This was a very special project for everyone here at CliqStudios! This is the first kitchen we created with The House That Social Media Built. We love every feature in this kitchen, but the custom banquette seating is like nothing we’ve seen before.

What is THTSMB?

THTSMB is the brain child of Connecticut-based Realtor Nicole White and house flipper Mike Riccio. Initially, they just wanted to incorporate social media somehow into their next home remodeling project. The idea came together when Nicole started seeking feedback on her personal Facebook profile. She asked friends what kinds of colors and finishes they should use on their upcoming flip. Suggestions and responses started pouring in, and soon they started a separate Facebook page just for the project. Followers started chiming in not just from the area, but from all corners of the country, and from all over the world! After that first house, it was clear that their success was no flash in the pan. There would be many, many more houses that social media built!

CliqStudios kitchen design rendering of custom banquette seating in white kitchen — One of the highlights of this kitchen is the custom banquette seating in the L-shaped island.

Nicole and Mike now have a regular formula when they start on a project. They post several options for wall colors, lighting fixtures, or other accessories to their Facebook and Instagram accounts. Their followers vote on their preferred options, Nicole tabulates the results, and voila!

Project Timeline

Although this project timeline was a bit rushed, Nicole was pleased by how smoothly the design process went. “We were especially impressed by the feedback we received from our designer. Mike and I would get on the phone with our designer who gave us lots of feedback on where and how particular cabinets and kitchen elements should be placed. This back & forth greatly improved the overall functionality of this kitchen.”

Mike, who has been in the construction and remodeling business for decades was very happy with the construction of the cabinets themselves. “The quality was excellent, and they were easy to install. We were a bit worried about having to assemble the custom banquette seating on-site. However, the instructions included were clear and easy to follow, so putting together this custom-designed piece was a breeze.”

The seasoned home improvement experts also appreciated the multiple renderings that accompany each design packet. Not only did it give them a good sense of the space well before construction, but their thousands of social media followers loved getting a “sneak peek” of this project. Nicole also notes that using the renderings to show her clients what the kitchen would look like made a big difference. “We sold this house well before the renovation was finished!”