Kitchen & Bath Business July/August 2022 - 18

TE CHNOL OG Y
& DE SIGN
From Frenemies to Fast Friends
Connecting the designer and integrator
HISTORICALLY, TECHNOLOGY HAS NOT ALWAYS had the most designforward
approach. Clunky boxes, rat's nest of cords and off -putting colors
have been the standard up until just a few years ago. In fact, it was not
terribly long ago when miniature TVs took up premium counter space in
kitchen and dining spaces, off ering many American households dinner
and a show in an eye-sore of a form factor.
Th e kitchen is the heart of the home, as we hear again and again, so it's
no surprise that homeowners are looking to add the same technology and
convenience here that they enjoy in the rest of their houses. And even if
it's unconventional and intimidating to your fl oor or counterspace, the
reality is that technology is not going anywhere. New research from Parks
Associates reveals that 27% of smart home device owners now own three
or more devices and continue to buy more.
While there's no slowing down smart home adoption, it's essential that
designers explore the pioneering smart kitchen and bath solutions that
enhance its convenience while still optimizing style. Just consider how far
we've already come in TVs alone. Gone are the boxes on the counter fi ghting
with your microwave or blender for outlet access. Instead, displays
have have gotten thinner, have gone wireless and even mimic artwork.
" Designers and integrators have a lot in
common; they are both engineers of solutions
that enhance a homeowner's lifestyle. "
Other technologies - lighting, smart appliances, energy management
and more - also follow an evolving and fast-growing path for cases
across the home. As the most design-forward parts of the home become
technology-rich, partnering with integrators can help designers grasp the
full spectrum of products available, growing their portfolio and delighting
customers alike. If you think this is an area you can ignore, it could
cost you business.
WITH WHOM SHOULD I WORK?
Technology can be a bit intimidating for designers, but luckily there is an
entire industry dedicated to installing it in the home. Th ese professionals,
often called integrators, are skilled at delivering a holistic technology
experience that blends with a homeowner's lifestyle and the design elements
of any given space.
You may be surprised to learn that according to recent research by the
Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), 79%
of these technology professionals are working in the luxury space, so they
are more than well versed when it comes to the needs of working with this
clientele. Th e systems these professionals design are much more sophisti18
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JULY-AUGUST 2022
cated than the out-of-the-box DIY technology
solutions found at major retailers, and the customized
technology trend is certainly starting
to hit the kitchen and bath market.
Integrators are often the missing piece of
the puzzle when it comes to technology in the
home. Much like designers, integrators often
start with a discovery process that helps align
homeowner needs with the technology that
matches their lifestyle and in turn blends seamlessly
into the home's aesthetic. As designers
can opt for certifi cations and professional accolades
to provide their credibility, home technology
professionals bolster their own profi ciency
in the same way.
Validate the pro you choose to work with just
like you would for any other subcontractor on
your job by seeking certifi ed integrators. Just
like the National Kitchen & Bath Association
is the professional association for kitchen and
bath designers, CEDIA is the professional association
for home technology professionals,
offering several certifications for full-home
technology projects in addition to more tailored
qualifi cation opportunities in specifi c technologies.
Seeking out dealers with these credentials
will help you ensure a job well done when designing
tech into your clients' home projects.
CROSSOVER EXISTS:
EMBRACE IT - DON'T FEAR IT
Th ere are a few entry points we see leading the
way for technology to become a mainstay in
the kitchen and bath. Automated lighting and
shading scenes do wonders for setting a mood,
ensuring safety and privacy and adding convenience
- not to mention the array of styles and
fabrics that can further customize this techforward
addition.
Also off ering new levels of convenience are
smart appliances, and if you saw the latest designs
at the 2022 Kitchen & Bath Industry
Show, you know they're pretty attractive devices.
In addition to the regular roles they play
in the kitchen, smart appliances can help your
clients stay on top of their grocery list, recom
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