
Walk into a drugstore, try to check out at the grocery store, or call your bank—and you’ll probably feel it: customer service is disappearing. Everywhere you look, companies make you do the work yourself while calling it “efficiency” or “convenience.”
Self-checkout? That’s you scanning groceries while one frazzled employee hovers nearby. Airline hotlines? Endless robot phone trees that never connect you to a human being. Even so-called premium experiences—the airport lounge, the VIP credit card, the “preferred” line—rarely feel premium anymore.
It’s all upsell, no service.
The decline isn’t an accident. It’s the predictable result of an obsession with efficiency above all else. Publicly traded corporations, big-box retailers, and even some cabinet suppliers—often owned by professional investment firms—are all playing the same short-term game:
On paper, it looks efficient. In reality, it erodes trust, cheapens experiences, and leaves customers feeling like a nuisance instead of the reason the business exists.
Cabinet shopping has fallen into the same trap.
It’s the cabinetry version of self-checkout: the customer shoulders the risk, while still paying big dollars.
At Belle Design Collective, we’ve chosen a different path.
Because we’re small and independent, our focus is on relationships—not quotas. That means:
You’ll always know who is responsible for your project, and who to call if questions come up. That’s not something most corporate service models can deliver.
Because we don’t answer to shareholders or quarterly earnings calls, we can prioritize what matters most: time, trust, and craftsmanship. We invest in longer consultations, detailed renderings, and post-installation support.
We know from experience as both contractors and designers that remodels aren’t about squeezing the most dollars out of a transaction—they’re about building spaces that work beautifully for decades.
Whether you’re upgrading a Hillcrest bungalow or remodeling a Craftsman in Ballard, the principle is the same: anyone can sell you a cabinet box. What’s rare is finding a partner who treats you like a neighbor, not a number.
And in 2025, that’s the true luxury.
If you’re tired of paying premium prices for “self-service,” come see how different it feels to be taken care of. Visit our San Diego showroom or meet us in Seattle for a consultation through one of our partner showrooms. Let’s design a kitchen that’s worth the investment.
Written by Emily Wold
Owner of Belle Design Collective, San Diego & Seattle
Request a Free Quote
What service are you interested in? (list all that apply) Cabinets, architectural design, and/or interior design?
⭐ Proudly rated 5.0 on Google — see what our clients say.