In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget the amount of work that goes into everything we own. From the fabric that covers a sofa to the finish on the kitchen cabinets, every aspect of an American home has been imagined, designed, and tested with strong attention to detail. At Kenroy Home, we’re proud to have over fifty years of experience designing products that we ourselves would want to buy. Here’s a peek into the lifecycle of our design process.
The inspiration for a new product can come from many places. Some fill gaps in our assortment, or are suggested by retailers or consumers. Some are research-based, analyzing design trends and customer needs. A number are inspired by our travels, with unique artwork or architecture as the stimulus. Deb, Jamie, Bob, and Sara, our design team, have varied backgrounds and different tastes, but combine to create a comprehensive product portfolio.
From an initial sketch stage, each product moves to a three-dimensional CAD model or rendering. During design reviews, modifications are made down to the smallest detail, such as arm and body shapes and styles. With an extensive library of finishes and fabrics available, we mix and match swatches, parts and paint chips to find the perfect pairing. These are combined into a photorealistic rendering.
At this point, Kenroy’s overseas team takes control. (Many of them have been working with us for over a decade!) They work with the factory to create working prototypes of each product. Our product reviews are rigorous, and involve creating engineering specifications and double-checking prototype parts and consumer assembly instructions.
Finally, once the product has met our approval, the go-ahead is given to begin manufacturing. After inspection according to U.S. military standards by our own employees, the products are shipped to our warehouses in Jacksonville, FL and Byhalia, MS, ready to be sent to millions of satisfied Kenroy owners.
While this description may make our process sound relatively simple, we go through it over 600 times per year for new lighting and fountain designs—that’s more than two new designs a day! We’re reliant on a documented, repeatable process, and our hardworking, organized team. The final result is a wide variety of products that are true to our core values: beautiful, practical, reliable, and reasonably priced.
As an independent company, we have virtually unlimited creative freedom as designers, and we think it shows in our work. We hope that you’ll enjoy using Kenroy Home products as much as we enjoy creating them!