Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2025 - 24

Good, Bett er, Best
L UXUR Y DESIGN
The need
for brand
offerings for
all project
budgets
In the world of kitchen and bath design, balancing budget with
aspiration is both an art and a skill. As a residential designer with
more than 13 years of experience, having completed hundreds
of kitchens and bathrooms for a diverse range of clients, I've
seen fi rsthand how crucial it is for brands to offer products that
cater to different budget levels. While some clients may have the
fi nancial freedom to invest in the highest-end products, others
require a more strategic allocation of resources, splurging in key
areas while saving in others. This reality highlights the need for
brands to offer good, better and best options, allowing designers
to work within various fi nancial constraints while still delivering
beautiful, functional and lasting spaces.
The Reality of Budget Constraints in Design
Every client and every project are different, and so is every
budget. The kitchen and bath are two of the most important
spaces in a home, but they also represent signifi cant fi nancial
investments. A high-end kitchen or bath can easily run into
six fi gures, while a more modest renovation might be completed
for a lesser amount. As a designer, part of my role is to
guide clients through these decisions, helping them determine
where to invest and where to save based on their goals and
fi nancial reality.
In this process, the availability of different product tiers becomes
essential. A client may have their heart set on a luxurious
marble countertop, but their budget might only allow for a quartz
option that delivers a similar aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. In
other cases, they may want to splurge on high-end cabinetry but
need to fi nd more affordable plumbing fi xtures. The fl exibility to
mix and match products across budget tiers is what allows me
to create spaces that feel cohesive and personalized, regardless
of the overall budget.
In this bar area, designer
Tanna Edler combined
high-end PentalQuartz
countertops and a
high-end Moen faucet
mixed with semi-custom
Sollid Cabinetry and
discount hardware from
Rejuvenation. The ZLINE
beverage fridge was a midpriced
item that allowed for
a " better " option.
Photo credit: Nick Sorensen
The " Good, Better, Best " Model
In the kitchen and bath industry, this means offering a range
of options for everything from cabinetry and countertops to
appliances and fi xtures. Some brands do this exceedingly well,
providing designers and clients with the fl exibility needed to
tailor the design to the budget.
A well-executed good, better, best offering ensures that even
the " good " options are still high quality, providing durability
and style at a more accessible price point. These options may
not have all the bells and whistles of a " best " product, but they
should still deliver on the essentials. The " better " options often
strike the balance between luxury and affordability, offering
upgrades in materials or features that enhance the space without
blowing the budget. And, of course, the " best " products are
24 JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2025
where clients can indulge in the highest-end materials, cutting-edge
technology and premium craftsmanship.
Mixing High & Low
In many projects, especially those with tighter budgets, the
save-and-splurge approach is key to achieving a beautiful result
without overspending. For example, well-made cabinets will
last for years, and countertops like quartz or granite will withstand
daily wear and tear. In contrast, elements like light fi xtures,
backsplashes or hardware can be areas where clients can save
a bit. These items are easier to swap out or update over time, so
choosing less-expensive but stylish options can help keep the
project on budget. I've found that by mixing higher-end elements
with more budget-friendly choices, I can create kitchens and
baths that feel luxurious without the luxury price tag.
Brands Meeting the Demand?
We are gravitating toward brands that are allowing us to mix and
match based on budget. These brands understand that clients at
every price point want quality and style, and they make it easier
to achieve that without compromising on either. When I design a
kitchen or bath, having access to different tiers within a brand's
product line means I can offer clients a cohesive design while
adjusting individual components to fi t the budget.
While high-end clients will always exist, most homeowners are
working within a budget. It's worth noting that in today's economy,
many clients are more cautious with their spending, even if
they have the means to invest in high-end products. Offering a
good, better, best selection allows brands to capture these more
budget-conscious consumers while still providing high-quality,
stylish solutions.
By Tanna Edler, Founder & CEO of TANNA BY DESIGN,
tannabydesign.com
http://www.tannabydesign.com
Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2025

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