The Heart of Kitchen Design

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, a place where families gather, meals are shared, and memories are made. But at Colmar Kitchen Studios, it’s the people behind the designs that are the true heart of the operation. Tom Collins, president of Colmar Kitchen Studios, along with his talented team, has created a family-run business that not only delivers beautiful, functional kitchens but fosters lasting relationships with clients and designers alike.

Founded in 1986 by Collins’ father as a lumberyard and home center in Ventnor, New Jersey, Colmar Kitchen Studios has grown into a multi-location design firm specializing in custom kitchens and cabinetry. “My dad started the business because he saw a need for building supplies on the island,” Collins explains. “We’ve expanded since then, but our philosophy has always stayed the same: great design and exceptional customer service.”

The family aspect of the business is a major component of its success. Collins, who left a career in finance in New York City to return to the family business, quickly saw the potential for a kitchen design studio within the original hardware store. Since establishing the kitchen studio in 2005, Colmar has grown organically, opening showrooms in North Cape May and Avalon to meet increasing demand.

One of the unique aspects of Colmar Kitchen Studios is its collaborative approach to design. “We’ve surrounded ourselves with a collective of very talented individuals,” says Collins. “It’s not about me being the face of the company. Each of our designers brings their own style and perspective, and we give them the autonomy to shine.” This approach has resulted in long-term relationships with clients, many of whom return to Colmar for multiple projects, whether in their vacation homes along the Jersey Shore or primary homes out-of-state.

Kitchen Design Trends: Function Meets Aesthetic

Collins and his team don’t make kitchen design trends their focus. While they’re certainly in touch with the latest technologies and the trends that dot the design landscape, their focus is more on the people who will be enjoying the space. “There are always new ideas and innovations, but our goal is to create designs that fit how people want to live in their homes,” says Collins. One of the current movements he’s excited about is the return of natural wood tones, particularly white oak. “It brings warmth and sophistication to a space, and it’s something that feels timeless, not trendy.”

The same sensibilities apply for Collins when it comes to white kitchens. While nationwide, he has seen white kitchens rise and decline in popularity, he also feels that they’re always in style at the shore. That’s not to say he doesn’t enjoy adventures in colors and materials. “We love working with clients who want to add a pop of color or try something a little more whimsical,” he says. “It’s all about tailoring the design to the client’s personality and how they envision using the space.”

A Personalized Approach to Every Project

What sets Colmar Kitchen Studios apart from other design firms is the personalized approach they take with every client. “Each kitchen is as unique as the person we’re designing it for,” says Collins. “There’s no such thing as a ‘Colmar Kitchen’ because we don’t have a signature look. We work closely with our clients to bring their vision to life.”

The design process for a kitchen renovation typically starts with a home visit, where the designer gets a feel for the space and how it fits with the rest of the home—as opposed to the design process for a new build, where Colmar usually starts with a blank space. “It’s important to be in the space and see how it functions,” Collins explains of renovations in particular. “From there, we create a design plan, often presenting several options with 3D renderings to help clients visualize the possibilities.”

Collins emphasizes that the relationship between designer and client is crucial to the success of the project. “Ultimately, the client is buying the person,” he says. “They need to trust that the designer understands their vision and can execute it. Our designers have built strong relationships with their clients, which is why so much of our business comes from referrals.”

Beyond the Kitchen: Expanding Horizons

Though kitchens are Colmar’s specialty—and one look at the vast number of photos of stunning kitchens on their website can confirm that—another significant trend is the focus on multifunctional spaces. For people seeking a soothing, organized space—and who isn’t? —the answer often lies in cabinetry. “We’re doing a lot more with built-in cabinetry for home offices, entertainment rooms, offices, bathrooms, wine cellars,” says Collins. “People want their homes to be highly organized and functional, and that requires intentional design.”

From mudrooms to built-in bookcases, if you’re looking to organize your home, you’ll need the kind of cabinetry—and even more important, expertise—that Colmar is known for.

More than its product lines or design expertise, however, is the foundation that makes Colmar leaders in the field. Despite the company’s growth and expansion into new markets, the core values remain the same. “It’s still a family business,” says Collins. “My brother Michael runs the hardware stores, and our father, Tom Collins Sr., continues to play a role. We’re all still involved in the business.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Kitchen Design

As the industry continues to evolve, so does Colmar Kitchen Studios. “We’re always looking for new ways to innovate and improve,” says Collins. “One of the things we love is that no two projects are the same. Every job is different, and that keeps us excited about what we do.”

For Collins and his team, the goal is always to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and tailored to the client’s needs. The kitchen is the heart of the home, but the team is the heart of Colmar Kitchen Studios—that’s what sets them apart and keeps them growing.