About Us
Barbara French – Owner
Barbara French – Owner
Kym Alayne-Heaton – Designer
As a member of NKBA and Designer for French’s Cabinet Gallery, Kym Heaton has been designing kitchens and bathrooms for over 18 years. Before becoming a cabinet designer, she expressed her creativity as a professional dancer with a prestigious Chicago dance company, sang professionally in a show at Universal Studios Hollywood, and was an NFL cheerleader for our very own Tennessee Titan’s here in Nashville. She brings this high level of drive and professionalism into every design project. She not only works well with builders and contractors to make sure everything is measured to perfection, she also ensures her clients’ cabinets are both stunning and functional.
615-371-8385 x 2
Kym Alayne-Heaton – Designer
As a member of NKBA and Designer for French’s Cabinet Gallery, Kym Heaton has been designing kitchens and bathrooms for over 18 years. Before becoming a cabinet designer, she expressed her creativity as a professional dancer with a prestigious Chicago dance company, sang professionally in a show at Universal Studios Hollywood, and was an NFL cheerleader for our very own Tennessee Titan’s here in Nashville. She brings this high level of drive and professionalism into every design project. She not only works well with builders and contractors to make sure everything is measured to perfection, she also ensures her clients’ cabinets are both stunning and functional.
615-371-8385 x 2
615-371-8385 x 4
615-371-8385 x 4
“It’s not just your kitchen; it’s a reflection of your lifestyle”
Stephen is a veteran of the home improvement trades for over 35 years. Prior to starting a boutique-style kitchen studio in Long Island, NY in 2007, he worked as a designer in showrooms within varying economic areas. “I started my own studio because I recognized the need for better customer service. Remodeling can be a daunting process for a homeowner, and they should receive as much guidance and patience as they need.”
Stephen is a former Vice-President and charter board member of the NKBA Manhattan Chapter. He is a two-time recipient of NARI’s Contractor of the Year, Best on Long Island for Kitchen Design, as well as other design awards. He has a real commitment to community, serving on the boards of his local Kiwanis and the Developmental Disabilities Institute. He also served a term as president of his chamber of commerce. Stephen was winner of businessperson of the year, which is awarded for outstanding business ethics, in 2010 and 2023.
Stephen moved to Franklin, TN in December, 2023 in support of a family member and has chosen French’s because of their similar mindset and commitment to the client.
615-371-8385 x 3
Stephen D. Wangel – Designer
Stephen is a veteran of the home improvement trades for over 35 years. Prior to starting a boutique-style kitchen studio in Long Island, NY in 2007, he worked as a designer in showrooms within varying economic areas. “I started my own studio because I recognized the need for better customer service. Remodeling can be a daunting process for a homeowner, and they should receive as much guidance and patience as they need.”
Stephen is a former Vice-President and charter board member of the NKBA Manhattan Chapter. He is a two-time recipient of NARI’s Contractor of the Year, Best on Long Island for Kitchen Design, as well as other design awards. He has a real commitment to community, serving on the boards of his local Kiwanis and the Developmental Disabilities Institute. He also served a term as president of his chamber of commerce. Stephen was winner of businessperson of the year, which is awarded for outstanding business ethics, in 2010 and 2023.
Stephen moved to Franklin, TN in December, 2023 in support of a family member and has chosen French’s because of their similar mindset and commitment to the client.
615-371-8385 x 3
Rachel Thomas – Office Manager
Rachel and her family moved to the Nashville area from Kansas City, Missouri in September 2018 and she immediately fell in love with Tennessee’s beautiful landscape and endless opportunities for adventure! She comes to French’s Cabinet Gallery with over 20 years’ experience in customer relations, administrative support, and office management in fields ranging from healthcare and residential construction to education. In her role as Office Manager, Rachel works behind the scenes to ensure that the business runs smoothly and efficiently. In addition to her organization and business contributions, she also has an eye for decorating and loves to stage our completed projects for photoshoots.
615-371-8385 x 6
Rachel Thomas – Office Manager
Rachel and her family moved to the Nashville area from Kansas City, Missouri in September 2018 and she immediately fell in love with Tennessee’s beautiful landscape and endless opportunities for adventure! She comes to French’s Cabinet Gallery with over 20 years’ experience in customer relations, administrative support, and office management in fields ranging from healthcare and residential construction to education. In her role as Office Manager, Rachel works behind the scenes to ensure that the business runs smoothly and efficiently. In addition to her organization and business contributions, she also has an eye for decorating and loves to stage our completed projects for photoshoots.
615-371-8385 x 6
Jerry Howell – Project Manager
Jerry and his wife moved to the Nashville area in 2019 to be near their kids and grandkids. He thinks it’s the best move they ever made! Prior to moving to the Nashville area, Jerry worked as a structural building inspector for the City of Houston, TX for 11 years. He also has over 15 years experience in the cabinet industry, building and installing custom cabinets. As Project Manager at French’s Cabinet Gallery, Jerry helps our designers by doing field measures, managing and scheduling installations and deliveries, completing final punch list items on installations, assisting with warranty calls, and more. Jerry’s attention to detail and commitment to customer service makes him a perfect addition to the French’s Cabinet Gallery team.
615-371-8385 x 6
Jerry Howell – Project Manager
Jerry and his wife moved to the Nashville area in 2019 to be near their kids and grandkids. He thinks it’s the best move they ever made! Prior to moving to the Nashville area, Jerry worked as a structural building inspector for the City of Houston, TX for 11 years. He also has over 15 years experience in the cabinet industry, building and installing custom cabinets. As Project Manager at French’s Cabinet Gallery, Jerry helps our designers by doing field measures, managing and scheduling installations and deliveries, completing final punch list items on installations, assisting with warranty calls, and more. Jerry’s attention to detail and commitment to customer service makes him a perfect addition to the French’s Cabinet Gallery team.
615-371-8385 x 6