Rob Gurski is one of our most seasoned designers at LJ’s Kitchens & Interiors. Many of our past customers have given Rob glowing reviews and now love their new kitchens and spaces. Rob agreed to answer a few questions about himself to provide you with a deeper look behind our designer.
Q: What experience do you have at interior design?
Rob: I have been with LJ’s for 21 years and have been working in interior design for 24 years. I studied interior design at Central Michigan University, with minors in Art History, Art, and Architecture.
Q: What’s your earliest memory of being interested in interior design/architecture?
Rob: It was around 8 years old, my family was always building or working on some type of project, so design just came naturally to me.
Q: What elements define your personal style?
Rob: I am more into Mid-Century modern design followed with a splash of contemporary design based in transitional with a little traditional thrown in for kicks.
Q: Do you have any favorite colors to use in your projects?
Rob: I am more of a grey-tone person by nature, but I really like working with the darker wood stains and darker colors.
Q: How do you marry style and function?
Rob: When I design a space, I look at it as if I were going to be living in the space. With that in mind, I design the space with style and function based on how I would like to see it flow. I take the homeowners ideas and marry them with my own to create a beautiful functioning kitchen.
Q: Where is your favorite travel destination, and how do you incorporate those elements into your work?
My favorite place to travel is an old cabin by the lake. I don’t get there much, but when I do, I see things in a new light, and this helps design new spaces in my style.
Q: What’s one of the biggest challenges you face in designing a space?
Rob: I think we are all accustomed to how typical spaces are layed out. Many of us lock into what a space typically is, and not what it has the potential to be. The best part of my job is coming up with the best possible design for your space. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing a customer’s face when you present the new possibilities of their space. It’s a great feeling seeing everything come together.
Q: Do you have a personal preference between bathroom and kitchen remodels?
Rob: I am into all spaces, but I tend to lean more toward kitchens than bathrooms. But over the years, I have done some pretty cool bathrooms with LJ’s Kitchens & Interiors.
Q: What’s your favorite part of your job?
Rob: When working with customers, my favorite part is seeing the reaction of my clients when they get to move into their new space and use it for the first time. It is so gratifying to have them say their new space is exactly what they dreamed of. It makes me feel good knowing that the hard work we put in pays off.
Q: What inspires you?
Rob: I would say my kids inspire me. When I spend time with them, I get to experience things in a new light. These experiences help me realize we are always learning new things. I once had a seasoned designer tell me if I’m not learning something new every day in design, then I am not growing to my full potential. I took what he said to heart. It helps me see things in a new perspective. It brings me to find new and improved ideas to incorporate into the designs I work on.