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Pro Spotlight: Key Characteristics of World-Class Kitchen Design
A cabinetry design expert shares his industry-leading approach for sensational results
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Who: Clayton Helmuth of HELMÜT
Where: Alexandria, South Dakota
In his own words: “When I approach a design, I want it to be consistent and cohesive with integrity throughout. That’s what differentiates world-class design from the rest of the industry.”
We know world-class design when we see it, when we feel it and as we use it. Yet for many of us, the design details that create that sensation are difficult to pin down. What are the elements of design that inspire awe?
Clayton Helmuth, the owner of eastern South Dakota’s HELMÜT, has dedicated his career to delivering excellence, from the customer’s experience to high-quality materials to expert installation. “Our mission is to be a global leader in cabinetry design,” he says. “We transform the lives of our clients through world-class kitchens that spark inspiration and elevate their lifestyles.”
Where: Alexandria, South Dakota
In his own words: “When I approach a design, I want it to be consistent and cohesive with integrity throughout. That’s what differentiates world-class design from the rest of the industry.”
We know world-class design when we see it, when we feel it and as we use it. Yet for many of us, the design details that create that sensation are difficult to pin down. What are the elements of design that inspire awe?
Clayton Helmuth, the owner of eastern South Dakota’s HELMÜT, has dedicated his career to delivering excellence, from the customer’s experience to high-quality materials to expert installation. “Our mission is to be a global leader in cabinetry design,” he says. “We transform the lives of our clients through world-class kitchens that spark inspiration and elevate their lifestyles.”
Design inspired by dignity and integrity. Woodworking is a Helmuth family heritage. “My grandfather was a cabinet builder and my uncles had their own shops, so my brothers and I were immersed in it,” Helmuth says. “At every family event they would critique the quality of their work, which instilled in us the same value for the quality results that are possible when you don’t cut corners.”
Helmuth and his brothers, who had been working in their father’s contracting business, stepped up to lead the company when their father was called to the ministry. At the same time, a friend who worked in cabinetry asked if the Helmuths would consider buying his business as he focused on his health. The new chapter of their business launched in 2010 under the name HELMÜT, the original spelling of their German last name. “Our dream was to not only support our dad in the ministry, but to support other missions through the creativity and quality of our work,” Helmuth says. “That’s our vision.”
Helmuth and his brothers, who had been working in their father’s contracting business, stepped up to lead the company when their father was called to the ministry. At the same time, a friend who worked in cabinetry asked if the Helmuths would consider buying his business as he focused on his health. The new chapter of their business launched in 2010 under the name HELMÜT, the original spelling of their German last name. “Our dream was to not only support our dad in the ministry, but to support other missions through the creativity and quality of our work,” Helmuth says. “That’s our vision.”
Building beyond what’s usually possible. HELMÜT’s most innovative design solutions are inspired by collaboration. “Many times the best designs are created through communication with my brother, who focuses on manufacturing,” Helmuth says. “If we’re working through a design dilemma, he knows what’s possible on the production side, so we can create something completely unique that will work for that particular project.” This close connection between design and execution means the HELMÜT team can deliver one-of-a-kind results at the highest level.
Inspired by sensational kitchen designs? Helmuth provides insights on the intangibles homeowners respond to most.
Inspired by sensational kitchen designs? Helmuth provides insights on the intangibles homeowners respond to most.
1. Symmetry and Balance
A symmetrical and well-balanced home is something you can see, but it’s also something you can feel as you traverse the distance between your kitchen range and your sink or from your refrigerator to your island countertop.
This McKennan Park home includes several features made more striking by their symmetry. “Square shapes are one thing, but this office features a radius desk with rounded fronts,” Helmuth says. “There is also a double-sided aquarium between the library and the kitchen, so we made sure the aspect from either side played well with the rest of the space.”
The impressive library is even more notable for the way it complements the design of the rest of the home. “No corners were cut. There’s integrity throughout. The guest bathroom is excellent. The primary suite closet is excellent,” Helmuth says. “It’s been three years and the clients love their home even more every time they walk in.”
See more of this project
A symmetrical and well-balanced home is something you can see, but it’s also something you can feel as you traverse the distance between your kitchen range and your sink or from your refrigerator to your island countertop.
This McKennan Park home includes several features made more striking by their symmetry. “Square shapes are one thing, but this office features a radius desk with rounded fronts,” Helmuth says. “There is also a double-sided aquarium between the library and the kitchen, so we made sure the aspect from either side played well with the rest of the space.”
The impressive library is even more notable for the way it complements the design of the rest of the home. “No corners were cut. There’s integrity throughout. The guest bathroom is excellent. The primary suite closet is excellent,” Helmuth says. “It’s been three years and the clients love their home even more every time they walk in.”
See more of this project
2. Details Work in Concert
Breathtaking design is often found when seemingly discordant ideas — such as the colors you like best and the appliances you want to use — are brought together in harmony. “We ensure every element plays well together, from the high-quality materials we use to the precise stain on our wood and the way we smoothly panelize appliances for a clean look,” Helmuth says.
This midcentury home has been the firm’s most popular project on social media and among new clients. “This client had great design taste and gave me an idea of where they’d like the project to go,” Helmuth says. “After that, it was open for me to interpret.” Dramatic, large-scale features like the 16-foot island with rolling drawers, electrical outlets, a butcher’s block and waterfall countertop are paired with smaller design touches. “Using different textures, like the solid brass finishes handcrafted in the U.K., really finished off the design and made it look stunning,” Helmuth says.
See more of this project
Breathtaking design is often found when seemingly discordant ideas — such as the colors you like best and the appliances you want to use — are brought together in harmony. “We ensure every element plays well together, from the high-quality materials we use to the precise stain on our wood and the way we smoothly panelize appliances for a clean look,” Helmuth says.
This midcentury home has been the firm’s most popular project on social media and among new clients. “This client had great design taste and gave me an idea of where they’d like the project to go,” Helmuth says. “After that, it was open for me to interpret.” Dramatic, large-scale features like the 16-foot island with rolling drawers, electrical outlets, a butcher’s block and waterfall countertop are paired with smaller design touches. “Using different textures, like the solid brass finishes handcrafted in the U.K., really finished off the design and made it look stunning,” Helmuth says.
See more of this project
3. Impeccable Installation
World-class design also comes down to execution. “We design it, we build it and we install it. We’re handling each project start to finish,” Helmuth says. “Every element is executed with precision. That’s who we are. That’s our culture.”
At this South Dakota home, custom elements make the kitchen distinct. Precise execution makes it flow. “We develop new solutions that then become our standard, like an ingrain cutting board that slides out smoothly, with a hole in the back to brush off your scraps and a magnet to hold it in place so it doesn’t roll away from you,” Helmuth says. “That’s the thing about the HELMÜT team. We’re always looking to innovate.”
See more of this project
More: For more information on Clayton Helmuth and examples of his work, visit HELMÜT’s Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
World-class design also comes down to execution. “We design it, we build it and we install it. We’re handling each project start to finish,” Helmuth says. “Every element is executed with precision. That’s who we are. That’s our culture.”
At this South Dakota home, custom elements make the kitchen distinct. Precise execution makes it flow. “We develop new solutions that then become our standard, like an ingrain cutting board that slides out smoothly, with a hole in the back to brush off your scraps and a magnet to hold it in place so it doesn’t roll away from you,” Helmuth says. “That’s the thing about the HELMÜT team. We’re always looking to innovate.”
See more of this project
More: For more information on Clayton Helmuth and examples of his work, visit HELMÜT’s Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
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