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NKBA | KBIS asked the Principals of Toronto-based RZ Interiors about current trends and what they think contributes to overall good design.

 

By Donna Heiderstadt

 

As Principals of RZ Interiors, headquartered in Toronto, Bahar Zaeem and Shima Radfar specialize in crafting contemporary interiors that “seamlessly fuse luxury and durability, innovation and functionality.” Their dynamic design studio has breathed life into numerous projects across the Greater Toronto Area for clients ranging from homeowners to residential and commercial real estate developers to restaurateurs.

Following their top finishes in both the Large Kitchen and Best Overall Kitchen categories at the 2024 NKBA | KBIS Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards at KBIS in February, the Principals answered five questions about their award-winning design philosophy, biggest project challenges and more.

NKBA | KBIS: What are you most excited about in regards to your upcoming projects and/or products for 2024 and beyond?

Bahar Zaeem: We’re particularly enthusiastic about delving into the concept of “minimaluxe.” This theme revolves around the marriage of minimalism and luxury, emphasizing the importance of texture and unique materials in transforming interior spaces. By focusing on these elements, we aim to create environments that exude sophistication and comfort simultaneously.

Additionally, we’re dedicated to developing storage solutions that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of living spaces but also add a considerable level of practicality. We’re also excited to explore the creative possibilities offered by a monochromatic palette infused with bold statement colors. This design approach allows us to play with contrasts and create visually captivating environments that make a lasting impression. By carefully balancing the monochromatic foundation with strategic pops of vibrant hues, we can achieve a harmonious yet dynamic aesthetic that speaks to modern sensibilities.

Shima Radfar: We’re also particularly excited about our upcoming projects involving the conversion and renovation of old residential properties while preserving their character elements. There’s something truly special about breathing new life into these historic homes while maintaining their unique charm and personality. We’re dedicated to ensuring that each renovation project retains its distinctive character and story. By carefully blending modern amenities with timeless features, we strive to create spaces that not only honor the past but also offer a seamless blend of heritage and contemporary living.

NKBA | KBIS: What trends are you seeing emerge in the kitchen and bath spaces and the home as a whole? And what are you excited about — and not so excited about?

Bahar Zaeem: There’s a notable trend towards integrating technology and smart features into kitchen and bath designs, enhancing convenience and efficiency. For example, unique hinge mechanisms are gaining popularity, allowing kitchens to serve as multifunctional zones where mess can be easily hidden with the simple act of rolling out bi-fold doors, transforming the space seamlessly. Textured panels are also becoming increasingly prevalent, offering exciting opportunities for creative design applications and adding depth and visual interest to spaces. Overall, clean lines, sleek surfaces and minimalist design elements continue to trend, creating modern and timeless spaces that prioritize simplicity and functionality. 

I’m particularly excited about the integration of technology into kitchen and bath designs, as it offers unparalleled convenience and enhances the overall living experience. Additionally, the use of textured panels provides a unique opportunity to foster creativity and individuality. While the trend towards minimalist aesthetics is appealing, there is a risk of spaces feeling sterile or lacking in warmth if not executed thoughtfully. It’s essential to strike a balance between clean lines and inviting atmospheres to ensure that homes remain comfortable and welcoming.

Shima Radfar: We’re also seeing layered lighting, a design approach that entails strategically arranging various lighting fixtures in kitchen and bath areas to create an engaging atmosphere. The objective is to not only enhance functionality and aesthetics but also to infuse the space with depth and visual intrigue. In addition, sculptural islands have emerged as a captivating trend in kitchen design, emphasizing dynamic forms and striking silhouettes. These islands transcend conventional geometric shapes, embracing fluid lines and bold contours that redefine spatial aesthetics. Whether featuring sweeping arcs or intricate geometries, sculptural islands command attention and imbue the space with drama and sophistication. 

I’m excited that each of these trends contributes to the evolution of kitchen and bath design by offering innovative solutions that prioritize both style and functionality. But there are concerns about the potential misuse or improper implementation of these elements, which could detract from the overall design aim. If not used thoughtfully, these trends might not achieve their intended effect and could even disrupt the harmony of the space.

NKBA | KBIS: What factors are currently having the most impact on your business? Any tips for how to navigate economic uncertainties? 

Bahar Zaeem: Currently, we’re experiencing inflation in prices and construction costs, which often catch homeowners off guard midway through projects. This necessitates constant reassurance that these fluctuations are standard in the industry. Investment homes are also not selling as quickly as before, leading to reduced interest from developers in starting or continuing new construction projects.

To navigate these economic uncertainties, it’s crucial to approach these challenges with confidence, knowing that things will eventually improve. It’s important to stay resilient and focused by evaluating overhead costs and subscriptions and cutting back on non-essential expenses where possible. You also need to look for new avenues to explore, such as diversifying services by working with multi-unit developers or undertaking condominium refurbishments. By staying adaptable, resourceful and proactive, we can navigate economic uncertainties more effectively and emerge stronger on the other side.

Shima Radfar: Economic downturns can also significantly affect the demand for renovation services. Consumers may delay or cancel renovation projects due to financial concerns, and the overall high cost of renovations, including labor, permits and materials, can deter potential clients from pursuing projects. Fluctuations in material prices can also have a direct impact on project costs, and increased material prices can squeeze profit margins for design firms, making it challenging to maintain competitive pricing while delivering high-quality services.

As Bahar noted, during times of economic uncertainty, optimizing operational efficiency becomes paramount. In addition, investing in targeted marketing efforts and enhancing brand visibility can help you stand out in a competitive market landscape. 

NKBA | KBIS: What constitutes good design to you personally, and what design strategies have you found to be the most effective?

Bahar Zaeem: To me, good design involves thoroughly studying the space and intricately capturing the unique architectural features of the home. It’s about striking a balance between these inherent characteristics and the interior elements to create a harmonious and cohesive living environment. 

An effective design strategy entails ensuring that every aspect of the space is thoughtfully considered and seamlessly integrated. By paying close attention to these details, we can craft interiors that flow effortlessly and exude a sense of unity and coherence. Above all, true innovation in design stems from understanding the site conditions and responding to them authentically, rather than simply replicating ideas from Pinterest boards or inspiration images. By embracing the unique context of each project and approaching each design with a fresh perspective, we can create spaces that are truly distinctive.

Shima Radfar: Good design, to me, entails creating a space that considers all pertinent factors of the project, including location, square footage, user demographics, lifestyle and other relevant aspects. It is about seamlessly integrating these factors with a focus on durability and functionality. 

As for effective design strategies, we engage in active collaboration with clients throughout the design process to ensure their input is valued and incorporated into the final design. Our approach involves thorough research into the specific requirements and challenges of each project, enabling us to develop informed design solutions. We are also committed to innovation, constantly seeking new and creative ways to address design challenges and push the boundaries of what is possible. By embracing a client-centric approach, our design solutions are personalized to reflect the unique visions and needs of each client. 

NKBA | KBIS: What has been your biggest design challenge, and how did you overcome it?

Bahar Zaeem: One of our most significant challenges currently revolves around creating functional yet stylish small kitchens that maximize storage capacity without compromising on essential features and appliances. This requires us to carefully consider every inch of space to ensure optimal usability for our clients while meeting their storage needs.

To do so, we employ several strategies. We meticulously plan the layout of the kitchen, ensuring proper placement of appliances and work surfaces to maximize efficiency and functionality and optimize the use of available space. We also continuously seek out new storage solutions that have a smaller footprint, allowing us to make the most of limited space. This may involve incorporating pull-out shelves, corner cabinets or vertical storage units to maximize storage capacity without overcrowding the space. Finally, we carefully select appliances that offer dual or even triple functions to save on space that can be allocated for additional storage. For example, choosing a combination microwave/convection oven or a refrigerator with built-in freezer drawers. 

Shima Radfar: Another one of the biggest design challenges we frequently encounter involves accommodating extensive wish lists from clients for within limited space. Often, clients present ambitious visions that exceed the spatial constraints of their property. As designers, we are tasked with finding innovative solutions to implement as many requests as possible while maintaining practicality and functionality. We begin by conducting a meticulous space analysis, considering elements such as the placement of islands, kitchen configurations and bath layouts. Collaboration with skilled craftsmen is essential to executing our design concepts effectively, ensuring that every detail is carefully crafted to perfection.