Cerissa and other designers looking at Kohler booth in Las Vegas. a wall of toilets behind her.

Spring Cleaning Isn’t Just for Your Home—It’s for Design Too

A Fresh Start for Your Space & Mind

Spring is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity for a fresh start—not just for your home, but for the way we think about design. Spring cleaning isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about making space for what truly matters.

For me, spring cleaning is about giving yourself a reset. A good reset allows us to clear out unnecessary clutter, which has an even bigger benefit—it allows us to think clearly and see clearly.

Sometimes, in a deep spring clean, you discover things about yourself. You might realize you’re a collector (I’ll raise my hand here!), or that you don’t always put things back in their place (also me!). But if you pause in the middle of resetting, you give yourself a chance to reassess your needs. And sometimes, those needs have changed.

Maybe it’s a shift in lifestyle—new hobbies, retired hobbies, a different routine—or maybe you’ve just accumulated layers of stuff over time. Spring cleaning isn’t just about getting rid of things; it’s about making space for what truly matters. It’s about clearing the way for what supports your life right now.

I personally love that spring cleaning comes at the close of the first quarter of the year—right after the holiday rush of Q4, but before the summer rush (which flows right back into the holidays!). It’s a perfect time to pause, reflect, and ask: Does my home reflect the life I want to live?

Spring Cleaning for My Home & My Business

Cerissa and Michael in front of the KBIS sign

KBIS—the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, partnered with IBS (the International Builders’ Show)—is my version of a spring reset for my business.

Just as I spring clean my home, I use this time to spring clean my design business—refreshing outdated trends, reassessing methodologies, and embracing better solutions for my clients.

This year, I went to KBIS with a specific mission in mindinnovation. I currently have two kitchen projects in the design development phase, and I was looking for products that not only fit my clients’ needs but also enhance their homes.

That search led me to a new understanding of porcelain countertops.

Overcoming My Fear of Porcelain Countertops

I can honestly say that I have been hesitant about porcelain countertops in the past. There were concerns about durability, maintenance, and most importantly—fabrication and installation.

But after speaking with two different manufacturers, my fears melted away.

With every product and every service, WHO installs it is just as—if not more—important than the material itself. The manufacturers I spoke with emphasized that porcelain requires different tools and methods than traditional countertops, especially in the cutting process.

Understanding this made all the difference.

Armed with this new knowledge, I now feel empowered to confidently specify porcelain countertops in one of my upcoming projects. It’s no longer a material I hesitate to recommend—it’s one I know I can use well, as long as I work with the right fabricators.

Cosentino booth at KBIS

Why I Vet Every Product I Recommend

Cerissa talking with a vendor

I know some people might wonder: Why would I be afraid of a product?

The answer is simple—I stand behind what I recommend.

I go to KBIS, tradeshows, and industry events not just for inspiration, but to expand my knowledge and learn directly from the manufacturers who create these products.

Talking directly with the people who design, engineer, and build these materials is far better than any online research, marketing brochure, or showroom sample. It’s the best way to truly understand a product.

And beyond that, access to the right tradesmen is even more valuable. Knowing who can install a product correctly, what tools they need, and how to ensure quality craftsmanship is just as important as choosing the material itself.

That’s why I don’t just sell trends or push products. I only recommend what I trust.

The Energy of KBIS: First Impressions & Innovation

This year, KBIS was electric. With an estimated 100,000 attendees for both con industry shows, every inch of the 4-million-square-foot Las Vegas Convention center was buzzing with fresh ideas.

But one moment stopped me in my tracks…

On Day 2, while trying to find lunch (Michael and I were hungry!), I passed what might be the most beautiful product at the entire show—a glass countertop vanity.

Yes, glass countertops.
They looked like jewelry. Like water. Like art.
And they’re made right here in America!

Seeing new materials used in such a stunning way is exactly why I love KBIS.

Glass countertop on a bathroom vanity

Top KBIS Picks:
Fresh Innovations for Your Home

Michael and I found some amazing products at KBIS that homeowners will love. Here are our first two favorites:

🏆 Cerissa’s Pick: Toto’s Zero Gravity Tub

white zero gravity tub

💆‍♀️ Imagine this… You’ve just finished a weekend of spring cleaning, and now…
✔ You slip into a tub that holds your body at the perfect angle to relieve tension.
✔ A built-in water circulator gently massages your neck and back.
✔ It’s luxurious, beautiful, and brings the spa experience home.

This tub is the definition of relaxation and smart design working for your well-being.

zero gravity tub black

🏆 Michael’s Pick: Samsung’s All-in-One Washer & Dryer

🌀 Laundry just got easier! This washer + dryer combo lets you:
Toss in dirty clothes and come back to them clean and dry—no extra steps.
Ditch the dryer vent—no more cleaning it out!
Save space in your laundry room.

Got a big family? Buy two! This innovation simplifies laundry and maximizes space—a win-win.

Spring Cleaning Beyond the Clutter

Just like spring cleaning refreshes our homes, KBIS helps me refresh my design approach—eliminating outdated ideas and embracing better, smarter ways to create spaces that truly serve people’s lives.

Spring Cleaning Beyond the Clutter

Just like spring cleaning refreshes our homes, KBIS helps me refresh my design approach—eliminating outdated ideas and embracing better, smarter ways to create spaces that truly serve people’s lives.

Over the next few posts, Michael and I will be sharing more:
Our favorite KBIS finds
Fresh color trends for spring
Simple ways to refresh your home this season

KBIS opening party fun

💬 What space in your home needs a spring refresh? Drop a comment below!

🔗 Want more KBIS insights? Subscribe to my newsletter here. Join Newsletter

Thinking About a Spring Refresh for Your Home?

Whether you’re looking to refresh your space with new colors, update key materials, or embark on a full remodel, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life.

Explore my services and let’s design something beautiful together → Services

 

🔗 Want more Design insights? Subscribe to my newsletter here. 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Receive the latest news

Get Your Free Dream Home Blueprint

Join our email list and unlock 11 expert tips for a stress-free remodel. Start planning your dream home with confidence and style.