The Benson Stone Company of Rockford, Illinois, is well known for its impressive four-story, 80,000 square foot showroom featuring an incredible array of building products and materials. Founded in 1930, the company has earned a reputation for providing not only excellent quality products but also design expertise to help homeowners create spaces they will enjoy for years to come.

Kayla Hauch is a kitchen and bath designer with Benson Stone Company. She has designed a wide range of projects for clients over the years. “The best advice I received early on in my career is the importance of listening to your client and observing them,” Kayla says. “They will [use] certain keywords that help you better design a space specifically for them.”

On a recently completed project, the client used the phrase “better flow” when describing a goal of a remodel project. In order to achieve the harmonious feeling the client wanted, Kayla recommended installing hardwood flooring throughout the first floor to create a foundation that would tie all the rooms together. “We transformed the unused formal dining room into a chic bar space, complete with a custom-built bar and ambient lighting that sets the perfect mood for entertaining or relaxing. We completely reworked the kitchen layout, improving the functionality and making the space feel more inviting. Finally, we revamped the fireplace and completely remodeled both the bathrooms and laundry room.”

When selecting details like decorative knobs and pulls for cabinetry, Kayla chose two collections from Jeffrey Alexander, Dominique and Sutton in a mix of Matte Black and Brushed Gold. “It’s important to keep other elements of the design in mind, including the shape of your cabinet doors, the faucet shape, and lighting styles. All of that needs to be coordinated with your cabinet hardware.”

The finished project not only gave the client improved flow but also provided a touch of modern elegance. “Our design vision was chic, modern, and infused with subtle touches of glamour. The Jeffrey Alexander hardware collections supported that vision beautifully,” said Kayla.
Follow Kayla’s design journey below:
- Website: Benson Stone Company
- Instagram: bensonstoneco
- LinkedIn: Kayla Hauch
- Facebook: Kayla Hauch
- Houzz: Kayla Hauch
Photo Credit: Benson Stone Company
