Designing with Luxury Appliances
Inside the SKS Experience: How a Napa Trip Elevates Your Next Kitchen Design
Recently, I had the privilege of attending an exclusive Kitchen Appliance and Design Experience with SKS (formerly Signature Kitchen Suite) at their world-class Experience & Design Center in Napa, California. What I expected to be a typical product training turned out to be an inspiring immersion into culinary innovation, thoughtful engineering, and the future of luxury kitchen design.
And, most importantly, what I learned will directly benefit the kitchens and lifestyles of our interior design clients.
A Napa Valley Immersion in Innovation
For two full days, our group of designers received hands-on training with the complete appliance line. The setting alone felt luxurious: sun-soaked Napa vineyards, curated wine tastings, exceptional meals (including ones we cooked ourselves with SKS chefs), a little shopping, and the kind of laughter-filled group time that builds lifelong connections.
But the real highlight was inside the SKS Experience & Design Center—a first-of-its-kind facility designed to bring their True to Food™ philosophy to life. It’s essentially culinary Disneyland for designers: executive chefs, product experts, live demonstrations, and beautifully designed kitchens showcasing technology that solves real cooking challenges.
The “Technicurean”
SKS has a name for their ideal customer: The Technicurean™.
A Technicurean isn’t just someone who loves to cook—they’re someone who cares deeply about the ingredients, the craft, and the experience, and they appreciate tools that enhance all three.
According to SKS:
“Technicureans combine their passion for food with their appreciation of innovation. We keep them True to Food™ with built-in appliances featuring leading-edge technology that provide flexibility to prepare food in the best possible way.”
This philosophy came through in every detail—from their sous-vide built-in ranges to their precision refrigeration, adaptable zones, and smart-yet-purposeful technology.
What Sets SKS Apart
One of the most impressive aspects of SKS is their heritage. Backed by LG Electronics, they didn’t retrofit or reinvent an old brand—they built a luxury appliance line from the ground up. That means:
- No legacy technology holding them back
- A U.S. team of seasoned industry experts
- A willingness to rethink what a luxury kitchen should offer
Their approach is grounded in “better cooking through better thinking”—innovative design centered on real culinary needs rather than bells and whistles.
Why This Matters for Our Clients
This trip wasn’t just educational—it directly elevates the way we design kitchens for our clients.
Here’s how:
1. Better Product Knowledge = Better Design
Seeing every appliance installed, used, tested, and explained gives us the insight to confidently recommend the best configuration for your cooking style, space, and lifestyle.
2. Access to Purposeful Innovations You May Not Know You Need
SKS appliances aren’t about tech for tech’s sake – I mean, no one needs Instagram on their refrigerator. If you love to entertain, cook with precision, or simply value a beautiful and intuitive kitchen, their line offers meaningful tech features.
My favorite is the oven technology to help you learn to cook food that may intimidate you, such as fish or lamb.
3. A Deeper Understanding of the “Technicurean” Lifestyle
Many of our clients are Technicureans—passionate about good food, good wine, and thoughtful living. This training helps us design kitchens that support and celebrate that lifestyle.
4. Stronger Industry Relationships
Spending time with talented interior designers from around the country, product experts, and chefs means we now have direct lines to the people behind the brand—support that benefits every client we serve.
A Final Reflection
The SKS Experience in Napa was more than a beautiful getaway (though it certainly was that!). It was a reaffirmation of why we care so deeply about design: the intersection of thoughtful living, beautiful environments, and exceptional experiences.
Our clients trust us to bring them the best, and continued education like this ensures that we deliver on that promise—bringing home design solutions that are not only beautiful, but brilliantly functional and tailored to how you truly live.
If you’re dreaming of a kitchen that blends craftsmanship, technology, and culinary joy, SKS may be a perfect match. And I’m excited to bring this new knowledge into your project.
Ready to learn more? Contact Us about your project today!