Photos provided.
World War II just ended, Franklin D. Roosevelt was our president, and the Detroit Tigers won the World Series. The year was 1945 and a young local couple by the name of Hy and Anne Zima decided to test their entrepreneurial skills and open a kitchen and bath business.
Seventy-five years later, Capitol Kitchens and Baths still offers personalized experiences to make sure that the project you’re doing, whether a kitchen or bath or a new heating system, is perfect for you, your home, your budget, and your family.
And they know something about family. Now in their third generation, they have five family members working together to provide excellent customer service: 2nd generation brothers Terry & Bob Zima with brother in law Ken Shapiro and 3rd generation siblings Adam Zima & Hana (Zima) Sullenger.
While they have held on to the original core values of Hy and Anne, they have certainly had to adjust with the times. “We’ve expanded to three branches (Saratoga in 1986 and Schenectady in 1995). Our services have also expanded a LOT,” said Hana (Zima) Sullinger. “We’ve always designed kitchens, but they were hand drawn and used to be a stock item because there were so few choices from the vendors. Now every kitchen is unique and a custom design so each one is designed specific for the space.
“We also have more kitchen and bath designers on staff than ever and they offer homeowners a personal experience to discuss the space, how it will be used, and create an individual design specifically for that family.”
As technology changed so did their products. According to Hana, “Our products have become more technologically advanced on all sides of the business, we have products from thermostats to showerheads that are wifi and will talk to Alexa or Google Home. The showerhead includes a wireless speaker that will connect to Alexa or Bluetooth!”
Not tech savvy? Don’t worry. The majority of their staff have been in the industry for at least 10 years and quite a few are over the 30-year mark! They know the industry, the product and the processes.
When asked about new trends is the kitchen or bath category, Hana was on point. “In the kitchen our designers are seeing a lot more of an updated farmhouse look, from the white Shaker door to a more transitional style. A combination of white and grey is still very popular but we’re starting to see more Navy color coming into play. Wood tones are starting to make a comeback as well.
“In the bathroom, our designers are seeing more black and white with some grey thrown in. And there are more glam bathrooms too! Products that are very popular include Freestanding tubs, Barn Door looks (with both closet doors and the barn door style in shower doors); and skirted toilets (very easy for cleaning) and Continuous Clean and other cleaning features incorporated into products.”
Capitol has been supporting our region for 75 years. Any money spent with them stays here and supports the community. Their 75th anniversary was going to be marked with book end events and celebrations. But with COVID-19 they are celebrating their 75th anniversary by donating to various organizations throughout our communities that are important to their staff and their customers.
In closing Hana ended with “Supporting local does not mean it’s going to cost more. We’re competitive with our pricing while also offering a personal experience and additional services. However, when you buy at Capitol you’re supporting your friends and neighbors and a company who sees you and your local community.”
Capitol Kitchens and Baths is located at 252 Washington St, Saratoga Springs.
Find them online at capitolkitchensandbaths.com.
