For many homeowners, the process of planning a new kitchen is exciting — but for others, it can be daunting or even overwhelming. Having trusted resources is essential to create a luxury kitchen that is beautiful, functional, and energy efficient. One resource often recommended by New England architects and designers is Clarke, New England’s official Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove showroom. With two award-winning Massachusetts locations and a third in South Norwalk, Conn., Clarke offers homeowners a level of expertise that is rare to find today. 

“A visit to a Clarke showroom is a valuable step in the design process without the intrusion of a cash register,” Sean Clarke, president of the eponymous company, explains. “When my father opened the first Clarke showroom in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, almost 35 years ago, the only way to decide if a Sub-Zero refrigerator was right for your kitchen was to go to a local appliance store and see these appliances leaning up against the wall with no surrounding cabinetry. Clarke changed that paradigm and built showrooms that include dozens of full-size kitchens created by New England’s top designers with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances in an array of installations. We are the place to educate yourself about what’s possible in your kitchen.”

Why designers love Clarke

Many designers suggest that homeowners start their luxury kitchen design with appliance research. “I take my clients to Clarke early in the process,” explains Veronica Campbell, an award-winning kitchen designer from Deane, Inc. “They can use the appliances, and really know this is what they like, and then I can design the cabinetry around them.”

Architect Patrick Ahearn, winner of several architectural awards including the 2024 Bulfinch Award, says that homeowners enjoy touring Clarke because it gives them a “sense of space and scale” of the room they are designing and makes it easier for them to select the appliances that will work in their home.

In fact, a trip to Clarke can actually save you time and money. When you learn about must-have appliances later in the process and floor plans need to be modified or completely redrawn, it both slows down the project and adds design cost. Since the appliances are a significant investment and their positioning will impact the design, it is wise to make these selections early in the project timeline.

Avoid buyer’s remorse

“We often hear from homeowners that they wish they had seen a particular appliance before they made a purchase,” Jeremy McCulla, showroom manager of Clarke’s Boston location, shares. “They say, ‘I didn’t even imagine that was possible. I wish I had known.’”

At Clarke, you can test drive many of the appliances or attend an appliance demonstration. This option is very helpful for homeowners who are investigating new technology like induction cooking or steam ovens. According to Clarke Showroom Consultant Lee Maida, “Eight out of 10 homeowners decide to add the Wolf Convection Steam Oven to their kitchen design once they see it in action at the showroom and taste the results.”

Many customers are aware of Sub-Zero and Wolf but are surprised by the wide variety of appliances they offer. In addition to the popular Wolf Convection Steam Oven, homeowners love the convenience of Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer drawers, the elegance of Sub-Zero wine storage, and the versatility of Wolf warming drawers, convection speed ovens, and dual fuel ranges. 

Design your kitchen with convenience in mind

“Wolf’s technology can and will make your life easier,” says Clarke Corporate Showroom Director Marco Barallon, who helms the South Norwalk, Conn., showroom. “The Gourmet Mode in Wolf ovens automatically adjusts the cooking temperature, time, and humidity for a variety of foods. Meat, fish, baked goods, pizza, vegetables, and more can be prepared with this amazing feature. You’ll simply follow the directions on the screen, select the options for your meal, set it, and go. The oven will chime when your food is ready to perfection.”

Enjoy a chef for the life of your appliances

Clarke also has professional chefs on staff, who become a resource for homeowners who purchase Wolf appliances in New England. 

“I’ve had homeowners who come to see me once a month to learn the best way to use their appliances,” Clarke Chef Shelby Grigoriadis says. “Others have called me in a pinch when they are planning a dinner party and want to know which oven mode would be best to prepare a certain dish.”

Schedule a Clarke showroom appointment today

You can’t buy anything at Clarke, which makes the experience free of any sales pressure. If you decide you’d like to purchase any of the appliances, Clarke will connect you with a trusted dealer in your area where you can discuss final selections and delivery details. Beyond Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, you may also enjoy learning about Best Ventilation (a key element in most luxury kitchens), Scotsman ice machines, and The Galley workstation, a fascinating new category of kitchen appliance with 50 different coordinated products, including sinks, faucets, cutting boards, bowls, colanders, drain racks, and more.

To optimize your time at Clarke, schedule an appointment to ensure one of the friendly, knowledgeable showroom consultants is available to guide you through selections and answer all your questions. You’ll want to set aside an hour or two for your visit. If you’re feeling at all concerned with how to select the right appliances for your home, you will feel confident and relaxed when you leave Clarke.