Design Surfaces is elevating the kitchen remodeling process, and it’s everything
By Ken McEntee
Out of sight, out of mind.
During all those years when you spent a substantial portion of your days working outside your home, a lot of the wear and tear and no-longer-fashionable decor may have escaped your notice.
With more people working at home—perhaps permanently—the demand for a more appealing, updated environment is growing, suggests David Coticchia, third-generation co-owner of Design Surfaces, a family business that has been beautifying Northeast Ohio kitchens for more than 40 years.
In most homes, David observes, the kitchen—which bears the brunt of the family traffic—is typically the room that gets the most scrutiny. That’s why Design Surfaces is solidifying its position as a one-stop shop for new kitchen projects.
“We cherish our reputation as the place to go for gorgeous granite and natural stone,” David says. “But we’re now broadening our selection of cabinets, sinks and fixtures to make it convenient for homeowners to choose from the latest styles of quality-made cabinets and other products.”
To ensure that its cabinets match the standards set by its stone products, Design Surfaces has partnered with Miller Cabinet Co., a 70-year-old family operation in Central Ohio. Miller is one of several cabinet lines Design Surfaces will carry.
“You can’t find a better cabinet,” David assures. “Their quality is second-to-none. Because of their reputation, they are expanding their territory. They needed a home base here in Northeast Ohio and we were looking for a top-quality cabinet supplier. It is a good marriage.”
David quickly noticed other similarities between Design Surfaces and Miller Cabinet.
“Like us, they have a strong passion for attention to detail, and they also have dedicated craftsmen who have been with their company for 15, 20 or 30 years,” David says.
The new cabinet displays are part of Design Surfaces’ brand-new showroom. It’s a work in progress that is expected to be completed in October. But it remains open to the public while the work moves forward.
“I think people are going to love it,” David smiles. “Your visit can begin with a trip to our designer coffee bar. Then you can peruse our brand-new kitchen and bath vignettes that will feature an inspiring presentation of countertops, cabinets, flooring, sinks and plumbing fixtures.”
The displays will not compromise Design Surfaces’ selection of ceramic, marble, quartz and increasingly popular luxury vinyl flooring, David promises.
“We’re actually going to be showing a lot more tile than before, including more loose tiles that customers can actually get to work with to induce their creativity,” he says.
Included in the displays will be a full working kitchen, including appliances, where cooking displays, classes and other events can be held in the future. Nearby will be a display dedicated to outdoor patios.
Another new showroom feature is an enclosed consultation area where customers can work privately with a designer.
“I believe we have the most talented team of kitchen designers in this area,” David says. “Putting all of the elements of a kitchen renovation in one showroom gives our designers more tools to work with our customers to incorporate all facets of the job. The designers love the idea of being able to match up cabinet colors and styles to the unique slabs of granite we have in our spacious warehouse.”
Design Surfaces imports about 80 percent of its granite direct from the quarries of such exotic mining locations as Italy, Brazil and India. That not only expands the variety of spectacular colors and designs, it also lowers the price.
“By ordering direct we’re cutting out the middlemen that mark up the materials,” David says. “We pass the savings along to our customers.
Along with its ample assortment of natural stone and hardwood, David notes that Design Surfaces continues to expand its selection of luxury vinyl tile flooring.
“LVT keeps getting more popular,” he says. “It’s tough, versatile, easy to install and easy to maintain. It’s waterproof and scratch resistant, and it can be applied over existing floors. On top of that, it’s a very budget-friendly product.”
Because of its resistance to water, LVT can even be installed in the bathroom.
“Hardwood isn’t recommended for bathroom floors, but LVT is ideal in that application,” David says. “The tiles look incredible and they have a rubber or cork backing to allow for a softer feel.”
Located at 24000 Sperry Drive, in Westlake, Design Surfaces is conspicuously visible from I-90. The warehouse and showroom are open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Appointments during the evening and weekends can be made by calling 440-899-9900. You can find more information at DesignSurfacesDist.com.