This week Nancy chatted with Jan Rutgers, founder of Vestabul Design School, about the positives and negatives of HGTV and how it affects our clients.  Follow the outline on our conversation:
Biggest complaints from the industry

Unrealistic budgets
Unrealistic timelines

Biggest misconceptions from consumers

This is entertainment not representative -A lot of the drama is fabricated
Many of the front people are actors not professional designers
Good on camera with a huge team behind them doing all the work

What are the Positives HGTV has done for the Kitchen Design Industry

They have brought awareness to the kitchen industry as a whole
Showing examples of showpiece kitchen; open concept living
Make a new kitchen highly desirable
They introduce new decor style such as Modern Farmhouse
Makes it easy to access get-the-look products across the nation
The create demand for high end products
Gas ranges, quartz counter, custom hoods, apron front sinks, wine fridges
They introduce unique design solutions:  banquettes, using furniture pieces, artisan pieces
Easier to convince consumer to try something different
Some shows experiment with more adventurous color combinations
Shows can’t always repeat the same look show after show so tend to mix it up
Clients can be more willing to break away from the all white kitchen

Changes that are occurring

Not all of the decor shows are following the formula that insists on drama
More realistic timelines and budgets are being discussed

People have been watching a lot of HGTV during the pandemic

Kitchen designers need to be aware of the shows their prospects are watching
Be prepared to take advantage of the buzz.

This podcast sponsored by Premier Lighting
October 14, 2020
email questions to Nancy@NancyHugo.com