Seaside Cabinetry in Victoria
At Alair Homes Victoria, we are very selective of the trades that we work with. Our number one priority is to provide our customers with the highest quality of craftsmen who will work in unison with the rest of our team and to ultimately ensure that our customers are getting the quality, accuracy, and transparency they deserve. This week we will be doing a little Q&A with one of our favorite Cabinetry Designers here in Victoria. We’ve been fortunate to work with Jessica and Seaside Cabinetry & Design on a dozen or so projects, and hope you enjoy the interview we had with her.

What is your name and occupation?

Jessica Kwasnica, Senior Designer / Owner of Seaside Cabinetry & Design.

Tell us about your company – how long have you been in business and what do you specialize in?

We specialize in all things cabinetry: kitchens, bathrooms, laundry & mud rooms, built-ins and countertops to name a few. I have been designing since I received my Diploma of Interior Design in 2005. As an accredited interior designer I also have the ability to help customers with not only their cabinetry designs but with colour choices as well as space planning.

Can you describe a typical work day?

A typical day at Seaside Cabinetry includes client meetings in our showroom, site measures for prospective clients, site visits to check on installations and my favourite: designing!!

What particular skills or talents are most essential to be effective in your job?

Design knowledge is number 1. How cabinets work within a design is also important. You can go anywhere to buy cabinetry but it is essential to have someone working for you who knows how to design a functional and beautiful space. Having training and an eye for interior design helps with space planning, colour choices and combinations as well as general aesthetics.

What types of changes are occurring in your field and how do you stay on top of them?

Trends are ever-changing in the cabinetry field. The trick is finding something my client loves as well as making sure it is timeless and won’t date their home. The purchase of new cabinetry is a long-term investment and you want to keep in mind that changing trends can affect the value of your home down the road.

What projects have you worked on with Alair Homes?

I have done full kitchens, laundry rooms, dining room built-ins and fireplace / living room built-ins.

How should someone look for a cabinetry designer for their bathroom or kitchen project?

One of the most important aspects of choosing a designer is finding someone whose personality works for you. You may want someone to take over completely or you might have your own ideas and want someone to work with you. Your designer should be able to listen, take your ideas and combine them with theirs to transform everything into one beautiful, functional and timeless space. Knowledge of cabinet function and design is also prudent as a kitchen can look great on paper but not function to its full ability if drawn by an inexperienced designer.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Working with my clients! I get great satisfaction dealing with people and working together to create a great new space or seeing the transformation of a dated one. During the process we often spend a lot of time with each individual client and by the end of it you have built quite a bond. I enjoy coming back to a space I have helped create to see how much it is being loved and used!

What are some design trends you are seeing for 2016?

Transitional designs – for the past few years many people have opted for the ultra modern design: clean lines, simple details and high gloss finishes. Before that people were trending towards more traditional raised panel doors with intricate crown mouldings and granite countertops. Lately, we are seeing that people want to be somewhere in between which is where a twist on the standard shaker comes into play. We are pairing a lot of step-bevel doors with modest crown mouldings and quartz countertops that have veining similar to granite but are perhaps less busy. These designs are also meant to be timeless and appeal to both the contemporary and traditional crowds.

Soft colour pallets are still popular and painted doors in greys and whites will likely still be a front-runner. People tend to add pops of colour and personal touches in the form of furniture, a painted feature wall or perhaps a few feature cabinets.

Technology will also be a big consideration in 2016 onward.  There are countless new inserts and add-ons for cabinets ranging from magic corners to recycling pull-outs to electronic touch-open drawers. With open concept house design still playing a major role people want to transition their kitchen and living rooms seamlessly. This may include adding music, cell phone and computer charging stations as well as desk space or working areas so the whole family can gather together.

Can you leave our readers with 3 important design tips?

  1. Blend aesthetics and function – Make sure the design you have on paper not only looks amazing but will also function as you need it to.
  2. Buck the trends – Trends come and go so fast these days! A new kitchen or bathroom is an investment; make sure the space you are planning will be beautiful for years to come.
  3. It’s all about you – Your space must function for you! These days with open concept design, your family likely spends most of their time in the kitchen and adjoining areas. Think about your family’s lifestyle and create a space around those wants and needs.

 

SEASIDE CABINETRY & DESIGN

2071 D Malaview Ave W

Sidney BC, V8L 5X6

250.812.4304

[email protected]