New York — Most people don’t enjoy walking in circles, but at Urban Homes, that is the ideal way for clients to find their high-end kitchen or bath product.
Derek Zylewicz, the third-generation owner and president of the kitchen and bath design firm, based here, explains: “The showroom was designed by Matthew Berman and Andrew Kotchen from New York, NY-based Workshop/APD and Urban Homes. They worked with Mirko Del Prete, the managing director of Aster Cucine and Renee Pecquex of Van Nuys, CA-based CaesarStone to create unique displays that feature distinctive kitchen cabinets, pull-out islands and LED lighting, all with a floating ceiling design.”
Zylewicz, who runs the firm with partner Jacob Kindler, explains: “The floorplan shows the various rooms and products in a circular pattern revolving around a central kiosk. Visitors can move in a circular pattern and see [everything] on display.”
Visitors to the showroom include designers, architects, builders and consumers, and they can view products from a variety of lines, including appliances from Viking, quartz countertops from CaesarStone and cabinetry from Aster Cucine. Also featured arecustom cabinetry from Urban Homes, tile selections from Daltile and kitchen fixtures and fittings from Blanco America.
“Our mission at Urban Homes is simple,” reports Zylewicz. “We are dedicated to providing our clients with personalized service and innovative design solutions using premiere products and technology.”
The firm played host to hundreds of architects, builders and clients in March, in celebration of its official grand opening. Featured were culinary dishes prepared by Viking Range Corporate Chef Trish Sebben-Krupka, as well as commissioned art, which turned the showroom into an art gallery for the event.
Space Saver
The goal of the 4,000-square-foot, two-level site was simple. “The showroom was designed to be a showplace for the urban cabinet market, a space to showcase these products,” Zylewicz remarks.
To achieve the look, the maximizing of space was paramount, Zylewicz continues. “The concept is based around a centralized piece that ties the space together,” he explains. “[We wanted a] space that would replace a two-dimensional portfolio and could showcase samples of the products that would be used in clients’ homes.”
The showroom features 12 displays, including eight kitchens. Five bath vanities, office displays and a living room and dining room setting are also included in the showroom.
“We have one full working kitchen, and this kitchen will be used to host events, seminars and cooking events and classes,” he reports.
Screen Grabs
Technology plays a featured role within the Urban Homes showroom. AutoCAD is used to create room plans and designs.
A plasma television is also featured to showcase project possibilities to visitors.
But, the firm’s forward thinking isn’t just reflected in the hottest gadgets. Urban Homes also takes pride in the fact that it offers the recycling of materials and green design options, particularly through its kitchen cabinetry offerings, Zylewicz adds. The showroom also features LED lighting for all of its undercabinet displays in keeping with its green initiative.