FORM
From London to Florida: How Tom White is Redefining Modern Home Design with FORM Kitchens
In the sun-soaked city of St. Petersburg, Florida, a British expat is making waves in the world of custom home building. Tom White, co-owner of Next Design Build, is bringing a touch of European flair to the Sunshine State, one modern home at a time. And at the heart of his latest kitchen design? FORM Kitchens.
Kristen Davis
August 30, 2024
A Journey Across the Pond
Tom's story is one of serendipity and passion. Originally from the UK, he found himself in Florida via Texas, trading a career in energy sector project management for the world of custom home building. "We planned on being here for two years," Tom recalls with a laugh. "It's turned into seven or eight years now."
Today, Tom and his team at Next Design Build are carving out a niche in St. Petersburg's diverse architectural landscape. Their focus? Modern, sustainable homes that stand out from the local, more traditional styles.
The Next Design Build Ethos
Next Design Build specializes in homes ranging from $1.2 million to $3.5 million, focusing on quality over quantity. "We try to have two to four projects running at any one time," Tom explains. This approach allows them to give each project the attention it deserves.
What sets them apart is their commitment to modern design and sustainability. "We try to design our homes to be both comfortable and sustainable for the clients, " says Tom.
Discovering FORM Kitchens
When it came to finding the perfect kitchen solution for their work, Tom came upon FORM Kitchens on social media. But before recommending it to clients, he decided to put it to the test in his own home renovation.
"Before rolling it out to clients, I wanted to try it," Tom says. "The design and functionality of FORM Kitchens were perfect for our modern aesthetic."
A Personal Touch
Tom's own kitchen renovation became a showcase for FORM's capabilities. The project transformed a 2300 square foot 1960s bungalow into a modern marvel, with the kitchen as its centerpiece.
"We aimed for a mid-century modern look," Tom explains. The FORM cabinets, a combination of Walnut Reproduction and Alpine White, perfectly complemented the home's vaulted ceilings and exposed cedar
Standout Features
Tom was particularly impressed with several FORM features:
- Soft-close hinges for smooth, quiet operation
- Internal drawers behind doors, maximizing storage while maintaining a clean look
- A roller door appliance garage for stylish storage of small appliances
- Paneled refrigerator and dishwasher for seamless integration
"The installation process was straightforward," Tom notes. "The features like soft-close hinges and internal drawers were fantastic."
Tom and his Finnish wife incorporated several custom features to enhance functionality:
1. A hidden drying rack above the sink, inspired by Scandinavian design
2. A sliding backsplash to conceal small appliances
3. A custom shelf on the island edge for phones, wallets, and keys, complete with USB-C charging
"We've gone for a very clean look," Tom explains. "In reality, when you live in the space, it's always full of stuff. We tried to design some of that out."
Looking to the Future
After two weeks of living in the new space, Tom is thrilled with the results. "The countertops are clean. We don't have stuff everywhere," he reports.
The success of his personal project has inspired Tom to incorporate FORM Kitchens into future Next Design Build's projects. "The FORM Kitchens products not only met but exceeded our expectations," he says. "The modern design and functionality are exactly what we and our clients look for in a high-end kitchen."
As Next Design Build continues to grow, Tom sees FORM Kitchens playing a significant role in their projects. "We want to start rolling out more to our clients," he says, excited about the possibilities.
For Tom, the journey from London to St. Petersburg has been unexpected but rewarding. And with FORM Kitchens, he's found a partner to bring his modern, sustainable vision to life in the center of every home.
Discover how FORM Kitchens can help you create stunning, functional spaces for your home. Get started with a free video call with one of our designers, or contact Tom and his team at Next Design and Build if you are in the St Petersburg area.
Contact Next Design and Build
