center, which was recently unveiled in November.
Interior designer Stacey Black transformed the 4,000-square-foot Atlanta Design & Culinary Center into an inviting, upscale space where guests can relax and designers can comfortably meet with their clients.
“We opened up the reception area so you can see the showroom, making it feel more intimate,” said Black.
With the help of Michelle Olsen, CKD, and a team of extremely talented craftsmen and installers, Black’s love for classical design shines through when viewing the stunning demonstration kitchen, which features cream-colored Jim Bishop Cabinets and ample space for guests to explore their culinary prowess during training classes.
Keeping designers and their clients in mind, Black and her team created more than six new kitchen vignettes, including two Preference kitchens in Slate Green and Sterling Grey and a dishwasher display that features all six Preference colors, designed for the client who wants options beyond stainless steel.
“I think the Preference products are fantastic and the new displays are great for clients. With so many colors on the floor, now the designer isn’t the only one to see all of the options.”
Maintaining the intimate setting throughout the Design & Culinary Center was achieved through various lighting configurations, including track lighting to spotlight the appliances and undercounter lighting within the glass cabinetry, all of which can be operated separately to create the appropriate mood during events.
Black admits there were a few obstacles along the way, but stresses the importance of having positive, can-do people involved to help move the process along.
“You can have a great concept and drawing, but if it’s not executed properly, everyone is going to look bad.”
Click here for more details or to schedule an appointment at one of Dacor’s Design & Culinary Centers.
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