){kind=logo}
Trail Appliances BC:quality(75))
Exciting things are happening in British Columbia as the first Casa Bertazzoni kitchen opened at Trail Appliances' Vancouver showroom. We had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Gallop, a seasoned local interior designer, about her experience designing the Casa Bertazzoni display kitchen. In this discussion, she shares insights on her design process, collaboration with the Bertazzoni team, and memorable moments while working on this project.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your company, and your experience in the industry of interior design?
:quality(90))
I started in the industry around 2004, which seems like a long time ago now, but I went through BCIT’s Interior Design program. When I graduated, I worked in retail design. I designed spaces like stores, offices, and restaurants. I got into residential home design in 2007, doing high-end residential renovations and builds, which was much more of my passion.
I have been working in the interior design industry for almost 20 years now. I am the owner and Director of Design at Sarah Gallop Design Inc., a firm that focuses on residential projects in British Columbia, Canada. Our team takes on a range of projects from new construction homes to renovations.
How did you combine both Trail Appliances’ vision for the space and Bertazzoni's vision for their brand?
I took a collaborative approach. Being the first Casa Bertazzoni kitchen in Western Canada, Bertazzoni’s team was very involved, which allowed us to get a deep understanding of the brand and their vision. We also considered other factors such as the input from Product Specialists and Trail Appliances’ team members.
Using our design expertise, we created a space that not only met the functional needs of Trail Appliances but also reflected Bertazzoni's style and aesthetic. We found a balance between both visions and created a cohesive design that satisfied both parties.
Can you talk about your choice of color palette and materials for this project?
The kitchen is a balance of cool and warm tones. Choices were influenced by Bertazzoni’s brand guidelines and the need to create a cohesive blend for the entire showroom. Trail Appliances' Vancouver showroom has multiple display kitchens for various brands. As much as it's a bit of a mix-match of all these different styles and colors from different brands, they have to feel continuous, so that visitors are walking through it seamlessly.
Although certain pieces were unique to the brand’s guidelines, others were a blend. For example, the light wood we used can also be found in another display kitchen but also fits Bertazzoni’s guidelines. But overall, the choices were a collaborative decision.
:quality(90))
:quality(90))
How do you marry the requirements of designing a kitchen that is functional for a showroom but inspiring and aspirational for customers so they can imagine these appliances in their homes?
I tap into both my retail design and residential home design experiences. It’s about creating a space that takes into consideration the customer’s journey through the products, and placing appliances in a way that will help a Product Specialist show and explain key features. But it’s also about creating an aspirational space that feels like home to a customer.
By considering both the functional requirements of a showroom and the aspirational desires of customers, we were able to create a design that not only showcased the appliances in a realistic setting but also inspired customers to envision them in their own homes.
Did you use any unique or innovative design ideas in this project?
In the first showrooms we completed, I realized that the giant overhead lighting was so far up and didn’t make the space feel like home. So, we brought down the lighting to a human scale so that people who enter the space get the impression that there is a ceiling like a real home would, instead of an empty void at the top. That's one of the solutions I implemented in the Casa Bertazzoni kitchen to make the space feel like home. It really makes a difference in the way people interact with the space.
As you know, we had a reveal party for the Casa Bertazzoni kitchen. How do you think the kitchen was received by guests?
The kitchen was very well received by the guests. The comments and feedback were all positive from the conversations I had and overheard. I didn't hear a single negative comment and that was really nice. It was a great feeling to see so many people appreciate our hard work and design choices.
An event like that is a great way to end a project because it gives everyone a positive boost. It's really rewarding to see the project completed and people interacting with the space.
Ultimately, for me, the biggest satisfaction is that the clients are happy. So it was great to hear positive feedback from the members of the Bertazzoni family such as Nicola Bertazzoni, and their team.
:quality(90))
:quality(90))
:quality(90))
:quality(90))
:quality(90))
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently on this project?
I don't know if there's anything I would have done differently on this project. Everything that should have been done differently was done…if that makes sense. There were challenges we faced during the design process, and we had to find alternate solutions but that’s part of the process. It only made the outcome even more rewarding. Overall, it was a great experience, and I am proud of the finished product.
Were there any inspiring, fun, or memorable moments you had while working on this project?
There were a lot of fun and inspiring moments while working on the Casa Bertazzoni display kitchen. It’s hard to pinpoint one instance. But I will say that the best feeling was getting approvals at key stages and seeing the project come to life. The opening event was a memorable moment as well, with everyone coming together to celebrate the completed project. Overall, it was a great experience working on this project so closely with the Bertazzoni team and bringing their vision to life.
Come see Western Canada's first Casa Bertazzoni display kitchen at Trail Appliances
Visit the first Casa Bertazzoni display kitchen in Western Canada at Trail Appliances' Vancouver showroom. Come and witness a true showcase of style, quality, and functionality. The sleek design and attention to detail make it a wonder to behold; from the matching appliances to the elegant cabinetry, every aspect of this kitchen has been carefully curated to create a harmonious and luxurious space.
At Trail Appliances, we offer a wide variety of Bertazzoni products that embody timeless elegance and superior functionality. Whether it's their top-of-the-line kitchen appliances, or their innovative accessories designed with precision, every item promises to enhance your cooking experience and bring Italian craftsmanship right into your kitchen. Explore Bertazzoni's exceptional product range at your nearest Trail Appliances showroom or online.
