Kelsey is an NCIDQ certified, NYC-based interior designer and the owner of KLSY, a Manhattan-based studio specializing in commercial spaces. She’s passionate about helping fellow designers grow their careers and shares her expertise through educational video content. In her latest project, Kelsey used Coohom, a powerful 3D design software, to redesign a pantry for a tech company in Manhattan.
The Challenge: Transforming an Outdated Pantry
Kelsey’s client, a vibrant tech company, needed to update their office pantry. The space was small, outdated, and didn’t reflect the company’s modern, collaborative culture. The goal was to create a functional, stylish space where employees could socialize, host events, and grab snacks during the workday. The client’s branding featured blue, pink, and purple, which Kelsey incorporated into the design.
The Design Process
Step 1: Assessing Client Needs
Kelsey started by interviewing the client to understand their specific needs. The pantry needed to:
- Offer storage for snacks and coffee for employees.
- Provide a social space for birthdays, holiday parties, and informal work.
- Reflect the company’s fun and youthful brand.
Step 2: Drawing Inspiration
Kelsey created mood boards using the company’s branding colors: blue, pink, and purple. She drew inspiration from these colors and modern design elements, like blue base cabinets and pink upper cabinets, to craft a playful and cohesive aesthetic that matched the company’s culture.
Step 3: Floor Planning with AutoCAD
Using AutoCAD, Kelsey drafted the floor plan to ensure functionality. She maintained the original plumbing layout for cost-efficiency but made key adjustments to the space:
- Base cabinets were placed near the window for natural light.
- Tall pantry cabinets were added for snack storage.
- An island with seating was included to foster collaboration and casual meetings.
Step 4: Modeling and Rendering with Coohom
After finalizing the layout, Kelsey used Coohom’s 3D design tools to bring the pantry to life. By importing her AutoCAD floor plan into Coohom, Kelsey could quickly create a 3D model of the space. Coohom’s vast library of furniture and materials allowed her to easily adjust finishes, such as white marble for the base cabinets and a playful pink for the upper cabinets, to match the design vision.
Kelsey appreciated how Coohom’s rendering features helped her visualize the space in detail, making it easier to present the design to the client. The 3D renderings provided a clear view of the space, helping the client see the final result before construction began.
The Result: A Functional, Collaborative Pantry
The finished pantry was a vibrant, functional space that reflected the company’s brand. The playful blue and pink cabinets, along with the island and seating, created an inviting atmosphere for employees. Coohom’s easy-to-use tools streamlined Kelsey’s design process, helping her deliver a high-quality result on time.
Conclusion: Coohom’s Role in the Design Process
Coohom played a crucial role in streamlining Kelsey’s design process. The ability to import AutoCAD files, quickly generate 3D models, and easily customize elements helped Kelsey work efficiently and present her ideas clearly to the client. By using Coohom, Kelsey was able to save time and deliver a high-quality, realistic rendering that ensured the client’s satisfaction. Coohom’s tools made the design process faster, more efficient, and ultimately helped bring the client’s vision to life.
