You are the voice of our Association. As industry ambassadors, NKBA members help build credibility for our profession and showcase the transformative impact of our work. Sometimes members’ work attracts media attention, generating coverage that highlights their professionalism and love for the kitchen and bath industry.
Recently, two such members were featured on the national stage, one on NBC TV and one in The Washington Post. We are proud to share the stories of both women: Jeanette Coulter, AKBD, and Danielle Bohn, AKBD:
Jeanette Coulter, AKBD: “George to the Rescue”
In last week’s episode of the NBC television program, “George to the Rescue” host George Oliphant drew upon the expertise of NKBA member Jeanette Coulter, AKBD, of New Jersey based Design Philosophy LLC, as he orchestrated a remodel ‘rescue’ for a family with a wheelchair-bound son.
The Remimbas family’s 14-year-old son Brian is autistic and has cerebral palsy. Because he spends his days in a wheelchair, the family converted the first-floor dining room into Brian’s bedroom. The doorways of the home were not wide enough, making it difficult for Brian to get from room to room, and the bathroom was so cramped that he struggled to get in and out without the help of his family.
Worse, because the kitchen was also not accessible, Brian had to eat dinner in his bedroom while his family spent time together in the kitchen.
Jeanette teamed up with Roy Bryhn of Bryhn Design/Build to create a more accessible living space the family needed and deserved.
“The initial project was to renovate the downstairs bathroom, so that Brian could use the bathroom by himself.” explained Jeanette. “The renovation included installing a new pocket door and reworking the space to make it wheelchair accessible.”
In addition to updating the cramped bathroom, the team opened up doorways to ease mobility for Brian and also remodeled the kitchen island to allow Brian to eat dinner with his family.
“I suggested that we replace the existing island, which would allow us to put a lower height counter for Brian to access in his wheelchair,” said Jeanette of the kitchen island revamp. She approached Bridgewater Marble & Stone to see if they would help with the project, stating that, “They not only donated the piece of stone, but they came out and templated and installed it all for us at no charge.”
Watch the Remimbas episode of “George to the Rescue” to see the beautiful remodel for this deserving family.
Danielle Bohn, AKBD: The Washington Post “Home Front” Live Chat
Each week, The Washington Post’s Jura Koncius hosts her Home Front live discussion, an interactive conversation about the best way to make a home comfortable, stylish and fun! With past guests like Martha Stewart, the Property Brothers and Nate Berkus, Jura’s Home Front chat is a fantastic resource for decorating and design tips. The best part? Homeowners can send in their own questions to be answered live by a professional!
On April 7, NKBA member Danielle Bohn, AKBD, of Alaska based Creative Kitchen Designs was the program’s featured guest. Danielle, a 2015 30 Under 30 recipient, brought her expertise to discuss kitchen and bathroom remodeling.
Questions from Danielle’s live chat centered on bathroom remodel costs, bathroom trends, galley kitchens, guest bathrooms, KBIS and more!
“Our powder room is small but has a tall ceiling. Being inside with the door shut creates the sensation of having fallen down a deep well,” one question began. “I’ve searched online, but haven’t found any good examples of tricks to make it seem larger and shorter. The walls are currently painted off white. Any suggestions?”
“Paint will be your best friend in this situation,” answered Danielle. “If you would like the ceiling to feel lower, paint it a darker hue than your walls. Darker colors make a space feel closer while lighter colors make it feel larger. Even adding a focal point wall behind the mirror or water closet will help the space feel like you are now longer in a well.”
Missed the live discussion? Don’t worry! Check out the transcript of Danielle’s Home Front chat!
