Meet Our West Palm Beach Team
In February, we unveiled our new, state-of-the-art showroom in West Palm Beach, Florida. This marks the sixth dedicated space for the Bakes & Kropp brand, further solidifying and expanding our national presence. With a new space comes new team members, and today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Senior Designer Russell DeBose, a seasoned industry professional intimately familiar with the South Florida clientele, in addition to Amanda Napier, our Senior Kitchen Designer, who is excited and ready to help clients make their visions a reality. Read on to learn more about our newest team members, and feel free to call (888) 206 0015 to speak with them today!
Tell us about your backgrounds.
Russell Debose (RD): I was architecturally trained in Chicago, working on everything from historic preservation to movie set design. I began working more specifically in cabinetry in 1993, opening showrooms in the Chicagoland area before moving to Florida in 1999 to run the southeast for a couple of higher-end brands, then designing on my own for some years before joining the Bakes & Kropp team.
Amanda Napier (AN): I earned a degree in interior design in 2000 and found my niche in cabinetry right out of the gate. Prior to moving to Florida in 2020, I worked for a few custom cabinetry companies in Kentucky. I ended up working remotely with the Kentucky company until finding Bakes & Kropp in January 2023.
What drew you to Bakes & Kropp?
RD: Initially, the styling and presentation of the product and after speaking with the team, the company’s vision and my experiences matched.
AN: The cohesive, beautiful designs are visually stunning, and I admired how effortlessly they blend materials. What truly sold me is the sheer craftsmanship that goes into a Bakes & Kropp design; it is above and beyond impressive.
What do you like most about your job?
RD: The “season” we are in. A nationally recognized and admired brand with a clear vision for growth.
AN: I love helping people create a space that truly reflects their personal style while giving them a space that functions well for their family and lifestyle.
Tell us about your favorite experience in the showroom so far.
RD: My favorite experience certainly includes the grand opening but also being a part of the entire process to get us here. It’s been a remarkable and rewarding experience.
AN: I would echo Russell and say our Grand Opening in February was certainly memorable! There was a palpable excitement from the whole Bakes & Kropp team and their families. We all came together and worked so diligently to make it an incredible night. It’s great to be a part of a team that works together so well toward a common goal.
What’s your favorite part of the showroom? (specific vignette, seating area, etc.)
RD: The sense of “excited calm” the space projects.
AN: It’s SO hard to choose just one because I love it all, but I do love our soft modern kitchen. It just exudes a beachy Florida vibe to me. The warmth that the rift-cut oak accents add makes it a more approachable take on a contemporary look.
What do you like most about the West Palm Beach community?
RD: The clientele. It is always more fun working on projects where our level of design and product is not simply appreciated but expected.
AN: There’s always something to do here. I love being outdoors – the weather, culture, and food here are top-notch. Everyone has been quite welcoming, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know new clients and helping them realize their dream kitchens.
What can people expect from their experience at Bakes & Kropp’s West Palm Beach location?
AN: People will see that we take a refined approach in leading them through a very streamlined process to creating a space they will truly love being in daily.
RD: I agree. We offer a refined yet comfortable atmosphere and experience.
What’s your kitchen design must-have?
RD: The perfect balance of form and function. The “structure” has to offer a space that is an environment as thoughtful and pleasureful to work in as the “skin” is to admire when the day is done.
AN: I have a few I always present as they can make life so much easier! A double pull-out wastebasket, drawer inserts (silverware, cooking utensils, knives, and frequently used spices), cookie sheet dividers, and at least one pot and pan drawer.