Isla Porter, a new cabinetry brand launched this month, and its AI integrations are turning heads. The tool helps interior designers reimagine how they explore and execute spatial design, but it's friendly enough for homeowners themselves to get in on the action. Spearheaded by Emily Arthur and Sharon Dranko, Isla Porter was born from their own renovation experiences and their desire to inject more innovation, simplicity, and excitement into the kitchen design process. Together they bring a collective 30+ years in the industry and have worked to leverage their appreciation for legacy craftsmanship and modern technology into a tool that sets the stage for design innovation as we know it.
"The AI tools we are using cut the time to execute a kitchen down to 3 hours vs. an average of 40 hours without AI," notes Arthur. "We use AI to take care of all the technical back end work, of laying out a floor, optimizing for a client's unique use case, and minimizing errors (for example, cabinet doors opening and hitting each other)." Dranko adds, "When a designer commits 40 hours to a design project, it's mostly spent behind the computer, not creative or collaboration hours. Our tool frees our own designers and their clients up for more focus on creating truly one-of-a-kind aesthetics and collaborating on design details."
The Design Process
If you're skeptical of AI-powered design tools, this might be the kind of artificial intelligence you'll want to try for yourself. The design process starts with a scan of the space. The consumer or homeowner is also asked to complete a detailed questionnaire outlining preferences and requirements; these responses guide the team who creates the mood board, and the AI, that supports the floor plan and mockup design. From there, the design generator delivers access to the top three AI-optimized detailed floor plans that are perfectly measured to 1/16th of an inch. Costing is itemized for the cabinetry, and a cost range for other components (like appliances and fixtures) is estimated using market pricing.
While the cabinet design software can save a full week's worth of time, the process is still overseen by dedicated professional designers who can answer questions and help throughout the process.
While the technical side of Isla Porter sets them apart from other cabinetry brands, the design, aesthetic, customization capabilities, and premium product are just as important. All components available can be mixed and matched for a truly customized installation. The system currently offers:
- 20+ door styles available in custom wood and a wide range of lacquer colors schemes
- 8 optional decorative cutouts, plus the opportunity to create your own design
- Rattan, clear, and fluted glass inserts for panel-ready doors
- 70 finishes and 8 wood species to meet your design preferences
- Available as inset and overlay styles
- Assorted case base options including a standard inset toekick, extended rails and stiles, or extended stiles, and applied apron options including waved and scalloped shaped aprons.
The AI-powered tool also considers options for decorative shelving, including floating and bracketed shelves that accentuate kitchen wallspace. Decorative hood covers are also available in many shapes and textures.
Once the designs are finalized, you can expect your pre-assembled cabinets, ready for installation, at your door in 12 weeks. As someone who has gone through the process of having custom cabinets designed and built, that's a near-impossible feat.
Positive Reviews Are Rolling In
"When I met with Isla Porter, you could tell that they really understood the details that go into cabinetry and cabinet design," shared Anne McDonald, Founder and Principal Designer of Anne McDonald Design. "Not only was it reflected in their product offerings, in a way that felt edited and intuitive, but the owners themselves could talk the talk. Since I only do custom cabinets it’s nice to have something like Isla Porter at my fingertips because the range of styles feels relevant, it’s not any one particular style like some companies have with a very niche, targeted, aesthetic; Isla Porter has more of a range."
"In addition to Anne, we’ve had overwhelmingly positive feedback from the design industry on both the product and the simplicity and value of the process," shared Dranko.
