Rydal, GA — Although she came to kitchen and bath design as a second career, for Jessica Flores, design is something that comes organically to her. “Creativity is just something that runs through my veins,” she says. “Whether it was sewing, gluing or learning how to build furniture, my household was always primed for a new project. So, when a friend asked about remodeling an adorable house in a trendy area of Atlanta, it just seemed like a natural step. What started out as an intriguing proposition turned into an exciting business!”
Along with her husband, builder Daniel Flores, Jessica Flores is now the owner of Rydal, GA-based luxury kitchen and bath design firm Creative Living. Flores notes, “Kitchens and baths are what excite me most because they are the most rewarding. As a self-proclaimed foodie who knows how to throw a party, kitchens are where everyone wants to live it up and where memories are made. Bathrooms, on the other hand, are where southern belles like myself go to prepare for the day and to relax – so they have to be luxurious.”
Creative Living is a NARI and NKBA member, and the firm’s work has been recognized with six NARI Contractor of the Year Awards, two Kitchen of the Year awards from Zline Kitchens and the 2020 Kitchen & Bath Design award from My Home Improvement magazine.
Smart technology combines with thoughtful luxury touches in this spa-like bath that features aromatherapy and music set on a morning timer, as well as heated floors and a steam shower.
In the details
Creative Living has enjoyed a wide variety of projects in different styles and scales, but luxury is always a through line in each project.
“Luxury has always been our focus, but over time we came to realize that it was the unique details that really set us apart,” Flores believes. “Whether it was a custom-painted vent hood, LED lighting inside an oversized shower or simply bold pattern choices, we strive to stand out from what’s merely trendy that week. We shoot for timelessness as well as a uniqueness that makes our clients excited to show off their new space.”
This detail-oriented approach has given Creative Living a reach and influence far beyond its small-town Georgia base. “We have been found in all manner of ways, and as a result, have enjoyed working for people with a variety of needs and expectations,” Flores notes. “It’s been great taking on all these projects because it keeps us on our toes and we always have fun.”
This bath was inspired by the modern farmhouse trend, but executed with an eye toward timelessness and creativity. Aged brick tile and a pedestal tub set the perfect vintage tone.
Simple Connection
For self-proclaimed “southern belle” Flores, the process of getting to know potential new clients is best done “over an iced tea. Chatting with people in a less formal way can really help you to understand who a client is and help understand their real desires for a space,” she notes. “We also like to break down certain creative details into must-haves and would-like-to-haves before presenting any designs. It’s one more way to better feel out the client’s needs by knowing their priorities.”
Accordingly, Creative Living has received plenty of organic business through word of mouth and social media interactions. “We have really been astonished at how much business we’ve received from social media alone!” Flores remarks. “It’s proof that beautiful work and word-of-mouth can do wonders, but we have also been fortunate enough to have our work featured in notable publications. We very often receive emails through our website from folks who read about us somewhere.”
This does not mean that Flores and her team are resting on their laurels, however. “As a still relatively new company, we are always looking for innovative ways to grow our business,” Flores says. “Right now, we are just working hard to ensure that we have a solid web presence. So much of a growing business is about keeping things simple and easy to understand.” ▪