Following the high of opening its signature showroom on Thursday last we’re back at Tile City & Home Centre’s 114 Constant Spring Road location on Friday, October 9 for day five of Design Week Ja hosting a candid conversation on design themed ‘Inspired by Life, Designed for Living’.

Bringing a wealth of expertise to the conversation, the panel comprised Karina Matalon, founder of Casa Tropikana; Nicole Auden, director at Atelier Vidal Limited; Shantell Wellington, sales manager at Blinds Designs; Kevin Mullings, managing director of Mullings Builders & Renovators; and Michael Montalbano, senior sales manager at Kohler, who shared perspectives on how spaces can be reimagined to blend personality, functionality, comfort, and long-term sustainability.

Moderator Donnielle Robe welcomed guests before introducing Design Week Ja conceptualiser Novia McDonald-Whyte.

During the question-and-answer-session, Design Week Ja conceptualiser Novia McDonald-Whyte inquired about the beauty in Jamaican architecture.

“Nine years ago, we wanted to have a conversation surrounding homes. We are house proud. We entertain at home. So, we bring people into our space.

So, we do love a comfortable setting, and that is what Design Week is all about. I’m delighted to have our friends at Tile City back with us.

What better reappearance than last night with the wonderful opening of the showroom!” McDonald-Whyte said. Kohler’s Montalbano opened the discussion, highlighting the importance of tailoring every design element.

Kohler Senior Sales Manager Michael Montalbano (left) explains the features of the range of Kohler toilets to Jamaica Observer Managing Director Dominic Beaubrun and his HR consultant wife Angelique.

“I feel it’s very important to focus on the human experience and the user that we are designing around.

I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all for everybody, and I think it’s important to know their requirements in how they want to interact with the products at home.

We can have these beautiful spaces, but if they are not functional and tied to the user, I feel like it causes some frustration,” Montalbano noted Echoing those sentiments, Mullings noted the unique Caribbean lifestyle, particularly how locals connect indoor and outdoor spaces, and how they leverage technology to enhance their living areas.

“Technology is one of those new things in Jamaica where most of us use a tablet or iPhone. So, we don’t have a library anymore, we don’t have a large SLR camera anymore.

So, too, things in our homes have started to become universal and one touch; if it works for you, that’ s when you will keep it,” Mullings explained.

Furnitureland CEO Carmen Brown (left) and Phoenix Vision Centre CEO Claudia Oltrogge admire a basin and faucet set from the Kohler showroom.

For her part, Auden noted that elements ranging from lighting and materials to architectural finishes are all critical in creating a space that genuinely functions well for its users.

“We are looking at ceiling treatments, natural materials. In the residential suites the lighting that you use is a lot different than the light in a commercial space, and immediately that changes your perception of the space.

So [for example] you wouldn’t use white temperature lights in a home,” Auden said. “It cannot be just looks only, but it has to