Special Advertising Feature
Kitchen + Bath Designer | Design Solutions, Inc.
Specializing in Kitchen + Bath design for more than 17 years, Andrea Wheeler began her career in countertop fabrication, with an interest in unconventional materials and custom design. Her primary focus is helping clients create a functional, beautiful, and personal space. Utilizing her attention to detail and unlimited creativity, she works with clients to bring their vision to life. Wheeler currently serves as president of the Greater Annapolis Design District and enjoys collaboration with designers, builders, and architects.
What makes a kitchen timeless?
A timeless kitchen in one home is not necessarily timeless in another home. Factors to consider when designing a kitchen or bathroom include house style, interior layout, client preferences for style and colors, use, function, and the ability to transition with a growing family or aging residents.
Timelessness is often confused with neutrality. The number one question to ask is, “What will still be relevant in 20 years?” The answer is usually not white shaker, though it can be. A timeless kitchen exhibits clean lines, thoughtful elements, accurate proportions, and a comfortable placement within the home. Awareness of trends is important, but they do not drive the overall aesthetic.
Why should someone hire you to design their space?
With endless project decisions, clients can become fatigued and frustrated, sometimes making choices to “get through” missing opportunities to make their new space sing. I present options to clients, so they are aware of all the possibilities, guiding them through to the end. Often a client brings in photos of what they think they should have. Their face lights up when I say they don’t have to have an all-white kitchen. We can break the “rules.” Hiring me ensures you are offered a full array of concepts and ideas to support a truly custom project.
What are your favorite design elements?
I like to mix colors, patterns, textures, and finishes. Creating a layered and visually interesting space is often achieved with subtle details like combining different metals or hardware. Composition is a key element for me, utilizing multiple colors and scale to create balance. My favorite touch is incorporating something of importance to my client, such as a China collection, favorite color, or a single, beautiful painting.
Design Solutions, Inc. | 420 Chinquapin Round Road, Suite 1-C | Annapolis, MD 21401 | 410-757-6100 | dsikitchens.com
