Featured on this episode:

• Upcoming Designer-Only Lunch & Learn on appliance specification – Wilmington, DE area
• Access the full video interview here

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why designers must stay involved in appliance decisions
• How to find and partner with appliance experts
• Insider tips on appliance trends and specifications

---

Today’s episode is a little different than normal—and it all started when I scheduled a Lunch & Learn at Steele Appliance in Delaware.

I mentioned it on the podcast, sent an email to my list, and shared it with members inside my program, The Designer’s Edge. The response blew me away. So many designers reached out saying they wished they lived closer so they could attend.

That told me something important: appliances are a major knowledge gap for many designers. And truthfully? I feel it too. The appliance world changes constantly—new models, features, trends, terminology. It’s a lot to keep up with, and it can feel overwhelming.

That’s why I wanted to host the Lunch & Learn. But it also inspired me to reach out to my guest, Elana, to record a conversation that could be shared more widely.

And here’s the thing—our conversation was so good and so wide-ranging that I didn’t want to cut it down into a “standard” episode length. For the first time, I’m sharing it as a full video recording so you can see the entire conversation from start to finish.

---

Why Designers Avoid the Appliance Conversation

We kicked things off by talking about the questions designers should ask—but often don’t—when it comes to appliances.

Many designers shy away from appliances for two reasons:

1. The margin is small. It doesn’t feel like there’s enough financial upside.
   
2. It’s intimidating. The technology and specs can feel overwhelming.
   

But here’s the problem: ignoring the appliance conversation means giving up control of critical parts of your kitchen design.

For example, Elana shared how clients often walk in thinking they want a 36-inch range and a 48-inch refrigerator. Then they see the products in person and change their minds—downsizing to a 36-inch fridge, for example. That seemingly small decision suddenly impacts cabinetry, layout, and storage. Without the designer involved, the project gets messy.

Bottom line: if you’re not part of the appliance conversation, you risk losing control of your design.

---

The Importance of Expert Partnerships

The appliance industry moves fast—new models, new features, new trends. Keeping up is nearly impossible on your own.

That’s why I lean on expert partners like Elana and her family-run business. She doesn’t just double-check my specs—she helps me elevate my projects by ensuring I’m specifying appliances that:

• Match my clients’ lifestyle needs
  
• Align with my design vision
  
• Fit the project budget
  

You’ve heard me say it before: no one builds a successful project alone. Appliances are the perfect example of why a strong partnership matters.

---

How to Find Your Own “Elana”

Now, you might be thinking: That’s great, but I don’t have an Elana in my area.

I get it—I’m lucky to have someone like her locally. So I asked Elana how designers anywhere can find their own appliance expert.

She shared three smart tips for Googling and identifying an independent dealership that can support you the way she supports me. Honestly, I never would have thought of these approaches myself, and they were pure gold.

---

Appliance Trends, Pitfalls, and Insider Tips

Our conversation covered a lot of ground, including:

• European ranges – the good, the bad, and the ugly (yes, all three exist, and I’ve experienced them firsthand).
  
• Brand lookalikes – appliances that look nearly identical but function very differently.
  
• Where to splurge vs. where to save – how to balance client needs with brand names.
  
• Installation pitfalls – what you need to know before finalizing specs.
  
• Service providers – why securing service options early is critical (because appliances don’t last like they used to).
  

And one of my favorite parts? Elana gave me a complete breakdown of the differences between a steam oven, a speed oven, and a microwave—when to use each one and why. Even I learned something new there.

---

Watch the Full Video Conversation

I didn’t want to cut this interview short, which is why I’m making the full video recording available.

👉 Just click here, request access, and you’ll get the video delivered to your inbox (for free).

And if you’re within driving distance of Wilmington, Delaware, there are still a few seats left for the Lunch & Learn at Steele Appliance on Wednesday, September 17th at noon.

Whether you watch the video or attend in person, you’ll walk away:

• More confident in appliance conversations
  
• Better equipped to guide your clients
  
• Prepared with resources you can use for current and future projects
  

This isn’t just for newer designers—trust me, I was learning along the way too. It’s a wealth of knowledge you can put into practice immediately.

Like this Episode?

• Be sure to check out Episode #138: How to Gain the Knowledge and Skills for Construction Management
• Be sure to check out Episode #111: How I’ve Managed Imposter Syndrome Throughout My Career
• Be sure to check out Episode #95: How to Build the Dream Team for Your Next Project