One could debate about which is more important to a home: a great kitchen or a luxurious master bathroom. The first is the heart of the home, the other a private retreat. Not debatable, however, is the fact that these two areas get the most attention (and funding) when it comes time to remodel or build. Capitol Group Kitchen & Bath Design Center has been helping local homeowners create their dream spaces for nearly 70 years, and its new showroom in Brentwood offers clients expanded resources and options.
The family-owned company was established in 1946 in Springfield, Illinois, as a supplier of kitchen and bath products to contractors, dealers and consumers. It opened a second location near The Hill in 2001 that served as a to-the-trade showroom. The recent relocation to a more central spot in Brentwood earlier this year is an effort to broaden its customer base to include retail sales.
“We’ve created a kitchen and bath showroom of the future,” says sales manager Brian Borsch. The 4,500-square-foot space features complete kitchen and bath set-ups so customers can view countless options for countertops, cabinets, tiles, mirrors, backsplashes, vanities and more in their actual environments. “We also have a functioning kitchen and a working faucet display,” Borsch explains. “Clients can test six different kinds of faucets, which is extremely helpful when making a decision.”
All the cabinet lines offered here are on display so consumers can view the various colors and styles and test their function. “Our cabinets can be used in other areas of the house, too, like laundry rooms or offices,” Borsch says. Capitol Group sells a wide range of options, including Decora, an upscale line that allows clients to pick any shade from the Sherwin-Williams color wheel, and Kemper, another high-quality line. Its more economical, but still durable, brands include Merillat, Kraftmaid and Marquis. Capitol Group has established trusted relationships with all its product companies, Borsch says. “I’ve been selling Merillat cabinets since 1977,” he explains. “They are all good quality; the only thing that really separates them from each other is door style and color.”
Capitol Group has grown its business in both remodels and new construction projects, and Borsch credits this success to reliable customer service. “Our clients are always happy, so we get a lot of referrals.” The six industry-trained designers on staff are available to answer any and all questions. “They are all knowledgeable about every product we offer,” Borsch says. Each designer makes an effort to find out what the customer wants, he adds. “Lots of customers come in with ideas they find on sites like Houzz or Pinterest.” And they can either bring in the space’s dimensions, or Capitol Group will go to the home to measure the space and discuss placement. “We always meet at the showroom to pick out colors, finishes and decorative enhancements,” Borsch says. “We’ll work with your contractor or offer a list of people we trust. I’ve worked with some of them for decades.”
Borsch says it comes down to what the client needs or wants. “Building or remodeling kitchens and baths is a big investment, so we want to make it a fun shopping experience for customers,” he says. “Nobody wants to do it twice, and everybody wants it done right!”
[Capitol Group Kitchen & Bath Design Center, now located at 1410 Strassner Drive in Brentwood, offers kitchen and bath products for remodels and new construction. For more information, call 314.446.1543 or visit capitolgroupkitchenandbath.com.]
