Kitchen & Bath Design News 2014 November

Citation preview

18 BRUCE KELLERAN

20 SARAH REEP

22 STEVE NICHOLLS

The leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen & bath trade

11/14 ®

42 | Color Trends

Shades of Grey Remain Hot

46 | Product Trend Report

Countertops Spotlight Natural Looks 32 | Fall Bath Remodeling Report

Baths Showcase Baths Showcase

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In this issue { Volume 32, Number 11, November 2014 }

ON THE COVER

Photo: Jason Ropp, RoppOp

39 32 32 | Fall Bath Remodeling Report

Baths Spotlight Tile Designs Porcelain tile is as hot as it’s ever been, with designers coast to coast showcasing its diversity in many of their master bath designs, while nature-inspired materials and colors and a focus on showers are also trending in the bath.

Photo: Treve Johnson Photography

Features

39 | Laundry Room Trends

Laundry Rooms Double Up Constraints on square footage have led to central laundry areas sharing space with mud rooms or pet areas, while secondary laundry spaces are sharing the cleaning load.

Departments 5 | Editorial 6 | Barometers 7 | Consumer Buying Trends

46

8 | Market Pulse 10 | Industry Update 24 | Industry Profle 28 | Project Case Study 54 | Product Review Photo: Ken Pamatat

58 | Advertiser Index 59 | Product & Literature Showcase 59 | Classifed Advertising

42 42 | Color Trends

50 Shades of Grey A nearly endless array of grey hues dominate today’s color palette, with pops of bright red, cool blue and warm gold.

46 | Product Trend Report

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Columns

Surface Solutions

18 | Business Management by Bruce Kelleran, CKD, CPA

Nature-inspired looks, calming colors, durability, texture and value are among the hottest trends in countertops, with demand for stylish, personalized options at every price point.

20 | Inside Today’s Showroom by Sarah Reep, CMKBD, ASID, CMG, CAPS, IIDA

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22 | Building the Job by Steve Nicholls

November 2014

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Editorial { Janice Costa, editor } ®

Publisher Paul DeGrandis

Color Trends Refect Growing Consumer Confdence

Publisher Emeritus Eliot Sefrin Editor Janice Anne Costa Managing Editor Anita Shaw Group Editorial Director Patrick O’Toole

The newest color palettes suggest a growing optimism, as evidenced by the willingness to embrace color and invest in personalizing the home – all of which bode well for the kitchen and bath market. ovember has always struck me as a wasted month – too late for colorful fall foliage, too early for holiday cheer, just a series of blah days that are more often than not grey and gloomy. This is the time of year that makes me wonder if the bears have it right – hibernating until spring and re-awakening when the world comes to life again in April. I’ve always been more of a summer person anyway, but it’s not just the arrival of cold weather that makes November such a downer for me; it’s the lack of color. Color has always had a profound impact on my state of mind; when things are good in my world, I tend to gravitate toward color. When things are not so good, safe and reliable black becomes my go-to choice for everything from fashion to furniture. My happiest memories are edged in warm, sunlit gold, spring green and pool blue – colors that speak to me on a personal level. And apparently I’m not alone. Numerous studies show that color not only impacts how we feel, but prevailing color trends can actually make a powerful statement about the mood of the country as a whole. When times are tough, people tend to favor darker

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shades, hibernating behind closed doors, subconsciously creating dark, cave-like havens to ride out the storm… or, they hide behind standardized “safe” colors that maximize resale value, living in permanent “pause” mode as they wait for things to stabilize. When times are better, however, colors get lighter

pearl to rich charcoal. In the kitchen, consumers are trading in stark, all-white kitchens for warmer offwhites jazzed up with notes of color on a countertop, cabinet interior, appliance or high-contrast island. St a i n l e s s s t e e l h a s evolved to warmer fnishes in graphite and soft shades of grey, and woods are

“As the economic climate has improved, consumers have been looking to add color to their world, being infuenced by everything from modern cuisine to furniture.” and brighter, with more demand for bright colors that speak to us personally, rather than to some anonymous future buyer. As the economic climate has improved, consumers have been looking to add color to their world, being inf luenced by everything from modern cuisine to furniture (see related Color Trend Report, Page 42). They want pops of vivid red or warm gold or cobalt blue, set against lighter backdrops of creamy white, warm, medium-tone woods or shades of grey that run the gamut from mushroom to silvery

getting lighter and more dimensional, with red-browns being replaced by those with soft grey undertones. In the bath, tile takes center stage, with nature-inspired colors and cool blues creating a mood that is both soothing and invigorating (see related story, Page 32). There’s also a growing demand for “experiential” colors – rich, textured colors that bring to mind a feeling of another time and place – outer space, or underwater environs, for example – and this speaks to a consumer base that is gaining confdence and more interested

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in experiencing the world through design. Color is even turning up in unexpected places, like the once-utilitarian laundry room, which is increasingly being personalized with everything from granite counter tops to color ful stacked cabinets with glass doors and interior lighting to pet amenities (see related story, Page 39). As with many design trends, color preferences vary by age, with younger consumers generally more willing to embrace color than their parents’ generation. Yet even older consumers seem more willing to inject a little bit of color into their home spaces right now. And that suggests an optimism that bodes well for the kitchen and bath industry. While renewed interest in color doesn’t guarantee a home remodeling boom, it does suggest that consumers are done hibernating. Rather, they are awakening to a more positive outlook on the economy, their homes and their lives – one rife with the possibilities of color, beauty and design. And when that’s the case, can interest in a new kitchen or bath be far behind?

Columnists Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID, CAPS Hank Darlington Leslie Hart Bruce Kelleran, CKD, CPA Stephen Nicholls Ken Peterson, CKD Mary Jo Peterson, CKD, CBD, CAPS Sarah Reep, CMKBD, ASID, CMG, CAPS, IIDA Bryan Reiss, CMKBD Eric Schimelpfenig, AKBD Art Director John Sidor Media Production Rep Connie Wolf Editor, ForResidentialPros.com Andrea Girolamo Web Site Manager Thamaraj Udomwongyont Circulation Manager Mike Serino Reader Service Manager Jeff Heine Administrative Assistant Marie Snow

Sola Group Inc. Copyright © 2014 by Sola Group Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be produced in any form, including electronically, without written permission from the publisher of Kitchen & Bath Design News.

@KBDN

November 2014

Contributing Writers Kim Berndtson Joe Dowd Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS Elizabeth Richards Denise Vermeulen

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Barometers { A look at key statistics & trends shaping the industry }

Signs Refect Upward Path for Housing EXISTING-HOME SALES BY REGION

EXISTING-HOME SALES BY PRICE RANGE $1M+

2%

West

22%

Northeast

13%

$750k$1M

2%

$100-$250k

44%

$0-$100k

Midwest

14%

25% South

40%

$250-$500k $500k-$750k

30%

8% While existing-home sales are expected to strengthen through the second half of 2014, forecasts call for resales to be down 3% this year compared to 2013. The pie graphs above – refecting the geographic and price-point distribution of existing home sales – point to the strongest market being the South and the most frequent price-point being between $100,000 and $250,000. Source: National Association of Realtors

s 2014 approaches its close, signs point to a continued recovery for the nation’s housing market, even though key indicators adhere to their recent erratic pattern. Among the key statistics and forecasts released in recent weeks by government agencies, research frms and industry-related trade associations were the following:

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HOUSING STARTS & NEW-HOME SALES Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes rose in September to its highest

reading since November of 2005, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released last month. At the same time, new-home sales increased to their highest level in six years – “a positive sign” for the housing market,” according to the Washington, DCbased NAHB. “This robust level of new-home sales activity is a good sign that the housing recovery is moving toward higher ground,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “Historically low mortgage rates, attractive

home prices and firming job and economic growth should keep the housing market moving forward,” Crowe said.

EXISTING-HOME SALES As long as solid job growth continues, household wages should rise to steadily improve purchasing power and help release pent-up demand for home-buying, the National Association of Realtors is predicting (see related story below; pie graphs, above). The Washington, DC-based NAR issued its predication last month in the wake of

another healthy gain in August, with year-to-date fgures through the frst eight months of 2014 well ahead of last year’s numbers, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. The Washington, DC-based AHAM reported last month that August appliance shipments totaled approximately 5.06 million units, up 5.3% from t he approx imately 4.80 million units shipped in August, 2013. Year-to-date shipments through August were up 4.4% over the total for the frst eight months of 2013, AHAM said.

CABINET & VANITY SALES

Domestic shipments of major home appliances posted

Sales of kitchen cabinets a nd va n it ies cont i nued their forward movement in the month of August, as they have throughout all of 2014, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association said last month. According to the Reston, VA-based KCMA, manufacturers participating in the association’s monthly “Trend of Business” survey reported that August sales of cabinets and vanities rose 5.8% over August 2013. Sales of stock cabinets increased 3.1%, semi-custom cabinet sales gained 8.1% and custom cabinet sales rose 8.8%, the KCMA said. Year-to-date sales through August were up 10.4% over the same eight-month period in 2013, the KCMA added.

July 2012 (at 34%) was the last time first-time buyers represented over one-third of all buyers, according to the Washington, DC-based NAR. However, Yun observed, “The employment outlook for young adults is brightening and their incomes fnally appear to be rising. Jobs and income gains will help repay

student debt and better position frst-time buyers, setting the stage for improved sales growth in upcoming years.” Added Yun: “First-time buyers have a better chance of purchasing a home now that bidding wars are receding and supply constraints have signifcantly eased in many parts of the country.”

reports that recent sales activity has softened, as investors paying in cash retreated from the market. Existinghome sales are expected to be stronger in the second half of the year behind improved inventory conditions, still-low interest rates and slower price growth. Overall, the NAR forecasts existinghomes sales to be down 3% this year, to 4.94 million, compared to 5.09 million sales in 2013.

APPLIANCE SHIPMENTS

MARKET ANALYSIS

First-Time Buyers Seen Helping Fuel Upswing In Housing

Washington, DC — Firsttime homebuyers have been less impactful than usual in the nation’s housing recovery – representing less than one-third of all buyers each month for the past two years – but frst-time buyer participation should gradually improve, even in the face of tight credit and an expected

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rise in mortgage rates. That’s the prediction of Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, which reported last month that frst-time buyers have represented less than 30% of all home buyers in 16 of the past 17 months (see related pie graphs, above).

Consumer Buying Trends { Demographics & buying patterns for the home } ®

Des Plaines, IL — Contemporary bathrooms with an Asian fair are a growing trend among remodeling consumers increasingly seeking a serene retreat in their master baths. So says the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, whose recent Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards competition featured several Asian-style bathrooms among the winning projects in the annual design competition. “Asian-style interiors evoke an image of serenity and tranquil calm, said the Des Plaines, IL-based NARI. “This style is a popular choice in bathroom design, as the desire to escape a hectic, urban lifestyle in a peaceful spa-like oasis is growing increasingly popular,” the trade association added. According to NARI, creating an Asian-inspired bathroom requires an understanding of several diferent styles and their distinct characteristics that bathroom space planners can achieve by blending colors found in nature with clean, contemporary lines that create a sense of harmony and balance. Sol Quintana Wagoner, senior interior designer for Jackson Design and Remodeling in San Diego, says there are many ways bathrooms can be designed to incorporate an Asian feel. Jackson Design won a 2014 National CotY Award for an Asian-style bath (for under $30,000) in which the homeowners wanted to make a memorable, dramatic statement in their contemporary-style home.

WEST/SOUTHWEST Reed Fry 20532 El Toro Road, Suite 101 Mission Viejo, CA 92692 Phone: 949/223-1088; Fax: 949/223-1088 Email: [email protected]

EAST/SOUTHEAST Joanne Naylor 540 Lee Court Wyckoff, NJ 07481 Phone: 201/891-9170; Fax: 201/839-9161 Email: [email protected]

often the key defning aspect, according to NARI. To achieve a truly harmonious design, it’s important to use a variety of textures and elements. Adding glass partitions, natural stone decorations, wooden foors, bamboo blinds and a few organic textures – as well as the use of both natural and lighting fxtures – is also critical, the association notes. Light and water play prominent design roles in a Japanesestyle master bath suite created by Foxcraft Design Group in Falls Church, VA, that’s flled with calm and tranquility. The project, which won a National CotY in the Residential Bath “Over $60,000” category, features a large open curb-less

Contrasts of light and dark provide the serene ambiance in this Asian-themed bath, designed by Foxcraft Design Group in Church Falls, VA and winner of the 2014 National CotY Award winning Bath Over $60,000.

An Asian inspired powder room by Jackson Design and Remodeling in San Diego, CA, conveys drama in a small space in this 2014 National CotY Award winning Bath Under $30,000.

The project featured a wall of tile in deep hues of ebony, gold and dark brown that created an earthy backdrop illuminated by gold leaf lighting. The bathroom’s lights utilize a cable system with weights to adjust the height, and serves as a functional solution with an Asian heritage. A curved mirror framed in a rustic wood hangs above an arced onyx sink that glows on top of the free-standing vanity with Shoji-style doors. Light is brought in through a fxed window with obscure glass, as well as a simple black entry pocket door ftted with Shoji-style panels. “We fnd that clients requesting Asian-inspired designs for their remodel often have acquired an afnity for Asian aesthetics during their travels, or while building collections of art and objects,” explains Quintana Wagoner. “They want to live with a visual expression of that afnity in their daily lives, surrounded by beautiful design in their homes.” While trying to plan for Asian-style interiors, balance is

MIDWEST Paul DeGrandis 724 12th St. Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone: 847/920-9513 Email: [email protected]

Courtesy National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Courtesy National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Asian-Style Interiors Seen as a Growing Trend in Bathroom Design

SALES OFFICES

shower that lets light food in from the window and skylight. Using a combination of half and full walls, the shower provides both privacy with controls at the entrance that allow adjustment of water temperature before entering the shower area. The gray and brown colors found outside on the home’s Japanese-style exterior are mimicked in the textured wet foor shower tiles, while the cross-cut pattern on the porcelain tiles is reminiscent of tree bark, and is accentuated by the wood cabinetry. Shoji screens allow natural light to flter through and provide the ability to open and close access to the dressing room area and commode. Bathroom renovations that open the space to bring in light, and that use nature-inspired design elements such as river pebble showering foors, is a trend that DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen of Colorado Springs, CO is also seeing. “People want a warm, spa-like abode that’s welcoming,” says owner Mark Witte, noting that homeowners are opting for stream showers with multiple showerheads, tiles on the walls, music and built-in televisions. “What we’re seeing in our market is a range of bathroom remodeling projects with master suites ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 that involve a complete tear-out of everything, rearranging of fxtures, new double vanities, tub, shower and commode,” Witte says. “Hall bathrooms and powder rooms are usually about $15,000, when the footprint of the existing space is used. What drives the cost is how much you move around, the size of the bathroom, upscale fxtures and plumbing. “Customers,” he adds, “want to spurge on comfort items like heated foor tiles and towel racks.”

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DIGITAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Tim Steingraber Phone: 773/858-4256 Email: [email protected] PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE/CLASSIFIED ADS Nancy Campoli 558 Prospect Avenue River Vale, NJ 07675 Phone: 800/547-7377 x6127 Email: [email protected]

EDITORIAL OFFICES 3 Huntington Quadrangle, Suite 301N Melville, NY 11747 Janice Anne Costa, Editor Phone: 631/963-6233 Email: [email protected] Anita Shaw, Managing Editor Phone: 631/963-6209 Email: [email protected]

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS Sola Group Inc. 724 12th St. Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone: 847/920-9513 Eliot Sefrin, Publisher Emeritus Email: [email protected] Paul DeGrandis, President Email: [email protected] Marie Snow, Administrator Email: [email protected]

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Market Pulse { Readers’ opinions on industry-related issues }

Designers Discuss Client Demographics Kitchen & Bath Design News recently posed this question to dealers and designers in the kitchen and bath industry: “Do the majority of your clients tend to fall into a specifc age range and, if so, has that age range changed in the last few years? Do you market diferently according to what generation your client is from? If so, how?”

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y client base ranges through all of the spectrums. I currently have clients with babies and another set who are retired or close to being so; clients who have never had children and clients with two, planning many more; 1%-ers and workers at the 1%-ers’ companies; straight and gay; plus new and, most importantly, repeat clients. I have found the single most valuable way of connecting with new clients – and enabling former clients from decades ago with whom I have long since lost touch to fnd me – is to maintain an online presence via my Web site and, lately, Houzz. Both require good photography. I have invested in that from day one of my career. The cost of getting reasonably good photos has fallen dramatically, thanks to digital photography and its related tools.” Richard Landon, NWSID, CMKBD Northwest Society of Interior Designers Bellevue, WA

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aving grown up in this business, the clients seem to get younger, but that could be because I’m getting older! Since our client base spans a wide range of age and generations, we do try to vary our marketing methods. The younger generation is clearly more digitally oriented, so Web-based marketing is more efective: Houzz, Angie’s List, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Our older clients gravitate to print and personal contact, so neighborhood magazines and social events are more efective [with that demographic]. One thing that always stays true, no matter what the age, is the importance of word-of-mouth personal recommendations and referrals, so it’s important to satisfy each client individually, no matter their stage of life.” Lee Williams, Owner Cabinet Concepts Greensboro, NC

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fnd that the age grouping of my clients tends to be region specifc. For instance, I live up in the foothills and a majority of the local clients I get are older Baby Boomers fnally settling in and ready to have the kitchen of their

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November 2014

dreams. However, the majority of the calls I get from the Sacramento retro area tend to be a bit younger. And no, I do not market diferently according to generation. I tend to think that when people are ready to take that big step, they will seek out the professional that they feel is right for them. I do not aim for a specifc age range, but I do like designs that stand the test of time, and I believe everyone, in every price range, deserves to have a beautiful kitchen or bath.” Jenny Levitsky, Owner/Designer Ultimate Designs Placerville, CA

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ur clients generally fall in the 50 and over age range. The age range doesn’t seem to have changed over the years. We do no paid marketing. We have a Web site and a Facebook page. All of our sales come through those avenues, repeat customers and referrals.” Dino Rachiele Rachiele, LLC Apopka, FL

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he average age of our clients has consistently been mid-forties and over. That hasn’t changed in over 50 years. Very rarely do we fnd the 30-somethings or younger purchasing product at the high end unless they’re from old money. We do not market or brand to specifc age brackets.” Robert A. Somrak Jr. CKD, V.P. Operations Somrak Kitchens, Inc. Cleveland, OH

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ur client age range at Motif is between 32 and 60, though we are seeing more clients in their 70s who are very eager to update their look. Our younger clientele is very Internet savvy and usually has done an extreme amount of research before their initial appointment with our design frm. They will arrive with many photos of ‘their’ look. They are also very aware of design trends and materials. Their ‘wants’ on appliances are, for the most part, very high end. There seems to be a resurgence of entertaining and having a beautiful

home, which makes it very easy for us to sell higher-end and very cutting-edge projects to the younger age group. A zinc or a cement countertop comes as no surprise in a design presentation, whereas with our older clientele, the acceptance of ‘new’ may not be there.” Martha Gargano, Designer Motif Plantsville, CT

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ost of our clients are more than 50 years old, though we have some who are in their late 30s to 40s. We like to target specifc areas and zip codes within the state based on household income for advertising, because we realize that homeowners with lower-end projects like to shop the big-box stores since they can fnance their project.” Daniel Khoshkharaman, President – Interior Architect Grandior Kitchen & Bath Cockeysville, MD

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ost of my clients, but by no means all, are couples, 40-60. My marketing program does not change to target this age range, but I think the reason for it is two-fold: Much of my business is word-of-mouth, and since I myself am in that age range, many of my clients are as well. Also, I believe that this is an age where people are established, have owned homes for a period of time or are up/downsizing, and have the disposable income to aford a signifcant investment in their home.” Cassia Wyner, AKBD CW Design Brookline, MA

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ecently, I’ve noticed that most of my clients are in the 50-55 and over age group. We’re fnding that most of these clients have become empty nesters or are moving to houses more suited to just one or two people. These clients have healthy budgets for the scope of their projects and, rather than wanting to do the work themselves, they are turning the projects over to us from start to fnish. This has actually proven to be the best age group we have ever worked with. This is a change from our client age group of a few years ago. In the past, our main client group was a little younger – between 35 and 45. In that age group, we were fnding that they wanted to do some work themselves and questioned us more about the costs of services and goods.” Lori Brock Brock Design Group Portland, OR

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Industry Update { Noteworthy developments impacting the kitchen and bath market }

Dallas Final Stop for Seminar Series in 2014 Melville, NY — November will mark the fnal month for the 2014 edition of “Art + Science,” the series of all-day seminars being presented by Kitchen & Bath Design News in key metropolitan markets this year. The highly acclaimed seminar series is scheduled to conclude its eight-city run Nov. 13 at the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas hotel in Dallas. The educational initiative, currently in the second of a three-year run, was previously presented this year in Fort Lauderdale, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Seattle, Denver and Stamford. The program will visit eight new cities in 2015, according to KBDN Publisher Emeritus Eliot Sefrin. Locations and dates will be announced shortly, Sefrin added. Created for kitchen and bath designers looking to refresh their creative talents and expand their technological skills, “Art + Science” is aimed at identifying “what’s next” in design and technology so that design professionals can better address the needs of a younger, less-traditional client while increasing company profts in the New Digital Age. “Art + Science” spotlights the growing trend toward contemporary kitchens

and baths that require an entirely new way of managing the space and connecting the elements of the room. Also featured is a multi-media program that presents a vision of the industry’s digital present and future, including ways design professionals can leverage cutting-edge technological tools from initial client contact through fnal contract. Leading the programs is a pair of KBDN contributors: Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID, CAPS, widely considered to be the nation’s premier kitchen and bath design authority, and Eric Schimelpfenig, AKBD, a leading authority on cuttingedge technology impacting the kitchen and bath industry. 2014 sponsors have included BEST, Geberit, Hafele America, Jenn-Air, RevA-Shelf and Showplace Wood Products. Information about attending the program can be obtained by visiting KBDN’s Web site, www.ForResidentialPros.com.

SEN-KBDN Seminars Close Year Melville, NY — Last month marked the conclusion of a year-long series of all-day seminars produced under the terms of an exclusive educational alliance between Kitchen & Bath Design News and the SEN Design Group. The six-city seminar series concluded its 2014 run last month at the Cosentino/Silestone showrooms in Kansas City and Denver. The program will be presented in six new cities in 2015, according to KBDN Publisher Emeritus Eliot Sefrin. Titled “Learn How to Double Your Sales Volume Using a Proven Selling System,” the program was led by SEN President Ken Peterson, CKD. Created specifcally for showroom owners, managers and sales designers, the programs focus on how kitchen and bath dealers can improve closing percentages, sales volume and gross margins by implementing a well-thought-out selling system keyed to today’s market. Sponsors of the 2014 educational initiative included Silestone by Cosentino, Hafele America, Dura Supreme, Medallion/Yorktowne/MasterCraft/DesignCraft, Autokitchen, Signature Kitchen & Bath magazine, Cambridge Steel Works, Task Lighting, WoodTrac and Warmly Yours. Information, including registration details, is available by contacting the Chapel Hill, NCbased SEN Design Group, at (800) 991-1711.

Davis & Warshow Takes Ferguson Name in New York Metro Area New York, NY — Davis & Warshow, which announced a union with wholesale plumbing distributor Ferguson in late 2012, has begun operating under the Ferguson name, Ferguson ofcials have announced. “We want all of the varied customers we work with – architects, interior designers, plumbing and building trade contractors, as well as homeowners – to know that even though the sign on the building is diferent, the high level of service that D&W’s loyal customers have received over the past 87 years will remain the same,” said Jim Golini, district manager for Ferguson New York Metro. The D&W acquisition included eight wholesale and fve showroom locations dotting Manhattan, Westchester County and Long Island, supplementing Ferguson’s 17 wholesale and 12 showrooms in parts of New Jersey that are included in its Metro New York territory. “Our Manhattan showrooms continue to be destinations for top architects, interior designers and specifers,” said David Finkel, whose family founded D&W and who now is business group manager – Showrooms/Builder Sales, for Ferguson New York Metro. “We’re helping to bring this style of showroom experience to other Ferguson locations. We’ll also be expanding in the coming year, strategically opening new showrooms in other communities throughout the tri-state region. Growth in this market is very much on our agenda,” he added.

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KCMA Announces New Strategic Plan Reston, VA — After a year of active discussion and review, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan to create a long-term focus and direction for the association and defne short-term implementation priorities and guidelines consistent with the Mission Statement. KCMA President Brad Boyer, American Woodmark Corp., described the efort as “outstanding.” The process included an environmental scan of KCMA members, non-members and other stakeholders to identify and evaluate key planning issues in the external environment and industry, and changes in members’ expectations for benefts and organizational factors. The association received high marks in the surveys for the value it brings to members and the industry through its various management studies and reports, legislative/regulatory representation, certifcation programs, management conference, plant tours and annual meeting. The following Mission Statement was adopted to help guide the association in coming years: The KCMA is a trade association that represents the interests of kitchen, bath and other residential cabinet manufacturers and suppliers that serve the U.S. market. KCMA’s Mission is to promote industry and member growth by serving our members and their customers through: • Developing and gaining adoption of standards. • Sponsoring, facilitating and disseminating credible research. • Representing members’ interests in legislative and regulatory processes. • Providing management tools and educational opportunities. • Creating networking opportunities for information exchange and relationship development. Implementation priorities and guidelines included: • KCMA should promote or reinforce market and economic opportunities available to all members through its strong advocacy program. • KCMA should implement Web site and social media strategies that are state-of-the-art for industry trade associations. • KCMA should enhance the content and improve recognition of its Certifcations. • KCMA should design and implement a comprehensive development strategy to retain current and attract new members.

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Circle No. 4 on Product Card

Industry Update { Noteworthy developments impacting the kitchen and bath market }

Middleby Corp. Purchases U-Line Richmond, VA — Harris Williams & Co. investment bank has announced the pending sale of U-Line Corporation, portfolio company of Linsalata Capital Partners, to The Middleby Corporation. The pending transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014. “We continue to see strong interest in premium consumer brands serving the residential housing market,” added Corey Benjamin, v.p. in Harris Williams & Co.’s Consumer Group. “U-Line will be a highly complementary addition to The Middleby Corporation’s growing portfolio of consumer-facing brands, and we look forward to watching the company’s continued success with its new partner.”

Cosentino Opens Long Island Center Hicksville, NY — More than 300 people, including building and design industry leaders and top Cosentino executives, attended the grand opening reception of the Long Island Cosentino Center on September 18. The new Long Island center, based in Hicksville, NY, is the 27th North American Cosentino Center. The evening included remarks from Eduardo Cosentino, president and CEO of Cosentino North America; Dawn Patroni, general manager for the Long Island Cosentino Center, and Brandon Calvo, chief operating ofcer of distribution. The grand opening celebrated the local culture as well as the company’s Spanish heritage with Spanish tapas and an acrobatic act. With more than 27,000 square

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12 | Kitchen & Bath Design News

Eduardo Cosentino, president and CEO of Cosentino North America, and Dawn Patroni, general manager for the Long Island Cosentino Center, celebrate the opening of the company’s newest center in Hicksville, NY.

NKBA Names 30 Under 30 Group

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feet, the newest Cosentino Center showcases the full portfolio of Cosentino brands, including: Silestone natural quartz; Dekton ultra-compact surface; ECO by Cosentino recycled surface; SenSa Granite; Scalea Natural Stone; Marlique Marble; MURO Mosaics, and the Prexury Collection, a semi-precious stone line. The Long Island Cosentino Center is the frst to showcase Dekton as an exterior façade. The Cosentino Center is designed to support, promote and educate trade professionals by integrating distribution facilities, exhibition areas, and workspaces for designers to bring clients, classrooms for continuing education and fully functioning kitchens and event space for demonstrations.

November 2014

Hackettstown, NJ — The National Kitchen & Bath Association will recognize the 2015 30 Under 30 group at the upcoming Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, to be held Jan. 20 - 22, 2015, in Las Vegas. In a program called “Introductions to the Industry,” the group will make its debut on January 20, at 10:15 a.m. at Center Stage, NKBA Booth #N2163. “Introduced in 2013, the 30 Under 30 program is designed to capture the voice of the next generation of kitchen and bathroom professionals,” says 2014 NKBA President-Elect Maria Stapperfenne, CKD, CBD. “The group scours the show foor for innovations, trends and new technologies, as well as sustainable business practices and emerging business models, and then shares these insights with attendees.” At KBIS 2015, the newly inducted group will work on obtaining information on a specifc topic from exhibitor feedback and share their fndings during a presentation on Jan. 21 at Center Stage. This year the 30 Under 30 recipients will work in 10 groups of three to conduct research on design trends such as sustainability, aging in place and multi-generational design, as well as business trends such as global infuences, products, systems and more. The candidates selected for the 30 Under 30 program at KBIS 2015 include: Emily Alt, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen; Melissa Austin, AKBD, Afnity Stoneworks/Afnity Kitchen and Bath; Jamie Banfeld, Jamie Banfeld Design; Jonathan Barfell, Jenn-Air; Krista Benton, AKBD, CabinetWerks, a div. of Orren Pickell Building; Danielle Bohn, AKBD, Creative Kitchen Designs, Inc.; Stephanie Brick, Associate AIA, Nicely Done Kitchens & Baths; Deena Castello, Cabochon Surfaces & Fixtures; Michelle Eglington, Euro-Line Appliances West Inc.; Monty Elsabbagh, Canadian General Contractors Group; Kara Feinberg, Allied Kitchen and Bath; Megan Greve, Edmond Kitchen & Bath LLC; Katharine Hatcher, Southern Kitchens; Jag Khangura, Kitply Industries; Jennifer Murphy, Associates in Building + Design; Jessica Petrino, Yale Appliance and Lighting; Kerri Plazza, Cabinets Extraordinaire; Chelsey Preuss, Minnesota Cabinets, Inc.; Leanne Richard, The Home Depot; Amanda Rivera, Moen Inc.; Katie Roberts, Amerock; Victoria Ross, Cosentino; Diana Runyon, Select Kitchen and Bath; Nikki Sayers, Huntwood Cabinets; Damara Scheeler, North Star Remodeling; Megan Siason, Marrokal Design & Remodeling; Tyl Thomas, Panda Kitchen & Bath Expo; Alexandria Van Nuys, Lane Homes & Remodeling; Brynne Welper, The Home Depot, and Elizabeth Wesley, Lifestyle Kitchen Studio.

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Industry Update { Noteworthy developments impacting the kitchen and bath market }

TOTO Named Global Leader Morrow, GA — TOTO has been distinguished as a global leader in

the building products industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) based on its long-term strategy and economic, environmental and social performance. This is the fourth consecutive

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year the TOTO Global Group has received this honor. Annually, DJSI World tracks the 2,500 largest sustainability-driven companies in the S&P Global Broad Market Index. In 2014, only 319 com-

panies were named to the DJSI World listing. After review by RobecoSAM, specialists focused exclusively on sustainable investment, the TOTO Global Group scored highest in social performance for the third year in a row. The company was lauded for its human capital development, corporate citizenship and talent attraction and retention. The TOTO Group also received top honors for its economic performance in customer management and environmental performance for its initiatives to reduce global warming. “The TOTO Global Group is deeply committed to making people’s lives better, protecting the planet and keeping our water pure. We are proud to have contributed to environmental sustainability through innovative plumbing products and water-related services since TOTO was first established in 1917,” said Daijiro Nogata, chief executive ofcer for TOTO USA. “We are deeply honored to be named a global leader for the building products industry again this year by the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.” Recently, the TOTO Group announced its Global Environmental Vision that defned key performance indicators and targets, which the TOTO Global Group will work together to achieve by 2017, the year of TOTO’s centenary. This includes work in: conserving water, preventing global warming, conserving natural resources, keeping the Earth clean, conserving biodiversity and contributing to local communities. The TOTO Group calls its social contribution projects that relate to the environment (such as tree planting and environmental cleanup) Green Volunteer programs. The company encourages all of its employees to participate in these programs. The goal is to increase the number of Green Volunteers worldwide to 55,000.

Thermador Names Winners Irvine, CA — Thermador has revealed the grand prize winners of its national Kitchen Design Challenge. Chosen from 16 regional fnalists, the grand prize winners are: Justin Woodward of Craftsman Kitchens in Salt Lake City, UT for the Contemporary/Modern category; Peter Cardamone & Lynne Kaltman of Bluebell Kitchens in Springhouse, PA for the Traditional/ Transitional category, and Linda McLain and Lindsay Hulsey of Signature Kitchens & Baths of Charleston, Inc. in Charleston, SC for the Refrigeration, Traditional/ Transitional category. All 16 nominees were awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to Southern California for an exclusive celebratory gala where the grand prize winners were announced.

This year’s contest was expanded over the previous year to include more opportunities to win and more incentives for entering, including a total prize value of over $225,000, with cash prizes totaling $100,000.

Winners also received marketing and promotion opportunities through the contest, as well as an all-expenses-paid trip for two to a celebration weekend in the fall of 2014. The feld of regional winners

was doubled in the 2012-2013 challenge from 8 to 16, and the contest was expanded to include submissions from design frms in addition to individual designers, according to the company.

DRESS YOUR CABINETS.

Xylem Adopts Name Change Roswell, GA — Xylem Group, LLC has changed its corporate name to Xync Brands, LLC, and changed its Xylem product brand name to Ryvyr and its former Xylem Hospitality division name to Xync Contract. With a concentration in the kitchen and bath industry, Xync Brands President Hal Weinstein plans to take the new Ryvyr brand name to market with an array of new products. “The brand name Ryvyr, a playful variation of the word river, represents fowing ingenuity from which streams of products designed and crafted for total satisfaction will stem,” says Weinstein, adding that Ryvyr product designs will be named after a river somewhere in the world. The product ofering begins with transitional designs, but it also spans elegant traditional to European modern.

w w w. To p K no b s . c o m 908-359-6174 800-499-9095 November 2014 Circle No. 7 on Product Card

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15

Industry Update { Noteworthy developments impacting the kitchen and bath market }

Aquatic Opens California Facility Anaheim, CA — Aquatic has expanded its nationwide network of manufacturing facilities with the opening of a new 26,000-sq.-ft., multi-purpose facility called “The Lab,” in Corona, CA. This is the second time in two months that the company has added signifcant operational capacity. Aquatic previously announced expansion at its Elizabethtown, PA plant. With the new

Corona location, Aquatic now has seven facilities across the U.S. In addition to acting as a warehouse and distribution center for Southern California customers, the company’s research and development arm has also relocated to the Corona facility from Yorba Linda, CA. Lab visitors can now collaborate with on-site product development professionals.

Liebherr & Arch Digest Host Charity Event Margaret Russell, editor in chief of Architectural Digest, and Liebherr Refrigeration co-hosted a Fall Fete to beneft God’s Love We Deliver on September 23. Held at The Loft at Savant Experience Center in New York City, attendees included top industry designers and architects. Enjoying the festivities are (above, l. to r.): Karen Pearl, president & CEO, God’s Love We Deliver; David Ludwigson, chief development ofcer, God’s Love We Deliver; Margaret Russell, editor in chief, Architectural Digest; Tammilyn Leyser, sales & marketing coordinator, Liebherr; Giulio Capua, Architectural Digest v.p. & publisher, and Josef Steigmiller, v. p., Liebherr Refrigeration, The Americas.

16 | Kitchen & Bath Design News

November 2014

Crossville Names Contest Winner Crossville, TN — Crossville, Inc. has unveiled the winning design of its 2014 Breast Cancer Awareness scarf. Entitled “Birds of a Feather,” the chosen artwork is the creation of Nicole Johnson, showroom manager of United Tile’s Spokane, WA branch. Johnson was one of 12 entrants in Crossville’s frst annual competition that invited representatives from the company’s distribution network to submit original artwork. The judging panel was comprised of industry personalities and Crossville professionals who voted to determine the winning design. Participants included: Jeanne Khoe Chung, Pasadena, CA-based interior designer and owner of Cozy-Stylish-Chic; Laurie Laizure, founder and moderator of the 30K+-member Interior Design Community on Google+, and Courtney M. Price, Dallas-based interior designer and design writer for Hufngton Post. Price states, “I have deep admiration for Crossville’s spirited participation with ‘The Common Thread for the Cure’. As a survivor, I am especially honored to have been asked to participate in their awareness program. Cheers to Crossville for supporting such a worthwhile cause.” Though the company has produced Breast Cancer Awareness scarves since 2007, this is the frst year it hosted a competition to develop the design. The annual scarf production is one part of Crossville’s year-round support of those in the design and furnishings industry who are facing breast cancer. A portion of profts from all sales of the Glass Blox collection goes to The Common Thread for the Cure, the industry’s organization ofering practical support for families facing the ramifcations of breast cancer. Crossville has made a $2,500 donation to The Common Thread for the Cure in honor of Nicole Johnson and her winning design and will also match that amount for a total $5,000 contribution. The scarves are made available nationwide by distributors and retailers. Crossville will launch its 2015 competition in spring of next year.

KBIS 2015 Booth Awards Accepting Submissions Alpharetta, GA — The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, to be held in Las Vegas January 20-22, will again be honoring the best displays with the KBIS 2015 Innovation Booth Awards. “We’re raising the bar on the KBIS Innovation Booth Awards for 2015,” said Brian Pagel, v.p. Kitchen & Bath Group, Emerald Expositions. “With the launch of KBISNeXT, we’re pushing the envelope of what’s new and next in all things design. Part of what makes KBIS ‘the’ place to be in January are all the innovative designs and displays in the North and South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center.” Exhibitors are invited to enter the competition at www.kbisinnovation.com. There is no cost to enter. Entries will have their entire booth

judged throughout the show by a juried panel of representatives from the National Kitchen & Bath Association, KBIS and elite professionals in the kitchen, bath and display design industry segments, including

Modenus BlogTour Las Vegas participants. Booths will be judged on: WOW Factor, Messaging, Education, Engagement and “The Unexpected & Unprecedented.” Awards will be given for First,

Second and Third Place. Winners will receive a special award, presented at Center Stage in the NKBA Booth on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in conjunction with the Best of KBIS Award announcements.

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Miami, FL — Tile of Spain, the international brand representing 125 ceramic tile manufacturers belonging to the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Association, is now accepting entries for the 2015 Passport to Creativity Contest. The contest gives architects and interior designers an opportunity to enter to win a free trip to Spain. Winners will participate in a February 2015 architectural excursion where they will earn four CEU credits and get a chance to visit Cevisama 2015, the International Ceramic Tile and Bath Furnishing Show in Valencia, Spain. To enter, Tile of Spain asks architects and interior designers to be creative and submit a picture of themselves with Spanish Tile. Optional Satin Aluminum or The Tile of Spain 2015 Passport Black ring caps now available. to Creativity Tour, runs February 7 to 14, 2015. For complete rules and details, visit www.tileofspainusa. com/contest. Entries will be accepted through December 1, 2014 and winners will be notiCircle No. 7 on Product Card fied in the week of December w w w . m o c k e t t . c o m Ü 8 0 0 - 5 2 3 - 12 6 9 15, 2014.

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17

Business Management { Bruce Kelleran, CKD, CPA }

Is it Time to Walk Away From the Showroom? Changes in the industry, the evolution of technology and the growing impact of the younger generation on the market may make a smaller showroom or a ‘virtual’ showroom model a viable business model for some kitchen and bath dealers. recently had lunch with one of the kitchen and bath remodelers in my area that caused me to give some thought to possible alternatives to the high overhead business model most of us with showrooms have pursued. Over the past decade or so, there have been dramatic changes in the environment that we operate in. The technology available today, such as smart phones, tablets, cloud storage and 24/7 Internet access allows us to be “virtually” available to our jobs, our stafs and our clients at any time of day or night, regardless of where we actually are. Another change is the development and expansion of product showrooms by the manufacturers and distributors that serve the kitchen and bath industry. Finally, as the younger generations continue to take over from the Baby Boomers as the dominant homeowner/remodeling customer group, we find that client shopping habits are markedly diferent than they have been in the past. More and more, Web sites, Internet searches and social media are the means of reaching our potential clients. It is not unusual for members of this tech-savvy group to come to us with fairly well-developed remodeling plans that they have prepared themselves using free or inexpensive design software that they have downloaded to their computers. All of these changes make it possible for us to consider a diferent approach to reaching our potential

I

clients. To demonstrate this, we will compare a typical showroom remodeler with a hypothetical high-tech, lowoverhead remodeler.

SHOWROOM REMODELER This business will usually have a location that is easily accessible to the public, typically in a retail area where the rents are relatively high. In order to accommodate the displays and staf required for this type of operation, the space required will be from 2,500 to 6,000 square feet.

with them, i.e. payroll taxes, medical insurance, sick and vacation time, and so on. In order to support this operation, it is likely that revenue of $3 million to $5 million per year will be necessary. At this level of activity, it’s not unusual to bring some field activities (lead carpenter, laborer, driver, etc.) onto your payroll along with the overhead costs associated with these individuals. If your designer/sales people are on your payroll, even if they’re on straight

“We need to consider what’s happening throughout the retail world and consider if there may not be a better way to approach our businesses.” In addition, it’s not unusual for this type of remodeler to employ feld personnel and therefore need additional space for tool and equipment storage, either adjacent to the showroom/ofces or at an of-site facility. A showroom necessitates having personnel available to serve customers who visit the facility. Normally this is your designer/sales staff who, in turn, need office space, phones, computers, etc. Next, it will be necessary to add some support staf, a bookkeeper, a receptionist, etc., and it is not unlikely that you will end up employing somewhere between 12 and 20 people with all of the attendant costs associated

18 | Kitchen & Bath Design News

November 2014

commission, you will have the challenge of managing the ebbs and fows of business coming to them and the problems that can arise when one of them is not producing.

LOSE THE SHOWROOM As previously mentioned, the manufacturers and distributors in most areas have installed extensive showrooms of their own and keep them up to date with current product. Additionally, the Web sites that most manufacturers maintain allow us

to search out products and preview them with clients during the design process. As for the design process, if you don’t have a showroom, you don’t need to have designers actually come to the office. They could, therefore, work mostly from home, saving them time and the cost of commuting and you the cost of ofce overhead. In fact, working with freelance designers who mostly operate from their home offices would make a lot of sense for everyone. You probably would want to provide a conference room for them to meet with you and the client. Designer compensation could be in the form of a commission paid by your frm or one charged directly to the client by the designer. Note that unless the designers are truly “freelance,” working for other remodelers as well as your frm, there will be some tax implications since the government would consider them employees. Another possibility to become more efcient is to take advantage of the Internet and “cloud” computing. By having all of your accounting and working documents stored on the cloud, you could have most of your staf work remotely and simply access any information they needed or had to convey by use of the Internet. Not only will this approach save you a great deal of overhead expense, you will also open up the pool of potential employees to include many who

wish to work from home or simply do not want to commute long distances. If you do adopt this “virtual” office, it’s probably a good idea to have some face-to-face time with these employees. What responsibilities these individuals have will dictate when and how this is accomplished. By adopting this business model, it’s possible to greatly reduce the office space you require. Typically, there might be a facility that includes an ofce for the owner, an assistant, a work area for one or two people when they need to be in the ofce and a conference room to meet with designers and clients. This might even be in a professional ofce park or even a home ofce, if zoning allows this. The challenge in moving away from the larger showroom business model is the difculty in establishing any sort of team feeling within your organization. This will be particularly difcult, but especially important, in your relationship with the freelance designers with whom you are working.

WHAT TO DO Most of us have spent years developing our businesses and have substantial investments in our facilities, displays and showrooms. In addition, it is likely that there are leases and other commitments that tend to encourage us to continue on in the same fashion that has worked for us for years. So the point of this discussion is not to suggest that we immediately haul our displays to the dumpster and change overnight to the low-cost, high-tech business model. What it does suggest is that we need to consider what’s happening throughout the retail world and, at least, consider if there may not be a better way to approach our businesses.

Read past columns and features and send us your comments about this article and others by logging onto our Web site: www.ForResidentialPros.com

We b e l i eve t h e c o o k t o p i t s e l f s h o u l d ma k e yo u r m o u t h wat e r .

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Inside Today’s Showroom { Sarah Reep, CMKBD, ASID, CMG, CAPS, IIDA }

Use Social Media To Promote Your Showroom Social media sites like Houzz allow kitchen and bath dealers and designers to promote both their showrooms and their individual talents, while they also network with consumers and the design community at large. uring a recent visit with a seasoned and talented designer in Denver, I asked him to share some photos of his work. Moments later, he emerged from a back office with a huge leather portfolio that he proceeded to plop onto the counter. He unzipped it, fapped both ends down and produced wonderful pictures of his fabulous projects. I could see the pride in his face as I enthusiastically perused his photos. When we were fnished, he closed up the portfolio and back it went into an ofce, hidden from the eyes of millions of potential customers. Samples of a designer’s work are valuable marketing tools. They shouldn’t – and needn’t – be hidden from view. Today, there are many opportunities to display and market your work, even when you’re not working. Today’s social media provides opportunities for you – and the showroom you work in – to be accessible to the world 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

D

BE SOCIAL For designers today, promoting ourselves and the showrooms we work in requires the use of social media. Social media refers to Web sites and mobile applications that enable users to create and share content. The most popular example is Facebook, through which more than a billion monthly active users generate and

share news, commentary and photos – sometimes personal, but often professional. Other examples are video sharing sites like YouTube and Vimeo, photo-sharing sites such as Pinterest and Instagram and business networking sites like LinkedIn. “Investment in social media will become a necessity, not a luxury,” predicted marketing expert and blogger Jayson DeMers, in a July 23, 2014 Forbes.com article, “The Top 7 Social Media Mar-

ers, promoted through social media, can be major drawing cards for today’s showrooms.

HERE’S HOUZZ Most of us know that our industry has its own social media site – Houzz.com. – a Web site and online community about architecture, interior design and decorating, landscape design and home improvement. However, in my travels I’ve found that many designers aren’t using Houzz to optimize their

l5oday`s social media proWides opportunities for you r and the showroom you worL in r to be accessible to the world  hours a day, seWen days a weeL.z keting Trends Dominating 2014.” According to DeMers, founder of AudienceBloom, 92 percent of business owners recently indicated that social media is important to their business, up from 86 percent in 2013. The market is competitive. Information is fowing faster than ever and today’s consumer has instant access to it. We cannot aford to fall behind the latest marketing trends. Our online and social media presence is critical for drawing customers into our showrooms, and more precisely, to our work stations. Talented and creative design-

20 | Kitchen & Bath Design News

November 2014

careers or promote their showrooms. Many of them believe that Houzz is just a tool for consumers. It’s true that Houzz, with more than six million users, is where consumers go to shop. When they do, you’ll want to be the designer they fnd when they hunt for the proven professional with the right style and the right skills in their area. Houzz gives you the opportunity to show of your work and make new connections.

As of July 2014, Houzz listed almost 16,000 kitchen and bath designers who maintained their own pages on the site. By far, most of them were showrooms. But did you know that individual designers can also have their own pages? You can find mine, for example, by visiting houzz.com and typing “Sarah Reep” in the search box at the top of the page. This will give you an example of how you can develop an online portfolio of your work to enhance your career – while also attracting consumers to the showroom where you work. “As a designer, it’s important for us to be in tune with our clients’ wishes and desires,” says Amy Gallo, a designer at Reico Kitchen & Bath’s showroom in Richmond, VA. “It’s also part of our job to help make clients feel comfortable with the process, and to make their selections as convenient as possible. Partnering with my clients through their Houzz and Pinterest pages helps me quickly understand what they’re looking for, and helps keep their travel and phone time to a minimum. We’re all busy; the more that we can utilize social media outlets to help our schedules, the better it is for everyone.”

MUTUAL PROMOTION Along with being social media savvy, Amy enjoys the beneft of having an employer that encourages her to take advantage of the new promotional venues. Reico Kitchen and Bath, based in Springfeld, VA, has 21 showrooms throughout the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. The company has created a presence on about a dozen social media sites, including Facebook, Pinterest and Houzz, to connect with consumers and promote its showrooms as well as its designers, according to Jim Grace, director of marketing and training. “Customer behaviors have

changed,” Jim told me during a recent discussion. “We have always been a visual industry. Tearing pictures out of magazines has evolved with technology into being able to do more research online. Houzz has found a formula to pull it all together in a way that works for consumers. It’s an opportunity for a showroom to show of its work.” Jim emphasizes that the global reach of the Internet means consumers are no longer limited to the kitchen and bath experts who are in their neighborhoods. For designers, Jim says, Houzz is an opportunity to connect with existing and potential clients on a higher level – to share ideas without the necessity of meeting in person. “The connection can happen at any point,” he says. “It can happen before a customer visits the showroom, or following a personal meeting the designer and client can seek out new ideas and share them with each other by posting photos through an Idea Book on Houzz or sharing photos on Pinterest.” While maintaining its own page on Houzz, Reico encourages its designers to have their own pages as well. “There are a lot of opportunities for designers and showrooms to collaborate on mutual promotion,” Jim says. “We educate our designers about what opportunities are out there. Then we let them decide where to start and how to get involved.” Amy says she uses Houzz in a variety of ways. “I use it personally, as a way to gain new inspiration from fellow designers, and as a way to save ideas that I’d like to use in my own work,” she says. “I also refer my clients to my page to see my past work, and to create their own inspiration boards so that I can more accurately gauge their style and their wishes for their individual projects.” She adds that sev-

Read past columns and features and send us your comments about this article and others by logging onto our Web site: www.ForResidentialPros.com

eral clients have found her through Houzz. Jim isn’t concerned that social media will become a substitute for the showroom. “It isn’t a threat to the showroom,” he said. “It’s actually an opportunity to attract more people to come in. We know that customers are out there doing the research before they come in. But this is still a touch and feel business. Eventually the customers are going to want to come in to see the colors and feel the materials in person before they make their fnal decisions. They may come to us further along in the pipeline but they are going to come to us, and they will have better formed ideas than ever.”

writers. They post roughly once per week on their home design specialties. If you like to write, this could be an ex-

cellent PR opportunity for your business. Back in the day, designers were proud to plop down their

leather portfolios to show their work to an interested party. Today, our portfolios should be always open and

on display to a world of intrigued viewers. It’s good for us designers – and it’s good for our showrooms, too.

WHAT NOW? One of the best things about Houzz is that it’s free. Starting your own page – whether you’re a designer or a showroom – is simple. First take some time to explore the site. Search “Find a Pro” to see what other designers are doing. Think about some ideas that will make your page stand out. When you’re ready, create your Houzz account. Be sure to upload a nice friendly but professional photo for your profle. This is the frst impression people will have when they meet you online. Then, upload samples of your best projects. This is where you get to show of the great work you’ve just done – or have in the works. “The time needed to manage my profile is very minimal,” Amy shares. “After the initial set-up, all that’s needed is an occasional update to my portfolio photos.” Don’t forget: Houzz isn’t just for getting found – it’s a social network, too. You’ll connect better if you contribute. It’s important to be active on the site. Get your feet wet with a few discussion posts. Maybe start a discussion yourself. Think about a topic you’d like to write about and become a Houzz author. Many of the articles there are written by freelance design

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21

Building the Job { Steve Nicholls }

Tips for Scheduling Work Efectively Having a frm handle on the schedule will minimize errors, delays and client fatigue and maximize success.

“H

ey, t he roug h f r a m i n g ’s a l l done, the electrical and plumbing are in, we’ll be ready to start tiling the bathroom by the end of the week.” Did you ever get that awkward phone call from your installer asking where the tile is? Your client is still debating whether to do an accent glass mosaic detail in the shower area, you haven’t gotten around to ordering the feld tile yet – and here’s your tile subcontractor wanting to start in a few days. If you look back on your most successful projects, do you see a pattern? The best ones usually go along with a minimum of delays – things keep moving. And on the jobs that run smoothly, you don’t hear from the client that the work is taking way too long. The key to success in the feld, and in the design world, too, is keeping a frm handle on the schedule; jobs that lag seem to always produce customer fatigue and dissatisfaction.

CREATE A WRITTEN SCHEDULE A written schedule is one of the best ways to keep things on time and on track. If you or your builder can use software to create a timeline for your project, that’s often the simplest way to track things. Perhaps the most widely used of these is Microsoft Project, but there are other programs out there, some of them even free. One of the big advantages of an electronic program is that, if and when things change, you can update and manage timelines

easily; dates can move, but tasks and activities can move with them, so they stay linked. Your end date may change, but your process and progression remain constant. But even if you don’t use scheduling software, it’s a good idea to make yourself up a calendar for the project and start entering activities in the order that they’ll occur. Sit down with your installer or building team if needed, and write out the sequence of things:

the project starts, but as we all know, sometimes there are a few items undecided as the job gets underway. But, if you know you’ll be painting by the middle of June, start working on the colors in May, so your painter can get those small pint-sized paint can samples and start getting swatches painted up on the walls. And, speaking of color, maybe t hese design decisions and their timeline could be printed in a diferent color on your hand-

“The schedule provides our clients with a level of comfort and certainty – that their project is not a seat-of-the-pants piece of work, but rather that it’ll be done in an organized, professional manner.” site protection, demolition, concrete, framing, rough plumbing and electrical, and so on. You’ll need to enter in the anticipated duration of each trade, so you may have to communicate with the individual subcontractors and fgure this out with them, one on one. Don’t forget to add in some slack for weather if you’re doing the project at a challenging time of year or in a harsh climate. A good overlay for this schedule of work is to add in any design decisions that have to be made as the work progresses. In an ideal world, all of those choices will be behind you before

22 | Kitchen & Bath Design News

November 2014

written calendar/schedule so you’ll know you need to sit down with your client to fgure them out. With that written schedule, you’ll be able to set down the long-lead items and see where they ft into the plan. There are the obvious ones like windows and cabinets, but if you’re ordering specialty tile or fxtures, it’s a good idea to know what you’ll be facing in terms of delivery dates. There’s an old school of thought that says don’t even

start the job until all of the parts and pieces – including windows and cabinets – are sitting in the garage of the house you’re about to remodel. One thing that has tripped up a builder or two in the last few years is that some of the suppliers are not always inventorying everything they show in their catalogs. A good example is some of the solid surface materials: not every sample you see is readily available. So, again, check with your supplier before you fnalize your design choices. There’s nothing worse than being ready to call in an order only to fnd out that the particular color you’ve selected will not be run into the manufacturing schedule for three months or more. Now your other material selections may be jeopardized or look poor – and that can make you look bad when your client starts questioning your professionalism.

REVIEW THE JOB PROGRESS So you kick of the work with a solid timeline – a start date, many, many linked activities, a punch list and a hard completion date. It’s a good start, but if that end date’s going to happen, the schedule needs to be watched all of the time. For most clients, the duration part of the job is as important as the money – perhaps more so once the client has made the plunge and decided to spend the money, as it gets tedious for most people the longer the work goes on. Their home is torn up, there’s daily noise and dust, and the longer it drags on, the more tempers get frayed. So the schedule becomes like a warm blanket – always there to provide at least a little comfort in times of need. On t he more professional job sites, the main schedule will be pinned

up on the wall someplace central, like a map of the world. Often it’s printed up on large, plan-sized paper, and it’s an on-going signpost for job activity – with notes and scribbles, until it gets revised and re-printed. Good builders make a review of the schedule part of their weekly job-site meeting with the client and design professional, looking at whether the project is ahead or behind, how things can be caught up if they’re running behind, what items are outstanding and need to be pinned down or ordered, etc. And a mont hly team review of the schedule, especially on the bigger projects, is always in order. Call the key subs ahead of time, and get input from the crew, too. What’s that completion date look like? Still attainable? Have the change orders really been figured into the timeframe of the work? Remember that changes are not just about money, they always afect time, too. Are the key subs and suppliers on track? Have you missed any long-lead items? Is the critical path being afected by anyone? An obvious example here is the cabinet work – are the shop drawings in, approved and back to the subcontractor? Is the cabinet shop big enough to handle the workload? The schedule gives the designer a bird’s-eye view of the work. For the builder, it outlines the specifcs of what’s happening and when – and what activities are dependent on which other ones being completed. Perhaps most important of all, the schedule provides our clients with a level of comfort and certainty – that their project is not a seat-ofthe-pants piece of work, but rather that it will be done in an organized and professional manner, on time and with a minimum of fuss and changes.

Read past columns and features and send us your comments about this article and others by logging onto our Web site: www.ForResidentialPros.com

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Industry Profle By Joe Dowd

Technology Drives Success For NC-Based Kitchen Firm hey are a husband-and-wife team perfectly matched to take over a kitchen and bath design business and move their company forward in a booming technology triangle. And, indeed, technology is one of the frm’s secret weapons, as new business management software helps drive growth and proftability. Mike Armstrong knows the business from the bottom on up. Chelsea Armstrong’s background is real estate. Each brings their expertise to the Raleigh, NC-based LuxeMark Company’s growing business, located in a part of the country that thrives on technology and change. Fortunately, the Armstrongs are afraid of neither. “When we came in to the frm [in 2007], I’d say 98 percent of the business was new construction,” Chelsea says of the frm, which has been in business since 2001. Mike Armstrong had worked in every aspect of the industry, starting out in delivery, then moving to operations, sales and, fnally, ownership. Chelsea joined the frm in 2008 after a career in real estate, where

T

Photo: Steven Paul Whitsitt

she learned what home buyers were prioritizing in their new homes – particularly in the critically important

kitchen and bath spaces. The couple bought out their business partner about a year-anda-half ago and are now on their own, employing four people out of their Raleigh showroom.

S Former client and new design assistant Taylor Webb (left) poses with LuxeMark owners Chelsea and Mike Armstrong in Webb's new kitchen, which was designed by the firm – a project that sparked Webb’s interest in kitchen and bath design and ultimately

Photos: Steven Paul Whitsitt

S Organizational features that maximize storage and accessibility are increasingly in demand among LuxeMark’s clients, so the Armstrongs like to incorporate clever storage details into their designs, making the spaces they create work for the way the homeowners use them.

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November 2014

A CHANGING CLIENTELE

led to her new career path.

The Research Triangle area of North Carolina – Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill – did not sufer the full impact of the “Great Recession” that struck the world economy at the end of the last decade but they were not unafected. “While recognizing the need to diversify our business, we began changing the business model,” she says. “We started moving closer to a 50/50 split with new construction and remodeling. These are two very distinctive client types and we deal with each a little bit diferently.” Chelsea noticed something else was changing in her market: More people from the colleges, more young people, were settling in her market and were planning to stay. In years past, many long-time area residents wanted framed cabinetry and traditional door styles, she notes. “But now the local university graduates are sticking around and building

new homes or remodeling existing properties. “Many of them don’t want traditional products, but are looking for transitional, contemporary and modern designs,” she says. “That’s very exciting.” To address the diversity of design preferences and needs, LuxeMark carries a variety of product lines, including Rosewood Fine Custom Cabinetry, Holiday Kitchens, Medallion Cabinetry, and Marsh, among others. Additionally, both young, timepressed consumers a nd older consumers who may be concerned with accessibility are looking for organizational features that maximize storage and enhance convenience and easy access. As a result, LuxeMark has seen interior organization products becoming integral in almost every design the frm does.

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Industry Profle

Sometimes, the firm has the opportunity to address a diferent type of need. For instance, earlier this year, the Armstrongs were called upon to design a kitchen for a client who was fascinated by the design process. The client, Taylor Webb, has a passion for design, and over the course of the project, her interest in kitchen design grew to the point where she realized she wanted to pursue a career in the feld. Impressed by what they saw, the Armstrongs hired her as a design assistant for LuxeMark, where she is now happily learning the business.

SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS Photo: Aaron Price

A key to moving forward has been incorporating the use of software into LuxeMark’s daily operations, something Chelsea says she could not do without. “I don’t how anyone did this before computers,” she notes. The frm uses 2020 Design and autokitchen and, more recently, they incorporated a new business management software program, NMS, provided through the SEN Design Group. NMS allows them to manage a project from lead, through budgeting, proposal, purchase orders to job completion. The built-in, three-column budget brings the potential client into the process to help develop a work-

able budget. Once a commitment has been made, product selection begins on the same screen with integrated digital catalogs all tailored to the budget that was just created. Combined, this software has allowed LuxeMark to downsize its showroom to about 1,800 square feet, Chelsea says. “The traditional showroom, I believe, is too difcult to keep current,” she notes. “As people

came in, typically you would sell of the same displays and wind up doing the same kitchen over and over. ” While technology is often viewed as being cold or impersonal, she believes that the ability to show “virtual” designs accompanied by photos of products and past projects actually allows for a much more personal approach. She explains, “We ofer a balance between a physical and a

S A fluid design process and a focus on the personal touch helps LuxeMark create kitchens that are tailor-made for how the homeowners live and work in the space.

digital showroom. We have a number of displays so clients can touch and feel the materials and fnishes and see how things work. We then

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November 2014

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AT A GLANCE

-69&."3, Location: Raleigh, NC Principals: Mike and Chelsea Armstrong Showroom: One, 1,850 square feet Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and by appointment Number of Employees: 4 Major Product Lines Carried: Rosewood Fine Custom Cabinetry, Holiday Kitchens, Medallion, Marsh Furniture Company Software: Network Management System; 2020 Design Business Philosophy: “[We] want everything to be fuid, tailor-made for them and their family to work and live in that space…It’s important to us for the clients to feel like it’s their design.”

use digital imaging to narrow down the fnal selections and design.”

THE PERSONAL TOUCH T h e b u s i n e s s p h i l o s o p h y at LuxeMark is to have its clients come away with two key impressions: “When a homeowner has guests in their new kitchen, I want their guests to feel welcome and comfortable,” Chelsea says. “And, a month after installation, I want the homeowner to say, ‘How did I ever

get by in my old kitchen?’” She continues, “I want everything to be fuid; I want it to be tailor-made for them and their family [so they can comfortably] work and live in that space. It’s important to us for the client to feel that they were a part of the process and that it’s their design.” Chelsea, using her real estate background, helps builders decide on a design that will sell a prospective client. When serving homeowners

looking to remodel, however, she takes a diferent approach: “Often people come in with an idea but, because they are not an expert, they are limited in what they understand and what they want,” she states. “I have the challenge of making it work for them, helping them realize what they want and bringing that vision to life.” The personal touch combined with computer technology is driving the business forward. “NMS has been a great addition; many companies have tried and failed in developing a management system for the industry as they underestimate the complexity of the business,” Chelsea says. “The three-column budget [the digital ‘good, better, best’] saves us a ton of time in everything from helping to set expectations to getting them to make commitments and move forward. It sets up the complete job, from ordering to tracking customer service and even follow-up down the road. “It’s really empowering to the customer,” she adds. In the near future, Chelsea and Mike intend to integrate NMS with their QuickBooks, which will bring them close to completing the process, unifying their software programs so they can keep an eye on their business all in one place.

S The Armstrongs specialize in design with a personal touch, such as this bath, which is both elegant and functional.

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27

Project Case Study { Spotlight on creative, problem-solving spaces } By Anita Shaw

Showhouse Kitchen Gets Classic, Modern Update Walls came down to create this massive traditional kitchen in a turn-of-the-century show home. THE FAMILY WAY

hen working with an older home, any designer knows that unexpected challenges are a given. For those creating a kitchen for a showhouse, those challenges are compounded by the need to stay true to the home’s character yet still serve the client. This was the task that Joshua Cain, principal interior designer for Saxony Design Build in Los Angeles, CA, faced when working on last year’s Pasadena Showcase House. The Monterey Colonial-style home was a turn-of-the-century gem that was crying out for an update. The home’s kitchen was a case in point. “Since this house was built at the turn of the 20 th century,” observes Cain, “it was designed for how kitchens were used back then – and not today.”

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According to Cain, the space that eventually became the new kitchen was originally five smaller rooms that were used for service and staf. “I took out everything – walls, doors, foors, ceilings. I started fresh with a clean slate. The only limitations I had were the existing windows, which I was not willing to move since that could’ve altered the historic facade of the home.” The overall space ended up being about 1,100 square feet. With that kind of room, Cain could really create what was needed for this busy family of seven – a couple and their fve children. “They really use every space in this 12,000-sq.-ft. house, and a small, outdated kitchen just can’t function for that many people considering today’s lifestyle,” ofers Cain.

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Photos: Peter Valli, http://www.pcvphotographicservice.com

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“Lighting was key in making the space feel right,” notes Joshua Cain. To that end, historic reproduction lighting from Hudson Valley Lighting was incorporated into the kitchen in several styles.

DUAL ISLANDS Two islands help break up this massive 1,100-sq.ft. kitchen, while providing great functionality for family activities and entertaining.

ISLAND SEATS Since the kitchen was created for a family of seven, abundant seating was a necessity at both an island and in a dining nook.

28 | Kitchen & Bath Design News

PATTERNED FLOORING The limestone and marble foor anchors the space in a classic black-and-white checkerboard pattern.

November 2014

MEETING THE WISHLIST The family and its needs were truly top of mind when creating the layout of this expanded kitchen. “They wanted a space where they could enter the house, lounge in the kitchen, have room for multiple cooks, and host parties and entertain,” Cain states. “The kitchen is multifaceted for the clients’ lifestyle.” Among the wishlist of items was an area that works as a baking center when the homeowner wants to bake cookies with two of the girls. Cain installed a lift-up mixer in the second island, so that it is easily accessible yet tucks away when not in use. And, the pewter-topped island provide an area for spreading out. The family also hosts catered events, and a staf of six needs to use the kitchen. To accommodate this, extra-wide walkways and multiple locations for prep and clean up were incorporated into the design. “And, the husband wanted his own space with his own sink where he could do the dishes,” adds the designer. Cain incorporated a space to fulfll this wish as well.

CLASSIC CHOICES When choosing the elements for the design, Cain followed the design of the home. “A classic California Monterey Colonial look was exactly what I was going for here,” he stresses. “I always design for the architecture of the house or space. That is my number one cue for my design inspiration,” he explains. “I love when a project fows from inside to out and everything works well together.” To get the look he wanted, Cain incorporated a range of custom pieces. Classic cabinets from Expression in Wood feature an abundance of turn-of-the-century turnings and millwork details, along with complementary traditional pulls from Baldwin Hardware. Perimeter cabinets are topped with Silestone by Cosentino white quartz countertops. “This way, I got the white look I wanted without the maintenance of marble,” reports the designer. On the two islands, pewter countertops from Francois & Co. provide a classic touch, with detailed edges in keeping with the lines of the cabinetry. The back island holds six barstools for the children and the husband. “Since the family tends to gather in this space, abundant seating was necessary,” Cain adds. In addition

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aesthetic, and give the design

⬆

an authentic feel. The husband

Subway tiles help give the room a historic feel, and provide a neutral backdrop to

wanted his own space to do the

the concrete tile backsplash over the range that depicts a pattern used in these

dishes, so the choice of fxtures

homes – usually on the foor. “I used a lot of tile here, inspired by the kitchen in the

was key to complete the wish list.

Vanderbilt in North Carolina,” notes Cain. A limestone hood fnishes the space.

to the island, there is a nook that has a comfy sofa and chairs with a table that extends and will seat up to eight. “They use this space for family dining because the actual dining room is enormous,” he continues. The painting over the sofa reveals a large TV that can be seen from the entire kitchen. Over the Wolf range, a limestone hood from Francois & Co. helps anchor the space. The range backsplash features “concrete tiles in a typical design found in these types of homes – albeit on the foor,” reports Cain. “And the walls got lots of tile – classic subway style. The overall look was inspired by the kitchen at the Vanderbilt in North Carolina.” The space also features a number of appliances from Sub-Zero and Wolf, as well as Rohl classically infuenced plumbing fxtures. Finishing of the space is a limestone and marble foor from Maison Stone in a classic black and white checkerboard pattern. Historic reproduction lighting from Hudson Valley Lighting is featured throughout the room in a range of period-inspired designs. “The lighting was key in making the space feel right,” Cain stresses.

CLASSIC DETAILS

⬅⬆ Cabinet and countertop details that were popular at the turn-of-thecentury and evident in Monterey Colonial homes play an important part in the design of this kitchen. Turnings and millwork are featured throughout the room and give it that classic, traditional aesthetic. Distinctive edges also add interest to the island countertops.

November 2014

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Charitable Endeavors By Kristina Diggins-Reisinger

Plumbers Without Borders Gains Donation and Recognition While the business of kitchen and bath design can be complex and multifaceted, it remains a universal truth that consumers prefer to patronize companies that care about more than just the bottom line. Dealers, designers and manufacturers that are active in giving back tend to build stronger bonds with their community, and set an example for others. As such, Kitchen & Bath Design News’ Charitable Endeavors department spotlights companies’ eforts to give back to the community. This month’s Charitable Endeavors looks at one company’s support of Plumbers Without Borders, a group dedicated to increasing access to safe water and sanitation around the world.

afe sanitation is an ongoing problem in the world, and is problematic even in parts of the U.S. Clean water and adequate waste removal are worldwide issues. To help fnd a solution to the sanitation crises, American Standard Brands donated $60,000 to support the philanthropic work of Plumbers Without Borders, a group with a mission to connect volunteer plumbers with organizations that are working to increase access to safe water and sanitation worldwide. “Plumbers Without Borders (PWB) is a grassroots efort, born from the desire to help people in dire need,” notes Fred Schilling, spokesperson for the group. “We know we can make a diference to alleviate human sufering and disease caused by the lack of safe plumbing and hygienic sanitation.” The donation made by American Standard will be used to help PWB develop its database of plumbers and mechanical tradespeople around the world who want to volunteer their services to improve hygiene and help those in need access to clean water. Volunteers who are registered in this databank can then be connected with organizations seeking their assistance. PWB’s ultimate goal is to serve as a complete plumbing and sanitation information hub for both volunteers and humanitarian organizations. “We have always believed that plumbers play a crucial role in protecting health and helping to prevent disease,” says Jay Gould, president and CEO of American Standard Brands. “Plumbers Without Borders is doing so much to improve sanitation and quality of life around the world, and we are proud to help them expand their capabilities with this sponsorship.”

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p Four years after the 2010 earthquake, eforts to restore access to clean drinking water continue throughout Haiti. Plumbers Without Borders worked with students at Haiti Tec, teaching them to install water purifcation systems designed to help address this critical need.

Plumbers Without Borders is currently working on a project that involves working with Seattle Anesthesia Outreach (SAO) to implement plumbing infrastructure improvements in medical facilities located in Ethiopia. The PWB volunteers have helped to outft a portable dialysis center for the Zewditu Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where countless numbers of people were dying due to lack of dialysis treatment. PWB provided the installation labor for the portable unit built here in the U.S. After the portable clinic was shipped to Ethiopia, PWB volunteers handled the onsite implementation work to get this life-saving equipment up and running. The volunteer plumbers have also done extensive work in Haiti, following the devastating earthquake that hit the nation. PWB’s skills are utilized here in the U.S., as well. The organization has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to assist with home building needs throughout the country. The group also works to maintain the plumbing systems on a volunteer basis in the Children’s Home Society of Florida, an organization that rescues abused children and works to break the cycle of child abuse. “It’s been very exciting to watch this organization grow and develop, borne from a desire to use our plumbing trade to save lives beyond our own communities,” says Schilling. “With this generous sponsorship from American Standard, we will be able to build a crucial resource that will allow us to help even more people all around the world.”

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Fall Bath Remodeling Report By Kim Berndtson

Baths Spotlight Tile Designs Porcelain tile is as hot as it’s ever been, with designers coast to coast showcasing its diversity in many of their master bath designs.

hen it comes to the master bath, consumers still want soothing, spa-like spaces that are both beautiful and easy to care for. So it’s no surprise that creative tile applications remain prominent in the master bath. Indeed, nearly every designer KBDN spoke with for the annual Fall Bath Remodeling Report mentioned porcelain tile as a leading trend. A variety of formats – everything from large sizes to linear mosaics – along with natural stone and wood looks, patterns/

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textures combined with afordability and durability to withstand a wet environment make it a popular choice for designers from coast to coast. Quartz is also trending, in large part because of its easy maintenance and the growing availability of options. A focus on showers remains popular as well, with homeowners requesting amenities and elements that enhance functionality as well as make a design statement. Following are several more design trends that are grabbing attention in master baths across the country.

Photos: John G. Wilbanks Photography

with next to no hardware…they don’t want to see any metal or trim. We work with some great specialty companies to make it safe and viable, while looking good at the same time.” Benches or shelves for sitting and shaving legs, his/her showerheads (with fexible, non-metal hoses that won’t scratch, make noise or collect deposits) and decorative/tiled drains are also popular. “Tile laid vertically to create a rainfall look is still popular, although it may be starting to run its course.” Mixing natural stone with porcelain tile: “The feld tile on this bath’s shower walls and foor is Italian porcelain made to look like travertine. This is very much a trend! It’s durable for using in showers. The deco tiles are limestone.” Another trend with tile is large-scale sizes. “I used 24"x24" tiles in this bath. There are fewer grout lines to clean and see. I also always specify epoxy or urethane grout because it is more fexible and durable and is easier to keep clean.” Master closet accessibility: “Providing access to the master closet from the master bath creates a true bathing/dressing suite.”

Designer: Gail Monica Dent, Provanti Designs, Seattle, WA What’s in? Extra storage: “I’m big into extra storage. Whenever possible, I include a bottom drawer underneath the sink for toilet paper, tissue, towels, etc. This raises the cabinet doors for a cleaner profle that still gives space for cleaning products, without wasting it. “The medicine cabinet is also back. I can do built-ins that you don’t even know are there. They are a great choice for small baths. This client wanted a tower instead, which worked well on the long vanity. Either way, I add power for electric toothbrushes, razors, etc.…all the items that used to sit on the countertop.” Shower amenities: “People are requesting lots of glass,

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Trending products: Quartz: “Quartz is very, very popular in the Pacifc Northwest, to the point where I get more requests for quartz than natural stone. It’s a touch more durable, and manufacturers are ofering more patterns that look more natural.” Single-handle faucets: “We’re going to single-handle faucets even in highend master baths, which used to be taboo. They are easier to clean around and give a sophisticated, contemporary look. Manufacturers are ofering more choices with quality components on the inside and great styling on the outside.” Pendants and chandeliers: “These light fxtures ofer a unique, ‘ah hah’ element that people don’t expect. Be careful about placement, though. Pendants can swing with the air from hair dryers, and chandeliers need to be high enough to meet code.” Disguised/decorated vents: “I add heated fooring, with ‘chameleon’ vent covers, to all my upper-end homes. The vents are tiled, rather than metal, and are totally fush with the foor, providing a very clean, contemporary look.” Automated humidity control: “We have a lot of skylights in the Pacifc Northwest because we have a lot of gray, overcast days. They are great ways to get light into a bathroom without sacrifcing wall, cabinet or mirror space. But moisture can get trapped high in them. An automatic humidistat will automatically turn of the fan when the room has reached the desired humidity level.”

The main goal with this master bath was to remove the leaking shower that created a maintenance issue with mold and mildew. From there, the homeowners wanted a calm, soothing environment with increased vanity space and storage. Gail Monica Dent accomplished those goals by reconfguring the space (which included eliminating the garden tub in favor of a larger shower), highlighting it with woodland colors and mixing natural stone with quartz and porcelain tile.

Photo: Caroline Johnson

Photos: Pixiecreek Productions

Designer: Vaidas Dlugaborskis, designer, VeDco Design Group, Naperville, IL What’s in? Minimal details: “Extras such as crown mouldings are not as popular now. Designs do not have as much intricacy as far as architectural details. Finishes are calm and cool. Cabinetry is sleek and clean…in white, espresso or gray/of gray. Doors have a Shaker appearance but with widened rails and an accent moulding. Inset doors are also super popular and give my clients a way to combine traditional with modern. Tiles tend to be large format with linear designs, maybe ofset. Linear mosaic tile is extremely popular. “This minimalist approach gives designers the The shower in this master bath opportunity to steer a room a certain way. Back in combines traditional (travertine the day, to make a shower more interesting you had tiles) with modern (glass mosaic) to do borders or split panels and unique designs styling. “Traditionally, designers where you combined diferent shapes, sizes, dimenwill combine travertine with marble, but I wanted to combine sions and angles. Today, a clean, simple design lets two completely diferent worlds tile, wood, countertops, etc. speak. Phenomenal into one,” says Vaidas Dlugaborskis chandeliers can be added as the icing on the cake.” in reference to the ‘wow’ shower ‘Wow’ showers: “Our schedules don’t allow he created for this client. us to enjoy baths, so my clients focus on ‘wow’ showers. Niches, shelves, hand-held showerheads and focal-point elements are all popular. In the shower, I like to design plumbing columns, rather than plumbing walls, that are accented with tile and fanked by glass that allow more natural light into the shower and make the space look bigger. These columns almost appear freestanding and they become a phenomenal design element.” Focus on function/habits: “Some of my clients don’t want any maintenance, and today there are an insane amount of choices…porcelain tile that looks like stone and quartz that doesn’t need to be sealed. People are getting smarter about how they maintain their bathrooms and they realize what can happen with a glass of wine or cup of cofee set on a marble surface. “A signature move of mine is to include convenient outlets. I provide one in every drawer that a husband or wife would consider using for a hair dryer, fat iron, razor, etc. so all of the wires are inside the drawers.” Media centers/wireless technology: “All my luxurious bathrooms have TVs or at least a docking station so people can charge phones, listen to music or stream the news. Bluetooth technology allows wireless connections.” Trending products: Heated fooring: “I think heated fooring is a necessity. I heat up the shower bases as well as benches. I’ve even done shower walls.” Touchless toilets: “You don’t have to do anything but wave your hand.” Medicine cabinets: “These are a great choice for clients looking for function in smaller spaces.”

This Asian-infuenced master bath remodel provides a peaceful bathing sanctuary that includes several trends Michelle Moore sees happening in her area, such as an eye toward water conservation with low-fow bath faucets that light up, making the user more conscientious of water usage. Two side-by-side medicine cabinets with lift-up doors allow for pendant lights. “The best way to light your face is from the side,” says Moore.

Designer: Michelle Moore, Moore Design Group, Orinda, CA What’s in? Universal Design: Curbless showers are popular for everyone, regardless of age or ability. “You never know when you might need to gain access to a shower with a wheelchair or walker, so a lot of my clients are adding them whether they are disabled or not. A curbless shower with an infnity drain also ofers a clean look, which is trending, and it makes the room look bigger. Clients are also asking for grab bars, or at least the backing so they can easily add one later.” Creative bath furniture: “Bath furniture is getting a lot more creative, and a lot more oriented to small and/or well-organized spaces. It features drawers that accommodate plumbing so furniture is more functional. Modern vanities that hang of the wall also have drawers that are compartmentalized and efcient.” Contemporary styling: Contemporary elements are showing up everywhere in the master bath. “There has been a huge shift from traditional to contemporary styles. The palette has also gone gray…various shades of gray. I love it! Contemporary ‘demi’ vessel sinks in rectangular and square shapes with rims that are 2" or even 4" high are also popular.” Trending products: Wall-hung faucets/toilets: “The cleanability of a faucet on the wall versus on a deck, and a toilet on a wall versus a foor, is so much better. And I love the look!” Bidets and dual-fush toilets: “Everything in the bathroom is about water, and being in California, water savings is really important.” Cold storage medicine cabinets: “These provide easy access for medicines and facial creams that need to be kept in cold storage…no more storing in the kitchen refrigerator. They can also be electrifed, and some cabinets have doors that lift up, which allows a designer to hang pendants in front of the mirror.” Pendant lights: “The best way to light a face for putting on makeup or for shaving is from the side, rather than from above and down. Pendants can hang at face level while providing a more formal, elegant look.” Porcelain tile: “Porcelain is a great choice because it’s less expensive and more environmentally friendly…and you can mix it with natural stone, for example, porcelain tile that looks like Carrara marble on the walls in a shower with an inset basket weave of Carrara marble. It’s very exciting, and it’s very hard to tell the diference!”

November 2014

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Photos: Ron Blunt

Fall Bath Remodeling Report

Designer: Bruce Wentworth, architect/designer/builder, Wentworth Studio, Chevy Chase, MD What’s in? Large shower stalls: “The importance of a nice, walk-in shower for a master bath cannot be underestimated. Ideally, they should be 42"x60", and for homeowners with ample space, foregoing a door is an option.” Frameless glass enclosures are popular as well. “They have changed the look and function of our shower stalls, providing more useable space, creating a sense of more room, bringing more light into the shower, and establishing a focal point with wall tile.” Most custom showers also feature a built-in bench, or at the very least a ledge, and a built-in recessed niche or shelf to accommodate shampoo and soap. Some male clients also include a fog-free mirror. Larger showers are often preferred over a tub and separate shower when space is limited. “Our urban clients with older homes often opt for a large shower stall instead of having a tub, especially if there is a tub elsewhere in the home. Our suburban clients typically have more space so they will include a freestanding, sculptural tub rather than a deck or platform model.” Since this homeowner had enough room, she included a freestanding tub with a foor-mounted tub fller, providing a sculptural element in the alcove that is accented with a chandelier and custom-ftted and -painted wall panels. Aging-in-place elements: “Aging in place is a growing phenomenon and our baby boomer clients ask for grab bars, which these days are attractive

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November 2014

rather than institutional looking. If a client’s budget and the home’s structure allows, we will also design curbless shower stalls with linear drains that eliminate the tripping hazard associated with a raised curb.” Taller vanities: “We have some clients ask for vanities as high as 36", although somewhere between 32" and 34" is pretty normal. People like having a higher vanity, especially if they’re tall, so they don’t have to bend over as much.” Double-sink vanities are still popular, providing ample storage, and wall-hung units ofer a modern, clean look. “Careful design maximizes storage in a bathroom with recessed wall cabinets, cabinetry that hangs of the wall and other discrete storage.”

This 1920s urban home possessed all the right spaces, including his/her master baths that were part of a 1980s addition. While adequate 30-plus years ago, her master bath lacked the upscale level of fnishes and products she desired. It was also leaking into the dining room below. The remodel included several trends Bruce Wentworth sees in his area, including a large, curbless shower with frameless glass, ample storage and custom features, such as the hot towel cabinet, when the budget allows.

Trending products: Heated towel bars/foors: “There are quite a few heated towel bars on the market now, even models that are combined with radiators. And there is nothing cozier than walking barefoot on a warm foor as one gets ready for the day.” Quartz countertops: “A lot of people request natural stone, such as marble, granite and limestone, but they seem to be more interested in man-made products, such as quartz. Manufacturers have introduced a lot of great options so there are more choices.” Wall sconces: “In a bathroom, you want light from multiple sources. Wall sconces can be very pretty and they give extra light from the side, combined with recessed lighting from above.” Custom features: When the budget allows, homeowners are more willing to indulge in custom features, such as the electric hot towel/washcloth cabinet included in this master bath space.

Circle No. 18 on Product Card

Fall Bath Remodeling Report

Designer: Bill Dolan, residential sales/design, Pine Street Carpenters/The Kitchen Studio at Pine Street, West Chester, PA

Photos: Pine Street Carpenters

What’s in? Natural light: “Windows, skylights, half walls or all-glass shower enclosures help achieve this. Sometimes we get the space so open that we struggle to fnd a place to hang a towel bar!” Timeless/classic features and cleaner/simpler lines: “‘High contrast’ or ‘transitional’ have been the buzzwords lately, with homeowners adding elements like an ornate mirror or chandelier in an otherwise clean space. Transitional styling is especially popular with baby boomers. They’re tired of dusting, but they don’t want to give up the classic look. They’ve also collected some traditional pieces over the years, some of which may be heirlooms. They want to go modern, but not all the way.” ‘Right-sized’ showers: “For the past few years we have been taking out whirlpool tubs in favor of large showers. Now we are seeing showers come back down in size…not too small, not too large – just right. A 3'x4'or 5' footprint with frameless glass creates a large feel without becoming a cold space that is too large to steam up.” This shower, at about 3'x5', is a bit larger than its predecessor. With frameless glass and a half wall, it is also much brighter. Benches and toiletry niches/ shelves are popular additions. Tubs are often removed to make way for a rightsized shower, but if space allows, clients often opt for freestanding models. “She wanted a soaking tub, and we had the space. It replaced a jetted tub with three steps that led to a deck. It was precarious to get into and ate up about 6'x8' of space.” Improved lighting: “People really want good

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lighting in their master baths. Sconces provide good side lighting while pivoting halogen lights recessed into the ceiling can direct light where it is needed, bouncing light of the mirror for putting on makeup and shaving. They give a nice clean, out-of-sight light that is adaptable and adjustable, and can be especially useful when people of diferent heights share the same vanity.”

Trending products TVs: “I’m working on one bathroom now that will incorporate a touch screen TV into the mirror…time will tell if this is a new trend emerging.” Porcelain tile: “Porcelain tile has been the goto product lately. It can look expensive but is very afordable, durable and easy to clean. The technology to print on porcelain has come a long way, and manufacturers are really getting creative with it. We are doing a lot of tile with linen textures and patterns. It makes the hard surface appear soft. I recently designed a master bath that was part of a whole-house remodel. When the owner needed to cut back on the budget in a few areas, she changed the marble tile originally selected to a porcelain tile…same bathroom, diferent tile, big savings.” Large format porcelain tile is also gaining ground. “Mosaics are still popular, but they may be waning a bit in favor of larger, simpler tiles that speak to the transitional look we’ve been seeing.” Quartz surfaces: Quartz has become the vanity top of choice. “We coordinate it with shower thresholds, niches/shelves or any horizontal surface. It unifes everything.”

These empty-nesters wanted to update their 25-year-old master bath, which had a leaking shower, a steep, sloping ceiling that trapped heat and inadequate insulation that left the room feeling cold during the winter. “It just wasn’t conducive to use. They also wanted to better utilize the space. They had the luxury of enough room for a large shower, double vanity and tub – which we often take out if space is a concern – but they were struggling with what to do with the large space.”

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Laundry Room Trends

Laundry Rooms Double Up Constraints on square footage have led to laundry rooms sharing space with mud rooms and pet areas, with secondary laundry spaces sharing the cleaning load. ost people have become very adept at multi-tasking to keep up with the pace of today’s world, so it’s not surprising that the rooms in our homes are following suit. One logical place for a multi-tasking space is the laundry room. Kitchen and bath designers are noting that they are now combining the once utilitarian space with mud rooms, wrapping centers, pet care areas and craft spaces, among others. The result of that mindset is designs that feature upscale amenities such as streamlined cabinets and storage, granite countertops, deep sinks and lots of tile. “At the end of the day, the laundry room is one of the workhorse rooms in the home, so it pairs well with other functions that can be a little messy, need a bit of countertop to spread out or just prefer a little bit of specially designed storage,” explains Theresa M. Sterbis, AKBD, of Project Partners Design, in Fremont, CA.

Photo: John G. Wilbanks Photography

By Anita Shaw

Photo: Beth Singer

Photo: Phoenix Photographic

M

COMBINING SPACES

TOP: This multipurpose laundry room by Gail Monica Dent of Provanti Designs includes laundry area on the right and a pantry storage setup on the left. ABOVE: Even narrow spaces such as closets can be converted to efcient laundry rooms, complete with stacked appliances to save space, as the one shown in this design by Alda Opfer of KSI.

Photo: Theresa M. Sterbis

Often, the combination of a laundry room with another function is simply the result of not enough space in the house. This means that how the homeowners will use the room must be considered from every angle before launching into the design. “The laundry room has defnitely turned into a double-duty room in most cases, and we’re trying to make it more functional,” reports Alda Opfer, CKD, CAPS, showroom manager, Brighton Design Center, KSI, in Brighton, MI. “And, most people want all of that stuf behind closed doors.” While she notes that sometimes the room will feature open shelving, more often than not homeowners don’t want to have to dust things or keep the space pretty and organized all of the time. The most common secondary purpose for a laundry room is as a mud room, notes Dawn M. Whyte, kitchen and bath designer, Designs by Dawn/ Lake Street Design, in Petoskey, MI.

TOP: An extension of the kitchen, this laundry room by Dawn M. Whyte of Designs by Dawn/Lake Street Design includes the same stacked wall cabinets, as well as farmhouse copper sink and goose-neck faucet. ABOVE: Theresa M. Sterbis of Project Partners Design has incorporated pet crates and dog showers into many laundry rooms, so that the space can also act as a home for the family friend.

When designing a laundry room that is also a mud room, Whyte makes sure there is ample space for shoe and coat storage, children’s backpacks, sports equipment for active families and client-defned storage.

“In this day and age, lots of us have very busy lives and children. So, there is stuf being dragged into the home – sports equipment and backpacks. It all ends up somewhere, and it’s usually the mud room or the laundry room,”

notes Opfer. As a result, homeowners are looking to organize their lives, “and organize all of that stuf,” Opfer continues. “And the laundry room seems to be a good place to do that. “We get a lot of requests regarding how to make the room the most functional space that it can be – how to maximize it and make it organized,” she adds. To help organize the space, Opfer suggests giving the children their own designated cubby or locker – “some-

November 2014

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“The design of the house and the design of the kitchen often dictate the design of the laundry room,” reports Opfer. “Most of the time, especially with new construction, the laundry room is fairly close to the kitchen, and it usually follows suit in color.” Opfer adds that, with regard to door style, she might suggest something a little less expensive in the laundry room, but in the same color family. Dent notes that she may add a glaze to the door in the kitchen to give it added sophistication, and leave the

Tile is a major player in Whyte’s dog-friendly laundry room, with a foor that slopes toward the drain in the dog shower. Knee walls keep the water contained to the shower area. glaze of for the laundry room. As for the cabinet interiors, “I like to make sure there is a place for everything in order to eliminate the clutter that can sometimes occur in a laundry space,” explains Sterbis. “Regardless of the level of materials used, if the room

Photos: Phoenix Photographic

thing to put their stuff in so that everyone isn’t tripping over all of it.” A place for the family pet is also a priority for the design of the laundry room. Storage for pet food and necessities, as well as areas to tuck away beds and crates, is a common request. “We have even designed a dog shower in the laundry room,” ofers Whyte, who notes that a dog shower usually works well there because of the tendency to install a tile or watertolerable foor. Gail Monica Dent, owner, Provanti Designs, in Seattle, WA has also designed a pantry/laundry room. The laundry amenities are on one side, and the pantry/storage area is along the opposite wall. “The added counter space works well not only for laundry and folding, but for entertaining and to hold food that isn’t being served yet,” she reports. While much of the traditional discussion has been about how the home’s main laundry room can share its space, designers are focusing on an emerging trend – placing a secondary laundry area closer to the bedrooms. “A common request that we see more often these days is adding a washer and dryer in the master suite,” confrms Whyte. Both Whyte and Sterbis note that they have incorporated small laundry rooms into the master suite closet. “It always works well when the laundry is close to where the clothes are taken of or put away,” reports Sterbis. “The laundry area is closer to where you actually have the laundry, so it just makes sense,” adds Opfer. Stacking the washer and dryer is also becoming more common, especially in tight areas like the master suite closet where the designer is trying to maximize space. “Stacking gives us more room to maybe have a folding counter or some other storage there,” continues Opfer.

Photos: Phoenix Photographic

Laundry Room Trends

MUST HAVES AND WANTS Designers agree that the must haves in a laundry room are a washer and dryer, along with a sink and storage. “People often want a deep sink,” notes Dent, though she reports that homeowners aren’t necessarily washing their clothes in it. “They want to wash the cat or small dog, or they want to wash the grill to the barbecue. They want a sink that they can put big things in, and usually the kitchen sink isn’t it.” When the laundry room is an ofshoot of the kitchen, the overall design of the space is often kicked up a notch.

40 | Kitchen & Bath Design News

An ironing center is one of many things that can be tucked away inside cabinetry, as displayed in this design by Whyte. Clever cabinet storage is a major request in today’s laundry rooms, to tuck away all of the necessities associated with the space, and some that aren’t. These homeowners also used the laundry area to store their golf shoes.

November 2014

is disheveled, it won’t be pleasing.” Sterbis adds that this may mean including hampers, storage locations for laundry baskets, special cabinetry for wrapping papers and ribbons or some other custom detail. “I have hidden many a water heater, fuse box or built-in ironing board behind coordinating cabinet doors to camoufage elements that may need to be there but don’t need to draw attention to themselves,” she reports. Also hidden behind closed doors are things like multiple laundry hampers for lights, darks and whites, as well as pull-out trash receptacles. “There is always stuf that comes out of pockets in the wash, as well as lint from the dryer. A pull-out trash will add convenience,” stresses Opfer. Hanging space in the laundry room is still a key request, especially as people shun the use of the dryer for delicates and items that shrink. Ironing stations are waning, however, as people get away from the drudgery of that task. When ironing areas are requested, they are tucked away behind closed doors, only making an appearance when in use. Technology continues to invade the laundry room as well, with designers noting that it’s a great place to put in a charging station – to get it out of the kitchen and of the counters there. Undercabinet lighting is also gaining in importance, again as tasks other than laundry continue to be performed there. “Overall, we like to create laundry rooms that are cozy and inviting,” notes Whyte. “The more pleasant the atmosphere, the more our clients can enjoy actually doing laundry.”

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Color Trends By Janice Costa This gray opaque kitchen with the red island accent spotlights the trend toward using a brightcolored accent against a practical and stylish grey backdrop. Photo: Omega Cabinetry

50 Shades of Grey

A nearly endless array of grey hues – from a classic neutral grey to a mushroom grey/beige/taupe to a silvery-grey – continue to dominate the latest color palettes, while wood tones lighten up and creamy whites and of-whites remain strong, along with smaller pops of red, blue or warm gold.

sk anyone in the kitchen industry, and they’ll tell you grey is the new black. From a fashion standpoint, it’s elegant enough to stand on its own, and neutral enough to work with nearly any color palette. It’s also practical, not as quick to show fngerprints the way black does, or dirt the way white does. Plus, it comes in a nearly endless number of shades, from warm grey browns to cool blue greys to uplifting silvery tones – and everything in between. Creamy whites and of-whites also continue to trend, as do lighter wood tones, and some pops of color, particularly in the red, blue and gold families. That’s according to color experts recently interviewed by Kitchen & Bath Design News, who largely see color returning, albeit in small pops, set against a neutral background that takes advantage of texture to add visual allure.

GOING GREY Unlike many “trendy” colors that are here today and gone tomorrow, designers agree that the grey trend is

42 | Kitchen & Bath Design News

Photo: KraftMaid Cabinetry

A

• High-contrast islands, and pops of red inside the cabinetry, are being used to add some ‘wow power’ to the kitchen. more than just a fad. According to Sarah Reep, ASID, IIDA, CMKBD, CMG, CAPS, director, Designer Relations & Education for KraftMaid Cabinetry, “Grey is here to stay for at least fve more years. Painted kitchens and baths will continue to rise in sales for several years to come, giving more

November 2014

opportunity for grey to take hold. Our younger consumers – a large buying segment emerging – see grey as their beige.” She adds, “Color Marketing Group participants at this year’s planning meetings still see grey as an important color that is becoming a

mainstream favorite. Grey should be a solid performer with many years ahead of infuence on home products and design.” Color Marketing Group Past President Mark Woodman, CMG, of the Laurel, MD-based Mark Woodman Design+Color, agrees that grey isn’t going anywhere right now, and he sees it as “a nice evolution of stainless steel.” He cites the warmth of grey as part of its appeal, stating, “We talk about the neutrality of grey, but warmer greys are coming in, from very pale, soft pearl greys all the way up to deep brown/grey and warm charcoal.” He adds, “I’ve seen that afected not just in a solid fnish, but in a classic walnut color with a semi-transparent grey stain over it, so the brown comes through the gray and warms it up when you look at it more closely.” Woodman also feels grey can be efective in balancing out white spaces, creating a softer, less sterile space. Kathy Andersson, manager, Color Marketing, Product Finishes for the Greensboro, NC-based Sherwin-

cerned, Andersson says, “In the kitchen market, we are going from very dark to medium, where in furniture, there’s a move from darker colors to medium or even lighter colors. Since furniture infuences cabinets [especially with the growing interest in open-plan kitchens], I think we may see some of those lighter furniture pieces impacting cabinets toward lighter fnishes.” Andersson also sees contempo-

Photo: DuPont®

Williams Co., thinks part of the allure of grey is that it works well with everything. She explains, “Grey is so versatile. You can go cool with it; you can go warm with it. It goes with just about everything.” She also sees grey as a great choice for bridging black and white. Sandra Luttchens-Van Allen, corporate trainer for Omega Cabinetry and a member of the Color Marketing Group, agrees: “Grey is going to be around for a while. It’s in the top fve of our custom fnishes, and with good reason. Black shows fngerprints and dust – it’s so unforgiving – and people are tired of so many browns. Grey is more practical than black, and it’s easy to live with.”

• The Pearl Grey countertop acts as a bridge between the whites and browns in this kitchen. • Grey continues to be the hot color trend right now, both for its subtle elegance and its ability to work with nearly any color scheme.

CREAMY WHITES of grey, the blue color family is what stood out the most for us.” Woodman believes that modern cuisine is one of the things that’s sparking the trend toward color right now. “People look at their cookbooks and want their kitchen to be a cool science lab, it can’t be sterile, and I think that’s part of why they’re introducing color into their all-white space.” As for the bath, Woodman maintains, “The spa is being redefned to what makes that particular person feel good. It’s gone more blue than green – less aqua, more blue. We’re seeing very rich colors, whether it’s cocoa, brown or blue. That said, they still tend to balance it with white because we still defne white as clean and healthy.” However, he adds, “Again, it comes back to contrasting sheen levels and textures. It’s impossible to talk about colors without talking about texture.” Looking ahead, Reep is convinced the younger buyers will continue to drive color trends in the future. She notes, “Younger buyers like color and are fearless with color in expressing their style. So look for our homes to be more colorful in the coming years.”

rary styling from Europe infuencing the move toward lighter wood tones, noting that some of the Scandinavian looks seem to be gaining interest in the U.S. However, she admits that the dark espresso tones “have a lot of mass market appeal,” explaining, “It’s a risk to move away from that, and a real risk to move far away from that. For that reason, I see medium tones as where we’re going next, and then the lighter woods and super-natural tones and fnishes will be the next stage, where the wood can be the star.” As far as metal tones, Woodman sees a growing interest in warmer fnishes, such as French golds, which are richer than brass. Luttchens-Van Allen agrees that there seems to be more interest in brushed fnishes and the use of gold tones to warm up the space, especially with warm whites. And, while Andersson says satin nickel and polished chrome are still the hottest sellers, she has seen an uptick in the warmer metals as well.

A POP OF COLOR But, while neutral colors work well in today’s clean-lined kitchens, an improved economy and more optimistic consumer mindset seem to be driving interest in brighter pops of color. According to Woodman, “People like the idea of an all-white kitchen, but then realize it’s too stark and sterile, so they put color back into it, something to give it the morning jolt,

something that makes them happy. Or maybe they go with an island that has high contrast or a high chrome content, or just movement and texture – a ‘statement’ island. There’s some pattern fatigue, so they’re just putting more color – a red island, a cobalt blue appliance – not the whole space, but something that goes boom!” He continues, “We’re seeing some sharp, bright pops of color come in, like a bright red – a very vibrant red without being fre truck red. People want to inject a spark of energy, a jolt from which to jump of, and that’s very important right now.” Luttchens-Van Allen agrees that consumers are becoming more willing to use color as an accent, such as “some of the gold tones and orange tones that add some warmth to the space…a little bit of retro, but refreshed from there.” Andersson sees blue as a trending color right now, noting, “What we’ve seen is a little more interest in blue than we’ve seen previously, ranging in shades from grey blue and very neutral blue to bold, almost sapphire blues and bright Carolina blue. It’s primarily the grey blue or toned-down versions, while the bolder ones would be more modern, stylized, better for an urban setting, or going for that Italian contemporary section of the market. You might see it on the range, or maybe the upper cabinets, or the inside of the cabinets. In fact, 25% of the colors in our palette right now are blue. Outside

Photo: Mark Woodman, CMG

Photo: KraftMaid Cabinetry

But while grey has grabbed the lion’s share of the press in recent times, there’s still plenty of interest in classic whites, creamy of-whites and a variety of wood tones. “White, especially painted white, has dominated cabinetry paint sales for kitchens and baths the last three years,” says Reep, who adds, “It is a signifcant seller in every market in the U.S.” However, she sees a trend away from bright white, with more interest in whites that have a hint of grey, such as KraftMaid’s Chai paint, which she says speaks to the clean and modern trend, but with a touch of warmth and softness that works well with wood tones. Luttchens-Van Allen also sees “more shades of of-white coming into play,” and believes the ultra-modern stark whites are giving way to creamier shades of white. Woodman believes there will always be a demand for classic black and white, but he agrees that whites are going creamier, while blacks are moving away from jet black to more of-black shades. He also sees a mixing and matching of gloss and matte to add visual interest and give these classic colors more pizzazz. Andersson points to a growing interest in classic colors that ofer a textural experience – for instance, she cites the “voyage” trend, with more people drawn to colors that “are all about outer space or underwater.” She notes, “Silestone came out with a beautiful series of surfaces: Arctic, Atlantic, Orion – the look is very sophisticated but otherworldly at the same time. The whites in that series are vein-y and beautiful; one is chunky, one is sort of like a manmade marble.” All, however, have the textural interest that seems to be all the rage right now. As far as wood tones are con-

• This mushroom shade – ‘sort of grey, sort of beige,’ according to CMG Past President Mark Woodman – is an up-and-coming neutral, which works as a bridge with greys, browns and even some greens.

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Product Trend Report By Elizabeth Richards

Surface Solutions Nature-inspired looks, calming colors, durability, texture and value are among the hottest trends in today’s multifunctional countertops, with demand for stylish, personalized options at every price point.

Playing on the popularity of wood surfaces in the kitchen, Caron Industries ofers the Top Style Collection of wood countertops. The countertops are available in a range of tones and wood species. Circle No. 155 on Product Card

ountertops play an essential role in the kitchen – both for their aesthetic value and functional properties. From food prep to homework, entertainment to eating, these kitchen surfaces are used in a multitude of ways. Not only do they have to hold up under all of that use, they must make a visual statement about the homeowner’s personal style as well. Whether made of natural stone, solid surface, quartz, laminate, glass, wood, metal or some mix-and-match combination of the above, today’s countertops are expected to be beautiful, durable and easy to maintain. And, consumers want products that ofer options at every price point. Hot trends right now include clean, nature-inspired looks, textural interest, durability, value and plenty of options for making a personal design statement. So say manufacturers recently surveyed by Kitchen & Bath Design News. Gwen Petter, director of product design for Temple, TX-based Wilsonart says that kitchens are morphing into the hub of all home activities. “It’s not only for cooking and eating; it’s an entertainment center, a work space, a technology hub and so on,” she says. “This means countertops play a variety of roles. Homeowners are looking for a surface that’s easy to maintain, can stand up to the everyday wear and is stylish.” Personalization is also a hot trend, she adds, and materials like laminate make it easy for anyone to get what they want. “With laminate’s ability to emulate such a variety of design choices – stones, granites, woods and abstracts – homeowners of all style preferences can fnd a solution to personalize their space,” she says. With homeowners’ increasing desire to create a space that says something about their personal style, manufacturers are

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coming up with new options at many diferent price points. Social media platforms like Houzz and Pinterest allow anyone to share their creations, says Chad Rosen, v.p. of sales at Vetrazzo, based in Tate, GA, and options are what it’s all about. “There are so many new products coming to the market all the time,” he says. “Consumers and designers get to paint their masterpiece with a broad pallet of mediums and the world is their audience,” he states. “When it comes to choosing surfaces for the home, beauty and functionality is what matters to the homeowner,” adds Summer Kath, senior director of business development and brand alliances at Cambria, based in Eden Prairie, MN. Lorenzo Marquez, v.p./marketing for Cosentino North America, based in Staford, TX, agrees: “Countertops are one of the most utilized elements of a kitchen, and need to withstand all varieties of usage demands. And, thanks to the evolution of production technologies that create rich movement and veining, countertops now go beyond utility to make a dramatic design statement.”

NATURAL DESIGN There has been a big move in the market toward surfaces with a natural look and feel. This look can be achieved through the use of natural materials such as wood, granite and marble, or through materials that mimic the aesthetic at a much lower cost. “Consumers are looking for countertops that look and feel like natural surfaces such as marble, granite or wood. They’re looking for beautiful surfaces inspired by maple and oak,” Petter says. They want these looks without the added maintenance or

A-Line by Advance Tabco ofers a complete line of commercial-quality stainless steel countertops. Available in a variety of edge styles, the countertops are constructed of 16-gauge 304 stainless steel and incorporate a steel ‘Hat Channel’ understructure for strength. Circle No. 157 on Product Card From the Neolith brand of compact surfaces comes Classtone, which features a marble aesthetic imprinted on the brand’s sintered compact surface. Available from TheSize, Classtone utilizes Neolith Digital Design, a decoration technique that attains marble-like features. The product is available in four warm shades: Pulpis, Marfl, Estauario (shown) and Marquina. Circle No. 156 on Product Card

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Hartson-Kennedy Cabinet Top Company’s Caspian profle provides a contemporary look with a double, tight-radius profle. The profle end capping for laminate countertops complements both classic and contemporary kitchen styles, notes the frm. Circle No. 158 on Product Card

November 2014

The custom-made walnut butcher block kitchen island counter from J. Aaron is sealed to protect it against water damage, making it safe for sink inclusion. The top can stand up to heavy-duty home use, notes the frm. The company ofers 100% zero-VOC sealers that deliver protection without of-gassing. Circle No. 159 on Product Card

Antolini Luigi & C. S.p.a. has implemented A zerobact, an NSF-certifed proprietary process in the production of its natural stone products. The process blends the safety of a bacteriostatic treatment to the features of natural stone. A zerobact utilizes a U.S. EPA-registered antimicrobial product and was specially developed to inhibit mold and bacteria proliferation. Shown is the company’s Irish Green surface. Circle No. 160 on Product Card

hefty price tag, she adds. “That’s where laminate comes in. Laminate has come such a long way since that of our grandparents’ era, and people are starting to take notice. It’s quickly becoming Plan A as a material that’s easy to clean and maintain, has low impact on the environment and is highly durable,” she adds. “We are seeing more preference for wood, both real wood and wood grain laminate,” agrees Trisha Schmitt, v.p. corporate marketing for Holstein, IA-based VT Industries. The resurgence in popularity of lighter, natural stones such as marble is a growing trend that Cosentino has been monitoring and planning for, says Marquez. “We’ve developed new colors for Silestone and Dekton that emulate these materials but eliminate the potential for the wear and tear and high maintenance associated with natural stones,” he says.

NEUTRAL TONES WITH TEXTURE In keeping with this desire for an organic feel, natural hues are also being used more often. Whites, greys, brown and beige top the list of preferences. “We’re seeing neutral hues, including creamy whites, soft greys and muted blacks gaining popularity,” says Marquez. Kath says that trends are moving toward calm looks and monochromatic color schemes. “More and more homeowners are looking to get away from a ‘busy’ countertop. The trends in countertops are driven by the trends in the kitchen, which have gone lighter, brighter and whiter. We think this is because the homeowner wants the kitchen to be calming and happy over busy and intrusive,” she notes. Thomas Perich, North American marketing manager, Sur-

CafeCountertops’ new Greywash solid wood countertops showcase an artful medium-grey color with a water-resistant oil fnish. The countertops work in both modern and traditional kitchen designs, according to the company. Circle No. 161 on Product Card

faces, DuPont Building Innovations in Wilmington, DE, says that customers are interested in colors with natural movement. Whites, beiges and greys are especially in demand, he adds. Though neutral colors are in, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of variance from kitchen to kitchen. With the wide range of shades available, choosing white or grey doesn’t mean selecting exactly the same thing as everyone else. “50 shades of grey isn’t only the title of a hot romance novel,” says Rosen. “Grey is defnitely showing up in kitchens and baths across the country, but light and white take the lion’s share of volume for sales of most manufacturers’ products,” he states. There is plenty of room for personal style as well. Rosen adds, “Market to market across the country, the colors and patterns are as varied as the style of architecture that defnes a region.” Texture adds an element of interest to the countertop style, allowing for a wide variety of unique designs, and Kath notes, “There continues to be a demand for honed and diferent textures on countertops surfaces.” Petter agrees. “Texture continues to rise as an attentiongetter. While gloss surfaces are dominant for stone looks, we are seeing more surfaces that have been leathered, honed or antiqued, creating dimension and lower gloss levels,” she says.

QUARTZ ON THE RISE Options abound in countertop materials, and many factors impact which choice a consumer makes. That said, quartz is one material that is consistently gaining attention in the marketplace.

KRION is a new solid surface material from Porcelanosa that is smooth to the touch like natural stone but can be molded like a plastic, notes the frm. The solid surface is freproof, and has a high resistance to chemicals, steam and light, the company adds. Circle No. 163 on Product Card

Pyrolave’s glazed lava stone countertops can be formed into original shapes and are available in a wide variety of colors. The lava stone can withstand high temperatures, acids, corrosive products and other harsh elements, according to the company. Options such as a built-in draining board fanking the sink, custom curves and rounded edges can be added. Circle No. 162 on Product Card

This kitchen island work center was created using an artisan handmade stainless steel countertop from SpecialtyStainless.com. This custom seamless island top incorporates two integral handcrafted stainless steel sinks with cove corners and radius corner edges for practical comfort. Circle No. 165 on Product Card

Anti-scratch satin glass countertops from Studio G3 Glass feature a special coating that allows the glass to withstand tough conditions, according to the company. The matte fnish can be virtually any solid, metallic or pearl shade, and the frm can match to any desired color. Circle No. 166 on Product Card

This layered natural quartz – Serenity from Hanwha L&C/Surfaces – features a creamy tone with an umber vein, blending texture and design. Part of the company’s HanStone ofering, the quartz features natural-looking veins throughout the design, notes the frm. Circle No. 164 on Product Card November 2014

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Product Trend Report

Gem-Loc Premier Edge from Loti Corp. blends Corian into a traditional laminate surface. Gem-Loc is available in any laminate with over 250 solid surface accent choices. Circle No. 168 on Product Card

Six new designs have been added to Cambria’s Marble, Desert and Waterstone collections of quartz surfaces. From the Marble Collection comes Fairbourne and Ramsey (shown), which are inspired by the classic look of marble. Circle No. 167 on Product Card

According to Rosen, the durability, consistency and enormous variety of colors and patterns makes quartz the fastest growing countertop category. “Quartz is continuing to grow in popularity,” agrees Perich. “It is beginning to gain traction with consumers in the way granite used to, with customers asking for it specifcally, as opposed to it being suggested to them.” Kath concurs: “More and more designers and homeowners are demanding quartz and going away from granite. With quartz, they get the performance benefts and ability to live maintenance free, without sacrifcing the beauty,” she says. While larger-scale granite looks are popular, says Petter, she’s also seeing a rise in quartz looks that range from small and balanced designs to larger patterns with movement, contrast and color play. “As far as the overall countertop industry is concerned,” she notes, “we’re continuing to see the popularity of quartz as a surface of choice rise, and we only anticipate this popularity will grow in the years to come.”

LUXURY AND VALUE Calacatta Nuvo is the latest quartz surface in Caesarstone’s Classico collection. Inspired by Calacatta marble, the surface displays cascading veins and a distinctive texture. Circle No. 169 on Product Card

While consumers in the luxury market are willing and able to spend more on their countertops than those in a mid-range price point, a look of luxury and a sense of value is important across all categories, say manufacturers. “People want luxury, and they tend to splurge on fooring, countertops and appliances,” says Schmitt. “Understanding the best products to maximize efciencies helps to achieve the aesthetic they desire while staying within budget.” While a solid

The Metallic Series from Samsung Staron is comprised of all-acrylic solid surfaces in four colors. The newest collection features Metallic Yukon (shown), Metallic Galaxy, Metallic SatinGold and Metallic SleekSilver, all with pearlescent chips that provide a distinctive aesthetic and depth of color. Circle No. 170 on Product Card

Formica Corp. has added four granite patterns to its 180fx Collection of laminate surfaces: River Gold (shown), Lapidus Brown, Magma Black and Red Dragon. Each pattern is available with IdealEdge laminate edge profles. Suitable for curved, clipped or 90-degree corner installations, IdealEdge decorative edges eliminate fat edges and brown seams. Circle No. 172 on Product Card

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wood top is at a high price point, a wood-grain laminate look along with a VT Dimensions edge profle ofers the option of a wood grain look at an afordable price, she adds. Marquez adds, “While the fuctuation in the economy certainly impacts purchasing power, what remains consistent is the demand for products that add value to the home.” As more choices become available, price point options also increase, according to Rosen. “Competition drives down the market, and the space is crowded with options. Fortunately, housing prices and construction are robust right now, so we aren’t seeing the abject price wars that defned the market during the crash,” he says. Those seeking something new and unique can look to a higher price point to narrow the market and ensure that their selection won’t be seen everywhere, he adds. Regional economic diferences also impact what is happening in countertops. “Big cities are booming and spending money – homeowners are doing renovations and building homes,” says Kath. “This boom is driving a demand for more options in the countertop space.” Trends cross price points, and the popular looks need to be available to the entire range, manufacturers say. “This upcoming generation of homeowners is certainly more cost-conscious than those of generations past due to the economic environment in which they were raised,” says Petter. However, she notes, “Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you have to choose a second-rate design.” Marquez agrees: “Homeowners expect to be able to use high-

Woodgrains are part of the 2014 Contract Laminate Collection from Wilsonart. The selection of wood-grain laminate fnishes includes: Truss Maple (shown), Old Mill Oak, Oiled Chestnut, Raw Chestnut, White Cypress, White Barn, Blue Barn, Red Barn, Zebrawood and Landmark Wood. Circle No. 171 on Product Card

Silestone by Cosentino has expanded its Nebula series of quartz surfacing with the addition of the Nebula Alpha collection. Inspired by the look of marble, Nebula Alpha is available in four complex colors: Ariel, Orion White, Calypso and Phoenix. The natural hues feature an original pattern of colored veining throughout the surface that never repeats. Phoenix, shown, presents a buttery, neutral background lightly sprinkled with cofee-colored veining. Circle No. 173 on Product Card

Metropole Lavatory Faucet in Polished Chrome (1203/26)

2001 Carnegie Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705-5531 Phone 949-417-5207 • Fax 949-417-5208 • www.newportbrass.com Circle No. 23 on Product Card

Product Trend Report

VT GeoScapes Architectural Stone Surfaces from VT Industries includes a full line of quartz and granite surfaces. With the introduction of GeoScapes, VT is launching TruQuartz, an exclusive quartz line made up of three collections – Terra, Designer and Lux – in 20 diferent color options. Circle No. 175 on Product Card

The TechTop from LG Hausys is fabricated with HI-MACS solid surface and powered to charge cell phones simply by placing them on the surface. The upgrade to HI-MACS allows customers to charge their cell phones on the countertop, wirelessly. The technology associated with the TechTop is compatible with Qi, the global wireless charging standard. Circle No. 174 on Product Card

quality and design-friendly materials regardless of budget and price point.” He adds that Cosentino’s expansive range of colors and materials ensures that both performance and design needs can be met, regardless of budget or price point.

SUBSTANTIAL SPACE

Vetrazzo’s recycled glass surfaces are comprised of 100% recycled glass from sources such as beer bottles and jars. New to the company are surfaces in the Coastal Collection, including Amethystos (shown), Bretagne Blue, Emerald Coast and Umbo White. Circle No. 176 on Product Card

Counter space is highly coveted, especially as the kitchen becomes a place for much more than cooking and eating. Richard Stephenson, residential sales consultant for ThinkGlass in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada, says consumers are putting in more surface space by adding large island countertops, seating areas or even small additions. Countertops that are two to three inches thick are being asked for more often as well, he adds. “Countertops are the most used surface and the most personal space in a kitchen,” Schmitt says. She adds that VT Industries, too, is seeing a lot of thicker edges trending right now. As countertops take on an expanding role in the kitchen, there is also an expanding desire to increase overall countertop space, according to Petter. “Islands are more desirable for a secondary work or social surface, and we are seeing more layering of surfaces,” she says. Marquez adds, “We’re witnessing a surge in the amount of space being devoted to counters in the kitchen – especially in the form of oversized kitchen islands. They serve as a central gathering and working space, bringing together the room, and, in some cases, replacing a traditional kitchen table altogether.” Large-format slabs, such as Dekton’s 56"x126" slab size, allow

Domain Industries has just added the Majestic Collection to its lineup of Afnity Surfaces solid surface material. The 10 color additions feature distinctive, one-of-a-kind, natural textures and marble efects. Featuring 100% acrylic composition, the shades include: Carrara, Antiquity, Arctic, Bianco, Imperial (shown), Giallo, Harmony, Ascend, Fiorito and Capella. Circle No. 178 on Product Card

Arborite’s 2014 Collection of laminates includes a range of on-trend colors and textures in keeping with autumn. Warm wood grains have been scaled up to reveal fne details; red and yellow patterns play on the colors of fall leaves, and shades of grey provide a neutral backdrop. Circle No. 177 on Product Card

The Swan Corp. introduces the Altitude Series colors, made with Swanstone reinforced solid surface. The new colors – Cloud Bone, Cloud White, Golden Steppe, Ice, Mountain Haze and Tundra – are designed to replicate the look of natural stone surfaces. The surface is available for vanity tops and bowls, as well as bath and shower walls, shower foors and accessories. Circle No. 179 on Product Card

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these oversized counters to have minimal seams and disruptions in pattern, he notes. This seamless look is something that other manufacturers are seeing a desire for, as well. “Homeowners are drawn to a surface that can span the entire island or surface without seams,” says Kath, adding that Cambria ofers jumbo slabs spanning 60 square feet to meet these demands. Schmitt adds, “The integrated backsplash, no-drip edges and full-wrap edge profles are what the customer expects to get in a premium countertop. They don’t want the seams that they associate with the countertops of their parents’ kitchens and bathrooms. Seams catch dirt and grime, and are hard to clean.”

HEAVY DUTY DURABILITY As the “workhorse” in the kitchen, countertops must not only look good, but must also ofer top notch durability, holding up when exposed to high heat, and fending of scratches and stains. Additionally, maintenance shouldn’t require large amounts of time or efort, say manufacturers. “With our society’s fast-paced and high-impact lifestyle, the need for durability from a countertop is no longer a luxury – it’s an expectation,” says Petter. Items commonly placed on the surfaces, such as laptops, backpacks, purses and keys, contribute to wear and tear on a countertop, along with normal countertop use, she says. “Our customers want countertops that won’t chip, won’t scratch, won’t discolor in contact with extreme heat, and are Artist and glass master MAILHOT has created a ThinkGlass artistic glass countertop. The 4"-thick slab uses Crystal color glass, a very transparent glass nearly devoid of color. The artist then paints colors on at diferent levels of the glass, creating a multi-level artistic piece. Circle No. 180 on Product Card

Corian solid surface colors from DuPont Corian are ofered in a range of options, including oferings that fall into three main color trends: Raw and its fresh hues, Interference with its semi-precious stone infuence, and the crystallized and frosted solids of Solidify. Circle No. 181 on Product Card

IT’S NOT A SPORTS CAR... BUT IT’S ENGINEERED LIKE ONE It takes exceptional design and engineering to win the honor and recognition that is TIOMOS. But don’t let its good looks fool you. Under the hood the new kinematics work with precision and the integrated adjustable Soft-close handles like a dream. Quick response and pinpoint 3D adjustment with worm gear accuracy gives TIOMOS the racer’s edge. Try one today.

www.grassusa.com Circle No. 24 on Product Card

Product Trend Report

Saratoga Soapstone from Artisan Group is quarried like granite but features a velvety smooth texture due to its heavy, mineral talc composition. Saratoga Black is gaining popularity in the bath, as shown here. The product is also available in Hudson Ash and Mineral Black. Circle No. 183 on Product Card

Vicostone USA has added Onixaa to its Quartz collection of surfaces. The surface combines the look of traditional Carrara and the translucency of Onyx for a distinctive countertop. As a quartz engineered stone, Onixaa provides high scratch, heat and chemical resistance and color durability, notes the frm. Circle No. 182 on Product Card

easy to clean and maintain,” agrees Schmitt. Marquez adds, “Homeowners are highly protective of the investments they make in the home – they want assurance that the products they are installing into their kitchen are going to withstand the test of time, and not stain or scratch. They also want to be sure that it isn’t going to require constant upkeep or frequent maintenance.” According to Rosen, the race to bring the world’s most durable countertop to market is a hotly contested one. “Health and wellness even play a part in the conversation as manufacturers use additives like Microban to reassure customers that their product won’t breed germs,” he adds. That said, the durability of a product isn’t always the determining factor if someone has a particular look in mind that only certain materials can accomplish, he notes.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT The Natural Granite vanity top collection from WOLF Home Products features tops in a 3/4" decking surface available in 12 colors. A variety of bowl sizes, shapes and decorative profle options are available. Because of the nature of granite, no two tops are exactly alike. Some of the new colors in the line include: Sandstorm, Gold Tiara, Luna Bai, Elysian (shown) and Rio Roca. Circle No. 184 on Product Card

Kurv Edges by Kuehn Bevel provide a design element that blends a seamless look for any laminate countertop color, notes the company. Kurv Edges can mimic the look of conventional stone countertops with the use of upscale laminate stone patterns ofered by laminate manufacturers. Circle No. 185 on Product Card

Manufacturers report mixed fndings about how important the environmental aspects of products and manufacturing techniques are to clients. While most agree that the fnal product decision usually comes down to aesthetics, manufacturers disagree about how invested clients are in fnding green products. “Very few people are truly concerned about environmental responsibility,” states Stephenson, estimating that it’s important to less than 10% of his frm’s clients. Rosen says that green design and environmental responsibility don’t afect trends nearly as much as they should. “The most sustainable options on the market are often overshadowed by

products that ofer a cross section of price points and durability, [as these] seem to be much more important to the market,” he says. He adds that there is very little oversight or regulation on how countertops are made with regard to the environment. Kath adds that, while it’s almost implied that companies should have environmental best practices in place, homeowners tend to choose their designs based on beauty and aesthetics frst. “Environmental responsibility is a plus,” she explains. Marquez, however, says that green design and a sense of environmental responsibility do play into trends in countertops. “There’s demand for products that are environmentally or sustainably minded but still maintain a design-focused aesthetic,” he says. “While some may consider ‘green’ products to have a less refned aesthetic, it’s entirely possible to have a sleek, contemporary look or warm traditional aesthetic,” he adds, citing the ECO by Cosentino line as a range of options to meet a variety of styles. Trends in environmental responsibility extend well beyond product ingredients and have become an integral part of the manufacturing process, he adds. Schmitt concurs. “Being green has gone from a plus to an expected qualifcation. People are interested in the materials that make up their countertops – where they come from and how they are extracted as well as how the material used is replaced for future generations,” she says. Petter concludes, “Homeowners these days are more cognizant of what impact the choices they make and the materials they use in their homes have on the environment, prompting them to seek out eco-friendly options.”

Every OKITE quartz countertop is 93% quartz, and is heat-, stain- and scratch-resistant, according to the company. Nonporous and durable OKITE surfacing is Green Guard and NSF Certifed and never needs to be polished or resealed, the frm notes. Circle No. 186 on Product Card

Abet Laminati’s Stratifcato is a decorative, high-pressure compact laminate used for countertops, cabinets, furniture, backsplashes and other laminate applications that require extra strength, durability and design. The self-supporting laminate is now available in over 500 colors and digital designs, 30 fnishes, eight sizes and various thicknesses. Its surface is composed of decorative paper impregnated with melamine resin. Circle No. 187 on Product Card

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Curava’s recycled glass surfaces feature up to 60 percent recycled glass content for interesting depth and color. The surfaces are non-porous, require no sealing, and are stain and heat resistant. Three colors – Himalaya (shown), Tungsten and Element – have recently been added to the line. Circle No. 188 on Product Card

E N D L E S S

P O S S I B I L I T I E S

www.durasupreme.com Howard Lake, MN

Simply Supreme.

320.543.3872 Circle No. 25 on Product Card

Product Review { Cabinet Components }

Components Blend Seamlessly into Kitchen Designs ith today's kitchens acting as multi-purpose spaces, their overall look and functionality must work with the design of the house and the needs of those who live there. Designers and homeowners alike are looking for streamlined products in both style and function that blend seamlessly into the design. Many of today's decorative components are designed to enhance the overall look of the room, rather than make a statement on their own. Doors, fnishes and decorative elements bring out not only the beauty of the room's design, but the materials themselves. And functional elements, such as storage items, lighting and organizational products, make the most of the spaces they serve. Every square inch of today's kitchen is prime real estate, and interior cabinet fttings provide access and organization like never before. In this issue, Kitchen & Bath Design News ofers a sampling of some of latest cabinet components on the market today.

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1. Custom stainless spice drawer inserts from Bradco Stainless Products features stainless ramps that are ftted into a custom-built drawer liner and then outftted with stainless spice jars, all precisely ftted for a no-slip ft inside the insert. Clear bottle labels are included for a clean look. Circle No. 220 on Product Card 2. The EZ Down storage system from Richelieu Hardware is a pull-down basket system with integrated handle for enhanced ergonomics and easy movement. The system and baskets are height adjustable, allowing an easy ft into the cabinet. Circle No. 221 on Product Card 3. Straight, sleek lines defne Legrabox, the new full-extension box system from Blum Inc. Three diferent drawer-side heights for standard drawers and two drawer-side heights for interior roll-out drawers enable a wide range of design applications. The slim drawer profle of 1/2" is straight on the inside and outside to maximize the usable interior space of the drawer. Circle No. 222 on Product Card 4. Rev-A-Shelf’s Double-Tier Blind Corner Organizer features clean lines, chrome accents and a choice of gray or maple soft-close shelving surfaces. ‘The Cloud’ pivots and slides on a mounted telescopic post system, and features a stabilus gas piston assist-opening system. Three sizes accommodate 16-3/4", 18" and 21-3/4" cabinet openings. Circle No. 223 on Product Card 5. Grass America presents the Sensomatic electronically-assisted opening mechanism, teamed with the Nova Pro double wall drawer system for an electronic waste bin application. With a slight push on any area of the drawer front, the Sensomatic moves the drawer. The integrated soft-close shock absorber on the Nova Pro also brings the drawer to a quiet close. Nova Pro ofers contoured sides that are fnished in either Champagne or Metallic base coat and fngerprint-resistant gloss topcoat Circle No. 224 on Product Card 6. Pillow Edge Contemporary Veneered Doors and Drawers Fronts from WalzCraft are available in more than 30 wood species and grade combinations with either vertical or horizontal grain pattern. The cabinet doors feature a pillow edge solid wood edgeband with mitered corners with a veneer laminated on the face and back. Circle No. 225 on Product Card 7. Vauth-Sagel has introduced the Oko liner organizational drawer. The drawer can accommodate variously shaped plastic containers, utlizing the limited storage space below the kitchen sink and above the waste separation system. The Oko liner stands out with its cushioned front-panel drawer, and features silent close. Two installation heights and numerous diferent container sizes allow for customization. Circle No. 226 on Product Card

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8. Omega National Products’ line of KitchenMate products features the Single and Double Waste Recycle Pullouts with a maple veneer faced plywood frame. The pullouts’ ball-bearing slides ensure durability, easy cleaning and smooth operation, according to the frm. The double pullout is designed for 18" base cabinets and the single pullout is designed for 15" base cabinets, which feature a rear slot for bag storage. Both units are fully adjustable, and include a vanity panel and the 35-qt. receptacles. Circle No. 227 on Product Card 9. Keystone Wood Specialties ofers Knife Block Drawer Boxes and Knife Block Drawer Inserts available according to custom specifcations. The minimum drawer height is 3-1/2", and the minimum depth for the knife block is 16-3/4". The knife blocks can be ordered prefnished or unfnished, and in any available wood species the company ofers. Circle No. 228 on Product Card 10. All cabinet and decorative components from Heartwood Carving are digitally based and made to order, so they can be tailored to customer requirements. Custom component capabilities are ofered, as well as restoration and recreation of period pieces. Circle No. 229 on Product Card

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closure. The system features slides in three diferent loading categories – 88, 132 and 176 pounds – with high stability and minimal opening force. Drawers and pull-outs can be produced in diferent heights and design forms, in a choice of white, silver and anthracite. Circle No. 232 on Product Card 14. The Organize Your Kitchen in 11 Minutes or Less line of kitchen organizers from Hardware Resources includes pro-grade organizers that can be installed in 11 minutes or less. The Pullout Pots and Lids Organizer includes a pots organizer with adjustable dividers to hold most cookware sizes and brands. The lids organizer holds seven lids. The unit, which is available in a polished chrome fnish, mounts to the cabinet bottom or fxed shelf. Circle No. 233 on Product Card 15. The Lavido Pantry Pull-Out from Hafele America is designed for tall kitchen storage cabinets and pantries and features softopening and soft-closing mechanisms. Each shelf has a non-slip surface and can hold up to 44 lbs. When fully extended, the Lavido provides full access to shelves from all three sides. Circle No. 234 on Product Card

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16. The Counterbalance product line from Chemical Concepts includes non-intrusive countertop supports that are virtually invisible and eliminate accessibility issues associated with corbels. The line includes the CounterPlate XL, CrossBar, CornerPlate, Workstation Bracket, Concealed Bracket, Extended Concealed Bracket and the newest additions – the Hybrid Bracket and CrossBar Mini. Circle No. 235 on Product Card

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21

19

22

17. White River Hardwoods-Woodworks announces six new design collections: the Pinnacle, Madeline, Baroque, Gaelic, Infnity and Nouveau. They include over 125 new corbels, onlays, feet and complementary mouldings to create cabinetry with a unifed design element. Circle No. 236 on Product Card 18. Designed for kitchen cabinets, Glideware is a cabinet storage system that features Glideware Synchronized Motion, which keeps cookware quiet even as it slides in and out of the cabinet. From the company of the same name, Glideware installs inside a standarddepth cabinet and slides a 21-piece set of cookware out on a fully extendable rail system, eliminating stacking, stooping and clutter. Constructed from clear hard maple, the unit’s adjustable hook system holds 100 lbs. Circle No. 237 on Product Card 19. The Designer Collection for the DuraWrap Drawer System from BHK of America features drawer fnishes in a woven texture. Ofered in three neutral, contemporary colors – Linen, Taupe and Nickel – the drawers are available in 1/2" and 5/8" thicknesses. The company’s DuraWrap Drawer System is specially sealed in an abrasionresistant DuraWrap surface that won’t come of and is easy to keep clean, according to the company. Circle No. 238 on Product Card

11. Classic Island Post designs from Castlewood complement a wide variety of kitchen island confgurations. Available in birch, cherry, maple, red oak and rubberwood, each post is expertly turned and hand sanded. Fifteen designs are available in diameters range from 3" to 8". Circle No. 230 on Product Card 12. Klise Manufacturing has created wire mesh products closely based upon designs originally envisioned, drawn and submitted by Kendall College of Art & Design students, for the KCAD student design competition. The Neoclassical style, custom-formed wire mesh grille is hand-made and can be scaled to various sizes, with multiple options for grille pattern/shape, wire size, rosette type and color fnish. Circle No. 231 on Product Card 13. The ArciTech drawer system for kitchen cabinets from Hettich America provides smooth running action via the Actro slide, as well as soft, quiet

20. The Weathered Grain cabinet option from Conestoga Wood Specialties creates a highly textured and rustic appearance on select fve-piece doors and drawer fronts, slabs, custom front frames, select mouldings and lineal length framing. The fnished product is a result of random removal of soft material from the face of solid wood and plywood panel products. Conestoga has added Heirloom fnishes, levels 2 and 3 distressing, wear sanding and antiquing to the Weathered Grain ofering. Circle No. 239 on Product Card 21. Hand reproduced from original designs that range from the English Country to the French Provincial periods, Outwater Plastics Industries’ Woven Wire Grilles are stocked in more than 45 diferent patterns in numerous designs, fnishes and sizes. The frm’s new program includes a Woven Wire Grille Sample Kit. Circle No. 240 on Product Card 22. New designs from Art for Everyday include the Linea Collection, which features a range of corbels with modern, sculptural designs that ft with traditional and transitional design styles for today‘s homes. The company identifed and adapted many design modifcation requests from its customers into this line, staying within the straight line design theme but adding modifed curves to soften the overall look of the pieces. The line currently includes 11 corbels. Circle No. 241 on Product Card

November 2014

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55

Manufacturing & Fabricating



Hardware Gives a Lift to Cabinet Doors

Cabinet lifts from Hafele America, which lift cabinet doors up and out of the way, have been improved to operate on a coil-spring system and ofer a Soft & Silent feature to silently slide or swing the cabinet door open and closed without a slam. Senso hardware, shown, allows two doors of equal height to lift up and fold over. The middle hinges unsnap to prevent injury without damaging the hinge or the doors. Senso works with heavier doors up to 50 lbs. www.hafele.com/us Circle No. 200 on Product Card

Laundry Center Holds Two Loads u

Cabinet Doors Complement Drawers 

The new Laundry Carrier from Hailo fts in 45 cm, 50 cm or 60 cm wide base units. Featuring two large-capacity system baskets, the Hailo Laundy Carrier ofers space for two full washing machine loads. The containers can be removed using the ergonomic handles and stand on their own, disappearing into the cabinet when not in use. www.hailo.de Circle No. 203 on Product Card

 Corner Pantry Shelf Offers Easy Access Omega National Products has launched the Single and Double Easy Access Corner Pantry, a single or double shelf corner unit with full-extension drawers. Providing efcient space utilization of the corner cabinet, the unit measures 30" in diameter with 25"-deep drawers, and rotates 360 degrees. The pull-out drawers are 5/8" solid birch and have 90 lb. full-extension soft-close undermount slides. The Single Easy Access Corner Pantry is designed to attach to a fxed shelf in a corner cabinet, while the Double Easy Access Corner Pantry is designed to be attached to the bottom of the corner cabinet. Both feature maple and birch construction with catalyzed natural fnish and chrome surrounds. www.omeganationalproducts.com Circle No. 205 on Product Card

Keystone Wood Specialties has a complete line of cabinet doors with matching or complementing drawer fronts available in any accessible wood species. A full range of design options includes traditional, contemporary, mission and other styles; custom designs are available as the company cuts its own templates. A full line of stains, solid colors, glazing and natural fnishes or custom color matching to a provided color sample can be applied. www.keystonewood.com Circle No. 201 on Product Card

Drawer System Showcases Double Wall 

The Nova Pro double wall drawer system from Grass America features sleek, contoured sides fnished in a two-step process that consists of a color basecoat with a fngerprintresistant gloss topcoat. It is ofered in a Champagne and Metallic fnish. For deep drawers with taller fronts, side railings and divider railings can be added. The Grass Airmatic shock absorber slows the momentum of the closing drawer, ofering a gentle stop. www.grassusa.com Circle No. 204 on Product Card

 Roll-out Systems Provides Wood Look The line of QuikTRAY roll-out pilaster systems from Tenn-Tex Plastics has been enhanced with a new wood alternative. A solid maple core with a polymer spline provides a wood look, while the system ofers tool-less adjustment of the standard polymer pilasters. www.tenntex.com

Circle No. 202 on Product Card

56 | Kitchen & Bath Design News





Power Strip Tucks Away

Task Lighting’s Angle Power Strip is featured in the company’s small profle AP Series and the tamper-resistant TR Series. The power strip fts inside the cabinet face frame or under a countertop lip, which allows for a clean, uninterrupted backsplash.

www.tasklighting.com Circle No. 206 on Product Card

Moulding Composed of Polymer-Based Substrates

IP Moulding is available in more than 40 profles for walls, ceilings and foors in Crystal White and 15 Woodgrain color fnishes. Available from the frm IP Moulding, the polymer-based substrates require no painting, sanding or sealing. The material is lightweight, moisture resistant and resists splitting, warping, mold and mildew, according to the company. www.ipmoulding.com Circle No. 207 on Product Card

November 2014



Pantry Storage Rolls Out

The 5722 Series Chef’s Roll-Out Pantry with Door Storage from Rev-A-Shelf includes 20 rearrangeable interior baskets and 10 rearrangeable doormount baskets. Designed to ft 36" pantry cabinets, the storage unit comes with two-door storage mounting rails and fasteners and incorporates pivot sliding hardware.

www.rev-a-shelf.com Circle No. 208 on Product Card

LIGHTING FIXTURES?

WALL COLOR?

APPLIANCE CHOICES?

FAUCET FINISHES?

COUNTER SURFACE?

CABINET STYLE?

FLOORING TYPE?

KITCHEN DESIGN SHOULD HAVE TO PASS YOUR TASTE TEST. Smart manufacturers want your input sooner than later to ensure their products will meet your standards and succeed in the marketplace. With your help, RICKI can give them this invaluable information. And in return for your assistance, you receive trend reports, gift cards or the chance to win cash rewards. As the nation’s top kitchen research firm, we invite you to sign up for our panel and to take your place alongside professional designers across the country in contributing to our research. Please visit www.KitchenTrends.org or contact Erin Gallagher, Chief of Insights, at [email protected] or 704-332-4332.

THE TRUSTED SOURCE FOR KITCHEN RESEARCH AND TRENDS

Circle No. 26 on Product Card

|

www.KitchenTrends.org

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation

Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single Each Issue During Issue Published Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date

(Requester Publications Only) a. Total Number of Copies (net press run)

1. Publication Title Kitchen & Bath Design News

2. Publication Number 728-410

3. Filing Date October 1, 2014

4. Issue Frequency Monthly

5. Number of Issues Published Annually 12

6. Annual Subscription Price Free to Qualified Subscribers

7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Street, City, County, State, and Zip+4) Sola Group Inc 724 12th St Suite 1W Wilmette IL 60091

Contact Person Marie Snow Telephone 847/920-9513

8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher Sola Group Inc, 724 12th St Suite 1W, Wilmette IL 60091 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor Publisher (Name and Complete Mailing Address) Paul J DeGrandis 724 12th St, Suite 1W Wilmette IL 60091 Editor (Name and Complete Mailing Address) Janice Ann Costa 3 Huntington Quadrangle, Suite 301N Melville, NY 11747 Managing Editor (Name and Complete Mailing Address) Anita Shaw 3 Huntington Quadrangle, Suite 301N Melville, NY 11747 10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.) Full Name Complete Mailing Address Sola Group Inc 724 12th St Suite 1W, Wilmette IL 60091 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or more of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities. If none, check here. ¨ None Full Name Complete Mailing Address Paul J DeGrandis 724 12th St Suite 1W, Wilmette IL 60091 Patrick O'Toole 724 12th St Suite 1W, Wilmette IL 60091

38,559

38,392

Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on 37,134 (1) PS Form 3541. (Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing and b. Legitimate Internet requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, Paid and/or employer requests, advertiser's proof copies, and exchange copies.) Requested (2) In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Distribution Form 3451. (Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing and internet (By Mail requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, and Outside employer requests, advertiser's proof copies, and exchange copies.) the Mail) (3) Sales Through Dealers & Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter 45 Sales, and Other Paid or Requested distribution Outside USPS. (4) Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS. (e.g. first-Class Mail) c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation 37,179 [Sum of 15b(1), (2), (3), (4)] (1) Outside County Nonrequested Copies stated on PS form 3541. (Include Sample copies, Requests Over 3 years old, Requests induced by a Premium, 649 d. Nonrequested Bulk Sales and Requests including Association Requests, Names obtained from Distribution Business directories, Lists, and other sources.) (By Mail (2) In-County Nonrequested Copies stated on PS form 3541. and Outside (Include Sample copies, Requests Over 3 years old, Requests induced by a Premium, the Mail) Bulk Sales and Requests including Association Requests, Names obtained from Business Directories, Lists, and other sources.) (3) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail.(e.g. First-Class Mail, Nonrequestor Copies mailed in excess of 10% Limit mailed at Standard Mail or Package Services Rates) (4) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail 260 (Include Pickup Stands, Trade Shows, Showrooms, & other sources) e. Total Nonrequested Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), and (3)) 909

37,175

f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e)

37,962

38,088

-

48 37,223

672

-

67 739

g. Copies Not Distributed

472

430

h. Total (Sum of 15f and g)

38,559

38,392

97.6%

98.1%

i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c / 15f x 100) 16. x Total circulation includes electronic copies. Report circulation on PS Form 3526-X worksheet. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the October issue of this publication. 18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner

Date

Paul J DeGrandis, Publisher

October 1, 2014

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

PS Form 3526 -R Facsimile

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (Only for Requester and General Category Periodicals Publications) 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates). (Check One) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: ¨ Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months ¨ Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months PS Form 3526-R Facsimile

13. Publication Title

14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below September 2014

Kitchen & Bath Design News

Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single Each Issue During

PS FORM 3526-R WORKSHEET

Issue Published

Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date

If you are using PS Form 3526-R and claiming electronic copies complete below: a. Requested Electronic and Paid Electronic Copies

8,185 9,228

b. Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15C) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies

45,364 46,451

c. Total Distribution (Line 15F) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies)

46,273 47,190

d. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies)

89.8%

88.3%

x I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (Electronic & Print) are legitimate requests. PS Form 3526-X Facsimile

Classifed Advertising

Need to sell? We Buy! Showroom displays, new-in-box change orders, and pre-owned luxury kitchens!

REP FIRMS WANTED Showplace Wood Products is looking for established independent rep organizations to recruit and service kitchen & bath dealers in Arizona, New Mexico & Nevada. Showplace is a mid-priced, semi-custom cabinet manufacturer committed to independent sales representation and independent dealerships. Showplace offers dealers an all-wood cabinet with complete customization flexibility delivered in a 4-week lead time. If you are qualified and interested in being considered, please contact Carissa Thesenvitz at: 877-607-2200 ext. 5014 or e-mail at: [email protected]

Nationwide White Glove, Professional, Insured Removal/Pack/Transport

58 | Kitchen & Bath Design News

November 2014

Surplus Building Materials Clean of your Dock and get paid for it. We buy discontinued products, wrong orders, dead inventory.

No job too big.

Call 717-249-2329

New York • Chicago • Beverly Hills • Naples 973-461-2344 • [email protected] • www.kitchentrader Kitchen & Bath Design News (USPS: 828-410, ISSN 8750-345X) is published monthly by Sola Group Inc., 724 12th St, Suite 1W, Wilmette IL 60091; (847) 920-9513. Subscriptions free to qualified individuals and firms engaged in retailing, designing, wholesaling or manufacturing of kitchen cabinets, countertops, bath vanities and built-in kitchen and bathroom products. One year subscription to nonqualified individuals: U.S. $55; Canada/Mexico $80; all other countries $100 payable in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. bank. Single issues available (prepaid only), $10.00 each. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the opinions expressed by editorial contributions to Kitchen & Bath Design News. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising not in keeping with the publisher’s standard. For subscriber information and address changes, write to: Kitchen & Bath Design News, Circulation Dept., P.O. Box 3257, Northbrook IL 60065-3257, or call (847) 920-9513. Postmaster: Send address changes to Kitchen & Bath Design News, Circulation Dept, P.O. Box 3257, Northbrook IL 60065-3257. Periodicals Postage paid at Wilmette, IL and additional mailing offices. Printed in USA. Canada Post PM40612608. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Kitchen & Bath Design News, P.O. Box 25542, London ON N6C 6B2. Canadian GST#842773848.

Wanted to Buy:

INDEPENDENT SALES PROFESSIONAL Mullet Cabinet, family-owned and located in the heart of Ohio Amish country, is looking for a sales professional to take their custom cabinetry to North and South Carolina, Virginia, and the DC Region. Email resumes to: [email protected] Mulletcabinet.com • 7488 State Route 241 Millersburg, Ohio 44654 • 330-674-9646

Classifieds Get Results For more info contact: Nancy Campoli

(800) 547-7377, ext. 6127

Product & Literature Showcase

WOOD RANGE HOODS FOR DISCRIMINATING HOME OWNERS

Phone: 586.752.3368 www.wood-hood.com Circle No. 100 on Product Card

Circle No. 101 on Product Card

Advanced stain protection without sealing grout, ever.

Circle No. 103 on Product Card

Advertiser Index Company Circle No. Blanco America Inc. 22 Brass Tech 23 Brizo 11 BSH Home Appliances Corp. 3 Cabparts Inc. 17 Chief Architect 12 Corsi Group Cosentino S. A. 29 Custom Building Products 102 Custom Inserts 101 Delta Faucet 2 Doug Mockett 8 Dura Supreme 25 Forevermark Cabinetry 27 Grass America Inc. 24 JSI Quality Cabinetry 18 Keystone Wood Specialities 103 Kohler Company 4 Laufen 6 Moen Inc. 13 NKBA-National Kitchen & Bath Assoc. 19 Osborne Wood Products 15 Outwater Plastics Industries 104 Panasonic 10 Quality Custom Cabinetry 21 Richelieu America 5 Ricki-Research Institute for Cooking & Research Intelligence 26, 30 Stanisci Design 100 Strom Plumbing by Sign of Crab 16 Sub-Zero Inc. 9 SuperBrightLEDs 14 Top Knobs 7 UltraCraft Cabinetry 28 Vent-A-Hood 1 White River Hardwoods 20

Page 41 49 23 9 27 25 16 13 59 59 4 17 53 61 51 35 59 11 14 31 37 26 59 21 38 12 57 59 27 19 26 15 62 2 30

CUSTOM’s Fusion Pro® grout delivers unsurpassed stain resistance from the moment it is installed, never requiring protective sealing. And with Fusion Pro’s advanced patent pending formulation featuring Microban® antimicrobial product protection you can specify the ideal alternative to cementitious, urethane and epoxy grouts.

UNSURPASSED STAIN RESISTANCE. WE KNOW GROUT. COUNT ON CUSTOM.

Available at The Home Depot and tile distributors nationwide.

custombuildingproducts.com/kbdn 800-272-8786

Circle No. 102 on Product Card

NEW 120V ! R G B R`iY I L bY bf oe n=Fcl\eox ED CL`i^ g_ hkt`ie n^ g No Transformers or Amplifiers Needed! Go to Web: Catalog 42, Page 1056

Up to 164 continuous feet can be powered by 120V household current!

PRODUCT FEATURES: • 7he only 120V 5*% /(' 5ibbon on the marNet that can be powered up to 1 continuous feet by 120V household current without the need for transformers, drivers, repeaters or amplifers • 2ffers a Naleidoscope of colors that can be proJrammed to morph at variable speeds or to remain static to suit the ambiance of any room • Can be cut in the feld and connected as desired • $n ,3 5ated waterproof cover ensures safe use both indoors and outdoors

Outwater Plastics Industries, Inc.

Lowest Prices... Widest Selection...

Serving the Industry Since 1972 G^pC^kl^r:kbshgZ New Jersey • Arizona All From Stock!

1-800-631-8375 www.outwater.com/vip1

FREE 1,000+ Page Catalog!

Circle No. 104 on Product Card November 2014

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AN INDUSTRY EXCLUSIVE FROM How contemporary design and cutting-edge technology can increase profits and resonate with today’s new clients

2014 SEMINAR SCHEDULE November 13 → Dallas

DETAILS & REGISTRATION, visit www.ForResidentialPros.com/KBDNSeminar Our sponsors' customers attend at no charge. Space is limited. Companies interested in sponsoring a seminar can contact their KBDN media consultant.

Only Kitchen & Bath Design News brings the industry an insightful blend of contemporary design and cutting-edge technology in a daylong, in-person educational program. Offered in eight metro areas across the country, KBDN’s Art + Science seminars are led by: Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID, CAPS, widely considered to be the nation’s premier kitchen and bath design authority, and the industry’s most widely respected educator. Eric Schimelpfenig, AKBD, founder of SketchThis.Net and a leading authority on cutting-edge technology impacting the kitchen and bath industry. Here are a few of the compliments from seminar attendees: “Definitely satisfies the more advanced designer, but keeps beginner/ intermediate designers engaged without losing them.” “Ellen is a tremendous presenter ‒ practical and inspired at the same time!” “Eric, thank you for speaking ‘designer’ rather than too ‘techy.’ You made sense out of scary digital stuff.” Note: 0.8 CEU credits from NKBA are applicable

Sponsored by

Color Shown: K-Series: Espresso

Color Shown: Signature Pearl

Forevermark Cabinetry™ has a variety of colors and designs that can fit any design and budget, making it easy to match any consumer’s personality and vision for a dream kitchen at a great value. With independent testing and products featuring

waterborne UV finishes by Sherwin-Williams®, we are committed to offering products with quality construction. Forevermark Cabinetry is dedicated to being a supportive partner for your business. Contact us to find out how we can help your business grow.

Forever Original. forevermarkcabinetry.com Circle No. 27 on 1roduct Card

Circle No. 28 on Product Card ©2014 ULTRACRAFT, A DIVISION OF NORCRAFT COMPANIES

Some restrictions apply.

RICHMOND II DOOR STYLE IN MAPLE WITH NATURAL | DESIGN: JORGE A. MARTINEZ, CKD; DESIGNER KITCHENS LA

FREEDOM

Design 365

800-803-2315

www.ultracraft.com

cabinets for life

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT KITCHEN & BATH DEALERS ACROSS THE USA

PROUDLY MADE IN AMERICA IN LIBERTY, NORTH CAROLINA

FULL ACCESS. MORE STORAGE. BETTER VALUE.

LET CREATIVITY RING!