Problem Solving and Longevity

The inspiration and the solution to great kitchen design

Stories by Kathleen E. Syron

Design + Decor chats with Jenny Provost, CEO and design principal of K2 Interior Design Group, about what inspires her kitchen designs.

Design + Decor: Where do you find inspiration, and how does that translate into your designs?

Jenny Provost: I am a problem solver. The “needs”—aka criteria—that my clients share with me inspire me first, to fix the problems: The kitchen is too small; it’s outdated; it’s closed in, making it hard to enjoy guests; and my favorite— it’s ugly. Other tools I employ are common sense using alignments, ergonomics and accessibility, and, as an avid home chef myself, knowledge of how a kitchen functions best.

In terms of the aesthetics of the kitchens I design, I look for longevity. A new kitchen is a big investment that produces sticker shock in even some of the most experienced remodeling clients—especially after the supply chain problems with subsequent massive price increases we have endured recently. So, a kitchen has to have “legs”—it must go on and on. Although many industry professionals will suggest changing a kitchen every 10 to 15 years, I work to create kitchens that live long after that. I designed a modern kitchen in 2003 that has not been changed. Honestly, if the criteria from the current owners of the condominium were the same as the previous owner, I would design it exactly the same now.

I travel frequently, and I’ve worked abroad in many countries, such as Canada, England, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Panama, South Africa, Qatar and so on. Travel provides a treasure trove of rich ideas, a resource from which to mine ideas that may be new to American kitchens. For example, working in Israel for Orthodox Jewish clients helped me appreciate the separation of meat, dairy and parve (pasta, fish, vegetables, grains). I set up separate prep areas for clients who follow a kosher lifestyle, but it all made sense to me in terms of the products and prep equipment used. It’s helped me design better organized work areas in the kitchens I design. I’ve learned to love the very English notion of a scullery, which comes from the Latin word scutella, meaning a tray or platter. Today, sculleries are secondary kitchens where cleaning and storing dishes is separate from the main kitchen. I’ve taken it to another level by combining the secondary kitchen with laundry and utility storage to create a real home work space that is not in full view of visitors, but has everything that homeowners or their staff would need.

D+D: Explain the process you use from getting the brief from the client to delivering your design presentation.

Jenny: My field is an intensely personal one. I conduct a long interview in which I want to know all about my clients. I ask not just about how they want to operate in their kitchen—that comes naturally in the conversation—but more often about lifestyle. Do they entertain frequently? Large parties or small? Dinner or hors d’oeuvres? Cocktails or mocktails? Big TV viewers while dining at the kitchen island, or sitting at a table in the dining room? After 35 years of designing kitchens, I’ve learned the questions to ask—and the ones not to ask! This part of the job takes intense investigation combined with sensitivity.

D+D: How do you interact with your clients during the creative process?

Jenny: I watch the reaction of my clients when discussing possible ideas, especially when I am showing them images of kitchens from our vast archives that relate to those ideas. One look can tell a lot! My favorite clients are the ones who challenge me on design. I relish the interaction and a good intelligent discussion over the benefits or drawbacks of layouts, finish materials, appliances, accessories, etc. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and opinions with my clients, who can then make well-informed decisions.

D+D: Have you ever been asked to deliver a concept you weren’t comfortable with?

Jenny: Gosh, yes! People come into our showroom all the time with great ideas. However, there are clients who have an idea that