From the Tap - A KBB Podcast

Keith Bynum, long-time HGTV host and co-founder of the NINE design studio, has been called a “renovation savant.” Working with his partner Evan Thomas, they have transformed numerous buildings that would widely be considered tear-downs into welcoming homes. He talks about the planning and design elements that go into making a timeless – rather than trendy – kitchen and bath.

In the world of home renovation, where stress and unexpected challenges often loom, Lori Miller of Melville, New York-based LGC Interior Design brings a unique and invaluable perspective. As a mental health counselor with a long and varied career, Miller now applies her psychological expertise to the design process, focusing on the well-being of her clients and fellow designers alike. We sat down with her for an insightful discussion on how to foster mental health and manage the human experience throughout a design project. Photo credit: Jackiemihaley.com

Aaron Leshtz and Harper Halprin, founders of the LA-based architecture and design firm AAHA Studio, share their insights on an increasingly timely topic: how to navigate rebuilding in the wake of a fire with both existing and new clients. Photo: Trina Severson

In our recent From the Tap podcast, renowned interior design architect Julee Ireland shared her insights on how stepping outside the conventional office environment is crucial for designers. From attending global trade shows to exploring her own city, Ireland emphasizes that inspiration is everywhere, and a designer's job is to stay curious and pay attention to the details that shape our world. Photo Credit: Debbie Walton Photography

Natalie Owens and Victoria Armour, co-owners of the Halifax-based interior design studio Stil James dive into the details of building the best team for your design practice and nurturing them to provide optimal results.

Designer Michelle Murphy, founder of Demi Ryan, crafts environments that embody the personality and aspirations of her high-profile clientele. On our new From the Tap podcast, Murphy offers a glimpse into the fast-paced, detail-driven world of luxury interior design. Photo credit: Cat Nguyen

Elle Kwan talks about how designers can use their project portfolios to attract, engage and book qualified new clients – with a minimum time investment.

Rebecca Jones, national sales manager at Airmada Drying Systems, joined the KBB From the Tap podcast to discuss the revolutionary Air Pocket Door, which won the prestigious 2024 Bathroom Product of the Year award in KBB’s Product Awards competition. 

"We’ve seen excitement not just from customers but also from contractors, showrooms, designers and architects,” said Jones. “More people are learning about this product, which has been so exciting for us.”

Cheryl Keys Clendenon, founder of In Detail Interiors and business strategist for designers and architects, shared why the path to a profitable and rewarding design business doesn’t require chasing only luxury clients. Drawing on more than 25 years in the industry and nearly a decade coaching her peers, her insights encourage designers to look beyond the glossy “luxury” trend and consider the real power of serving everyday clients. Photo credit: Sarah Coleman Photography

Get to know more about 2024 Kitchen Product of the Year winner – and the Smart Technology category winner – FreePower for Countertop. Company owner, Jake Slatnik, gives us all the details.

Designer Danielle Chiprut shares the why and how to sensitively integrate a client's personal history into an interior.

Leslie Dean Petosa is a general contractor and owner of Arlene Dean Homes in Atlanta. From her beginnings in medical science to becoming a leader in the male-dominated construction field, Petosa has proven that resilience, adaptability and curiosity can pave the way to success. Our discussion unpacks her career transition, challenges and insights for aspiring women in construction, delivering an engaging and empowering narrative. Photo credit: Trevette Brown of Lucent Creations

Redefining luxury as an experience rather than material opulence is key to achieving this balance.

On our most recent From the Tap podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking to the winner of our 2024 Person of the Year competition, as well as our eight Praiseworthy Picks. We got a bit more detail as to what makes these people stand out from their peers and learn what’s to come for them in 2025.

Last week during KBIS 2025, we had the chance to sit down at the KBIS Podcast Studio (sponsored by AjMadison) with the two winners of this year’s DesignBites competition.

In her role as Customer Care Consultant with Ulrich, Inc, Linda Alvino makes house calls to help clients get up and running with their new appliances. 

On our most recent From the Tap podcast, we spoke with Stephanie Lindsey and Jessica Nelson, principal designers of Austin-based Etch Design Group. They are also the co-owners of AI for Interiors, and we discussed the role of artificial intelligence in the design world.

On our most recent From the Tap podcast, we spoke to Jason McGraw, who is the KBIS show director. We took an in-depth look at all exciting things the 2025 show – which takes place from Feb. 25-27, 2025, has to offer. 

In our most recent From the Tap podcast, we spoke to Allison Handler of Ridgewood-, NJ-based Allison Handler Interior Design about the importance of the designer/builder relationship in creating and completing successful projects. She says this partnership is a sacred one because a builder is a designer’s partner in crime throughout the whole project.

On our most recent From the Tap podcast, we spoke to Renée Biery of Delaware-based deVignier Design. She specializes in large-scale construction, including new builds and renovations, and we discussed why interior designers should include construction management in their list of specialties. Photo credit: Jon Friedrich Photography

From coping with "imposter syndrome" to building in-house camaraderie, designer Stephanie Wiott shares her insights on heading up an all-women team.

On our most recent From the Tap podcast, we spoke to Nicole Roe of Lakeland, Fla.-based R. Nickson Interiors about how she creates successful projects in a small town and some of the challenges she must overcome.

Designer Hillary Cohen recounts how she started her own firm after a career spent at top-tier design studios.

Linda Kafka, WELL AP, principal of Livable Environment and founder of the NeuroDesign Academy, talked to KBB all about neurodesign and how it might apply to our industry’s projects. She believes in understanding how to personally design spaces, which is especially important for neurodivergent individuals, such as those with ADHD or who are on the autism spectrum.

Designer Julie Jones shares how she went from social media novice to TikTok star.

We spoke to Laura Tribbett, founder and principal designer of Chicago-based Outline Interiors, a firm that believes in involving the client every step of the way throughout a project. She told us about how she and her firm deliver an exclusive client experience. 

On our most recent From the Tap podcast, we talked to Lorna Gross, founder of Washington, D.C.-based Lorna Gross Interior Design about the ever-changing definition of luxury design and the luxury client. She and firm focus on creating personal projects for their clients – never anything cookie cutter.

As founder of Rowland Cabinet Consultants, Jonathan Rowland helps both designers and dealers navigate the nuances of selecting and selling kitchen and bath cabinets.

Alison Solar, owner of Solara Designs in New Hyde Park, N.Y., and founder of the Kitchen & Bathroom Design Academy discussed the importance of mentoring in our industry.

On our recent KBB From the Tap Podcast, we spoke with Leslie Carothers, principal of digital marketing agency, Savour Partnership, which she founded 22 years ago. She offered up her extensive expertise on how to generate great reviews from clients.

Ashley Wainscott, the founder of Simply Home, an Austin-based contracting firm that is a woman-owned business that is also operated with women in mind, discusses her career trajectory and explains why she focuses on female clients.

On our most recent From the Tap Podcast, we spoke with Margaret Donaldson, owner of Charleston, S.C.-based MDI Luxury Design, a firm she started while she was nine months pregnant. She told us how she built her legacy brand and how you can do the same. 

KBB recently got to know more about our 2023 Bathroom Product of the Year winner, Cold Plunge by Hydro Systems, during our From the Tap podcast. Kevin Steinhardt, the company’s vice president, discussed the research and development of Cold Plunge, and Ashley Steinhardt, vice president of sales, spoke to the user experience and benefits.

In our latest From the Tap podcast, we speak with Kristine Anderson, the managing principal/designer of PKA Architecture in Minneapolis about tackling the diversity gap in design practices. 

Nikki Watson, founder of the Design Quad, an interior design, staging and construction firm serving clients in Dallas and Atlanta., spoke about her extensive expertise in vacation rental design. She offers a unique perspective on this thriving industry. Photo credit: Jersean Golatt 

In our most recent From the Tap podcast, we got to know more about 2023 Kitchen Product of the Year winner, Bertazzoni’s Professional Series 48-Inch Induction Range in the matte-graphite Carbonio finish. We spoke with Valentina Bertazzoni, the company’s style and communications director, who told us what the benefits to winning the competition have been for the company.

In our most recent From the Tap podcast, we spoke to Gina D’Amoree Bauerlee of Denver-based D’Amore Interiors about whether you must like to cook and actually use a kitchen to design a successful one. This discussion stemmed from a Facebook post we started in a design group that had a lot of opinions on the matter. 

Designer Laura Freeman shares her unusual career path from illustrator to PR exec to interior designer.

In our most recent From the Tap podcast, we got up close and personal with our 2023 Person of the Year and eight Praiseworthy Picks. 

As many of you know, KBIS 2024 took place last week, and the show had more than 41,500 attendees and more than 670 exhibitors, which was a 30% increase from 2023. Although we were not able to see all of them, we visited multiple exhibitors and learned about their new offerings for 2024.