Leading with design at Guhde Flooring America
By Patricia Nugent
In the dreary dregs of winter, when one’s mind longs for renewal, now’s the time to reimagine your living space.Just in time, the design team at Guhde Flooring America has hired a new kitchen and bath designer.
Meet Jillian Brickman
With a colorful career working with private clients to create new kitchens, bathrooms and whole homes, Jillian began her design journey at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she earned a degree in graphic design and drawing.
“Having a background in the foundation of art translates well to interior design,” she says. “I help people conceptualize their space in creative and unexpected ways.”
Jillian has enjoyed a relationship with Guhde Flooring America the past seven years working with her own clients. When the job came open in January, she said “I do” to a perfect fit.
“I already had a positive working relationship with everyone here,” she says. “It means a lot to me to be at a locally owned, family-run operation. As a designer, it’s a plus to be able to work with such a wide selection of products, from flooring and tile to countertops and cabinetry, vanities, faucets, sinks and lighting. We do it all.”
Jillian is already assisting people with all aspects of their home remodels.
“I help with initial planning and selections, working with budgets and finding out a person’s style and personality,” she says. “I do everything from kitchens and baths to basements, laundry rooms, butler’s pantries, you name it. For me, the best part of the job is getting to know people. Clients are often overwhelmed by the renovation process. I make it accessible and fun, breaking all the steps down. I love it when I see the lightbulb go off for people, when we pull everything together and it’s exactly what they hoped for.”
She says functional design means looking at a client where they are in life, such as a family with younger children, or empty nesters, and helping them grow with their home for the next 10 or 20 years.
“My husband and I do a lot of remodeling ourselves, and I’m very familiar with the ins and outs of home construction,” she says. “That helps me understand what’s possible when it comes to things like taking a wall down or moving a plumbing line.”
Northeast Ohio Trend Alert
Jillian says her clients are opting for more traditional style in their homes, with moodier, richer colors and organic, natural woods.
“It feels like homeowners aren’t afraid of mixing styles and taking chances, which always makes for more sophisticated design,” says Jillian. “With flooring, there are many new styles coming out. It’s fun to see people dabble with mixing wood and tiles for an in-laid effect. Mosaics are getting more popular, too.”
As this issue goes to press, the dynamic duo of Office Manager Monica Guhde-Rosa and Sales Manager Shawn Rosa are in Las Vegas attending their national show for remodelers. Look for a full trend report from them to come in our April issue.
Guhde Flooring America is located at 7200 Center Street, Suite 100, in Mentor. Access to the showroom and parking are in the back of the building. Backed by the buying power of a 500-store nationwide retail flooring group, Guhde Flooring America offers clients some of the lowest prices and best warranties in the industry. Call 440-639-1990 or visit GuhdeFlooringAmerica.com.