Our Approach to Personalized and Lasting Design

Nora Duran: Jordan, I’m thrilled to have you here today. And, I just want to say hello to all our listeners. Thank you for joining us today and let’s dive right into it. When it comes to redefining a kitchen, what would you say to a family looking to transform their space into something that blends elegance, style, and practicality — especially with the unique touch of Adonis Kitchen and Bath?

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: So you take it in steps, right? The prime recommendation that I always have for people when they’re kind of looking to have a remodel, if they’re looking, whether it’s practicality or aesthetics, is taking it one step at a time. Having an initial consultation where you’re kind of going over how the space will be used, and then from there kind of evolving into something that looks good. And then taking another step where you let someone else review everything with you and go over more details for different particular components.

And then just kind of, you’ll see a lot, with our remodels — well, maybe you guys won’t see it, but we see a lot from the initial consultation. By the time they’ve had that third meeting with us, a lot of the stuff has changed, and that’s what leads to some of those best possible outcomes.

There is one that — one of the more recent ones that we had on our Facebook — it was the Strongsville project. When we had that initial consultation, it was going to look better, but it wasn’t going to look anywhere near as good as it ended up by the end. So it was all just about taking the time and having the brainpower of multiple people come behind the project before actually starting the demolition.

Nora Duran: Yeah, I’m sure listeners will love this perspective, and it’s amazing how you balance elegance with practicality. I know that’s a game changer for a lot of people in their homes. So speaking of balance, I’m curious about your company’s approach to remodeling. How do you ensure that each project not only meets the functional needs of the kitchen but also captures the unique vision and personality of the homeowners?

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: We talk to them — and we talk to them a lot. There’s so much that we can offer with our abilities and with our skills and knowledge, but the homeowner knows what they’re going to use their kitchen for. The homeowner knows what means the most to them. The homeowner knows what they like.

So we don’t come in and push people away from their vision. We try to guide. If there are situations where we come in and the vision isn’t there — or maybe it’s a vision we can see but would like to elaborate on why it might not be as functional as one thinks — we try to guide to get close to what they were looking for when they started. It’s all about talking to them, making necessary concessions and advancements, and just getting to that point slowly but surely with conversation.

Nora Duran: Yes, that communication is the key to getting that perfect remodel and perfect space you’re looking for. And when it comes to collaborating with homeowners, how do you guide them in transforming their kitchen into something more than just a pretty space? How do you help them create what’s truly in their hearts?

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: You show them. There’s a lot of stuff that people like once they see it. If they don’t get the opportunity to see it — like if you don’t show them our portfolio or also some of the stuff that’s out there that we haven’t even done yet — people won’t know what they like. So you can’t come in immediately and ask a bunch of questions and just go straight for breaking down walls and putting up cabinets.

There needs to be a discovery phase. So we just try to show them what they can do. We also try to show them through Facebook. There’s a lot of stuff on our Facebook that shows projects we’re doing. When we visit with our vendors, we try to get content there as well and show people what’s out there. So education, discovery, and showing people what’s possible — that’s what it’s about.

Nora Duran: Amazing. And I know that some clients might feel hesitant about the investment that goes into a kitchen remodel. So what would you say to reassure them about the lasting value and impact a well-designed kitchen can have on their lives?

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: So that’s a little bit deeper than that. I don’t always just want to necessarily reassure someone that remodeling their kitchen is the best decision because sometimes it’s not.

There have been situations where it wasn’t in the client’s best interest to actually take on a remodel. We would prefer to let them know that early on than have them find out too late. On the flip side, there are a lot of people that need remodels and know they want remodels, but there are just some issues within themselves or around them that they’re having trouble getting past to get to that remodel.

Sometimes it’s an emotional attachment to money. Or maybe it’s just a disagreement between two homeowners as to what direction to go in. In those situations, I’m there to help and bridge that gap. But it’s not every situation that somebody should move forward. You just gotta find that out with them.

Nora Duran: Yeah, great points. And let’s talk about quality now. How does your company, Adonis Kitchen and Bath, maintain its high standards of design and craftsmanship, even when working with specific client preferences and styles?

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: So a lot of things there. To maintain our commitment to design, even when working with preferences, some of it unfortunately does come down to what we won’t do. In very rare instances, if there’s just something that’s not going to work and we can’t have our name on it, we have to decline certain projects.

The second part is how we address problems. In construction, problems will occur — that’s just the nature of the beast. When you’re looking at a project with hundreds of moving components, how you address problems is huge.

We have an approach where if a problem occurs twice, we have a meeting on it and evaluate how to prevent it from happening again. We also have a list of potential issues we go over with clients — things that can happen, what happens if they do, and how we can prevent them. If a client’s request risks creating a major design issue, we sometimes have to respectfully decline it.

Nora Duran: Yes, I know it’s not easy to stay consistent with standards, but you gotta have them, right? And I know your company is doing this effortlessly. So what are the key factors that you consider when planning a kitchen remodel to make sure it aligns with both the family’s practical needs and their desire for a beautiful space?

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: Use and design. We start with how the space is going to be used. Is it a household of eight people who all need to sit at an island or peninsula for family dinners? Or is it for an individual chef who wants all the latest features and opportunities to create things they otherwise couldn’t?

Sometimes it’s about space — that’s a very common one. We just need to understand what the general use is. From there, we backstep into the perfect design. That’s what we do.

Nora Duran: Right, it’s just like a little bit into details, right?

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: Yeah. A lot of it just can’t be rushed. There’s nothing against any other company out there — everyone’s doing their best — but some people do attempt to rush it because there can be financial incentive to do so. That puts you in a bad position. You can’t have one meeting for an hour and then attempt to do the project from it. You can’t have enough information that fast. The perfect layout takes time — that’s the only way to do it.

Nora Duran: Yeah, true. And when we talk about materials and finishes, how do you go about selecting the ones that not only look beautiful but also promise durability and functionality for years to come?

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: We educate ourselves — and that’s not easy. There’s a lot to keep track of with all the new stuff that’s out there. Just when we think we’ve got it figured out, Kohler or Sub-Zero releases something that changes the game.

Just yesterday, our designer Sean and I went out and met with several vendors — Sub-Zero Wolf Cove, Ferguson Kitchen Bath and Lighting Gallery, Welker McKee, and Lake Quartz — to see the latest products. Just like we educate clients, we need to stay educated ourselves. It’s ever-evolving.

Nora Duran: Yeah, and what design elements do you focus on to ensure there’s a seamless blend of elegance and functionality in each kitchen transformation you take on?

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: A seamless blend often comes down to focal points. When you’re looking at a space, do what you can to make sure the main areas draw attention to the best parts of the design. Sometimes adding too much functionality in one area can compromise aesthetics, so balance is key.

You don’t want a super “wow” backsplash, countertop, and cabinet set all fighting for attention. You have to put the “wow” where the “wow” belongs.

Nora Duran: Yeah, it’s like a recipe — you add a little from here and there, and those elements need to come together effortlessly, right?

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: Yeah, I don’t know if “effortlessly” is the best word, but I know what you mean. It looks effortless, right? Exactly.

Nora Duran: And I know another big part is lighting — a crucial aspect of kitchen design. How do you incorporate innovative design solutions to create a space that’s not only well-lit but also enhances the overall ambiance?

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: Part of it’s color. You want to look at the tone based on the scheme. If you’re going with earthy tones, you want warmer lighting. You also have to pay attention to where the shadows will be. I’ve seen many kitchens where the lighting doesn’t work — you’re constantly casting shadows in the most important spaces.

That’s one of the later steps in our process — lighting layout isn’t day one. As things evolve — color schemes, materials — lighting needs to evolve too.

Nora Duran: True, yeah. The right lighting makes a huge difference — it can turn a kitchen into a whole different, inviting space for family and friends.

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: Yeah, the best example I have is how different a room feels when a single light goes out. Now imagine if you perfectly design that lighting layout — it transforms everything.

Nora Duran: Good example. And when it comes to technology, what innovative features or appliances do you recommend to your clients that really elevate their cooking experience or any experience they have in the kitchen?

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: At the Ferguson Kitchen Bath and Lighting Gallery we visited yesterday, we saw a five-in-one oven with amazing features. There’s so much cool stuff out there. You just have to go see it — start with the high-end appliance vendors, and if you want to scale down later, you can. But start big so you know what’s possible.

Also, go with a knowledgeable rep — they’ll show you features you might miss, like air purification in refrigerators or humidity settings. Attend events when you can, or check remodelers’ Facebook pages for highlights from trade shows. You’ll be surprised how one new idea can change your whole outlook.

Nora Duran: So true, and I know there are so many impressive options out there, so it’s very important to be educated and have all the knowledge.

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: Absolutely. We’ve seen faucetless sinks, countertops that charge your phone, ceiling-mounted faucets, tub fillers that come from the ceiling, mirrors with TVs, electric chromate glass — all kinds of futuristic stuff. Bandwagon effect is real — once one client tries it, everyone wants it. I think in 10 years, phone-charging countertops might be everywhere.

Nora Duran: Yeah, I agree with you. I think it’s very convenient. And Jordan, how do you make sure that your designs stay fresh and continue to inspire as they adapt to the changing needs and lifestyles of homeowners?

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: That’s a tough one. Once again, it starts with education. We stay educated so we can keep clients educated. But not everyone wants “fresh.” Some people have dreamed about their remodel for 20 years — they want the kitchen they’ve been picturing all along. You can’t expect them to change their mind because a trend says so.

If you give me the opportunity, I’ll go with fresh — new, trendy, colorful. But we won’t force clients into that. Functionality and personal satisfaction come first. As long as it doesn’t hurt our brand — like carpet in a bathroom — we’ll make it happen. If someone wants a white kitchen even though it’s “out,” we’ll do it, because that’s what they love.

Nora Duran: Exactly. And lastly, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what really sets Adonis Kitchen and Bath apart in the industry. How does your commitment to personalized design and craftsmanship position you as a leader in kitchen remodeling?

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: I feel like we take it more seriously. We take learning and evolving more seriously than many others. This isn’t just about putting up cabinets — we’re at events, we’re talking to designers, we’re constantly gathering information. I might not have 60 years of experience, but I have deep knowledge of how the industry is evolving. That’s where it starts — with curiosity, dedication, and putting in the work.

Nora Duran: I couldn’t agree more, Jordan. It’s clear that you have the passion to create these beautiful spaces that make your company truly stand out. Thank you so much for sharing your insights today with me and our listeners. I’m sure they loved this. Until next time — happy remodeling!

Jordan-Adonis Kitchen and Bath: Thank you, Nora.