February 22, 2021

During a recent invite-only virtual event that included a wine tasting, a think tank on the decentralization of the kitchen and an open discussion about the evolution of the home, Plum announced its Wine Heroes Design Council and new Plum Pro Trade program. In attendance were key members of the media, some of North America’s top interior designers and a select group of influencers from the Modenus Media DesignHounds network.

“The opportunity to bring together a group of industry professionals allowed us to gain insight from these experts about the changing needs in design and how Plum can become an important and integrated part of home entertainment areas,” said Andreas Hansen, president of Plum. “We look forward to members of the Plum Wine Heroes Design Council exploring new ways to incorporate our product and support our theory that our product can be incorporated anywhere in the home, not just the kitchen.”

Members of Plum’s exclusive advisory council are all accomplished design professionals, bringing regional perspectives and expertise. The inaugural group of council members include:

• Arianne Bellizaire, Owner & Principal Designer of Arianne Bellizaire Interiors (Baton Rouge, LA) – IG: @ariannebellzaireinteriors
• Sheri Bruneau, Interior Design Professional, Get It Together (Calgary, AB) – IG: @gityyc
• Jeanne Chung, Principal of Jeanne K Chung Inc. & Proprietor of Cozy•Stylish•Chic Design Lab (Los Angeles, CA) – IG: @cozystylishchic
• Sarah Durnez, Loft Design Founder & Director of 3D Modeling at eDesign Tribe Inc. (Gainesville, FL) – IG: @edesign.tribe
• Shannon Ggem, Owner, Ggem Design Co., (Los Angeles, CA) – IG: @ggemdesign
• Michael Kaestner, Principal Designer at Kaestner Designs Kitchen and Bath Designer Certified Living In Place (Philadelphia, PA) – IG: @kaestnerdesigns
• Kerrie Kelly, Creative Director and Interior Designer, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab (Sacramento, CA) – IG: @kerriekelly
• Kimberly Kerl, Owner of Kustom Home Design (Greer, SC) – IG: @kerldesign
• Scott Koehler, President and Creative Director at Dream Kitchen Builders (Raleigh, NC) – IG: @scottkoehler
• Veronica Solomon, CEO/Principal Interior Designer of Casa Vilora Interiors (Katy, TX) – IG: @casavilora

Supporting the Design Industry

During the event, moderated by Veronika Miller, CEO of Modenus Media, Plum also officially launched their trade loyalty program for professionals in the A&D industry – the Plum Pro Trade Program intended exclusively for the architect and design community.

“People are spending more time at home than ever before,” said Hansen. “We see our product being specified more and more as a home solution for those missing favorite restaurants or local cocktail lounges, and those rethinking their home spaces. We are having to learn how to enjoy life’s little pleasures again, in a way that accommodates this new lifestyle. Our homes are our sanctuaries and always have been. These changes we’re making to bring joy into the home will remain long after the pandemic.”

Trade professionals now have the opportunity to apply for the Plum Pro Trade Program by completing the application form on plum.wine/pro. Once approved, members then work towards multi-level rewards – between a 5-7% commission plus free product based on annual targets.

Plum Drives Discussion on Re-Thinking Home Space

The evening included a robust conversation about the space within the home and how it is shifting as a result of a pandemic-driven lifestyle. Designers debated the ‘great room’ and open concept against the new desire for more divided spaces.

“Separate togetherness is how we refer to it,” said Sarah Durnez of eDesign Tribe. “It’s not as defined as a door to close off the kitchen but a clear division of the home space is becoming more of an ask with our clients.”

Driven by discussion of putting the Plum appliance in multiple areas of the home, the concept of home-based entertainment was top of mind.

“The pandemic has taught everyone to really appreciate their home and the safe and comforting space it offers,” said Arianne Bellizaire, owner & principal designer of Arianne Bellizaire Interiors. “As designers, it’s offering the chance to remind our clients to enjoy every day at home. Create a space that brings everyday joy by adding small touches of luxury. Plum is a prime example – a design-forward appliance that can easily add that layer of luxury entertainment into any space.”

Plum looks forward to continuing to support the design industry through the Plum Pro Trade Program and the new Plum Heroes Design Council as a move to encourage and expand at-home entertainment and enlighten North Americans on the enjoyment of wine.