The Details Behind Richard Anuszkiewicz' Award-Winning KBIS Booth

If you were in attendance for KBIS 2019, you probably visited the award-winning Monogram booth designed by Richard T. Anuszkiewicz. We recently got the inside scoop from the man himself on how he came up with this showstopping space and what goes into creating a trade show booth. Here is our Q&A interview with Richard.

Q&A With Designer, Richard T. Anuszkiewicz

Q: Let’s go back in time. What was your reaction to getting asked to design Monogram’s booth for KBIS 2019?

A: I was more than honored to be a part of the Monogram experience for KBIS 2019. I have a long-standing relationship with the brand and team and my involvement has evolved very organically over time. It was a natural next step for us to partner together for this showcase and I was thrilled to have the opportunity.

Q: What was your inspiration behind the booth?

A. I titled the booth “Midas Touch.” It was inspired by the beautiful brass accents that are featured on the brand new Monogram products launching in 2020. The new products are offered in a more contemporary and professional style so each respectively has its own side to the booth. I was so drawn to the new offerings that it influenced touches of gold accents all throughout the design.

Richard T. Anuszkiewicz Monogram Booth KBIS — Monogram Pro Kitchen KBIS 2019, Las Vegas GE, Richard T. Anuszkiewicz Padgett and Company

Q. You incorporated cowhide in last year’s Monolith Inception Kitchen, and again in this year’s Monogram booth but as a countertop (genius idea may I add). What inspired you to do this?

A. Monogram has a powerful message to “Elevate Everything”, and we did just that. I believe in pushing the boundaries on how materials should be executed. Hide hair is actually extremely durable and the space where we showcased the top was intended to be more living room and furniture inspired as appliances can be integrated into much more than just a kitchen. A beautiful material like hide hair is versatile and as a countertop is great to consider for a secondary space where you want it to feel more lifestyle-oriented instead of utilitarian.

Q. Designing a residential kitchen vs a trade show kitchen are completely two different things. What are some design elements and tricks that go into designing a trade show kitchen that would normally not be incorporated in a residential space?

A. Believe it or not, they are fairly similar when it comes to product execution. For example, we are showcasing real appliances, cabinetry, countertops, and plumbing. Having said that, you only have about 3 days prior to the show to pull it all together, so obviously, not all items are fully functional. This is where the magic of a fantastic team comes into play. You need to be mindful of the ease of construction and tear down and you need to know that things will go wrong but any obstacle can be overcome with a creative spirit.

Q. We know you incorporate a lot of luxury brands like Monogram and SapienStone into your designs, but what does the selection process of these brands look like when designing a residential space for a client.

A. I only work with authentic quality products and brands that evoke a true luxury experience. Thats a big contingency for me when working on any project. For a client, I believe in the thought of being the chameleon to their raw energy and ideas and elevating that to the next level. This can often be introducing them to brands that they never even were aware of but I know its the right fit for their desires and lifestyle. Each person is unique and their space should be as well.

Q. KBIS 2019 was a big show this year. What were some of the most memorable moments for you at the show?

A. I was sincerely overwhelmed with the amount of positive response the Monogram booth got this year at the show. I would say the most memorable moment was winning “Best Booth” as this truly has been a goal of mine ever since I first attended KBIS in 2008 as a design student.

Q. What new trends do you see happening this year and do you think we’re likely to see them at next year’s show?

A. Color was everywhere and it was refreshing and exciting to see. The palettes were so vibrant and alive that I do not see that going anywhere anytime soon. Stay tuned for KBIS 2020…I already have a few cool things underway!

Q. What’s next for Richard Anuszkiewicz?

A. Nashville here we come! I am overjoyed to officially announce that I am working with Matthew Quinn and the amazing team at Design Galleria to launch their next location in Nashville. The city is robust and growing and the design community is already so strong. The showroom will be apart of a larger design center initiative called the Nashville Design Collective. Please follow along as we have so many great things in store in the coming year!

Many thanks to Richard for meeting with us to go over the spectacular design of Monogram’s award-winning booth! Be sure to follow Richard and the vendors featured in this space to keep up with the latest and greatest in luxury kitchen and bathroom design.