ProSource Staff Spotlight: Mari Yokota, Kitchen and Bath Designer, ProSource of Orange County

ProSource | 12/1/2018 | Expert Advice

ProSource of Orange County has helped trade pro members and their clients complete successful projects since 2015. As a showroom kitchen and bath designer, Mari Yokota is a part of that process, providing the dedicated, personalized service for which ProSource Wholesale is known.

Tell us about your job as a ProSource Wholesale^® kitchen and bath designer.
I am here to assist our customers to make their dream kitchens come true. I learn their vision at our initial meeting, create a drawing for them to visualize it, and assist them from planning the project to delivering products.

Who do you partner with to serve your customers?
I usually work with my account managers to start the project and our members if they are involved in the installation.

What are the hottest kitchen and bath design trends right now?
White shaker-style cabinets are still very popular, but I see dark smoky stain-color cabinets growing in popularity. Also, I see a lot of blue cabinets, particularly for the kitchen island, a hutch, or a bathroom vanity.

What are some of the toughest challenges facing your clients, and how can you help?
Setting a realistic budget and staying within that budget is challenging. I know our products well, so I’m able to help my clients choose the right products for their projects and guide them through the overall process.

What’s one thing you wish your customers could know about kitchen and bath design?
What you see on home and garden television shows is not representative, so have realistic expectations of the construction schedule and the budget.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
I get the most satisfaction when my clients tell us that they are so happy with their new kitchen or bathroom. It’s so great to get to know our clients and be part of their life during the project.

Design