As two of the most expensive home proj-ects, a homeowner might remodel a kitch-en or bath just once every 15 to 20 years. Trends change, technology evolves, materi-als improve and prices increase. The amount of planning and the number of choices and decisions can be overwhelming and stressful. Hiring a design-to-build service like Kitchens, Baths & Beyond can help. These indus-try experts work with homeowners through the entire renovation, from design, product selection and ordering to delivery, installa-tion and even project management. “We make it easy to renovate,” said Janibell Rodriguez, owner of Kitchens, Baths & Beyond, based in Metuchen.
“We simplify the process for our clients and hold their hand from the beginning of the proj-ect to the end. We also save the client mon-ey because our relationships with the trades allow us to offer competitive pricing.”Armed with a degree in fashion merchandising management from The Fashion Institute of Technology, Rodriguez began her professional career in the fashion industry but soon transitioned to kitchen and bath design.
An opportunity to train with Ferguson at the A&D Building — a spectacular assembly of about 40 kitchen and bath showrooms on 11 floors in Manhattan — led to a five-year job and a valuable education. “That’s where I earned the industry,” Rodriquez said. “They’re the No. 1 whole-saler distributor in the country.”As she focused on ordering the correct products for projects, design was always in the back of her mind. A Ferguson client was the inspiration for Kitchens, Baths & Beyond.“I liked the client’s business model where they helped homeowners select products but also helped them design kitchens and baths,” she said.
She opened Kitchens, Baths & Beyond in March 2021. “It was always my goal to have something of my own, and I truly enjoy this side of the business — designing from scratch. Now I get to see the entire process, from planning and designing to order and execution, plus I am visiting job sites to see if there were any mistakes during construction,” Rodriguez said. “I’m just more involved from begin-ning to end.”
When a potential client visits Kitchens, Baths & Beyond, the homeowner meets with a designer to discuss their goals, design ideas and budget. The showroom features a vari-ety of product samples, from faucets, lighting and fixtures to sinks and vanities by a wide variety of manufacturers. Rodriguez said that touch faucets are especially popular in kitchens, while steam showers and bidets are the latest must-haves in bath design. “We have luxury, high-end items, then we also have (more accessible brands such as) Kohler, Delta and Moen,” Rodriguez said.
When a client purchases KB&B’s design services, they are provided a concept board, 3D renderings, floor plans and elevations, plus product samples. “Then we do all the ordering and shipping,” Rodriguez said, noting that some people just hire KB&B to design a kitchen or bath based on their budget, then handle the rest of the project themselves. Others continue their project with one of KB&B’s reliable, vetted con-tractors, project management and installa-tion services. She said it’s important that homeown-ers do some research before meeting with a kitchen and bath designer. They should have some idea of what they’d like in the space and how much products and materials cost so they can set a realistic budget.“Inflation is high. A lot of people last ren-ovated a kitchen or bath 20 years ago and prices are different today,” Rodriguez said. “Also, keep in mind that when you contact a designer, it’s a service. It means you want someone to handle everything for you based on the budget you provide. You have to sit back, enjoy the ride and trust your designer. You’re paying for that service, so you don’t really have to do much.”
Kitchens, Bath & Beyond is located at 407 Suite 208 Main Street Metuchen NJ 08840.
The design studio is open Monday through Fri-day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday by appointment only. For more information, call 732-326-2515 or visit the http://www.kitchens-bathandbeyond.com.— Kitchens, Bath & Beyond can help with any project.
Kitchens, Baths & Beyond’s design services can help homeowners design and build their dream bath-room based on any budget.
Janibell Rodriguez, owner of Kitchens, Baths & Beyond.
Kitchens, Bath, & Beyond works closely with the client to ensure the final project meets all of the cli-ent’s expectations and goals.