2020 Design Customer Spotlight: Rebecca Kinerson from Deep Water Ventures DBA Budget Lumber

Rebecca was born and raised in St Johnsbury, VT. She graduated from Mount Ida College in 1995 with a bachelor of science degree in interior design. The hardest part after Rebecca graduated from college was simply finding a job in her field.

“I had just gotten married and we moved to Connecticut. I was in a new place, starting a new career, with no contacts and honestly no strong sense of where I wanted my degree to take me, other than that I preferred residential design to commercial design,” explains Rebecca.

She worked as a lighting designer and as a design assistant before landing a job as a kitchen and bath designer. That job solidified for her that kitchen and bath design was what she wanted to focus on. Rebecca enjoys creating spaces that serve a necessary function while doing it beautifully.

When did you start using 2020 Design and what were some of your reasons for choosing that software?
I first started using 2020 Design last October when I started working at Budget Lumber. The company has been using this design software for years.

What are some of the most helpful features you use in 2020 Design and why?
The 3D line view is my go-to feature when I am explaining a design to a customer. I prefer the line view because you don’t have to wait for it to render as you move the image around and most customers find the 3D view much easier to understand than a plan view. When it is time to quote the job, the reports that you can print from 2020 Design are a quick and easy way to get a final price for my customer.

What has been your experience working with 2020?
I have found the 2020 online tutorials extremely helpful. It was through the tutorials that I learned to use the program. I have called the help center once and they were quick to help me figure out my problem and get it fixed.

Rebecca Kinerson
Deep Water Ventures DBA Budget Lumber

Favorite design style:
Transitional

Favorite paint color:
Alaskan Skies and Smoke by Benjamin Moore

Favorite industry site/blog:
Sips & Tips – Medallion blog

Favorite book:
Any book by JD Robb/Nora Roberts

Favorite designer:
Candice Olson and Joanna Gaines

Quote that inspires you: 
“Don’t wait for things to get easier, simpler, or better. Life will always be complicated. Learn to be happy right now.”

What was the inspiration behind the design you submitted for the 2020 contest?
Mudrooms today are classic multi-purpose rooms. They can be a combination of many spaces; your entry, storage area, office, craft space, and laundry - and they are often the first impression of your home that guests have. My goal was to create a space with zones to handle the many tasks asked of the space. Closed storage allows for quick clean up of items you don’t want to display. Hooks provide easy access to items used every day. A desk area for office work and/or crafts is differentiated by lighter cabinets. Overall a hardworking, functional space that is also welcoming enough to greet guests in.

Describe your creative process. What questions do you ask your clients?  Where do you get your inspirations from?
My first step is to listen to my client. They often come to me with ideas on how they want their space to function. Then, I ask questions about how they see themselves using the space, what kind of items they want to store in the space and what styles they are drawn to. I find inspiration all around me; TV, magazines, friends, customers, trial and error. I believe that design is a collaborative activity and that collaboration is what leads to unique design solutions.

Do you design spaces other than kitchens, bathrooms and mudrooms? If so, which ones?
I really enjoy space planning. I have had the opportunity to help customers who are gutting existing homes re-imagine the layout. It is very rewarding to rework the layout of an older home so that it functions for how we live our lives now.

Do you use any 2020 Cloud decorative items? If so, which ones?
I have to say that I use the bar stools and tables the most. But I also enjoy adding some of the decorative countertop appliances, dishes and food items.

What are some of your favorite catalogs to use in your design projects?
The cabinet lines I use the most are JSI and Medallion. I also use the Room Plu and the Room App for plumbing items and appliances. The 2020 decorative items I use the most are from the US decorative items.

Which catalogs were used in the design you submitted for this contest?
JSI and the US decorative items.

What guidance would you provide to any designer who is considering 3D CAD tools for interior design?
I think a 3D CAD system is invaluable. Today’s consumers expect to be able to see their design before they buy it. When deciding on a product, I would suggest that they check out what the companies have for tutorials and help services because at some point you will need to use them. My company did not have a designer on staff that could train me, so the online tutorials were my teacher and they were able to answer all of my questions.

Tell us something unusual that has happened in your career.
I don’t know how unusual this is but after working in Connecticut for five years, I had a daughter and we decided to move back to Vermont to be closer to our family. We had another daughter after moving back and I stayed home with them while they were growing up. I designed for a few people on the side, worked part-time jobs once the girls started school, even managing the local school kitchen before starting at Budget Lumber full time as a kitchen and bath designer. In almost every job I have held, in and out of my field, I have redesigned the space I work in. As a design assistant in CT, I was given the opportunity to design our new offices. At a local magazine I worked for here in VT, I redesigned our office space. In the local school kitchen, I redesigned the kitchen and oversaw the renovation. Since starting at Budget Lumber, I have been fortunate enough to be given full rein on the layout of our 5000 sq. ft. showroom. Then there is my own home, which has been an ongoing design project/renovation for the last 17 years. Designing is definitely the essence of who I am. I’m constantly assessing the space around me; what is working and what could be better. I love the design process.