SEASONS OF CHANGE

IMPACT FINE DESIGN’S NEW SHOWROOM OFFERS CLIENTS A GREAT GATHERING SPACE TO PLAN THEIR PROJECTS.

WRITTEN BY BRANDY WOODS SNOW

Just as the meteorological seasons change, so do the seasons of life and business, shifting our focus, our needs, and our intentions. Recently, Kristie Knorr, owner of IMPACT Fine Design, underwent one such transition when the South End property that housed her showroom and offices for more than a decade was sold. The unexpected need to relocate ended up being a true blessing, elevating her business and brand.

“We dug in, embraced the change, found an amazing new location, and used the move as an opportunity to consider how we use our space, organize our showroom effectively, and evaluate our displays,” says Knorr. “We also decided to rebrand, and the new name and logo better reflect our company image and the solid, experienced cabinet and closet designers on our team.”

The new showroom, located in a character-filled historic building on South Mint Street in the Gold District of South End, was purposefully designed to be a space that inspires collaboration on residential-project planning—a great gathering space for customers to meet and collaborate with an experienced team. “We wanted to keep product lines together to make it easy to focus on options,” says Knorr. “There’s so much to touch and ‘play with’ in our space that it takes the guesswork out of the options under consideration. While we work with these products every day, it’s often a new experience for our customers, and we want to ensure they are very clear on what they’re buying.”

The IMPACT Fine Design process begins with a consultation and series of questions designed to understand how customers will utilize the space. This information is transformed into lifelike renderings, focusing not only on aesthetics but also functionality.

“For kitchen renovation planning, we focus heavily on traffic flow and working zones as well as eliminating counter clutter and maximizing storage options,” says Knorr. As the heart of the home, the kitchen is a prime gathering spot for family and friends during the holidays and all year long.

“THERE’S SO MUCH TO TOUCH AND ‘PLAY WITH’ IN OUR SPACE.”

—KRISTIE KNORR

SARA LYNN BRENNAN INTERIORS

Knorr’s team keeps an eye on the hottest trends and attends industry trade shows and events.

Currently, statement hoods—available in metal, wood, and stucco—are in high demand and can add a punch of personality to any new kitchen design. Well-planned cabinetry provides a home for small appliances. Interior lighting is elevated to a new level of convenience with programmable Wi-Fi technology. And cabinet doors installed as entryways to the room behind (typically a working pantry) ensure a seamless and sleek aesthetic.

These trends, along with a range of timeless options, are easily accessible at IMPACT’s new showroom, where Knorr invites the interior design community and builders to meet with their customers for a firsthand experience when imagining their next project. She knows better than anyone that the seasons of change can bring great rewards. “Even if the idea of change is overwhelming, it can become a huge opportunity.” u