NKBA: Designer Showcase - Kansas City Homes & Style

My name is Jill Painter and I’m introducing myself through Kansas City Homes & Style magazine as it begins a partnership with the local chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). I earned my Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) designation from NKBA in 2007. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from Kansas State University. After working in the industry for many years, I started my own business, Bella Kitchens, in 2011.

I was drawn to the space planning and problem solving aspect of kitchen and bath design early on in my career. I love the challenge of deconstructing a space and then putting new puzzle pieces back together in a much better way. I build on that by finding products and materials unique to each project all while creating a fun, relaxing experience for my clients.

I believe that the kitchen is where everyday life unfolds and as technology is expanding our world and changing our activities, the kitchen is also becoming the new living room. It’s important to re-energize and re-organize a space to accommodate the homeowner’s lifestyle.

My other passions are volunteering for several animal rescues and mentoring as a Big Sister through BBBS Kansas City.

Belonging to NKBA is very important to me because I’m part of a community of very talented people who are dedicated to our industry. But besides supporting each other and our businesses, they are truly fun people that I’ve become great friends with for many years which makes my career that much more fulfilling.