A Nostalgic Look Back: The Evolution of Kitchen Showrooms and the Power of Live Design
Before interactive 3D renderings and smart kitchen appliances, the remodeling experience was shaped by in-person showroom displays, real cabinets you could touch, and even celebrity visits to draw in curious customers. A quirky moment from 1986 — featuring a former football player turned sitcom actor — captures the humble, hands-on beginnings of a kitchen design revolution. At Ram Remodeling in Bloomington, MN, we understand how far kitchen design has come — and how important it is to honor that journey.
1. A Snapshot from 1986: Personality Meets Product
The story of this “blast from the past” centers on a beloved kitchen showroom in Longwood, Florida, where a retired football star donned an apron and chef’s hat to film a commercial. Though his name may be lost to time, the moment reflects how kitchen design was becoming more than cabinetry — it was becoming an experience.
The display he stood in featured:
Quakermaid custom cabinets
An oak butcher block island
One of the showroom’s first functional kitchen setups
This approach to experiential design — letting people see and interact with their future kitchen — was pioneering for its time.
2. The Role of Live Kitchens in Design Innovation
The success of that original live kitchen led to the creation of two smaller displays, eventually paving the way for a new, fully functioning showroom kitchen. These setups became the perfect venues for:
Cooking demonstrations
Client walkthroughs
Design education seminars
Fact:
The rise of live showroom kitchens in the 1980s and 1990s helped boost consumer confidence in remodeling, according to Kitchen & Bath Design News. Seeing cabinetry and appliances in action made the investment more tangible for homeowners.
3. What Makes a Live Showroom Valuable Today?
Interactive showrooms remain an invaluable part of the remodeling process. Modern displays let customers:
Test the flow of a layout
See lighting at work across finishes
Feel the difference between wood types, glazes, and hardware
Visualize proportions and appliance integration
Today’s showroom kitchens often feature smart appliances, integrated lighting, quartz or natural stone countertops, and multi-functional islands.
If you’re curious about what a modern, interactive kitchen showroom offers and how it helps you make better remodeling decisions, click here.
4. Designing for the Senses
From that first display to today’s high-tech designs, one principle remains: people connect to kitchens emotionally. The smell of wood cabinetry, the soft gleam of tile under lighting, the quiet close of a drawer — these tactile experiences matter. A live kitchen brings all your senses into the design conversation, far beyond what you see on a screen.
5. Honoring the Past, Designing for the Future
The upcoming renovation of the Longwood showroom echoes a broader trend — remodeling firms investing in dynamic showrooms that evolve with trends and technology. By offering real-use demos and educational events, companies create more informed, confident clients.
At Ram Remodeling, we continue that legacy by creating client experiences that blend classic craftsmanship with innovative design thinking.
Built on Decades of Dedication
Ram Remodeling has been a trusted remodeling partner for families in Bloomington, MN since the 1970s. As a multi-generational, family-owned company, we’ve watched trends come and go — and evolved with them. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to high-quality, meaningful home transformations and helping every client see and feel their future home before a single cabinet is installed.
FAQs
What is a live kitchen showroom?
It’s a fully functioning kitchen display in a showroom, often used for demonstrations, client walkthroughs, and hands-on appliance experiences.
Why are showroom kitchens important for remodeling clients?
They allow clients to interact with finishes, layouts, and appliances — helping them make informed design decisions.
Are showroom visits necessary before remodeling?
Highly recommended. They help you experience materials in person and often uncover preferences you didn’t know you had.
How has kitchen showroom design changed over the decades?
From static displays to interactive, tech-integrated setups with real cooking functionality and lifestyle simulation.
Can I visit a showroom during planning, even if I’m not ready to commit?
Yes! Showrooms are meant to inspire, educate, and help you visualize what’s possible — no pressure required.
Conclusion
From celebrity-studded commercials in the ’80s to modern interactive showrooms, the evolution of kitchen design reflects how deeply personal and immersive remodeling has become. Whether you’re nostalgic for oak butcher block or looking ahead to smart tech integration, Ram Remodeling is here to walk with you — from first vision to final reveal.