Glen Ellyn, Ill. - In 1987, Gail Drury, a pioneering mompreneur opened a home-based kitchen studio in Glen Ellyn. Twenty-five years and over 1,000 projects later, Drury Design is recognized as one of the leading kitchen and bath design studios in the Midwest. Gail is now a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer [CMKBD] who manages a team of award-winning designers, professional support staff and several crews of professional craftsmen.

“The evolution of the kitchen has been dramatic over the past 25 years, especially in terms of design styles, product options and functionality. However, there has been one constant – the good fortune of working with great clients,” Gail Drury, CMKBD and president of Drury Design, says. In May, Drury Design will unveil a future-forward new modern transitional kitchen display with a modern flair to the public. To browse Drury Design’s award-winning kitchen and bath design portfolio, visit http://drurydesigns.com/portfolio

25 Years of Client-Focused Design Relationships

“Drury Design’s entire staff is very design-intuitive. And, they’re unique in the way they relate to their customers. The Drury Design experience is what sets them apart and is one of their core values. Relationships mean everything to them,” said David Carnahan, vice president,Grabill Cabinetry Company, a 15-year partner. Drury Design won Grabill’s top dealer award for 12 years in a row.

Drury Design started out as a home-based business in 1987 after leaving a career that included designing national showrooms for St. Charles Kitchens.

In 1994, Gail opened a storefront showroom in downtown Glen Ellyn.

In 2002, Drury Design Kitchen & Bath Studio opened in the former Cottington’s furniture store, a downtown Glen Ellyn landmark. Gail’s husband, Jim, left a successful corporate media sales career to manage the studio’s business operations. Jim tripled the staff and managed the transition to the Main Street studio. Drury Design has received over 40 national and regional kitchen and bath design awards to it credit since opening up the new studio.

Jim Drury, Gail's husband and business partner, outlined the Drury Design client relationship approach, “Our designers educate each client by presenting multiple design possibilities, then assisting with custom cabinetry options and materials choices based on their goals. At first, the level of detail and planning that we put into designing a custom kitchen or bath surprises many clients. When we deliver the kitchen or bath of their dreams, it all falls into place for them.”

Georgia Koch, director of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce says, “Shoppers and residents alike drive by Drury Design’s award-winning design showroom and the gorgeous window displays set the tone for the downtown. Drury Design is viewed as northern downtown Glen Ellyn’s anchor store. Gail and Jim’s commitment to the community and to their clients has contributed to their success.”

Now in its eleventh year at its current location, the studio showcases over 20 displays, including two NKBA showroom award winners. Custom cabinetry vendors include Grabill, Ovation and Leicht. Appliances from industry leaders like Sub-Zero, Wolf, Viking, Dacor, Miele and Thermador are featured throughout. Countertops and flooring selections complement the mood of each room, while galleries display cabinetry, surfaces, tile and hardware.

Paul Sivak, president of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce and executive vice president/principal of Precision Payroll of America, LLC, is a Drury Design client who says, “Gail Drury designed our kitchen in 1999. Gail is the consummate professional who really knows kitchen design and gives you confidence in doing business with her company. Gail and Jim compliment each other so well. Their way of doing business puts you at ease in knowing that you’re in good hands.”

Future Trends: Transitional Kitchen Design

Looking back over the last 25 years in kitchen design, Drury Design has seen everything from French Country and Old World classic to contemporary styling.

Looking ahead, kitchen design is going through its own transformation: it’s less about being looked at and more about being experienced. The old saying of Mies Vander Rohe is appropriate here: “Less is more”.

Drury Design kitchens integrate technology, which transforms kitchens into media centers with places to cook, comment and compute.

"The two biggest trends in kitchen design we see moving forward are transitional styling, which blends both traditional with simpler modern design elements and an expanding kitchen footprint, further integrating the functions of the living, dining and family rooms," Gail Drury, CMKBD said.

Source: Drury Design Kitchen and Bath Studio