Kitchen Bath News 022017

2/17
The leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen & bath trade
54
2017 DIRECTORY OF
SURFACING
MATERIALS
DESIGN PIZZAZZ • 38
Kitchens With
‘Wow’ Power
ELEMENTS OF STYLE • 32
Portfolio of
Backsplash Designs
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2/17
CONTENTS VOLUME 35 • NUMBER 2 • FEBRUARY 2017
32
38 44 54
32 PORTFOLIO DEPARTMENTS COLUMNS
Backsplash Beauties 5 Editorial 18 Planning & Design

Backsplashes have evolved from their minimalist roots into 6 Market Pulse by Mary Jo Peterson,
design elements that speak volumes in the kitchen. 8 Barometers CMKBD, CAPS, CLIPP
10 Consumer Buying Trends 20 Business Management
by Bruce Kelleran,
38 DESIGNER KITCHENS
12 Industry Update
CKD, CPA
22 What’s App
Wow Appeal 24 Designer Profile
A wealth of elements, both tangible and intangible, come together 26 Openings
to create kitchens with ‘wow’ power.
28 Project Case Study
30 Trend Spotting
44 PRODUCT TREND REPORT 66 Classifieds

67 Advertiser & Product Index
Cohesive Work Hubs 67 Product & Services Showcase
Kitchen sinks and faucets work together to form a flexible, 68 Transformations
cohesive work hub while seamlessly balancing style and function.
50 PRODUCT REVIEW 2/17 ON THE COVER
Illumination Nation Designer Robyn Scott chose

reflective back-painted glass,
From understated to dramatic, new advances in lighting The leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen & bath trade
painted a creamy white, for the

technology allow for a multitude of options to light up a room. backsplash of this contemporary
Aspen, CO-based kitchen,
maintaining a clean look that lets
54 DIRECTORY OF SURFACING MANUFACTURERS the stunning mountain views act
as the focal point. Read more in
Surface Statements 54
‘Backsplash Beauties’ on page 32.
KBDN’s annual Guide to Surfacing Manufacturers offers a look at 2017 DIRECTORY OF Photo: Hufker Photo
SURFACING
some of the leading surfacing materials on the market today. MATERIALS
DESIGN PIZZAZZ • 38
Kitchens With
‘Wow’ Power
ELEMENTS OF STYLE • 32
Portfolio of
Backsplash Designs
February 2017 • KitchenBathDesign.com 3

EDITORIAL
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KitchenBathDesignNews
ELIOT SEFRIN
PUBLISHER EMERITUS Follow us on Twitter:
@KBDN
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THE KITCHEN AND BATH industry is being product information, sales training and marketing
flooded by a wave of exciting new products, but the support – specifically in terms of research into consumer PUBLISHER
key to a solid working relationship between manufac- style and design preferences, demographics and lifestyles. Paul DeGrandis
turers and design professionals goes above and beyond Suppliers at KBDN’s Orlando breakfast were also told
mere product. that one in three surveyed designers say that a signifi- PUBLISHER EMERITUS
That message was conveyed in no uncertain terms cant number of suppliers fail to meet expectations when Eliot Sefrin
at last month’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), it comes to providing prompt, reliable and complete EDITOR
where 500+ exhibitors displayed the latest in products deliveries, offering purchasing incentives, having helpful Janice Anne Costa
at the same time leading suppliers were being told that websites or having knowledgeable sales reps.
while innovative, high-quality products are essential to And there was more. To wit: MANAGING EDITOR
success, they’re merely a starting point when it comes to • Suppliers were told that only one in five surveyed Anita Shaw
meeting the needs of today’s designers. designers feel that the products they want are always ASSOCIATE EDITOR
In reality, kitchen and bath designers, as much as available within a reasonable amount of time. Ashley Lapin Olian
ever, are expressing a need for supplier partners that
distinguish themselves by providing “above-and-beyond” • They were told that, while most designers say they see GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Patrick O’Toole
some of their manufacturers’ reps often enough, only
one in 20 say they see all their reps enough. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
“Everyone shares the burden • They were told that while surveyed designers report
Kim Berndtson
Joe Dowd
of raising the bar when that a majority of their current suppliers provide
“good” or “excellent” service, only 4% say all of their
Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS
Elizabeth Richards
it comes to improving suppliers provide that level of service. Denise Vermeulen
relationships between
COLUMNISTS
• They were told that more than half of the designers Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID, CAPS
polled indicate they believe manufacturers are far Denise Grothouse
suppliers and designers.” more interested in selling product than maintaining a
role as a true business partner.
Leslie Hart
Bruce Kelleran, CKD, CPA
Ken Peterson, CKD
customer service, particularly in terms of ongoing com- All of this should serve as food for thought, for all lev- Leah Peterson
munication, relevant support and overall responsiveness els of the kitchen and bath product chain. Indeed, every- Mary Jo Peterson, CMKBD, CAPS,
to issues that unexpectedly arise. one shares the burden of raising the bar when it comes to CLIPP
In other words, successful designer-manufacturer improving working relationships in the design trade. Sarah Reep, CMKBD, ASID, CMG,
partnerships involve more than merely supplying and The good news is that manufacturers, by and large, CAPS, IIDA
specifying beautiful and functional cabinetry, counter- are apparently doing well in meeting the needs of today’s Eric Schimelpfenig, AKBD
tops, appliances, hardware, accessories, “plumbingware,” designers. The sobering news is that, as always, there’s CREATIVE &
lighting and related products. Designers, more than any- room for improvement. PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
thing, want suppliers that go the extra mile – and those And that should be a goal that all parties in the indus- Tracy Hegg
who demonstrate they truly care. try never fail to aspire to. ▪
Manufacturers attending Kitchen & Bath Design News’ CIRCULATION MANAGER
third annual KBIS “Insights” breakfast were told, for Mike Serino
example, that while designers feel most of them do an READER SERVICE MANAGER
admirable job, a considerable number are expressing a Jeff Heine
concerted need for more detailed and easily accessible
DIGITAL PROGRAMS MANAGER
Tim Steingraber
PROJECTS MANAGER
Heidi Riedl
Copyright © 2017 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.

MARKET PULSE READERS’ OPINIONS ON INDUSTRY-RELATED ISSUES
Designers/Dealers Talk Popular Products

What types of products have drawn the most or crafts and interact with the adults in the
kitchen/Great Room.”
interest among your customers in the past few Jeanine Martin, CKD
months and why? Are there any product categories ProBuild
Kalispell, MT
that are seeing a decrease in interest, and if so, why?
“THERE HAS BEEN an increase in
contemporary and transitional cabinetry, and
“PRODUCTS THAT PIQUE textural “I AM SEEING the continuation of the two-toned kitchen cabinetry for the wall and
interest seem to be drawing a lot of attention popularity of white/off-white painted cabi- base cabinets. There has been a decrease in
from customers at this time. Distressed, nets for kitchens and baths. Clients love the traditional cabinetry because of people’s desire
almost driftwood-style flooring, whether it be open, expansive look that white brings. All to stay with new trends.”
laminate, LVT or tile, is extremely popular, of my clients want to get rid of bathtubs in Peter Bittner, designer
mixed with smooth painted finishes on cabin- their master baths and replace them with a Bilotta Kitchens
etry. I am seeing an interest in more simplis- much larger shower. Of course, going with Mamaroneck, NY
tic backsplashes or backsplashes with unique barrier free is very hot since I deal with a lot
shapes. In our region of the country, although of baby boomers. Threshold showers with
customers express an interest in gray, they are linear drains are not requested often. Most “INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL
more drawn to the warmer, ‘greige’ tones that of my clients plan to stay in their homes as products [within the cabinets] continue to
blend with the traditional oak casing seen in they age – first floor masters make that pos- be items most of my clients are concerned
our area.” sible. My number one requested bathroom with. They not only want their kitchens to
Theresa Braun, designer luxury is heated floors. Everyone wants be aesthetically pleasing, but also want
Marling HomeWorks heated bathroom tile floors to give their them to function more efficiently and have
Janesville, WI room a spa-like feel and decrease heating essentials placed where they will be used/
bills for the home.” needed. Clients seem to be drawn to simpler
Jean M. Bean, owner cabinet styles and less ornate/decorative
“TECHNOLOGY IS IN the forefront Jean Bean Interiors ones. They want more drawers and fewer
of design; smart home products are changing Rochester Hills, MI upper cabinets. It all comes down to the fact
the way we design. Now a customer can get a that we live in our kitchens now and don’t
recipe from a smart device or appliance with- just cook in them. People want efficiency,
out having to store so many cookbooks; they “TILE WAS THE most asked about attractiveness, organization and kitchens
can turn on their appliances through their product last year. Sizes, finishes and textures that meet the needs of multi-generational
smartphone; they can integrate music without all have been talked about by my clients. Also, families.”
a complicated system; and they can change wood looks are growing in use; paint color Carolyn Kelly, cabinet design specialist
their lighting with a voice command. I think as related to cabinets is changing constantly; CO Lumber Specialties
the staple products like cabinetry, counter- wood finishes on cabinets are being asked for Colorado Springs, CO
tops and flooring are more understated and less; and simple door styles are definitely on
simplified. Clean design with cool technology the rise.”
features is on trend.” Rick Beahm, president “LARGE CERAMIC TILE in 12"x24",
Candace Nordquist, CKD & interior designer Beahm & Son Ltd. 12"x36" and 20"x20" sizes [has been very
Candace Nordquist Interiors Evans City, PA popular in our geographic area] – all it takes
Gig Harbor, WA is showing the customer a job done in large
tile and they get excited. We are taking on
“CLIENTS ARE CHOOSING more big time sales for good laminate flooring.
“AN INCREASE WAS seen in steam expensive hardware for their cabinets. They Soaker tubs are big with our customers
ovens due to their ease of use, variety of are using pulls only and see the hardware as and tile showers with body sprays are very
uses and compact design; wall-hung toilets the jewelry of their kitchens.” popular as well. Granite is still very strong
because of their compactness, ease of clean- Penny Morrow, president in bathrooms as well as kitchens. There has
ing and great design; and apron A Better Design Inc. been a decrease in wood flooring, carpeting
sinks because as large, single bowls, they Arvada, CO and jetted tubs.”
are easy to clean and look good in both tra- Linda Drobena, design services and
ditional and contemporary kitchens. There showroom manager
has been a decrease in body sprays because “THERE ARE MORE recycle centers and Precision Restoration & Remodeling
they use too much water; a separate spray at fewer trash compactors as they’re not environ- Hot Springs, AR
the kitchen faucet since a pull-out spray is mentally sound for disposal of waste. There
much more convenient; and concrete coun- is more wine storage – cabinets and chillers.
tertops due to the fact that they chip easily, There is also more interest in charging sta-
can’t be repaired and are easily stained.” tions and connected appliances. [I’m seeing]
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Email your feedback,
Don Gross, owner/designer more pet feeding areas, food storage and contact information and the subject, ‘Market Pulse’
Cabernet Kitchen & Bath washing stations. Also, specific areas for the with your message to Janice@SOLAbrands.com
Sonoma, CA children or grandchildren to play, store toys
6 Kitchen & Bath Design News • February 2017

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BAROMETERS A LOOK AT KEY STATISTICS & TRENDS SHAPING THE INDUSTRY
Market Gains Seen Continuing in 2017

HOUSING MARKET GAINS are be-
ing projected for 2017, despite mixed signals and
tepid recent results in certain segments of res- RELATIVE STRENGTH OF KEY RESIDENTIAL
idential construction. Among the key statistics
and forecasts released in recent weeks by govern-
CONSTRUCTION SECTORS
ment agencies, research firms and industry-re-
% of Surveyed Residential Architects Reporting Popularity Increasing
lated trade associations were the following:
Minus % Reporting Popularity Decreasing
HOUSING STARTS 66%
2016 2015
Builder confidence in the market for newly built 57%
54%
single-family homes jumped as 2016 closed, to 49%
its highest reading since July 2005, an increase 42%
34%
largely attributable to economic fundamentals –
including consumer confidence, job growth and 22% 20% 19%
stock market gains – that “continue to look good 11% 10%
for housing,” said Robert Dietz, chief economist -1%
-6% -2%
for the National Association of Home Builders. Additions & Kitchen Move-Up Custom/ Townhouse/ First-Time Second/
Single-family housing starts “remain very solid,” Alterations & Bath Home Luxury Condo Buyer/ Vacation
noted Dietz, adding that the Washington, DC- Remodeling Market Home Market Affordable Home
Market Home
based NAHB projects that single-family produc- Market
tion will “continue on a long-run, gradual growth
trend,” while the more volatile multi-family While housing market conditions continue to strengthen across all U.S. regions, the ongoing re-
sector is expected to level off “at a solid rate.” covery remains halting and uneven, with most residential construction niches – including kitchen/
bath remodeling – softening somewhat compared to 2015, although performing relatively well
EXISTING-HOME SALES compared to other sectors, such as affordable and second/vacation homes.
Existing-home sales are forecast to muster only Source: American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey, 3rd Qtr., 2016
a small gain in 2017 because of increasing mort-
gage rates and shrinking consumer confidence,
according to a forecast issued by the National
Association of Realtors. Lawrence Yun, chief CABINET & VANITY SALES APPLIANCE SHIPMENTS
economist for the Washington-based NAR, said Sales of kitchen cabinets and vanities rose Domestic shipments of major home applianc-
that declining affordability in many parts of the in November of 2016, compared to the same es, led by gains in nearly all of the key product
country is behind the forecast for weakening month the previous year, the Kitchen Cabinet categories, rose sharply in November of 2016,
consumer confidence. “Rents and home prices Manufacturers Association said last month. while continuing to maintain a modest edge
outpacing incomes, and scant supply in the af- According to the Reston, VA-based KCMA, over year-to-date shipments in the previous
fordable price range, has been a prominent head- manufacturers participating in the associa- year, according to the Association of Home
wind for many prospective buyers,” Yun said. tion’s “Trend of Business” survey reported that Appliance Manufacturers. The Washington-
“The unwelcoming reality of higher mortgage November 2016 sales of cabinets and vanities based AHAM reported last month that
rates since the election is likely further holding increased 7.2% compared to sales in November November 2016 appliance shipments totaled
back confidence,” he added. Despite those pre- of 2015. Sales of stock cabinets gained 9.1% for 5.62 million units, up 13% from the 4.972
dictions, existing sales were still expected to close the month, while semi-custom cabinet sales rose million units shipped during the same month
2016 some 3.3% higher than in 2015 – and reach 8.9% and custom cabinet sales declined 1.8%. in 2015. Year-to-date shipments for the first
5.42 million, the best year since 2006. In 2017, Year-to-date sales for the first 11 months of 2016 11 months of 2016 were up 2.9% compared to
sales are being forecast to grow roughly 2%, to were up 4.8% over sales for January-November January-November shipments in 2015, AHAM
around 5.52 million, the NAR said. of the previous year, the association added. reported.
MARKET ANALYSIS
Demand for Accessible Housing Features Projected to Rise

CAMBRIDGE, MA — By 2035, more than one in According to the Harvard Joint Center for noted that only 3.5% of current homes in the
five people in the U.S. will be aged 65 and older, Housing Studies’ report, the U.S. population U.S. offer the recommended range of Universal
and one in three households will be headed aged 65 and over is expected to grow from Design features.
by someone in that age group, according to a 48 million to 79 million, and the number of The report notes that the majority of older
new report from the Harvard Joint Center for households headed by someone over the age adults have “a strong desire to live at home for as
Housing Studies. of 65 will increase to nearly 50 million. This long as possible.” Achieving that goal, however,
The demographic trend, the report notes, growth will increase the demand for housing “will require action to support modifications to
will “increase the demand for affordable, accessi- with Universal Design features, including those existing homes,” as well as expanding the range
ble housing” far beyond what the current supply that are typically earmarked for the kitchen and of housing options available to better meet the
of homes can meet. bath, the report found. However, the report also needs of an aging population.

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CONSUMER BUYING TRENDS DEMOGRAPHICS & BUYING PATTERNS FOR THE HOME
PUBLISHING
Photo: Courtesy GE Appliances

SOLA GROUP, INC.
1880 OAK AVE., SUITE 350
EVANSTON, IL 60201
(847) 440-3000
Paul DeGrandis
Publisher, ext. 100
Paul@SOLAbrands.com
Eliot Sefrin
Publisher Emeritus, ext. 113
Eliot@SOLAbrands.com
SALES
WEST/MIDWEST
Paul DeGrandis
Ext. 100
Direct (847) 920-9510
Paul@SOLAbrands.com
EAST/SOUTHEAST
Joanne Naylor
Ext. 114
Direct (201) 891-9170
Joanne@SOLAbrands.com
Beth Emerich
Ext. 101
Direct (781) 710-4745
GE Appliances is just one EmerichB@SOLAbrands.com
company introducing
MIDWEST
connected appliances, which
Jessica Fidrocki
offer the convenience of
Ext. 117
monitoring appliance status,
Direct (847) 386-2177
functions and repair issues via
Jessica@SOLAbrands.com
a downloadable app.
PRODUCT & LITERATURE
SHOWCASE/CLASSIFIED ADS
Mike Serino
Consumer Interest Rising in Smart Homes Ext. 102

Direct (630) 699-2004
Mike@SOLAbrands.com
WASHINGTON, DC — As smart homes become smart homes and their features, such as devices and appli- EDITORIAL
more popular and widespread, home buyers and remod- ances,” Brown added. Janice Anne Costa
eling consumers are showing increased interest in both In terms of specific smart-home features, 37% of the Editor, ext. 116
smart-home technologies and certifications that acknowl- realtors surveyed reported that home buyers find smart Janice@SOLAbrands.com
edge realtors’ and specifiers’ experience and expertise in locks to be very important, followed by lights at 29% and
Anita Shaw
smart-home features. thermostats at 26%. Forty-three percent of the surveyed
Managing Editor, ext. 112
That’s the key conclusion of a major new report issued realtors said home buyers were neutral about the importance
Anita@SOLAbrands.com
last month by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). of voice-control features and 38% felt the same about smart
The report, which analyzed the importance of smart-home appliances and doorbells. Ashley Lapin Olian
technology to realtors across the country, has significant When it comes to the importance of smart-home Associate Editor, ext. 104
Ashley@SOLAbrands.com
implications for kitchen and bath designers, and remodelers, functions to home buyers, 80% of the surveyed realtors
who are often called upon by clients to specify smart-home said they see security as “very” or “somewhat” important.
features in both new and remodeled homes. Nearly half view privacy as a “very” important smart-home SUBSCRIPTIONS
According to the report, 42% of surveyed respondents function to home buyers, while 30% see it as “somewhat” Kitchen & Bath Design News
said they are interested in acquiring a smart-home certifi- important. Four in 10 realtors reported they see both cost Circulation Dept.
cation, while just 22% reported they are not interested and savings and energy savings to be “very” important to home- P.O. Box 3007
36% said they were undecided. owners, and 38% see comfort to be a very important smart Northbrook, IL 60065-3007
“More homeowners are adopting smart-home technology, home function. (866) 932-5904
and that will likely impact buyers’ purchase decisions in the Of the many types of smart-home technologies avail- circ.kbdn@omeda.com
future,” said William Brown, president of the Washington, able, 42% of surveyed realtors said homeowners were most
DC-based NAR. interested in smart-home devices, followed by whole-home
“While consumer interest in this trend is still developing, technology (22%) and smart-home technology for specific
realtors are becoming well-versed in successfully marketing rooms (13%). ▪

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INDUSTRY UPDATE NOTEWORTHY DEVELOPMENTS IMPACTING THE KITCHEN AND BATH MARKET
KBDN Design Competition Underway

EVANSTON, IL — The 2nd Annu- Submitted projects need to have
al Kitchen & Bath Design Awards, been completed between Nov. 1,
sponsored by Kitchen & Bath Design 2015 and May 19, 2017.
News, is now accepting entries. Registration for the competition
The competition was created as a will run through May 5, 2017, and all
way to recognize kitchen and bath completed entries must be submit-
specialists and other professionals ted by May 19, 2017.
for outstanding project design and Winners will be profiled in the
construction. August 2017 issue of KBDN.
Categories in this year’s compe- “As the independent voice of the
tition include: industry, Kitchen & Bath Design News
• Best Showroom believes that great kitchen design needs to be celebrat-
• Best Kitchen over $200,000
ed, agnostic of brand, or affiliation,” said Paul DeGrandis,
• Best Kitchen $100,000 to $200,000 • Best Universal Design Kitchen or Bath
publisher of KBDN and president of SOLA Group. “Great
• Best Kitchen under $100,000 • Best Specialty Project design matters. It is a key differentatior for the kitchen
Entries will be judged by a panel of top kitchen and and bath industry.”
• Best Master Bathroom over $50,000
bath designers based on a range of criteria, including For more info, contact Paul DeGrandis at 847-920-
• Best Master Bathroom under $50,000 aesthetic appeal, functionality, originality and overall 9510. To receive an entry form, visit www.KBDNAwards.
• Best Powder Room impression. com or contact Heidi Reidl at Heidi@SOLAbrands.com.
2017 KBDN Seminar Series Starts Designer Needs Outlined During

Up Again This Month in Phoenix KBDN Breakfast at 2017 Design Week
EVANSTON, IL — This month will mark the kickoff for the second year of a Kitchen ORLANDO, FL — Kitchen and bath designers are looking for product suppliers
& Bath Design News-sponsored seminar series aimed at enhancing the client-en- that will exceed their expectations and really care about their businesses. And the
gagement skills and profitability of kitchen/bath dealers, designers and related suppliers that truly stand out are those that provide superior customer service by
industry professionals. communicating well and responding swiftly to issues that arise.
The first in KBDN’s 2017 educational initiative, entitled “Profitable Client En- Those are among the key conclusions conveyed to more than 100 executives
gagement Strategies for Today’s Evolving Market,” is scheduled for Wednesday, from major kitchen/bath product manufacturers who gathered here for Kitchen &
Feb. 22 at the Doubletree by Hilton-Phoenix/Tempe hotel. Bath Design News’ third annual “Insights” breakfast (see Editorial, Page 5).
The 2017 seminar series will bring KBDN “live” to eight major markets The event, staged during last month’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), was
through a program presented by industry experts Jennifer Gilmer, CKD, and sponsored by KBDN and its research partners: the Research Institute for Cooking
Eric Schimelpfenig, AKBD, delivering content created by Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, & Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI) and Wray Ward, a Charlotte, NC-based marketing
ASID, CAPS. Gilmer is the owner of Chevy Chase, MD-based Jennifer Gilmer communications firm specializing in home-related clients. The insights that were
Kitchen & Bath, a leading design firm in the greater mid-Atlantic region, and communicated were culled from a recent survey of more than 300 kitchen and
Schimelpfenig is a leading authority on cutting-edge technology impacting the bath dealers, designers and related trade professionals.
kitchen and bath industry and KBDN columnist. “The ideal supplier is one who goes above and beyond with its service,” said
Additional 2017 seminars are scheduled for March presenter Leslie Gillock, v.p. & director of insights for Wray Ward. “Designers are
22 in Orlando, FL; April 20 in Portland, OR; May 16 in looking for suppliers that will exceed their expectations and really care about their
Philadelphia; June 21 in Milwaukee; Sept. 27 in New York; businesses. Suppliers that stand out provide superior customer service by keeping
Oct. 18 in Detroit, and Nov. 15 in Washington, DC. the lines of communication open throughout the process, and even between proj-
Targeted at kitchen and bath design professionals ects, and are proactive in their support and quick to respond to issues that arise.”
seeking to optimize their client-engagement skills, According to Gillock, designers feel that a majority of their current suppliers
“Profitable Client Engagement Strategies for Today’s provide “good” or “excellent” service, but only 4% of those surveyed say that all
Evolving Market” addresses how both traditional, of their suppliers provide this level of service.
Gilmer brick-and-mortar and virtual environments are under- “Kitchen and bath manufacturers seem to do best at having sales reps who are
going a revolutionary change, with the advent of new knowledgeable and helpful, providing comprehensive sales and product informa-
digital tools, including kitchen/bath-related apps, smart- tion, and having helpful websites,” Gillock said.
phones, mobile devices, augmented reality and powerful However, she added, there is room for improvement.
new software. “According to about one in three designers, some kitchen and bath manufac-
The program’s emphasis is on how design firms of turers do not meet their level of expectations when it comes to providing prompt,
all sizes and business models can leverage traditional reliable and complete deliveries, offering purchasing incentives, or having knowl-
product displays, cutting-edge digital technologies and edgeable sales reps,” Gillock observed.
updated sales-presentation strategies aimed at key cli- She also cited the need for suppliers to provide more detailed and easily-ac-
ent cohorts, including the younger, more digitally savvy cessible product information and photos, training and additional advertising and
Schimelpfenig consumers currently impacting the market. CEU credit marketing support.
from NKBA and NARI will be applicable. “Most designers feel they see some of their manufacturers’ reps often enough,
Additional details, including hotel locations, will be announced in but only one in 20 say they see all of their reps enough,” Gillock noted. “More than
the near future. Information can be obtained by visiting www.KBDN half indicate they feel manufacturers are just interested in selling products rather
seminars.com, or contacting Publisher Paul DeGrandis at Paul@SOLAbrands.com. than being a true business partner.”

Ken Jacuzzi through one’s mobile phone, attendees
have the ability to move the tour at their
find out what it’s like to be a NASCAR
driver. Racers with the fastest simulator
The space allows attendees to relax,
charge personal devices and network
Leaves Legacy own pace, or break up the tour across times each day will win two tickets to the with fellow professionals. Coverings
CHINO HILLS, CA — Jacuzzi several days. NASCAR events of their choice. Connect will present a series of educa-
Group Worldwide announced The NASCAR Racing Experience will In addition, the social media lounge is tional seminars, called “Byte” sessions,
the passing of Ken Jacuzzi last provide attendees the opportunity to getting refreshed as Coverings Connect. that have a digital focus.
month.
In the 1950s at the age of two,
Ken Jacuzzi contracted juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis, leaving him
bound to a wheelchair for most
of his life. Told that he would not
live to see his third birthday, Ja- THE ART OF DRESSING
cuzzi’s father, Candido Jacuzzi,
invented a pump to give his
son pain-relieving hydrother-
CABINETS.
apy treatments at home. With
this invention, Candido Jacuzzi
and his brothers founded what
became Jacuzzi Group World-
wide, the premier manufacturer
of in-home baths and portable
hot tubs.
Said Bob Rowan, CEO of
Jacuzzi Group Worldwide, “Ken
lived his life with grace and great
dignity, and was an honorable
humanitarian. He was the in-
spiration of not only the Jacuzzi
Brand, but an entire industry.
Our deepest sympathies go out
to his wife and extended family.”
Coverings 2017
Adds to Show
ARLINGTON, VA — Coverings
is planning to enhance its 2017
show experience with a variety
of new offerings and events. The
new elements are intended to
add to the show by allowing at-
tendees opportunities to further
interact, explore and engage.
Coverings will be held April 4-7,
2017, at the Orange County Con-
vention Center in Orlando, FL.
“Beyond the show floor and
conference program, these spe-
cial components further make
Coverings a draw for thousands
of architects, designers, builders,
remodelers, fabricators, install-
ers, retailers and distributors,”
said Jennifer Hoff, president of
Taffy Event Strategies.
Show attendees will have the
opportunity to receive a guided
audio tour via the official Cov-
erings mobile application. The
pre-recorded tour provides at-
tendees with insights into booths
and pavilions, extending a thor-
ough introduction to the show
floor. With each tour operated 4000 op tions and a Free sample ww w.Top Kn obs.c om
prog ram. Sta r t sho pping. 800-499-9095
ELK Group Gets Xync Brands Conestoga Wood

NESQUEHONING, PA — ELK Group International has Completes Facility
purchased Roswell, GA-based kitchen and bath product EAST EARL, PA — Conestoga Wood
manufacturer Xync Brands, LLC – producer of the Ryvyr Specialties has consolidated and ex-
and Hembry Creek brands. panded its finishing operation to add
The acquisition marks a significant expansion into the 47,000 sq. ft. of space and state-of-the-
furniture and fittings segment of the kitchen and bath art finishing equipment.
market for ELK Group, according to the company. Xync The new facility includes:
Brands, founded in 2004, produces sinks, vessels, vani- • Venjakob Automatic Flat Line Finish-
ties, tops, mirrors and plumbing fittings. ing System, which applies and dries
“This partnership will allow us to leverage our com- coatings on various products;
bined design team and marketing resources to launch
• Freestanding Spray Booth for use
new and exciting products and categories,” offered
Draper-DBS Founder and President Bill Draper (center), when manual application is nec-
Hal Weinstein, president and founder of Xync. “ELK’s
is joined by Jack Sassaman, production manager (left) and essary, and includes a downdraft
expansion into this segment of the kitchen/bath in- Rich Brown, exec. v.p. sales (right). feature that forces dirt and fumes to
dustry will be welcomed by Xync’s customer base as the floor and away from the operator;
it increases the depth of offering while allowing cus-
tomers to consolidate additional products onto one Draper-DBS Marks Anniversary • Freestanding Infrared Oven that dries
product coated in the off-line spray
shipment.” PERKASIE, PA — Since 1981, Draper-DBS has gone booth; and
In addition to Hal Weinstein, veterans John Wein- from Bill Draper’s basement wood shop to a custom
stein and Sharon Taylor will be joining ELK to provide a cabinetry manufacturing operation that functions out • Sanding Rooms with Downdraft
seamless transition and continue to provide design, sales of a 23,000-sq.-ft. facility with 30 skilled craftsmen and Tables that include self-contained
and customer service experience. Kathy Frank continues a front office team. The company’s 35th anniversary is filtration systems to remove particu-
with marketing communications and customer service being marked by a continued commitment to quality and late dust from the hand sanding area,
support. service, and the announcement of two new members to and returning clean air to the room.
ELK’s combined brand inventory now includes over its team: Richard Brown as executive v.p. of sales and Jack The expansion significantly increases
15,000 stocking SKUs across multiple décor categories. Sassaman as production manager. the company’s finishing capabilities.
New Vanity Collections From:
Legs are removable for wall

Verticali - NEW! mounting, hardware included! Parkett - NEW!
Find out more about these new Lifestyle Bath Vanity Collections at: www.sagehilldesigns.com
California Faucets Like all WaterSense labeled prod-
ucts, bath and shower diverters would
formation related to bath and shower
diverter performance to help EPA in de-
information with WaterSense by
emailing watersense-products@erg.
Adds Facility be independently certified to both veloping its draft specification, which it com. For more information about
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA— save water and perform well. With plans to release in Spring 2017. WaterSense’s NOI for bath and
California Faucets has recent- the release of this NOI, WaterSense Interested stakeholders are en- shower diverters, visit www.epa.gov/
ly expanded its operations to is gathering input and supporting in- couraged to share comments and watersense.
include a third manufacturing
facility in order to accommo-
date continuing growth. The new
20,000-sq.-ft. building is locat-
ed near the company’s current
headquarters in Huntington
Beach. The added facility brings WOW worthy… to purely practical.
the firm’s operating space to
more than 80,000 sq. ft. We’ve got you covered.
“We’ve been blessed with dou-
ble digit growth since 2010, on the
heels of the recession,” said Jeff
Silverstein, California Faucets
president and CEO. “We believe
our upward momentum is due to
our focus on bringing truly innova-
tive products to market, as well as
a company culture of award-win-
ning customer service.”
WaterSense
Mulls Diverters
WASHINGTON — The U.S. En-
vironmental Protection Agency’s
WaterSense program has re-
leased a notice of intent to add
bath and shower diverters to
its suite of WaterSense labeled
plumbing fixtures.
Bath and shower diverters
are used to divert the flow of
water either toward the bathtub
spout or toward the shower-
head in bathrooms that feature
a tub-shower combination. Bath
and shower diverters can devel-
op leaks over time that waste
significant amounts of water
and energy with every shower.
EPA is considering developing a
draft WaterSense labeling spec-
ification as an opportunity for
manufacturers and communities
looking to save water.
WaterSense has identified
field studies that examine the ex-
tent of bath and shower diverter
leaks. One study found that 34%
of bath and shower diverters had
an average leak rate of 0.8 gal-
lons per minute (gpm), with leak
rates as high as 3.0 gpm. From
these studies, EPA estimates that Introducing PROFINA™, a modern country fireclay sink with a twist. The integrated
old, leaky diverters can waste accessory ledge makes it easy to prep, clean and dry — all within the distinctive apron
an average of more than 1,500 front sink. This innovative solution saves precious counter space above a generous
gallons of water per year, and as 36" wide bowl. Rarely does style and substance provide such a perfect balance. In this
much as 4,200 gallons per year. case, it makes the perfect match.
www.blancoamerica.com
888-668-6201
•
PMI and AWE partnership on a study to determine will focus on Arizona, California, Col- residential base of plumbing fixtures
potential water savings that could be orado, Georgia and Texas – all states as well as determine the potential
Collaborate on Study achieved by replacing older, inefficient that have recently experienced serious water savings that could be achieved
CHICAGO — Plumbing Manufacturers toilets with high-efficiency models. water shortages. The study will de- through replacement of those non-ef-
International and the Alliance for Wa- The “Saturation Study of Non-Ef- termine the number of non-efficient ficient models.
ter Efficiency recently announced a joint ficient Water Closets in Key States” toilets that remain within the installed “This study is part of PMI’s and
AWE’s ongoing advocacy efforts
to examine how improved wa-
ter efficiency can bring practical
solutions to states and regions
with water supply issues,” said
Barbara C. Higgens, PMI CEO and
executive director.
“We are pleased to partner
with PMI on this important re-
search project, which we hope will
highlight the remaining number
of inefficient toilets still in use in
these five critically water-short
states and how much water can
be saved by their replacement,”
said Mary Ann Dickinson, AWE’s
Inspired by the elegance of natural stone president and CEO.
with a vein cut that visually resembles wood grain, The study will be completed by
this collection offers you a stunning luxurious new look the end of February 2017 and will
with the resiliency of engineered quartz
be posted on the PMI and AWE
websites.
NKBA Accredits
MD College
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The
National Kitchen & Bath As-
sociation recently announced
that Anne Arundel Community
College, located in Arnold, MD,
has met the requirements to
become an NKBA accredited
program provider. Anne Arundel
Community College offers two
pathways for students seeking a
professional career in the kitchen
and bath industry: an Associate’s
degree in Interior Design plus
Advanced Interior Design Cer-
tificate Kitchen and Bath or an
Interior Design Certificate plus
Advanced Interior Design Certif-
icate in Kitchen and Bath.
As a part of the credit program,
each student must complete an
internship monitored by the ed-
ucational institution. Programs
accredited by the National Kitch-
en & Bath Association must have
an NKBA Certified advisor or fac-
ulty member.
The NKBA currently recog-
nizes nearly 50 schools in North
America whose kitchen and bath
curriculum meet their established
educational standards, which in-
clude the knowledge and skills
necessary for competent practice
in the profession.

APPOINTMENTS
Bill Woodall has been appointed re- Perlick, based in Milwaukee, WI, has an- Danelle Howard and Andrea Raymond will represent the Midwestern region,
gional sales director for the Midwest at nounced an exclusive new partnership have been named sales representatives including Illinois, Missouri and Kansas.
Richardson, TX-based Vent-A-Hood. with Pinnacle Sales Group. Pinnacle at Duravit, based in Duluth, GA. How- Dominic Mincieli has also been named
Woodall is responsible for furthering will serve Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ne- ard will act as a representative for the western regional sales manager, while
distributor relationships and managing braska, North Dakota, South Dakota and southern territories of Texas, Oklaho- Spencer Chiaro has been appointed
all sales activities in the upper Midwest Wisconsin for Perlick. ma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Raymond national accounts manager – Ferguson.
territory.
Sunil Palakodati
YOUR
has assumed the
reins of Architec-
*
tural Granite &
Marble (AG&M),
Palakodati
based in Austin,
TX. Palakodati has taken the
Your Vision.
software
role from company founder Jack CabineT Your Creativity.
Seiders, who has retired. Your Construction.
C l o s e T
Your Success.
Allsouth Appliance Group has
named Andrew Schor operations
manager for the company. He will
be based out of the firm’s flagship
store in Birmingham, AL.
Davis Eidemiller
Wichita, KS-
based R.D. Henry
& Company, for-
merly Custom
Cupboards Inc.,
Rein
has named Nick
Davis finish division manager,
and LouNel Eidemiller produc-
tion manager. In addition, Jessica
Rein has been appointed interim
customer service manager.
The WebhanneT Co.
Smyrna, TN-
based Franke has
added two new
members to its
Kitchen Systems
Aown
North America
leadership team.
Bryan Aown has
been named v.p.
p ro d u c t m a n -
agement and
Trump
innovation, while
Amy Trump has been named the
company’s U.S. controller.
ThermaSol, based in Round Rock,

TX, has moved Martin Siwy from
his position of v.p. of sales and
marketing to v.p. of marketing,
freeing him up from sales to focus
more intently on longer-range
marketing initiatives. In addition,
Ryan Paul, previously a regional
sales manager, has been promot-
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PLANNING & DESIGN
MARY JO PETERSON,
CMKBD, CAPS, CLIPP
Great Kitchen Design on a Budget

SO OFTEN WHEN I give design presen- work centers can support differences in be sure the function is not compromised,
tations, there is enthusiasm for the concepts the habits and abilities of the household larger drawers may need heavier hardware.
shown and concern about the budget. My work members, and they can make more happen When the design supports it, eliminate
with builders has confirmed that great kitchens in less space. A center that works as a place returning corners as this can be storage that
sell homes, and that there must be a huge return to eat, do homework or pay bills can keep is tough to access. When there is a return-
on every dollar spent in order to maintain the the budget of space and money down, and ing corner, accessorizing it to make sure
budget and reach that goal. it can provide an alternative height work the storage works is money well spent.
Often, we find greater variety and some surface, and allow for personalization.
flexibility in the budgets of our private clients, 8. Careful selection and combining of ap-
but I have never heard a client wish to com- 4. Decide when to spend. Choose that one pliances can sometimes fulfill the dream
promise on their vision of the kitchen in order luxury – the island top or the accent tile and reduce the cost, but this must be done
to balance the books. A recent discussion with or that range that is at the top of a cli- carefully. When a range replaces a cooktop
friends, designer Mary Jo Camp and architect ent’s wish list – that will become the with an oven immediately beneath it, there
Manny Gonzales, focused on what makes a great focal point or memory detail and adjust is a healthy cost savings, but if that oven
kitchen and how to design it on budget, basic the other elements to fit the budget. was planned at a more accessible height,
tenets that cannot be compromised and concepts this compromise would impact both design
for stretching dollars in budget kitchen design. 5. Don’t be swayed by the latest fashion, and function. Selecting an appliance that
Following is a roundup of our top 10 guidelines but style the space to be compatible with performs more than one function, such
for distinctive kitchen design on budget. a client’s home and approach to life. If a as a steam or a speed/convection oven,
might be another way to save not just cost,
but space. Proper and sometimes creative
“Choose that one luxury – the island top or the installation can raise the perceived sophis-
tication of a design. A full-size freestand-
accent tile or that range that is at the top of a ing refrigerator can be installed to appear
cabinet depth by pocketing it into the wall,
client’s wish list – that will become the focal point or by building out adjacent cabinetry to
accommodate the extra depth, making sure
or memory detail and adjust the other elements to design for proper door-swing clearance.
to fit the budget.” 9. Think of hardware and lighting as jewelry.

Simple hardware throughout a kitchen can
be enhanced for little cost through the use of
1. Design can and must be good at any price design or color trend is of interest to your a unique finish, or the selective application
point. The most luxurious kitchen will not client, add it in the accents, where it can of contrasting hardware only at the focal
be appreciated unless it is designed well be easily changed at minimal expense. point, such as on a sink cabinet or hutch
with a client’s needs and lifestyle in mind. storage for dishes. As we know, lighting
Likewise, the most affordable kitchen will 6. Create a strong connection to the outdoors serves both decorative and functional
be a success if thoughtful design is applied. at whatever level fits the budget and the roles in the design, and like the stand-out
program. From increased window area, hardware, this may be a place to splurge.
2. A very close second is what Manny calls the improving view and natural light sources,
WOW factor (see related story, Page 38). The to French doors or a glass wall, the kitchen 10. Whether it’s walls, floors or ceilings, count-
look and character of a space must speak must relate to the outdoor social area. An ers or backsplashes, it is often possible to
to all of the client’s senses, and to their “outdoor kitchen” may be as simple as a imitate a lavish finish at lower price points.
personality and approach to life. Time in this grill on the lighted terrace. Planned directly Large-format laminates can imitate the stone
kitchen should impact the cooks and guests outside the main kitchen, the two spac- or metal finishes more common at the high
with outstanding memories. Meeting the es can work together. When appropriate, end. Less expensive materials can be applied
budget cannot detract from the wow factor. using the same material for flooring inside in unique ways, such as a standard ma-
and out can enhance the connection. chined subway tile in a herringbone pattern,
3. Along with function, storage, flexibility to add the distinction of a luxury product.
and access should be guiding principles. 7. Cabinetry can be configured to reduce cost Color, texture and pattern can be applied for
Pantries, whether “walk-in” or created in and improve function. Consider combining impact at very little extra cost. The contrast
cabinetry, provide some storage within each cabinets, which can sometimes increase and balance of these finishes go a long way
cook’s reach as long as you have planned the flexibility of the storage and reduce the to defining the luxe message in a space.
an entry to the pantry that is flexible and cost. Using drawer bases can also improve
accessible. “Found storage” in adjacent the design. While the drawers are higher in Of course, there is much more to be said on
spaces, such as under a staircase or be- cost than a cabinet without them, they are this topic, so consider this a starting point for
tween the studs of a wall, can individualize beautifully accessible, they can emphasize your own collection of ideas and guidelines for
a design with minimal expense. Flexibility a horizontal design statement and they designing kitchens on a budget – without com-
in the size, shape and configuration of the eliminate the cost of storage accessories. To promising their quality. ▪

Everyday Luxury
Wellborn Cabinet introduces our new full access frameless line of cabinetry in 2017. The Aspire product
line adds clean lines and crisp edges that allow for all new beautiful, stylish and modern designs.
www.wellborn.com

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
BRUCE KELLERAN,
CKD, CPA
To Finish Well, Be Sure to Start Right

THERE WAS A day when most kitch- every sub has a finite amount of work they can CLIENT COMMUNICATIONS/RELATIONS
en and bath remodeling projects were small, perform in any given time period, it’s critical It’s likely that a preliminary start date was pro-
straightforward jobs. You could show up with that they not be overbooked. Such a consolidated vided to the client at the time the contract was
your pickup truck and tools, figure out what work schedule allows you to determine quickly signed. Certainly, many things (permit delays,
you needed to complete the work, head to the when you will be able to start new projects and material back orders, etc.) can conspire to delay
lumberyard and plumbing supplier, and get to when you need to be looking for additional this start date, and it is important that your client
work. While we, and our clients, would like to resources. Since this effort allows you to sched- be kept informed as these occur. Even if nothing
think that a lot more thought and planning go ule your materials and subs weeks or months changes, it’s a good idea to check in with the
into the projects we are now involved with, that’s in advance, you are much more likely to avoid client every week or two just to let them know
not always the case. situations where they are not available when you that everything is proceeding as planned.
Regardless of the size and scope of the need them. As the actual start date approaches, a
project, there’s a lot of similarity in how they Assuming that you have verified that there “pre-construction” meeting should be sched-
are planned and executed. This fact allows us to are no material lead-time constraints, you can uled to go over details of the actual construction
come up with some standardized ideas as to how now schedule your subcontractors onto the new process with the client. It is usually best to have
we approach them. job. It’s best to notify each sub with a written this take place at the actual work site, usually the
While a certain amount of basic planning work order of some type for each project on client’s home. This meeting will provide a time
and preparation will get done prior to the time a which they are scheduled. It’s also a good idea to to prepare the clients for the experience they are
project is signed, it’s important not to squander send each subcontractor a copy of your consoli- about to embark on. This might work as follows:
• Meet at the job site and have the key
people present (designer, lead installer,
“The most important period of any project is the project coordinator and the owner/gen-
eral manager) to meet with the client.
time between the sale and the start of field work. • Have an agenda of what is to be ac-
complished. A good agenda will cov-
Use this time wisely to plan, order materials and er the following main areas:
• Job site locations (electrical pan-
educate your client as to what to expect.” el, water shut-off, etc.)
• Site preparation (furniture removal,
floor protection, plastic barriers)
the time immediately after a project is signed. dated work schedule showing all jobs for which • Access and staging (key box, se-
Let’s break this down into three areas of concern: they are scheduled on a regular basis (weekly or curity system, pets, etc.)
planning/scheduling, ordering/purchasing and biweekly) to keep them apprised of changes in • Job site inventory (fixtures to be saved/
client communications/relations. the schedules. reused, condition of carpets, etc.)
• Timeline review (dates of importance
PLANNING/SCHEDULING ORDERING/PURCHASING to client – including payment dates)
As soon as the project is signed, you will need to At the time you are conducting that initial review • Deadlines for any remaining de-
fit it into your start schedule based on assumed of the project, you should be identifying those cisions (paint colors, grout)
material and resource (labor and subcontractor) items that may be a lead-time issue or subcon- • Provide the clients with a copy of the
availability and lead times. It’s a good idea to tractors with whom you don’t normally work. timeline for their project. This allows
maintain some type of formal start schedule so Get these ordered or scheduled immediately! them to have a graphic presentation of the
that it can be referred to whenever needed. Most Determining when these items and/or subs schedule of events, answering many of
clients are anxious to know when their project are going to be available will allow you to insert their questions about what comes next.
will start once they have signed a contract. them into your timeline and thus come up with • Provide the clients with information they
The first step after the sale is to bring all of the earliest possible start date for the project. If will need in the course of the project.
those who will be involved (designer, project there are product decisions that still need to be Provide a sheet with the names of all of
manager, purchasing agent, etc.) up to speed made by the client, those should be identified the people they will come in contact with
on the scope and nature of the project they and deadlines set for them. (including subs, receptionist, driver, etc.).
will be responsible for executing. The best way It’s a good idea to get all of the product This information sheet should have emer-
to accomplish this is to review the plans and orders placed with suppliers immediately, with gency phone numbers, email addresses
specifications with these individuals as soon as a “date required” included with the order. Pay and the combination to the key box.
possible, while any “undocumented details” are particular attention to those items that are It could easily be argued that the most im-
still fresh in your mind. considered “critical path” items as those that will portant period of any project is the time between
After some preliminary review of material stop the project if they do not arrive on time. You the sale and the start of field work. If you use
and resource requirements, you should be able will need to monitor the progress of all of these this time wisely to plan, order materials and
to lay out a preliminary timeline (Microsoft orders, watching for notification of back orders educate your client as to what to expect, the work
Project is one of several flexible programs that or delays. Some suppliers will want to ship will seem to take care of itself. If you squander
works well for this). With this information, you orders as soon as they are received; if you do not this time, you will feel like every job is a series of
can consolidate for each subcontractor all of want to store these materials, you will need to brush fires that you spend all of your time trying
the work you have scheduled for them. Since work out shipping details in advance. to stamp out. ▪

WHAT’S APP DESIGN, BUSINESS & PRODUCT APPS FOR KITCHEN & BATH PROS
Drafts
WHAT IT IS: An app for taking notes that can be shared through
other apps.
WHAT IT DOES: When Drafts is opened, a new, blank draft

appears for the user to begin typing in. When leaving Drafts to go elsewhere,
there is no need to save – the note will be there when the user get back. Draft
history works like a stack of paper with recent items on top. Notes can also be
captured through multilingual dictation. A link mode makes phone numbers,
email addresses, URLs and addresses in a draft tappable link. Reminders can be
automatically imported from a designated list, and turned into individual tasks
in Reminders. With one step, notes can be exported to Twitter, Facebook, Mail,
Message, a Calendar event, a Google search, saved to Dropbox, Google Drive or
Evernote and more. The app costs $4.99.
WHO IT’S FOR: Anyone who needs a simple tool for taking notes, and quick
AVAILABLE SINCE: March 31, 2012
and easy dissemination through other apps.
WHO MAKES IT: Agile Tortoise
WHY KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGNERS NEED IT: Whether in a client meet-
ing or on a project site, Drafts can be used as an unobtrusive method for noting PLATFORM: iOS for the iPhone, iPad, iMessage and Apple Watch
reminders without taking attention away from the task at hand. It then allows
WHERE TO FIND IT: On the iTunes Store
designers to pick up where they left off at a later time without losing their train of
thought, and to integrate these thoughts in other apps for various uses. FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO: http://agiletortoise.com/drafts/
Amikasa QuickBooks
WHAT IT IS: An app to design a room using furniture and décor WHAT IT IS: An app for managing
from real brands. small business expenses.
WHAT IT DOES: Amikasa allows the user to build, restyle and WHAT IT DOES: QuickBooks
redecorate rooms using furniture, flooring and wall colors available from allows the user to manage all business ex-
real brands. The app has predefined room shapes or, to be as accurate penses easily by capturing receipt photos and
as possible, will create a custom floor plan. Users can set the exact wall storing them. Custom invoices can be created
dimensions with the blueprint mode, putting windows and doors where in minutes including the company’s logo, the
appropriate. Once the room size is set, Amikasa has a color wheel to find user’s choice of font and layout and custom
different color combinations as well as a catalog of various flooring materi- fields. A “pay now” button can be added to
als. The catalog also has furniture options that can be dragged and dropped invoices for instant online payment via credit
into the room, and then adjusted, rotated and rearranged as needed. The card or bank payment. By syncing account data
design can be experienced using “in the room” mode and can be viewed automatically from online bank and credit card
in 3-D. Favorite items can be purchased directly from furniture stores via accounts, it saves time and reduces data entry
Amikasa. Finally, finished rooms can be shared with family and friends errors. Dashboards, feeds and reports allow
through social media or email. users to keep track of and stay on top of their
business. One-click access to reports like Profit & Loss and
WHO IT’S FOR: Designers and homeowners.
Balance Sheet can easily be shared. In addition, come tax time,
WHY KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGNERS NEED IT: This app allows kitch- an accountant can be invited to access QuickBooks data. After a
en and bath designers to work along with clients to find the right finishing free 30-day unlimited trial, a choice of three subscription plans is available:
look for each room being QuickBooks Simple Start (Monthly $12.99, Annual $129.99), QuickBooks
designed, with real furniture Essentials (Monthly $26.99, Annual $269.99, and QuickBooks Plus (Month-
items that can easily be ly $39.99, Annual $399.99).
purchased on the spot. WHO IT’S FOR: Designers and any small business owner who needs
AVAILABLE SINCE: a fast, easy way to track business expenses and keep on top of the
October 2014 company’s books.
WHO MAKES IT: INDG WHY KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGNERS NEED IT: When running a small
design business, it can be overwhelming and difficult to take on accounting.
PLATFORM: iOS for the QuickBooks works as an easy-to-use, reliable source for keeping a compa-
iPhone, iPad; Windows OS ny’s books, even if accounting is not a designer’s strong point.
WHERE TO FIND IT: AVAILABLE SINCE: Oct. 9, 2010 (iPhone); Feb. 9, 2013 (iPad added)
On the iTunes Store,
WHO MAKES IT: Intuit Inc.
on the Windows Store
PLATFORM: iOS for the iPhone and iPad, (a different version is available
FOR MORE
for Android OS)
INFORMATION, GO TO:
http://www.amikasa.com/ WHERE TO FIND IT: On the iTunes Store

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On the cutting edge:

Drawer system InnoTech Atira
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www.hettich.com
4295 Hamilton Mill Road

Suite 400
Buford GA 30518
1.800.438.8424
DESIGNER PROFILE
From the Drawing Board to the Showroom

BY ASHLEY LAPIN OLIAN
From her earliest days at the drawing board, this designer has
Photo: Dan Farmer, Seattle Home Tours

known where her career path would take her, meshing her
passion for home design with an ongoing love affair with tile.
TACOMA, WA — Children often love to draw “The degree was geared more toward
pictures of their house. It is not as common, residential design, and there was a specialty of
however, for a child to focus on creating various kitchen and bath design,” notes Brewer.
housing plans at a young age. Yet that is what
Kayron Brewer, CKD, CBD, owner of Tacoma, INTRODUCTION TO TILE
WA-based Studio K B, loved to do. After graduation, Brewer moved to Atlanta,
Brewer knew from a young age that she want- which she coins the “design mecca of the
ed to design. As an eight-year-old in Chattanooga, South.” She graduated during a recession,
TN, she enjoyed drawing house plans in her free which made it difficult to find a job. After
time. While neither of her parents were in the de- answering a blind ad, she got an interview
sign field, Brewer thinks that she may have been with Renaissance Tile and Bath in the Atlanta
unknowingly influenced by her grandmother, a Decorative Arts Center. She was offered the job
stay-at-home-mom who loved to look at the home and so began her love affair with tile. This master bath, located in a 1970s condo in
section in the Sunday newspaper. “I walked into their showroom and fell in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, has a
“[My grandmother] would draw on top of love,” she describes. “They had the most beauti- small footprint but a huge impact with storage.
the house plan and fix it for fun,” she says. “I ful selection of tile that I didn’t even know was Aristocratic Cabinets flank a full wall, providing-
floor-to-ceiling storage.
didn’t know that until later in life, but I may out there.”
have picked up on it at an early age.” Brewer started out as an assistant and was
Brewer’s passion for home design only grew promoted to sales within six months. When Rebuilders, in a kitchen and bath designer
as she got older. In high school she worked for she was 27, the firm moved her to Nashville to position. It was here that she learned about
an interior designer after school, and when it open up its third store where she oversaw the cabinetry, lighting, millwork and construction.
came time to go to college, she pursued a degree construction and managed the store. While Brewer enjoyed the work at Home
in interiors and housing at Auburn University. Brewer eventually followed her career back Rebuilders, it was very demanding and she was
This is where she first became acquainted with to Atlanta to work for Ann Sacks, after which ready for a change. She picked up and moved
kitchen and bath design. she moved to a design build firm, Home cross country to Seattle on a whim in 2003. After
briefly working for a cabinet design firm, she
found a job as a manager for Waterworks, going
Photos: Eric Dennon, Dennon Photography
back into the DPHA universe she knew so well.

During this time, she would design kitchens
and baths for clients on the side and realized
that it was something she really enjoyed. About a
year and a half later, Brewer decided it was time
to make kitchen and bath design a permanent
fixture in her life; in 2005, Brewer opened Studio
K B, eventually obtaining her CKD and CBD.
TRANSPARENCY IS KEY
In building her own business, Brewer has
found success through her frank and transpar-
ent approach with her clients.
“Not every designer will go fully into budget
and help a client decipher what a kitchen and/
or bathroom is going to cost,” she states. “It’s
best to get it out in the open right away. It is a
very integral part of what we do, and being very
transparent with the approach and presentation
is important.”
A tool she uses with each client is
Smartsheet.com, which sets up a spreadsheet
A Northwest outdoor kitchen designed for
of expenses, detailing each one line by line,
maximum entertainment features a multi-island
helping the clients to see everything that’s
concept with a mega ice bucket. The ice bucket
concept functions as a beverage chill station that encompassed in the project.
can also double as a chilling station for shrimp “It opens up that line of communication
and crab claws. The outdoor kitchen is located more,” Brewer continues. “If they can see it
right out the door from the interior kitchen, mak- written down, they know what they’re picking
ing handling a party of 60+ a breeze. and it helps build confidence.”

AT A GLANCE
Photo: Eric Dennon, Dennon Photography
Studio K B
Location: Tacoma, WA
Principals: Kayron Brewer, CKD, CBD
Areas Served: Tacoma, Seattle and surrounding
areas
Hours of Operation: By appointment for design
services
This master bath transformation from a ‘70s dark and divided space to an open, airy concept features a
freestanding tub in the middle of the bath. The feature wall that is the backdrop of the tub also serves as the No. of Employees: One
divider for the shower area and the privacy area for the toilet.
Major Product Lines Carried: Woodharbor Custom
Cabinetry, Aristocratic Cabinets, Showplace Wood
Products
In addition, she goes through all plans with the 35 miles to Seattle to find hand-painted,
contractors in front of the clients so that they serve hand-molded and other unique tile creations. Design Software: AutoCad
as another set of eyes and ears. She describes Brewer finds that she does more bathroom Business Philosophy: “We strive to provide a
herself as part coach throughout the process. projects than kitchens. Some of that may be customized approach for each client. We focus on
attributable to the extensive tile work shown in the clients and listen to their needs to translate the
A NEW VENTURE her portfolio that happens to be mostly in baths. information into the best design for them and the
Tile still plays an important part in Brewer’s Recently, she just completed her first space. Don’t forget the details. It’s the details that
life. In addition to it being “a significant factor” outdoor kitchen. A client whose master bath make the design.”
in each project, it has also translated into the Brewer had remodeled asked her to come back
opening of a second business, Cupboard & and create an outdoor entertaining area. In
Clay, LLC, a boutique tile showroom in Tacoma. order to accommodate the large number of Brewer’s clients eventually decided to go along
She decided to start this venture because she guests the clients would entertain (anywhere with her idea. Once the space was complete,
wanted to feature unique clay tile that she from 40-80 people at a time), Brewer came up she was invited back to one of the couple’s
couldn’t find in the Northwest. with a multi-island idea to accommodate every- parties. They had brought in three chefs to
“There is a limited selection as far as one, with a variety of appliances and one island make the food outdoors at different stations. It
certain types of tile and different offerings [in section designated specifically for beverages ended up being a big success: The flow worked
Tacoma],” she says. and wine. well and people were able to mingle around
Cupboard & Clay’s doors opened in “Initially, the clients wanted a normal-sized the entire area, including the perfectly sized
January 2017. The store includes products from ice bucket for beverages. When entertaining beverage center.
Quemere Designs, Tempest Tileworks, Red that many people, though, a single ice bucket Brewer concludes: “The greatest compliment
Rock Tileworks, Arto Brick & Tile and Artisan doesn’t make sense,” explains Brewer. “[The a designer can have is for the client to say, ‘I trust
Stone Tile. Brewer is serving a need for both de- clients] couldn’t grasp the concept of an over- you, just do it.’ It makes you want to put in some-
signers and clients, who now don’t have to travel sized ice bucket – they thought it was too big.” thing unique for them that makes it special.” ▪
Circle No. 14 on Product Card Circle No. 15 on Product Card

OPENINGS
Showroom Stresses Customer Experience

BY ASHLEY LAPIN OLIAN
A new showroom focuses on
Photo: Tony Martin

the ‘experiential’ business
model to provide comfortable,
memorable and educational
guest interactions.
CROWN POINT, IN — When designing

WaterPlace, the new kitchen, bath and lighting
showroom in Crown Point, IN, Doug Van Der
Weide knew he had to give clients a one-of-a-
kind experience. As such, the whole showroom
is designed to be ‘experienced’ by guests, with a
fully functional kitchen where cooking classes
are taught, and working showers, tubs and a
bidet toilet that guests are encouraged to try.
In fact, the whole philosophy behind the
showroom is meant to create a comfortable,
memorable interaction for the “guests,” the
word the firm uses for customers.
“We at WaterPlace would rather refer to our
customers as guests, and our manufacturers
WaterPlace held two opening celebrations, including a private VIP event for those in the trade. Shown is a
and reps as partners…because our customers are
multi-working showerhead display that features a hands-on approach. It was designed with no glass barriers
our ‘guests’ in our home, and we are in ‘partner- in order to allow guests to ‘touch, feel and experience,’ says Van Der Weide.
ships’ with our vendors,” says Van Der Weide,
who, in addition to designing the showroom, is
also in charge of training and development. CEU courses so architects, builders and design- take a shower with four different body sprays,
He continues, “One of the main design ers don’t have to travel to a big metropolitan and steam with aromatherapy, chromatherapy
elements of WaterPlace is based on our guests’ area to get them. and audio therapy. They can try a TOTO bidet
experiences. We realize that lasting memories al- For consumers, Van Der Weide and show- toilet, and a BainUltra air tub with geyser and
ways come from an experience that had a lasting room manager Mary Zarnecki strategically aroma cloud that releases essential oils into the
emotional attachment to a material, product or planned and designed the displays to be educa- air to create a relaxed and fragrant experience.
person. We want our guests to have that kind of tional for all visitors. Van Der Weide concludes: “If [what we are
experience when they visit any of our show- “Each guest is treated individually and each doing] is working, people will [leave] saying,
rooms, so that is the premise behind the design.” fixture is explained individually,” notes Van Der ‘What an experience we’ve had!’” ▪
The approximately 9,800-sq.-ft. space is Weide. “Every construction project is thoroughly
one of three WaterPlace showrooms owned explored to discover the perfect match of style,
Photo: Tony Martin
by Leeps Supply, with the other two loca- design, color, price and functionality. Our staff
tions in New Buffalo, MI, and Valparaiso, IN. goes to great lengths to explain the many options
The Crown Point location was chosen for its and educate guests about the function of each
proximity to metro areas such as Chicago and product so they can make an informed decision.”
Indianapolis, as well as its ease of access from WaterPlace has many working displays that
the nearby I-65 highway. Van Der Weide also aid in this educational effort, including a fully
mentions that Crown Point is a “booming, functional kitchen for cooking classes; a shower
vibrant area” in and of itself. setup for aging in place with double rain heads,
The showroom recently held two grand Invisia grab bars, a light/defogging shaving
opening events. A private VIP event was held mirror to provide extra light, a frameless roller
for the trade, including architects, designers shower door and a Bluetooth waterproof audio
and builders, and a few weeks later, there was a system; a working rough with 14 working
public grand opening. Television personality Ty faucets; J-boxes for hanging lights in specific
Pennington was the guest for both nights. spots to avoid cluttering the room with lighting
The showroom carries a wide array of prod- clouds; an “Experience Lighting” area with
ucts, including those from Delta Faucet, Häfele, light and furniture catalogs for visitors to sit
Invisia, Bertch, JSG Oceana, Native Trails, and look through and a “Kelvin Display” that
Ronbow, Kichler, TOTO, Fairmont Design, has several boxes showcasing different light
Panasonic, American Standard, Hansgrohe and temperatures, and an “Experience Room.”
many more. The “Experience Room” is intended to allow
Education is a very important aspect of the guests to create their own memories from try- In the ‘Experience Room,’ guests can try working
company’s business plan. On the professional ing out bathroom products themselves. Guests items before buying. The BainUltra therapeutic
side, WaterPlace intends to provide various are even invited to put on a bathing suit and freestanding tub and heated floors are big draws.

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PROJECT CASE STUDY SPOTLIGHT ON CREATIVE, PROBLEM-SOLVING KITCHENS AND BATHS
Historic Remodel Realizes True Potential

BY KIM BERNDTSON
A Chicago designer captures the authentic feel of this banjo factory- process. The previous windows also lacked sills,
so Alsen had custom sills made from salvaged
turned-townhouse in a new kitchen combining the original brick oak beams with accents of embedded copper
and wood ceiling with a layout designed for multiple users. elements. This picked up on the original cop-
per air vent pipe that was discovered inside the
long granite box backsplash built underneath
CHICAGO — When developers purchased ceiling – but still be current,” says the Chicago the previous windows.
this old banjo factory in the industrial section designer. The design also needed a layout that “That copper pipe was a great find,” he
of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood 30 worked for the way the family lived in and used says. “Since it was the air vent for the sink, we
years ago and turned it into townhouses, each the space. Since there were no closets, storage needed to keep it. We left it exposed, so I had
of the eight dwellings could have been special. was a concern as well. an artist polish and then flame-torch it to give
Interiors with exposed brick walls and original it an aged look. It turned into a great piece of
wood posts and beams of the historic building FOUNDATIONAL CHANGES artwork for the space.”
offered initial promise, but the full potential of Alsen started by choosing which elements to Based on a strong foundation, Alsen added
this residence ultimately fell short. The small keep. The short list included the brick, posts elements that satisfied the homeowners’ desire
U-shaped kitchen functioned poorly for multiple and beams as well as the main sink’s location. for a larger kitchen that multiple people could
users, and its white, traditional styling just didn’t Foundational changes included removal of conveniently use.
fit the vibe of the architecture. the 3" red oak flooring that was replaced by 5" “He and his son do the cooking, and she
The homeowners and their son lived with natural walnut planks to give a current look likes to bake on weekends,” he mentions.
the less-than-desirable design for 10 years and feel that referenced the historic building’s Alsen expanded the kitchen, doubling it in
before recently turning to Fred M. Alsen, fma original pine planks. size, and created ‘his’ and ‘her’ spaces so both
Interior Design, to create a space that realized The designer also replaced the old, white, could be in the kitchen, but out of each other’s
the home’s true potential. plain glass windows with divided glass win- way. Common elements to both sides include
“They wanted a remodel that would provide dows in a bronze finish to give the look of Corsi Group Greenfield Cabinetry alder wood
a more authentic feeling of the architecture – iron windows typically found in old industrial cabinets in a Coastal stain and matte finish.
with the exposed brick and original 13' wood buildings. About 6" of height was added in the Bevels around the doors add detail. Accents of
‘HER’ SIDE
Functions as a dual-
purpose baking EXPOSED BRICK WALL
center and bar AND WOOD CEILING
Provide the architectural
vibe for the new kitchen
‘HIS’ SIDE
Includes everything
Photos: Mike Kaskel Photo
needed for cooking

and prep

Cerused quartersawn white oak in a Barnwood The textured glass panels in the bar area show-
finish – upper cabinets on her side and cabine- case a custom autumn leaf texture to pay homage
try trim on his side – add contrast and depth. to the trees visible through the windows.
Caesarstone Wild Rice countertops are comple- The custom walnut and iron rolling ladder is
mented with a backsplash of 3/8" matte/polished used to access items in the uppermost cabinets.
Micron Mocha glass tile from Eleganza Tile. When not in use, it is stored on the wall and serves
“The tile matches perfectly with the cabi- as a piece of artwork, especially when light casts
nets and blends in with the brick,” he says. “We shadows through the metal step cutouts, creating
liked the small size because larger tile would beautiful designs on the wall.
have overpowered everything else in the room, Storage for optimum organization was an im-
as well as competed with the brick wall and portant consideration in the design. Every cabinet
taken away from the windows. The polished has a pull-out so the family can be very organized
tiles give a bit of shine and sparkle when the and can easily find everything.
undercabinet lights are on, and the matte tiles
offer texture. It is the perfect mix!”
‘HER’ SPECIAL FEATURES

Special elements on her side include a baking
center, complete with a GE Monogram French
door wall oven and plenty of storage for baking
supplies, trays, etc.
Alsen also designed this area to be dual-pur-
pose, serving as a bar when they entertain.
Features include a Dacor wine refrigerator and
glass door cabinets for wine glasses and enter-
taining supplies. The textured glass panels show-
case a custom autumn leaf texture to pay homage
to the trees visible through the windows.
“I wanted a bit of a pattern rather than plain
or reeded glass, which is something you might
expect, and something that would be a bit bor-
ing,” he notes. “The leaf texture brings the trees
into the house so the space isn’t as disconnect-
ed with the outside.”
To the left of the baking center is a wall
of cabinetry that reaches to the original wood
posts and beams. Tucked behind the doors is
storage for cleaning and office supplies. The
inclusion of office space was important since
she sometimes works at home. A smart TV,
conveniently recessed into the back wall and
framed with salvaged wood, serves as a comput- wants to grab something – without anyone hav- organized. When there isn’t enough storage
er monitor when needed. ing to cross into the actual cooking area. space, people end up putting things where there
“She can sit at the island and work,” he says. The run of cabinetry connecting his and her is room, not necessarily where it makes sense.
“Or, when she’s making conference calls and needs sides features a second pull-out trash cabinet and Now it’s all laid out for them and they know
a larger monitor than what’s on her laptop, she storage with roll-out shelves for everyday glass- exactly where to find everything.”
can use the TV. When he’s cooking, he can Skype ware, dishes and silverware. Also along this wall, Seating for up to four people provides plenty
with his friends who like to cook, so they can Alsen included the main clean-up Blanco sink of space for family interaction. “This is where
cook together. And, of course, they can stream the – with an instant hot and cold filter tab – and a the family hangs out doing homework, house-
news and search for recipes. It’s multi-functional.” dishwasher. “Someone can easily load or unload hold paperwork, working from home and eating
The uppermost row of cabinets along this the dishwasher without disturbing anyone who’s casually,” he says.
wall stores items that are only needed a few in the main cooking/prep area,” he says.
times a year. Alsen made them accessible by The island in the center of the room features LIGHTING CHALLENGES
using a custom walnut and iron rolling ladder a foundation of quartersawn oak, topped with Given the ceiling’s 13' height, one of the most
that, when not in use, is stored on the opposite Caesarstone Bianco Drift quartz. It houses a GE difficult considerations was for lighting. Alsen
wall of the kitchen. “During storage, it acts as Monogram induction cooktop with a Monogram added one large fixture – with Edison bulbs –
a piece of artwork,” he states. “When the lights Advantium speedcooking oven underneath, over the island as a decorative focal point. “This
are on, the cutouts in the metal steps create which also serves as the microwave. Alsen fixture is more for ambient light,” he says.
beautiful shadow designs on the wall.” included plenty of storage for spices, knives and To fulfill task lighting needs over the island,
other cooking utensils, as well as a wide cabinet he installed a hidden flood light on the ceiling.
‘HIS’ SPECIAL ELEMENTS with roll-out shelves for small appliances and The bulb is dimmable by the wall switch as well
His side includes everything needed for cooking other items used on a regular basis. as by an app on their phones. “Overall, there are
and prep, such as a Blanco prep sink, double Storage for optimum organization was an six options of lighting to layer the kitchen in the
trash can pull-out cabinet and plenty of storage. important consideration in the design. “A lot of necessary lighting,” he says. “And, of course, all
A GE French door refrigerator at the end of the thought was given as to how they would use the are dimmable! During the day, the large win-
run is easily accessed by everyone – including space,” he notes. “Everything has a place and dows also bring in filtered light that brings out
the person cooking as well as anyone else who every cabinet has a pull-out so they can be very the beauty of the finishes and space.” ▪

TREND SPOTTING
High-End Custom Closet Opportunities

BY JAMIE GOLD, CKD, CAPS
Custom closet designs can

provide lucrative opportunities
for kitchen and bath designers
willing to learn the intricacies
of creating luxurious, high-
performing storage spaces.
Kim Kardashian may have a business opportu-
nity for you. No, I’m not talking about licensing
her name or sponsoring her appearance at your
next event. I’m talking about the fact that her ri-
diculously popular TV show is driving demand,
sales and trends for high-end closet design.
Even non-fans can appreciate the tremendous
revenue potential of an add-on sale.
Photo: Studio Becker

INCREASED CHOICES, INCREASED INCOME
“‘Boutique look’ is something most women
want, driven by mainstream media and celebrity,”
observes closet design and training pro Denise
Butchko of Chicago-based Butchko & Company. Closets are starting to incorporate ever-more sophisticated islands for added storage.
When she began designing 15 years ago, there
were three finish choices, she recalls. “Now Don’t underestimate the expertise required, market (the second B in his firm’s Buy Build
there are dozens. There are also more accessory especially with closets getting more advanced Sell name), Moore’s construction team does
options.” The major trends can be summed up as all the time. That’s why 80% of Butchko’s closet partner with closet pros to achieve the optimal
“evolution and sophistication,” she says. business comes from other professionals – and result. “If a client had the opportunity to design
All of that takes closets from being basic why her online and in-person closet design a closet per their specifications, they would
commodities to luxurious, high-performing training programs are in demand. elect to do so 100 out of 100 times,” he com-
spaces as deserving of professional excellence Studio Becker introduced its Wardrobe line ments. This typically comes to $350 per linear
as the kitchens and baths you work on. If in 1998, shares Robert Templon, the company’s foot for a master, he says. Those closets in his
you’re a manufacturer, that means specialized San Francisco showroom manager, and gets market are typically 250 sq. ft., with top sizes
product for this segment, not just adding rods equal business from homeowners and trade up to 350. True, Moore shares his premium
to existing lines, Butchko cautions. If you’re a clientele. It is a growing component of the com- area code with the Kardashians, but as goes
kitchen and bath designer, it means specialized pany’s income, he says. “Basic furniture has Southern California, so goes the country.
knowledge and experience. And that means grown into an elaborate dressing room with Cheryl Kees Clendenon of Pensacola, FL-
either gaining it yourself or partnering with concealed jewelry storage, watch winders, lifts, based In Detail Interiors handles these projects
someone who specializes in closets. all controlled through fingerprinting that only within her team, and has been doing so for the
the homeowner can access. With features like past 10 years. “Custom closets have been on
these, along with more square footage being the upswing for a long time, and will continue
allocated, the cost of wardrobes is now consid- to be a significant part of the overall design
erably more [and they] have become a larger package,” she observes.
portion of overall sales.” Being a full-service, upscale interiors firm,
The master closet is often a missed opportuni- she sees it as an important service to offer
ty for designers, Templon notes. “Wardrobes are clients, and a potentially lucrative one: “I think
Photo: Courtesy of Cheryl Kees Clendenon/In Detail Interiors
possibly slightly more profitable than kitchens or they can be very profitable if you are doing
baths, primarily because there are fewer outside higher-end ones.” In the affordable range, the
trades that affect the design and installation of the pros agree, you’re dealing with commodity
space.” (As they increase in complexity, though, pricing and chain store competition. That is not
with security, lighting, electronics, laundry and where the opportunities live or grow.
other amenities, this can certainly alter that equa-
tion and engage more trade expertise.) TOP SHELF OFFERINGS
There are a lot of dollars at stake, too, not So what are companies like Studio Becker, In
just in the closet but for the home itself. Los Detail Design, Butchko & Company and BBS
Angeles-based luxury builder and BBS Real Real Estate seeing as the latest closet design
Estate company CEO Scott Moore shares about trends? Finish-wise, they report:
sale fail potential: “A poorly-planned closet that • “We do modern sleek style with marine
cannot be modified without great expense can grade steel rods and also very traditional de-
Even earlier, more traditional closets incorporated be a major deterrent.” When building a home sign. For wood, walnut is king in my book,”
a range of storage accessories. for a client who can’t find something on the Clendenon says of her Gulf Coast clientele.

• “Textured materials and high gloss are on top approach of having a dressing table in the Clendenon agrees. “I think everyone at
of people’s wish lists these days. Designing master bath. Requests for including inte- heart wants to be organized. I find millennials
closets that look more like furniture” is what grated coffee systems in a wardrobe design will part with the money easier, though, as they
Chicago-based Butchko is seeing. are also on the rise.” place more value on the concept of custom
closets. That is what I am seeing in my clien-
• “We are seeing a walnut or white oak finish • “Sound systems, backlit shoe shelves, ded- tele, which is probably 50% upwardly-mobile
with glass facing and/or detailed paneling icated thermostats and steamers” show up millennials.”
on drawers,” says LA-based Moore. on BBS’ Moore’s client projects. He has also “It’s not a new concept to them,” Butchko
seen “laundry chutes, built-in drying racks, recalls, since many millennials grew up with
• “The current finish trends are gray woods ironing centers and even a small washer custom closets. “While, for their first closets
and whites,” observes San Francisco-based and dryer.” Security is on affluent clients’ they purchase what they can afford, they aspire
Templon, adding that clients take a holistic minds, too, he says. For them: “We incor- to more luxury and options as their incomes
view of their space. “They want it to look porate safe rooms, hidden safes, locked increase.” After all, they also grew up with the
and feel as if you could comfortably hang drawers, etc. to ensure a level of comfort.” Kardashians. ▪
out in the space. Similar to the way we now
have Great Rooms that combine the kitchen LAST WORDS Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS is an
and living areas in a more open floor plan, So who’s buying all of these high-end closets? independent designer in San Diego,
the wardrobe in a master suite is no longer “I think it used to be that the older generation the author of New Kitchen Ideas
thought of as a separate room to dress, but would spend more time thinking about their That Work and upcoming New
is combined as part of the master suite as wardrobes than the younger generation, but Bathroom Idea Book (Taunton
a whole.” now millennials are renovating their wardrobes Press), and a blogger, design journalist, seminar
just as much,” Templon observes. developer and industry consultant.
Here is more of what they’re equipping
those beautifully finished spaces with:
• “Pull-outs, purse display with glass doors and
space for everything to be segmented” are in
Clendenon’s closet projects, “plus ancillary
spaces adjacent to the actual closet with
beautiful casework, art, additional accent
lighting and a dressing room effect. There’s
often a breakfast bar, as well,” she notes.
• “Some of the biggest trends now are elec-

tronics in the wardrobe – places to store
iPads, phones, etc. We’re designing TVs be-
hind mirrors so that people can watch while
they get ready,” Templon reports. “Dressing
tables in wardrobes are becoming more
popular, rather than having the traditional
Photo: Studio Becker
Closet safes can secure valuables at home.

DARING,
YET WARM.
The combination of warm
wood and fine metal
HÄFELE
creates an amazingly
PATENTED
Photo: Courtesy of Denise Butchko
high-end look and

DESIGN
design for pantry and
blind corner pull-outs.
LET OUR EXPERTS HELP GET

YOUR NEXT PROJECT STARTED!
Online & Livechat: www.hafele.com/us
Costume jewelry and other small accessories are Phone: 800.325.6202
beautifully displayed in glass top cabinets. Email: experts@hafele.us

Photo: Thomas McConnell
Backsplash Beauties
Backsplashes have evolved from their minimalist roots into design
elements that speak volumes in the kitchen.
BY KIM BERNDTSON
H ardworking kitchens can be messy places where food,

water and grease can readily splatter onto walls near
the cooktop and sink. If left unprotected, those walls
can be difficult, if not impossible, to keep clean.
Historically, a relatively diminutive 4" to 6" strip of coun-
tertop material has served as a backsplash to protect against
DESIGNER: HEATHER MCKINNEY, FAIA
McKinney York Architects; Austin, TX
Many of Heather McKinney’s clients have been choosing neu-

tral backsplashes, oftentimes selecting a material that matches
the wall color to provide a monochromatic look. Sometimes
many kitchen mishaps. However, backsplashes have evolved that means a glass tile composition, other times it means en-
from those minimalist roots, emerging as design elements tire slabs of stone that will be repeated as the countertop.
that do so much more. However, for clients who want to make a bold statement,
These days, bare walls are rarely seen, having been replaced the backsplash affords the opportunity to create a dramatic fo-
by more stately and elegant backsplashes that reach from the cal point. “It really depends on where we want to put the focus
top of the countertop to the bottom of the upper cabinets, or visually…and how ‘quiet’ we want the kitchen to be,” she says
even cover entire walls. Sometimes, they are relatively ‘quiet’ with regard to material selection.
and monochromatic, blending into their surroundings to play a And, while the principal function of a backsplash is to protect
supportive role. Other times, they are the focal point – dramatic the walls from water and food spatters, backsplashes can also
and bold – making a statement that can’t be overlooked. bring character into the room. Such was the case for this glass
This month, KBDN asked several kitchen designers to dis- ‘wave’ design, crafted by the client’s artist friend, Laura Garanzuay.
cuss backsplash design and trends as well as share some cre- “This client is vivacious and outgoing, and is very inte-
ative projects that spotlight unique, eye-catching backsplashes. grated into the art world,” says McKinney, noting that she has

PORTFOLIO
When the client is willing, designer Heather McKinney loves to go

bold. Here, a custom glass backsplash with a wave design, created
by the client’s artist friend, was a perfect fit for the art-loving client.
she notes. “But if a client enjoys patina and the possibility of

living materials, it opens the playing field to materials such as
limestone and marble, which wear and react to other things.
They can be pristine, but they require extra care.”
Aesthetically, backsplashes add personality and ‘dress’ the
space. Often, they trend toward full-height designs of stone or
tile, especially hand-painted patterned tiles. When possible, she
also uses the backsplash as shallow storage, grabbing 2"-3" of
shelf space for spices or oils in designs with extra-deep walls.
Currently, the designer is working on a project with a mir-
rored backsplash. “We’re writing a story – lightly and delicately
– on the back of it to use in the cabinets with glass doors,” she
says. “We also recently did a backsplash with the look of troweled
plaster. We’re always trying to think outside the box to find new
and different materials to use so kitchens feel more unique.”
For this particular kitchen, Crittenden utilized two con-
trasting backsplash materials: Calcutta marble for the cooking
niche and leathered limestone for the perimeter walls and
countertops. “They are opposites,” she explains. “The marble
is smooth and light, and the limestone is textured and dark.
My belief is that when you mix contrasting materials, they
complement each other. Also, if the entire kitchen was marble,
I think the eye would stop seeing it.
“Additionally, the island and cooktop area are the stars of
the show,” she continues. “They are more ‘foreground’ – more
of the focus, and the lighter material highlights them. The pe-
rimeter is darker and quieted the space so the design flashlight
curated collections for institutions and sits on the board of could shine on the island and cooktop, which are the center-
The Contemporary Austin art museum. “This backsplash gave pieces of the whole kitchen.”
her an opportunity to commission a glass piece. And, as she Repeating the marble as the island countertop helps tie the
has done throughout the rest of the home, she wanted it to two together. “Using the marble around the hood area, then re-
represent a creative thrust.” peating it at the island, brings your eye into the center of the space,
Once the colors for the backsplash were in place, the designer visually tying the two together,” she says. “It makes the statement
brought pops of several hues into the banquette area, adding even more dramatic. We spent a great deal of time designing
them to pillows and chairs as well as the table leg, which is functionality into this space, making sure prep, cleaning and stor-
sheathed in a Mini Cooper yellow. “She is of Cuban and Hispanic age needs were fulfilled. But the countertops and backsplashes,
descent and loves those warm, spicy colors,” mentions McKinney. in my opinion, are some of the most important elements to dress
The colorful backsplash can grab attention thanks to the the kitchen because they are the surfaces you see the most.”
more neutral and ‘quiet’ Silestone by Cosentino quartz counter-
tops in Blanco Maple. Figured maple base cabinetry is comple-
mented with upper cabinetry in aluminum and wavy glass, “to
make the room a little more transparent,” adds McKinney, who
collaborated with Brian Carlson, AIA for the room’s design.
She further customized the kitchen by creating ‘his’ and
‘her’ spaces that feature different countertop heights. “He is
very tall and cleans up the kitchen, so we raised his counter-
tops two inches,” she says. “We also included a dishwasher
and sink in his cleanup zone.”
DESIGNER: TERRI CRITTENDEN, AIA, IIDA

Fredman Design Group; Chicago, IL
When designing kitchens, Terri Crittenden always looks at

function first. “It goes without saying…function is where we
Photo: Eric Hausman
start and what has to work,” she says. “But aesthetics keep you
in the space. They add warmth, and that intangible experience
is what we’re always trying to implement in our designs.”
Backsplashes are an important consideration for fulfilling
both. When selecting materials, Crittenden focuses on client Designer Terri Crittenden chose two contrasting materials –
feedback regarding cleanability and durability. “If a client Calcutta marble for the cooking niche and leathered limestone for
wants no maintenance, we’ll steer clear of certain materials,” the perimeter walls and countertops – to add interest to this kitchen.

PORTFOLIO
DESIGNER: VINCE WINTEREGG

Kitchen Style; Largo, FL
For many of Vince Winteregg’s clients, less is often more when

it comes to backsplashes. “I’ve been seeing a trend toward a
more neutral backsplash with less variation and a more even
color palette, especially when clients want the island or coun-
tertops to be the focal point,” he says, referencing marble and
subway tile as particularly popular material choices. “Then the
backsplash can be a complement – something that will give the
space an extra touch without taking away from anything else.”
If clients want a plain island or countertop, Winteregg
suggests a show-stopping backsplash. “But it’s still neutral,” he
states, “maybe one or two colors, nothing overly intricate. Even
if a client wants something drastic and bold, it’s more along
the lines of gray painted cabinets paired with white subway tile
for contrast. My advice to clients is that they can bring in color
with accessories that are easy to change, such as glassware,
Photo: Vince Winteregg

towels or even paint that can be easily changed down the road.
I’ve had clients come in thinking they need to have a lot of pat-
tern in the backsplash. Then they end up going with a 3"x6"
marble that contrasts with the cabinets.”
Winteregg references a current project as an example
where the kitchen features a gray stained island, white Designer Vince Winteregg chose a tumbled travertine back-
splash in this cooktop niche. The material contrasts nicely with the
Shaker perimeter cabinets and white subway tile with gray
polished Diana Royal marble countertop and plays off the warm
grout as the backsplash. Rustic wood beams and columns
hues of the custom copper hood located above.
reclaimed from a local historic hotel add interest. “There is
a lot going on, so the backsplash will complement, and not
take away from anything in the design,” he says. “It’s the
icing on the cake.” now,” he says. “The dichotomy of these two is intriguing. It
Winteregg also kept the backsplash design neutral in this breaks up the monotony and gives visual interest.”
kitchen, where he collaborated with Rochefort Construction. To The designer admits that a textured backsplash behind a
create a larger footprint, they bumped out the kitchen about three range can be more difficult to keep clean, but his client was
feet and removed two walls to open up the previously tiny space willing to compromise for the look, which is a trend he sees
to make room for the island. At the cooking niche, he added more. “Certain materials, such as marble, for example, are
tumbled travertine contrasted with polished Diana Royal marble becoming popular again,” he states. “They can be finicky and
in a brick joint pattern, all set behind the custom copper hood. can require more maintenance, but they provide a look people
The juxtaposition of rough and smooth is a popular trend, want, and they are willing to do more to get that look.”
the designer notes. “People seem to want a mix of textures Winteregg completed this design with exotic Vienna gran-
ite. “This particular slab had some busy and quiet sections,” he
says, noting that the chunky quartz areas were a great choice
for turning the island into a focal point. “We played with the
thought of doing a different stone for the island to set it apart,
but then we found this slab. The variation between the busy
and consistent sections gives it the look of two stones that look
great together.”
DESIGNER: COURTNEY ZANELLI

Courtney Zanelli, LLC; Summit, NJ
For clients who seek guidance when selecting backsplash

materials, Courtney Zanelli creates an assortment of options
– some that fall into the realm of what they think they want,
others that bring them out of their comfort zone, and some
the designer thinks will work best, chosen with the overall
design aesthetic of the kitchen and home in mind as well as
cues taken from conversations with the client.
“Some clients can get tired by the time decisions need to
be made for the backsplash…experiencing project fatigue,”
she says. “They simply can’t make one more decision and will
settle on sheetrock or a 4" backsplash of countertop material.
In this kitchen, designer Courtney Zanelli selected a watery blue

tile to integrate the indoors and outdoors, with the pooled glaze that
gives the tile a depth of color echoing the view of the pond outside.
Photo: John Bessler

Photo: Josh Douglas Smith
In my opinion, that’s a tremendous missed opportunity to add
an important design element that enhances both the form and
function of the space.”
Over time, the backsplash has evolved and has become an
important design element, she notes, so she is always looking
for interesting backsplash materials, exploring both color and
texture. “Something more interesting and unique ultimately
makes it more special,” she adds. “I believe that you can have a
beautiful kitchen that is also hardworking.”
In the case of this kitchen, located in a weekend/summer
retreat home where every room has a view of the pond it
overlooks, Zanelli’s client brought her an image featuring a
dark blue backsplash. “A white kitchen with dark blue tile can
be ordinary,” she explains. “So I used her image as inspiration,
checking the box that she wanted something blue. It served as
a jumping-off point in my search for finding the right back-
splash material. When I found this tile, I knew instantly that
it would be perfect. Its watery blue color was quite literally an
extension of the view outside, giving an almost seamless inte-
gration between the inside and outside…and she loved it from
the first time I showed it to her.”
The 3"x12" Water Gloss handmade tile from Walker Zanger’s
Café line is particularly interesting, given the way the glaze pools
in different places, producing imperfections that add to its beau-
ty, she offers. “It creates areas of dark and light blue, which result
in a beautiful depth of color,” she observes. “I find tile such as
this so much more interesting than flat, solid colors that are too
consistent and lack any character. This tile has gravitas!”
Zanelli paired the backsplash with Carrara marble counter-
tops. “I wanted something that would be quiet, something that
wouldn’t compete with the backsplash,” she says, noting the
importance of making sure all components of the kitchen (cabi-
net color and hardware, backsplash, countertop, etc.) are con-
sidered together to create a story. “The marble’s elegance and
subtle veining was a ‘no brainer.’ The softer blue tile and light
shades of gray and white in the marble work so well together.”
DESIGNER: BRONWYN REICE, AKBD

Buckminster Green; Philadelphia, PA
Given the nearly infinite number of choices available for back-

splashes, Bronwyn Reice’s clients often start a design project
by selecting cabinets and countertops, followed by the back-
splash. “Backsplashes are usually one of the later choices,” she
says. “But when you walk into a kitchen, it’s at eye level and
This Cuban Heritage encaustic cement backsplash tile features
stands out, so it isn’t unusual for clients to bring us something
a classic pattern that fits the history of the home, but using it on the
they love.”
backsplash adds a modern twist, says designer Bronwyn Reice.
Regardless of when it is selected, choosing a backsplash
material can add a subtle touch of handmade character or
a burst of color, pattern or texture into the room, she notes.
Trending choices are primarily tile, especially ceramic, por- in that era, along with salvaged wood, to relate the kitchen to
celain, glass and cement, although she says uniform looks the rest of the house, while creating what is clearly a modern
provided by slabs of stone, quartz or other countertop material kitchen, and not a period piece,” she explains.
are popular now, too. Backsplashes can also be a way to tie to- The Cuban Heritage encaustic cement tile boasts a bold
gether different elements into the design, most often counters pattern in more subtle colorways. “It’s a classic pattern,” she
to upper cabinets. Material selection can further the goal of states. “It really wouldn’t have been out of place on a vestibule
the kitchen design as well, such as with this historic Victorian floor in a home like this, so it isn’t necessarily out of place
home in the Northern Liberties neighborhood just north of historically. By using it on the backsplash, we played with the
Philadelphia. tradition – that is the twist – to take a tile that has some histor-
The previous 1950s-era design featured metal cabinets, a ic place in the home and do something more modern with it,
sink and little else, recalls the designer, who opened up the like covering an entire wall.”
kitchen by combining two rooms. “The new kitchen used to be Reice combined the tile with soapstone perimeter counter-
the breakfast room and a 100-plus-year-old addition,” she says. tops, which pick up the black and blue colors in the backsplash
While the past played a role in material selection, the home tile. She further enhanced the design by adding warm gray cab-
was not intended to be historical, she stresses. “We used mate- inetry and a salvaged wood island top made by combining floor
rials like soapstone and cement tile that would have been used joists she found when remodeling another home in the area.

PORTFOLIO
Photo: Hufker Photo

Designer Robyn Scott chose reflective back-painted glass, painted a creamy white, for the backsplash of this contemporary kitchen, main-
taining a clean look that lets the stunning mountain views act as the focal point.
DESIGNER: ROBYN SCOTT of the home’s design with David Johnston Architects. “We didn’t
Robyn Scott Interiors, Ltd.; Aspen, CO want anything too decorative.”
As such, the custom glass backsplash is back-painted
The architecture of the home often guides Robyn Scott as she creamy white. “The theme of the home is to be monochro-
helps clients choose backsplash materials and designs. For matic,” she offers. “We added a ton of windows to capture
more traditional homes, it might be stacked glass or tile, or in the amazing views so we didn’t want anything that would
the case of a log cabin remodel she is currently designing, it is compete. All of the furniture, materials, etc. needed to be in
teal green Moroccan tile in an Arabesque shape. the background. When someone walks into the kitchen, we
For contemporary homes, stone slabs that match the coun- want them to see the view.”
tertops are often a go-to design choice. “There are so many Scott complemented the backsplash with quartz coun-
beautiful countertops now,” she says. “When doing contempo- tertops in a taupe-y beige hue that picks up the floor tones,
rary kitchens, you don’t want too many materials, so it’s nice wall color and wood ceiling. “There is a lot of tone-on-tone
to repeat the countertop material as the backsplash. A single in this kitchen – for example, the backsplash, countertops
slab of granite or quartz that looks like marble is often a first and patinaed steel bar top and skirting,” she says. “All three
choice. The veining is so beautiful.” are different shades of gray and beige that bring warmth
Backsplashes in reflective materials can also offer a nice into the space.”
touch, she adds. “Sometimes kitchens can feel closed in,” she Rounding out the design, Scott added dark walnut
mentions. “Using a reflective material, such as stainless steel, cabinetry with stainless steel edge bands that help define its
glass or mirrors – or my favorite is an actual window – can geometric shape. A sculptural light fixture created by local
open them up.” artist Travis Fulton hovers above the island and adds softness.
Scott chose reflective back-painted glass for this contempo- “That piece is very important to the design,” she concludes.
rary home in Aspen that overlooks the mountains, offering a “It brings an organic shape to the kitchen. Everything else is
stunning view of the landscape. “Our design goal was to create very linear and hard edged, but this piece adds softness and
a clean, contemporary look,” she says, noting the collaboration gives balance to the space.” ▪

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Photos: Gregg Krogstad
Wow Appeal
From color to connectedness, lighting to livability, custom elements
to comprehensive storage, a wealth of elements – both tangible and
intangible – come together to create kitchens with ‘wow’ power.
BY JANICE COSTA
I nspired use of color and texture, superior attention to

detail, abundant, well-organized storage, custom elements,
a tie in to the great outdoors, the ability to infuse the space
with “feel good” vibes and a sense of connection to the client –
these are the elements that create kitchens with ‘wow’ power.
WELCOMING SPACES
When asked what gives a kitchen true ‘wow’ power, Richard
Landon, CMKBD, of the Bellevue, WA-Based Richard Landon
Design believes the answer is multi-dimensional. From a
warm, ‘living’ presence to abundant details, a connection
While a great focal point is where it all starts, there’s a lot more with the outdoors and other spaces in the home, plentiful and
to it than just one eye-catching design element. Rather, the best creative storage, custom elements and an ability to transcend
kitchens combine looks, personality and the ability to get the job the actual space, kitchens that wow blend both tangible
done, with everything from great lighting and abundant storage and intangible elements to become uplifting, evocative and
to the little custom details contributing to the overall impact. inspirational.
This month, Kitchen & Bath Design News asked designers to However, he’s convinced that the “w” in “wow” has to start
share their favorite kitchen designs that score high marks for with “welcoming.” An instructor for the National Kitchen &
the ‘wow’ factor. Bath Association and past president of the Northwest Society of

DESIGNER KITCHENS
STRONG STRUCTURE, COLOR POWER

Strong structure, clean, simple lines and powerful use of color
are key elements to creating a kitchen with ‘wow’ power, ac-
cording to Scott Purswell, CKD, of the Portsmouth, NH-based
Dovetailed Kitchens.
He cites a kitchen created for an architect’s home as an ex-
ample of this, noting, “A strong reliance on the power of sight
lines, providing strong structure while employing open space
and an aggressive use of color make for a kitchen that fits the
sophisticated decor of home while serving as a ‘chef’s kitchen.’”
“Being an architect’s kitchen, the design was guided by her
own architectural sensibilities from years of experiencing both
residential and commercial projects,” he explains, citing hor-
izontal lines that “repeated with both the wider cabinets and
the tile, accentuating the windows overlooking the Piscataqua
River. The wide, open shelves give easy opportunity to deco-
In this kitchen designed by Richard Landon, CMKBD, the rate and bring in other elements and themes. This gives the
curved EVO grill, echoed by the custom hood above, makes a
kitchen tremendous flexibility in providing ‘moods’ for the
powerful design statement, while the Giallo Storm countertop also
different seasons and holidays.”
adds visual drama to the space.
Color wise, the design is both peaceful and strong. He
explains, “I wanted to use a softer, warmer wood to offset the
strong blue tiles and anchor it to the rich stained floors. Alder
Interior Designers, he has spoken at length about what trans- with a pleasant, medium-toned stain on a clean and updated
forms a kitchen from merely appealing to truly exceptional. door did just the trick. The stainless steel pulls are another
He explains, “To me, a ‘wow’ kitchen welcomes visitors, echo of those horizontal lines. The use of an earth tone quartz
rising above simply being a visually arresting space.” counter helps with a more peaceful feel where all of the wood
In this kitchen (at left), he particularly likes how “the shape tones tie in but are not identical.”
of the eating bar curves around to ‘hug’ guests as they enter.”
This type of welcoming element has an immediate emotional
impact on those who enter the space.
But the welcoming feeling is only the start of what gives
this kitchen such strong visceral appeal. As Landon explains,
“This kitchen also has a ‘living’ aspect to it. Its mood can
change, as it floats on a bronzed-mirror base with color-shift-
ing LED light. This mood is complemented by the nearby
wine room with its color-shifting Plexiglas floor. Lighting from
the floor up to the ceiling wraps the room with a warmth that
balances the drama of the Carbone facing of the cabinets.”
Indeed, the wine cube is a dramatic element that not only
boasts strong visual appeal, but also showcases wining and
dining in a whole new light.
Tactile appeal is another element that impacts how a space
is experienced, and Landon states, “In this kitchen, as they
approach and touch the bar, they experience the tactile silki-
ness of Fenix, a nanotech material, evoking memories of other
times they felt this texture.”
Added drama is found in the Giallo Storm countertop,
which pairs with the nanotech material on the eating bar.
Landon also believes that great kitchens “inspire new ways
to relate to one another and enjoy the home and its views, both
internal and external.” In this case, the original kitchen had no
real views, and was isolated from the rest of the home. Taking
the walls down and adding a giant picture window dramatical-
ly altered the feeling of the space, tying the outdoors in while
creating a more family-centric space.
Of course custom details play a big role in creating that
eye-catching design that makes a kitchen stand out. Here, the
dramatic curves of the EVO grill paired with an induction Wolf
cooktop and custom hood provide dramatic visual impact along
Photo: Rob Karosis
with powerful cooking chops, while the fireplace opposite adds a

vibrancy and warmth that makes the space inviting and livable.
Finally, he notes, “A ‘wow’ kitchen amazes us with how
much storage it holds by moving past the legacy standards
commonly used for sizing cabinetry, locked in from the post- Horizontal lines, repeated on both the wider cabinets and the tile,
WWII era.” He cites super-deep drawers that provide plenty give strong structure to this kitchen, while the contrast of dramatic
of well-organized and accessible storage as giving this space blue tile and warm wood creates a peaceful feeling in this architect’s
added functional ‘wow’ power. kitchen, designed by Scott Purswell, CKD.

DESIGNER KITCHENS
Of course functionality is a key factor in creating a kitchen

that wows in more than just the looks department. In this case,
both owners were accomplished cooks, so the designer made
sure to include plenty of counter work space so each could per-
form their separate tasks without getting in each other’s way.
He explains, “The lift-up upper cabinet storage keeps all
of the frequently used items close at hand. The refrigerator
wall is complete with a pull-out pantry, a stack of specialized
drawers, platter storage and slide-out trays.”
INSPIRATION FROM EXISTING ELEMENTS

Sometimes, an existing element can be re-imagined to inspire
a ‘wow’ transformation. In the case of this kitchen, designed
by Cathy Sage, owner of Sage Kitchen Design in Troy, IL, the
wood beams that existed in the clients’ home provided inspira-
tion for the new kitchen, designed with entertaining in mind.
According to Sage, “We wanted to have the feel of a clean,
straight line contemporary [space] while having the feel of the
warmth of stained wood. We achieved that by introducing the
rustic alder stained wood with the contemporary door with
painted white wood. The barn door is also a rustic alder wood
that conceals a large walk-in pantry.”
She continues, “Countertops were a concern when it came to
adding the warm feel of wood while still having a work counter
Photos: Jim Diaz; jimdiazphotographer.com
that would be easy to prepare food on where cleaning would be

low maintenance. We achieved that by using a thick, black wal-
nut wood upper top for the breakfast counter, and having the low-
er counters be quartz to allow for low-maintenance food prep.”
Sage believes that the ‘wow’ factor should be evident at first
glance, and in this case, the beverage center is the first area
to be visible when someone enters the kitchen. She notes, “A
combination of white and grey/black cabinets were the ‘wow’
factor on this wall, along with the full wine cabinet. The upper
doors are hinged up for easy access and a straight line look.”
The lighting fixtures also add significant ‘wow’ appeal to Inspired by the home’s existing wood beams, this kitchen blends
the space. the clean lines of a contemporary space with the warmth of wood.
However, as important as it is for a kitchen to showcase Designed by Cathy Sage, the kitchen was created for entertaining,
aesthetic appeal, it also has to serve its purpose effectively. with the beverage center the first thing guests see upon entering.
Dennis Gehman
designed this
kitchen, which
features mini-
malist styling and
plenty of natural
light thanks to its
large windows
and skylight. The
custom stainless
steel range hood
and wallsplash
provide a dramatic
focal point while
adding a touch of
sparkle.
Photo: Mike Irby Photography

This modern industrial kitchen, de-
signed by James Justice, features custom
metal, glass and wood integrated appli-
ance panels, complemented by Foundry
Grey painted cabinetry and copious
storage. The handcrafted, reclaimed wood
island provides dramatic impact.
Photos: Hal Stata
In this case, well-designed, accessible storage adds to the A GREAT FOCAL POINT
kitchen’s appeal, while the large, spacious design facilitates At the Medina, OH-based Architectural Justice, owner James
entertaining, making it perfect for the clients’ needs. Justice believes, “‘Wow’ kitchens should have a great focal
point, whether it be an impressive kitchen island or a custom
BEAUTY, BALANCE & FUNCTION design element, like a range hood.”
Beautiful and functional are the buzzwords when it comes “Function is another important element of a ‘wow’ kitchen,”
to what give a kitchen ‘wow’ appeal, according to Dennis he continues. “Most all of our designs include custom storage
D. Gehman, MCR, MSA, CLC, CKBR, CAPS, president of solutions that elevate the kitchen beyond just the aesthetic.”
Gehman Design Remodeling in Harleysvile, PA. Gehman Design elements carefully chosen to pair well together can
believes it’s not the size of a kitchen that makes it special, but also add ‘wow’ appeal, while beautiful lighting fixtures can help
rather that it contains all of the items the clients need to make add visual drama as well.
the space work for them. He also believes connecting to nature He cites a kitchen design of his (above) that illustrates these
can give a kitchen powerful aesthetic appeal. ideas. A modern industrial kitchen in grey, it features custom
In this kitchen, nature played an important role in adding metal, glass and wood integrated appliance panels that are
the ‘wow’ factor, with many large windows and a skylight help- complemented by Foundry Grey painted cabinetry. Tying into
ing to bring the outdoors in. his belief that superior storage is essential to a great kitchen,
Part of a whole-house remodel, the kitchen features the space features custom drawer organizers designed to seam-
minimalist styling throughout, with a custom stainless lessly hold utensils, dishes and cookware.
steel range hood and wallsplash providing a dramatic focal He points out, however, “The handcrafted, reclaimed wood
point that adds sparkle, while connecting the stainless steel island is a true statement piece. The wood pairs beautifully
appliances. with Calacatta White Quartzite countertops displaying a water-
He notes, “Alaska White granite counters naturally become fall edge.”
a beautiful point of interest. He notes that the island also has a pop-up mechanism
Clear glass was chosen for the raised bar of the island to featuring Wolf countertop appliances. “The industrial look is
“continue the open feeling and allow the Alaska White granite complete with factory-inspired columns, beams and windows.”
to be enjoyed no matter where you are in the kitchen.”
Balance, too, is an element that helps to transform a kitch- CONNECTING WITH THE GREAT OUTDOORS
en from nice to truly spectacular. He points out that this kitch- The great outdoors also played a key role in a kitchen and
en offers visual balance in the way the island is centered under bar area designed by Laura A. Suglia-Isgro, ASID, of the Bay
the cathedral ceiling. “And the view into the living space when Village, OH-based KAS Interior Design (see photos on Page
cooking behind the island is very attractive,” he concludes. 42). The clients wanted a “cool kitchen,” and she added plenty

DESIGNER KITCHENS
In this kitchen designed by Laura A.

Photos: Jim Diaz; jimdiazphotographer.com
Suglia-Isgro, the curved front of the peninus-

la was designed to emulate a wave – a nod
to the dramatic lake views that can be seen
from the window opposite the island. The
colorful bar area also has its own ‘wow’ ef-
fect, with a large fish tank and outdoor views
that tie the indoors and outdoors together.
couple’s collection of decorative glassware.” Since entertaining

was a high priority, the appliances are an essential part of this
kitchen’s ‘wow’ power. The designer states, “A full-height
refrigerator and freezer sit side by side, centrally located in
the space for ease of access. The refrigerator and freezer are
flanked by double ovens on one side and a Miele coffee system
and microwave on the other.”
She continues, “The cooking area is located on the South
wall and houses a six-burner cooktop and wall hood. We used
a full-height painted plate glass backsplash in that location that
can be easily cleaned. The cooktop is flanked by large utensil
storage and pots and pans storage.
To allow the wife to enjoy the lake view while preparing
meals, the sink was situated on the island, along with the
dishwasher and a wine refrigerator. Additionally, decorative
lighting is carried over from the face of the peninsula.
of ‘wow’ power by maximizing views of the lake (from the To continue the entertaining theme, the wet bar/party room,
kitchen) and pool area (from the sunroom-turned-bar). formerly a sunroom-turned-game-room, was opened up to the
She explains, “This custom kitchen was designed for a outside pool and living area. The design included two large, cus-
newly renovated home on the often dramatic shores of Lake tom-made 4'-wide doors that create an 8'-wide opening when fully
Erie. This is the retirement home of a couple who have a large opened. Suglia-Isgro notes, “Because of the high winds off the
family and entertain a great deal.” She notes that the coastal lake, these doors and the windows that flank them are supported
cities along the lake discourage home demolition, so the design by a custom I-beam structure from above and along the sides.”
task was to “take the original style of the house, which was The east wall of the space houses a huge ‘wow’ element in
traditional, and transform it into a very contemporary home.” the form of a custom cabinet that houses a large fish tank. The
As a retirement home, the design needed to be not only vi- designer continues, “There is a frameless glass door that opens
sually appealing, but also needed to feature smart home ideals into the space and leads down the lighted stairs. The west wall
and easy-care materials. is the location for the juke box and wall-hung television.”
She says, “The design process of this kitchen began She notes, “The bar layout itself is made of a front and
with the idea to bring the outside in. The views of Lake Erie back bar. The front bar is designed to house the glassware for
brought forth the idea of water, which transitioned into the the space. A 42"-high bar-height counter sits atop brackets to
curved front peninsula to emulate a wave. The counter of the give the illusion that it’s floating above the 36"-high countertop
peninsula and island is a granite that we used to develop the beneath. The front of the bar is designed with layered wood
color palate of the house. There are gray hues that we pulled panels, cut in a wave pattern, that house LED lights to enhance
the cabinet and wall colors from and a raspberry speckle that the look of the wavy layers for a very dramatic effect at night.”
helped determine the pop of color on the south cooking wall.” The back bar is also a highly functional work station, with
She notes that the north (lake) facing peninsula provides a bar sink, dishwasher drawer, ice maker, beer tap and two
seating or works as a serving area, “and has layered light beverage coolers. “Additionally, flanking the sink are two light-
bands faced by white plexiglass panels along the front side ed risers for bottle display,” she adds.
that incorporate LED lighting. The east wall of the peninsula The finished design is both fun and functional – a perfect
is made up of a glass door lit display cabinet to show off the ‘wow’ complement to the rest of the home. ▪

2017 CALL FOR ENTRIES!
You deserve to be recognized for your hard work.

Enter your outstanding kitchen and bath projects in
our second annual design awards competition.
AWARD CATEGORIES: WINNERS RECEIVE:

• Best Kitchen over $200,000 • Industry-wide recognition in August
issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News and
• Best Kitchen $100,000 to $200,000
on our website KitchenBathDesign.com
• Best Kitchen under $100,000
• Promotional package including the
• Best Master Bathroom over $50,000 “Award Winner” logo and press release
• Best Master Bathroom under $50,000 • Gold, Silver or Bronze award plaque
• Best Powder Room
COMPLETE DETAILS & REGISTRATION:
• Best Showroom
KBDNawards.com
• Best Universal Design Kitchen or Bath Registration deadline is May 5, 2017
• Best Specialty Project Completed entry deadline is May 19, 2017
Projects must have been completed between
November 1, 2015 and May 19, 2017
PRODUCT TREND REPORT
Graff’s M.E. 25 Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet Houzer’s Exclusive Porcela porcelain

features a swivel spout and dual-func- enamel sinks are constructed from
tion spray/stream pull-down spray- 16-gauge steel and twice fired, creating
head. The ADA-rated faucet offers an a non-porous surface that is stain, chip
aerated flow of less than or equal to 1.8 and scratch resistant, the firm says. The
max gpm, and is CALGreen compliant, sinks are lightweight, and are available
the firm notes. in eight colors, including Mint (shown).
Cohesive
Work Hubs
Kitchen sinks and faucets work together
to form a flexible, cohesive work hub while
seamlessly balancing style and function.
BY ELIZABETH RICHARDS
The Farmhouse 30 is a 30" single-ba- Blanco’s Atura faucet with pull-down
sin farmhouse sink with a distinctive spray features a high arc and solid
texture and coloration and a hammered brass body. The high-performance
copper apron front. The artisan-crafted dual-spray is available in a standard
sink from Native Trails is forged of 2.2 gpm as well as a 1.5 CAL Green
recycled copper, and is available in An- water-saving model. Finishes include
tique Copper, Brushed Nickel, Polished Chrome and Stainless.
Copper (pictured) and Polished Nickel. Circle No. 158 on Product Card
K itchen sinks and faucets can no longer be pigeonholed as simply

the “workhorse” in the kitchen. Functionality is still a top prior-
ity for these essential products, but style and design are just as
important. Sinks and faucets are the most used elements in the kitchen,
but they also create a great focal point and accent for the overall design of
kitchen sinks and faucets as uses become more varied. “While the sink
and faucet used to be a lower priority to cabinetry, countertops and cook-
ing appliances, the ‘water appliance’ is becoming one of the first areas
specified,” he says. “Kitchen sinks aren’t just for washing dishes anymore.
Larger, more specialized sink designs, combined with features such as
the room. filtered and hot water, and accessories like cutting boards, colanders and
“When it comes to faucets, it’s all about ensembles now. Clean and dish racks, are now at the heart of any ‘chef’s kitchen,’ serving as a food
compelling design dictates the need for accessories to match the style preparation and entertainment centerpiece.”
and finish of the main faucet,” says Noah Taft, senior v.p., marketing and Eric Moore, interior designer at Kohler Design Center in Kohler, WI,
sales, California Faucets in Huntington Beach, CA. “Like the bathroom says that, while the kitchen sink space has historically blended in rather
faucet, the kitchen faucet is the jewelry of the room, but it also plays an than stood out as a place homeowners wanted to show off, there is a
enormously important functional role. Imagine a luxury kitchen without shift occurring. “There are many options for homeowners in technol-
a solid, beautifully designed kitchen faucet, without matching accessories, ogy, size, color, shape and materials. As more technology and different
and what do you have? It’s like buying a luxury car today, but without a types of functionalities are incorporated into other areas of the kitchen,
navigation system. You can do it, but really?” we are excited to see how the sink and faucet space are adapted and
Judd Lord, senior director of industrial design for Delta Faucet Co. enhanced to match.”
in Indianapolis, IN, agrees that homeowners are looking for a consistent As sinks, faucets and their accompanying accessories garner more
look with a uniform finish throughout the kitchen. “Full suite kitchen attention, some trends emerge. Large sinks and taller faucets are on the
collections with pot fillers, bar/prep faucets and soap dispensers create a rise, pull-down faucets are becoming more standard and simple function-
cohesive look throughout the space,” he says. ality is important. A coordinated look with flexible options is desired, and
Greg Rohl, v.p. of marketing at Irvine, CA-based ROHL says home- unique materials and finishes are gaining interest. That’s according to
owners are placing more emphasis on the size and functionality of manufacturers recently surveyed by Kitchen & Bath Design News.

The stainless steel Swanhaus faucet The Edge seamless undermount sink One control lever on the water dispens- Now available in a 24k gold finish,
from Whitehaus Collection features from Karran USA works well with er from Dornbracht produces filtered, the Spin D faucet from MGS features
a flexible pull-down spray head that today’s kitchen countertop surfaces, cold or hot water (93 degrees Celsius) a spout that rotates 360 degrees.
locks into place and features two spray including stainless steel, acrylic, solid instantly. The natural laminar jet The faucet base has a narrow handle
modes – stream and spray. The faucet surface and quartz. In this kitchen, prevents against splashes and provides equipped with a water lever on the
features a streamlined, elegant design, Edge is paired with a modern laminate a precise dosing of water. Designed by right. The gold finish can be done both
and has WaterSense, cUPC and lead- pattern from Formica, creating an Sieger Design, the dispenser is avail- on polished steel or brushed steel for a
free compliant certifications. upscale look. able in the Tara Ultra and Lot designs. glossy or matte finish, respectively.
Circle No. 159 on Product Card Circle No. 160 on Product Card Circle No. 161 on Product Card Circle No. 162 on Product Card
Sonoma Forge has expanded its Pre- The Herbeau Lille bar and kitchen mixer The SocialCorner sink from Julien is The TOD kitchen faucet from
mium Designer Faucet collection with by Herbeau features clean, contempo- designed for installation on the right or Watermark Designs incorporates
the Brut pull-out faucet, which sports rary lines and Art Deco details. High- left corner of a kitchen island, freeing faucet levers that can be easily turned
an industrial look with single-control lights include a high-arch gooseneck up counterspace and providing access on or off with just the flick of a hand or
lever. The tall tap features an elbow spout, solid brass construction and from different work areas. The con- wrist. Precise design details include
spout that swivels, as well as a hidden ceramic disc cartridges. The faucet is temporary sink has two aprons and is diamond knurling on the base of the
button on the pull-out that activates available in five metal finishes. handcrafted from 16-gauge commer- spout and the handles, low-profile
the dual-spray feature. Circle No. 164 on Product Card cial quality stainless steel. escutcheon and two spout options.
Circle No. 163 on Product Card Circle No. 165 on Product Card Circle No. 166 on Product Card
FLEXIBLE AND FUNCTIONAL faucets that will stand the test of time, while also providing them with a
Although specific features vary with the lifestyle of individual homeown- pleasant day-to-day experience. Strong water pressure, water-saving flow
ers, a consistent demand is for sink and faucet areas that offer flexibility rates and spouts that are ergonomic and adaptable are all market features
and qualities that enhance the functionality of the space. that are in high demand,” he says.
“Today’s homeowners want elevated design choices that don’t com- Optimal flexibility means including exactly the right accessories
promise the space’s functionality, for an opulent yet livable kitchen. To integrated seamlessly into the sink area. Multi-level sinks with integrated
accomplish that, we are seeing more high-end, industrial materials in the accessories are trending, according to Moore. “It is about making the
kitchen,” says Lord. He’s also seen a rise in all-in-one concrete sinks and space smart and hardworking,” he states.
countertops, as well as increased demand for the company’s Articulating Eric Gunderson, product manager for Blanco in Lumberton, NJ, says
Kitchen Faucets with SmartTouch Technology. that it’s also essential for a sink to be easy to clean and maintain. “You cut
Offering both stream and spray options is important, as is flexibility in a countertop to put in a sink, so it’s not going to be replaced easily. And
how these operate, manufacturers say. “Consumers demand their kitchens it’s one of the most used and abused areas of the kitchen,” he says. Other
be beautiful and functional – requiring the sink/faucet to do everything important elements, according to Gunderson, include grids to help main-
from rinsing greens to scrubbing pans,” says Katie Hayes, senior product tain the bottom of the sink, and multifunctional accessories like built-in
manager for Danze, Inc. and Gerber Plumbing Fixtures in Woodbridge, IL. cutting boards and colanders, which save space.
Sprayheads that go from stream and spray modes without needing to Lifestyles have a huge impact on trends, says Rohl. As people become
be turned off improve the experience, says Taft. “Sprayheads that allow more health conscious, they are adding specialty faucets into their design,
you to toggle back and forth give you the ultimate flexibility,” he notes. such as a filter faucet or an on-demand hot water filter faucet for blanch-
Durability is another essential element in sinks and faucets, according ing vegetables, making oatmeal or brewing tea, he states. “We believe the
to Javier Korneluk, senior director, global sales and marketing for Graff, properly designed water appliance truly reflects the lifestyle and life stage
headquartered in Milwaukee, WI. “Since both the kitchen and bathroom of the homeowner. It’s extremely important to the overall design style
are two of the most used rooms in a house, homeowners want sinks and of the kitchen, especially now that they’re taking up more ‘real estate’ in

Kohler’s Beckon touchless kitchen fau- The Stone Forest Copper Farmhouse A contemporary double-coil design The contemporary Beale high-arc
cet incorporates Response touchless Sink has a stainless steel interior and and a high-arc spout distinguish the kitchen faucet collection from Amer-
technology. The sprayhead and base foam filling in the double-walled con- KPF-2730 Commercial-Style Kitchen ican Standard includes a Selectronic
show detailed lines, and an LED light on struction. One side of the sink is ham- Faucet from Kraus USA. The faucet touchless model, offering the option of
the handle indicates when the faucet mered and the other has a smooth front sports a slim black single-lever handle switching to manual operation. An LED
is operational. The sprayhead pulls apron for a choice of display options. and matching inset, as well as Quick- indicator signals that the hands-free
down using ProMotion technology and Circle No. 168 on Product Card Dock assembly, including a drop-in mode has been activated.
includes a dual-function sprayhead. base for easy top-mount installation. Circle No. 170 on Product Card
Gessi’s minimalist Oxygene contem- The Matte White finish from California Nantucket Sinks’ new patented Danze has added the Selene Pull-
porary kitchen faucet offers a 170-de- Faucets is available on the company’s EZApron33 is the latest addition to its Down Kitchen Faucet, which features a
gree swiveling spout. Its easy-to-grasp Kitchen Collection of Italian-inspired Pro-Series Collection. The kitchen sink two-function sprayhead that operates
pull-out spray features two choices of handmade faucets, including Davoli, allows homeowners to use an existing at a rate of 1.75 gpm. Magnetic docking
jets, with non-return valve. Available Poetto, Corsano, Rosolina and the 33" sink base or design a new kitchen technology, which keeps the sprayhead
in chrome and brushed nickel finishes, Culinary Series. The powder coat is with a normal framed 33" sink base. tight to the spout, is paired with the
the Oxygene faucet is manufactured of designed to allow the underlying color The sink is fashioned from 16-gauge SnapBack retraction system that pulls
solid brass in Italy. to show through. stainless steel with an ‘EZ’ installation. the sprayhead up into the spout.
Circle No. 171 on Product Card Circle No. 172 on Product Card Circle No. 173 on Product Card Circle No. 174 on Product Card
the space. With so many options now available, it’s so much easier for a According to Lord, sinks are seeing growth in non-traditional,
designer to find a sink and faucet that enhance the overall design while alternative materials such as concrete, marble and soapstone. To offset
being extremely functional.” these neutral raw materials, he sees homeowners infusing the area with
warmer finish tones – such as brushed and satin golds, dark pewter,
DISTINCTIVE MATERIALS AND FINISHES cognac or brass. These warmer tones are being selected for faucets as
There are certainly material and finish choices that will hold steady, well, he says. “Matte black finishes are increasingly popular among
regardless of changing trends. Stainless steel has long been a popular homeowners looking to make a bold, contemporary statement in the
choice, and isn’t likely to fade anytime soon. Polished chrome and satin kitchen,” he adds.
nickel are others that will stand the test of time, manufacturers agree. Hayes has also seen increased interest in black finishes. “It makes
But in addition to these choices, there’s increased interest in alternative a striking statement and beautiful contrast in a crisp white kitchen and
materials and finishes, manufacturers note. when complementing black appliances,” she says. She also cites deep
Blanco’s Silgranit sinks continue to take off, says Gunderson. “As bronze tones, like the Tumbled Bronze finish offered by Danze, as being
more players enter the granite composite marketplace, consumers and popular among those looking for warmer tones.
designers will have to get up front and close to these materials,” he says. Taft sees his company’s decorative physical vapor deposition (PVD)
Blanco focuses on smart colors, he adds, that can either blend in or stand finishes in demand. “Given the wear and tear of daily kitchen use, PVD
out with the counter surfaces. “Flashy colors may not work as well for the presents a notable extra value for those who want an elegant looking
lifespan of the kitchen,” he adds. finish but don’t want to deal with extra care,” he says.
Jeffrey Buckley, national sales manager for Hamilton, NJ-based Houzer, While stainless steel leads as a sink material, Rohl notes that there is
says there are more sink options available than ever before. “From size, a wide range in quality, with true commercial-grade gauges with robust
shape, material, texture and color, there is a rich palette of options to sound-deadening properties being the standard. “These new ‘workstation’
choose from to make any vision come to life.” He notes that white fireclay sinks need to handle heavy use without sounding like a drumming circle
sinks are popular, as are black and gray/taupe granite sinks. when the water’s running,” he says.

KWC’s ZOE touch light PRO kitchen Concetto Semi-Pro, the newest The Elkay Quartz Luxe Collection fea- InSinkErator’s HOT150 Instant Hot
faucet responds to a brief touch to turn semi-professional kitchen faucet from tures six bold colors, such as Maraschi- Water Dispensing System is the com-
on and off. The operating unit includes Grohe, comes with a silicone hose in no red (shown). Complete with organic pany’s newest addition to the Invite
a light ring, which indicates the water limited edition matte black. The faucet fibers and a fiberglass mat molded onto Series, dispensing near-boiling water
temperature. With three simple taps, operates with a 360-degree turnable the underside of the sink, this collection on demand via a push-handle for easy
water temperature switches between spring for a fully rotating spray arm boasts strength, easy cleaning, hygiene activation. It features a temperature
cold, warm and hot. and features a powerful magnet for protection, an Aqua Divide low center control to change water temperature
Circle No. 175 on Product Card seamless docking after use. divider and more, according to Elkay. from 160-200 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Metropole Collection by Newport Rohl’s RGK Single Bowl Stainless Steel The Aqualogic by Lenova features VOLA presents this kitchen faucet with
Brass has expanded into the kitchen, Kitchen Sink is a commercial-grade technology that infuses ozone into the a one-handle built-in mixer with double
with faucets that feature the octagonal stainless steel sink with six integrated water through a chamber inside the swivel spout that has a 10" reach and a
shapes and soft curves of the original accessories. The sink’s indented design spout. This process creates ozonized spout that swivels 180 degrees. Avail-
collection. The line includes six prod- allows coordinating cutting board, water that improves food’s shelf life able from Hastings Tile & Bath, the
ucts, with a kitchen faucet that incorpo- grating kit, colander and dish rack to fit and removes odor, states the firm. The faucet has a low-flow aerator. Shown in
rates magnetic docking technology to into the sink. Aqualogic is also a hot/cold faucet that brushed stainless steel, it is available in
hold the spray wand in place. Circle No. 180 on Product Card switches to the ozone option. any VOLA colors or finishes.
In faucet finishes, Rohl is starting to see interest in matte finishes popularity. This option brings the industrial-style flexibility of a chef’s fau-
rather than polished. “A variety of brass and copper tones have become cet with 360-degree swivel capability. To accommodate the unrestrained
kind of the ‘it’ look, matched with clean white cabinetry and countertops style of the high-arc kitchen faucet, we’ve seen larger, farmhouse-style
but, again, most kitchens need finishes that provide function as well as a sinks trend up to offer more space to rinse and prep.”
decorative appeal,” he says. Marcotte says consumers are starting to play with scale in different
Graff Business Development Manager Céline Marcotte, on the other ways as well. “We see size shifts depending on the function and style of
hand, says, “There was a large demand for matte finishes last year, but as the overall design concept. For example, many designers and homeown-
we move into the new year, we think we will see people going back to the ers are choosing to pair a smaller faucet with a taller sink, or a longer
classic, clean look of chrome and nickel.” faucet with a flatter sink. The overall stylistic partnership of the sink and
faucet is taking prominence over function or preference.”
STATELY STYLE
The way people are using their kitchens, the trend toward more profes- GOING SOLO
sional-style cooking and a desire for heightened functionality impacts the The desire for more space in the sink area also means a move toward
styles more often chosen. Many manufacturers say sinks and faucets are single-bowl sinks and single-hole faucets. “There is so much more you
getting larger, for added function and enhanced design. can do with a large, single bowl,” Buckley says.
“Kitchen faucets have grown increasingly taller, and more stately,” says Regardless of whether a sink is undermount, farmhouse or top-
Taft. “With the exception of Manhattan and areas with serious space lim- mount design, single-bowl sinks are popular, agrees Hayes. The reach
itations, these more striking and solid-looking faucets add a robust and of the spray is an important consideration in selection of the faucet for a
powerful feeling to the kitchen area. For people who are seriously into single-bowl sink, she adds. “Kitchens are being designed without upper
cooking, culinary-style faucets continue to increase their market share.” cabinets above the sink, which allows for a taller pull-down style kitchen
Lord adds, “Staying true to the current want for added functionality faucet and provides a more open feeling kitchen space,” she says, adding
among home chefs, high-arc, pull-down kitchen faucets are increasing in that the single-handle pull-down faucets are dominating. “With so many

Kitchen sinks in the Atelier line from The Hayley and Hillary farmer sinks
Mila International are fabricated from Barclay Products are sin-
with a 1/4"-thick stainless steel rim, gle-bowl white fireclay sinks made
a technology that permits true flush in Italy. Measuring 36" in width,
mounting of a stainless steel sink. both sinks are finished on all four
The technology provides a seam- sides. Hayley is a smooth-front sink,
less, 100% flush transition between while Hillary (shown) has a fluted
the sink rim and the countertop apron front.
for an easy-to-clean surface, the Circle No. 184 on Product Card
company notes.
The Galley Workstation allows The Esque Single-Handle Pull-

users to prep, cook, serve, entertain Down Kitchen Faucet from Delta
and clean up in one place. Available Faucet Co. sports refined curves,
in six lengths, the comprehensive including a clipped ballet pose.
Workstation also offers four dou- Featuring Touch2O Technology, the
ble-bowl models as well as custom faucet offers optional ShieldSpray
sizes. Each includes a Culinary Technology, which cuts through
Kit available in Natural Bamboo, grime with a concentrated stream
Graphite Wood Composite or High and prevents splatter with a water
Density White or Gray Resin. shield, the firm notes.
Featuring flat panels with smooth Franke’s Chef Center is designed

cylindrical shapes, the Method to enhance entertaining, simplify
faucet from Moen incorporates cleanup and maximize creativity,
Power Clean spray technology – a according to the company. The Chef
powerful, concentrated spray. A Center features two anti-microbial
two-function pull-out wand allows compartments for collecting com-
users to switch the water flow from post scraps, chilling wine or storing
an aerated stream for cleaning to kitchen tools. A number of custom
a spray for rinsing. It is available in accessories are also available,
Moen’s Spot Resist finish. including Franke’s Roller Mat.
The Axor Citterio Select Kitchen Brizo’s articulating kitchen faucets

Faucet from Hansgrohe features are available with optional Smart-
an ergonomically designed handle Touch Technology, which allows
and adjustable pivoting area of up to water to turn on and off with a
360 degrees that creates freedom touch anywhere on the faucet. The
of movement at the sink. Hand- spray wand can be easily docked
sprays with two jet types provide and undocked, presenting spray
ease of use. or stream options. The articulating
Circle No. 189 on Product Card arm is available in the Artesso and
Solna collections.
kitchens using solid surfaces and undermount sinks, you can achieve an functionality and high arc is still desirable, but we’ve reimagined those
uncluttered look with only a single hole.” features to be more sophisticated and fit in better with the living kitchen
Gunderson agrees that single bowls are trending, but says Blanco sees home environment.”
a need for both small and larger bowls. This can mean more than one Rohl says the functionality of pull downs has been adapted to a wider
sink is incorporated – perhaps matching laundry, bar and kitchen sinks, range of decorative styles. “In recent years, we’ve seen the popularity of
for instance. “Low divides are also expanding as people remodel with one professional or commercial designs. Now we’re seeing a demand for more
foot in the past and one in the future,” says Gunderson, “wanting that decorative interpretations.”
single-bowl look, but not giving up on two bowls completely.” He adds
that a single-handle faucet is easiest for both aging in place and multigen- HANDS OFF
erational households. Sometimes, a new technology changes the way a product is perceived.
This seems to be the case with the hands-free option in faucets, at least
CREATIVE PULL DOWNS for some. “Touchless technology certainly has changed how we think
Pull-down faucets have long been on the rise, and this trend continues, about faucets,” says Moore. “Faucets are no longer the last item chosen.
with added flexibility and functionality. “For faucet selection, pull down With new technologies like touchless, homeowners are more aware of the
remains a popular demand from homeowners, along with more and dif- benefits of having the right faucet.”
ferent functionalities like aerated sprays, a spray to help clean and sprays Taft says that although touch-free kitchen faucets have clearly arrived,
for rinsing fruits and vegetables,” says Moore. the reviews are mixed. He has heard complaints about touch-free faucets
Gunderson adds, “We are seeing pull-down faucets with dual sprays being ‘buggy,’ he says, and there is no ability to change the temperature
and high arcs. These are livable or organic in design. They have clean without touching the handle. “It’s pretty subjective as to whether or not
lines that fit into modern and classic settings – but with a nod to organic touch-free faucets bring true value, or are still a bit gimmicky and not yet
shapes that are softer than professional chefs’ faucets and therefore fit ready for prime time. Time will tell, but I applaud manufacturers’ com-
better into furnished Great Room settings. A pro faucet with its high mitment to innovation,” he concludes. ▪

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PRODUCT REVIEW
Illumination 1
Nation
L ighting fixtures not only provide much needed illumination, but
also can serve as the focal point of a design. From understated to
dramatic, new advances in lighting technology allow for a multitude
of options to light up a room.
Energy efficiency and wireless capability continue to be popular. Dual- 3
2
4
purpose use, such as lighting plus charging abilities, is now in demand
as well. And, of course, LEDs continue to gain ground, offering improved
warm and cool tones.
This month, KBDN looks at a variety of lighting products for the kitch-
en and bath that illuminate beautifully.
1. The Z1 Bamboo PC pendant, part of the Ay Illuminate collection distributed

by Global Lighting, has a handcrafted bamboo frame sheathed in black, gray or
handmade paper. Ay Illuminate’s design team – Ay Lin Heinen and Nelson Sepul-
veda – work with artisans to create the shades from the bark of the mulberry tree.
5
2. Drawer and cabinet interiors can be illuminated with Richelieu’s LED Leaf. The
drawer version is mounted on a sliding mechanism, while the cabinet version is
mounted directly on the cabinet top interior. Both are equipped with sensors that
automatically turn lights on and off when the cabinet or drawer is opened or closed.
3. Häfele’s Loox 2037 Flexible Strip Light is available in warm and cool color tem-
peratures, can be shortened in inch increments and is entirely plug and play. Lights
can be mounted within drawer-specific extrusions or adhered using the included
3M backing tape. Infrared proximity drawer switching completes the package.
6
4. The Origami lighting fixture with frosted LED globe from Troy Lighting has
a handworked iron exterior that can be finished in bronze with contrasting gold
leaf interior, or graphite with contrasting silver leaf interior. Origami is available in
three vertical pendant sizes, one landscape oriented pendant and a wall sconce.
5. The FREEDiM Series Deco 2-Zone Wall Dimmer by Tresco Lighting from Rev-
A-Shelf combines the convenience of remote dimmers with the style and function-
ality of hardwired switches. These wireless controllers can be mounted to standard
electrical boxes or directly to drywall and fit all Decorator-style wall plates.
6. Progress Lighting’s Debut lighting fixture features nostalgic, vintage lamps

with clear or frosted seeded glass shades. Warm finish options include Graphite 7
and Brushed Nickel.
8
7. Alton from Kichler features tapered glass shades and vintage screws for a
distinctive style. Available in two-, three- and four-light options, the fixture can
be installed either in an uplight or downlight configuration. The collection also
includes a one-light, oversized wall sconce and three-light flush mount.
8. Legrand has updated its adorne Under-Cabinet Lighting System to include

white. The modular track, which fits under kitchen cabinets, features an LED
strip light. It comes complete with power outlets, USB ports, a Bluetooth music
system and mobile charging outlets.

9 10 9. The newest Lighted Power Strip from Task Lighting combines the company’s
Sempria LED fixture with its patented Angle Power Strip. The strip is available in
white, satin nickel, bronze and black finishes with a choice of Warm (2700K) or
Neutral White (3000K) LEDs in 90 CRI.
11 Circle No. 208 on Product Card
10. The Ellipse series of pendants by Niche come in Grand and Petite sizes with
various bulb and color options. The Ellipse Grand handblown glass pendant is
12.5"Hx10"W and comes in six glass colors: Amber, Chartreuse, Crystal, Gray,
Smoke (shown) and Sapphire.
11. The Aquagen three-tier custom chandelier by 2nd Ave Lighting features three
steel tiers in a Gunmetal finish, highlighted with 60 Crystal Idalight Rods with an
12 effervescent look. The lighting fixture is handcrafted and uses energy-saving LEDs.
Custom configurations, sizes, styles and colors are available.
12. The Halo Surface Mount LED Downlight family by Eaton Lighting can be
installed directly into drywall without a recessed housing or a junction box.
Available in 4" or 6" sizes, the family is offered in both round and square models,
in 2700 Kelvin (K), 3000K, 3500K, 4000K and 5000K and a 90 CRI.
13 14 15
13. Corbett Lighting’s Motif fixture is outfitted with handmade Italian glass
pieces, set in handcrafted iron and finished with gold leaf and stainless accents
with a pendant stem. Motif comes in several sizes as well as a single-light,
ADA-compliant wall sconce that can be hung vertically or horizontally.
14. The clean and contemporary Erin Collection by Feiss features a double pane of
clear faceted, pressed crystal suspended in front of a linear LED light source that is
mounted to a sleek backplate. It is available in Feiss’ Polished Stainless Steel finish.
Erin wall sconces are damp-rated to be used in the bath and are ADA compliant.
15. Possessing a curved silhouette, CSL’s Contour sconce casts soft, warm and
vertical illumination from the top and the bottom. With 120V 18W LED and 1260
16
lumen output and CRI 90, the dimmable wall-mounted fixture is ADA compliant
and UL/C-UL listed for damp or wet locations. Contour features an architectural
aluminum housing, offered in a multitude of finishes.
16. Nora Lighting’s Silk SBC Lightbar has a 24V LED illumination without diode
glare, an ultra-low profile appearance and interlocking solid bus connectors
(SBC). The product has 0 to 90° flush mounting brackets. Five connectable
lengths are available: 6", 12" 24", 36" and 48", and Silk is finished in natural alu-
minum or black (special order). Overall dimensions are ¾"Wx½"H.
17. The Escher LED wall sconce from Modern Forms is ADA and Title 24 energy
compliant, and can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Escher dims with an
electronic low voltage dimmer. The 14"Hx6"W luminaire comes in titanium and
white architectural finishes. The 11-watt luminaire has a 3000K color tempera-
ture, with 90 CRI and an 85,000 hour life.
17 18 19
18. Lighting designer Robert Sonneman employed tubing reminiscent of the

chairs created by many notable Bauhaus designers to reflect the minimalist
functionality of the mid-century modern aesthetic in Sonneman – A Way of
Light’s Bauhaus Revisited collection. Each piece in this series is available in either
polished or satin chrome metal finishes with an opal etched glass diffuser.
19. The Sumner hanging globe from Hudson Valley Lighting is half opaque white
glass diffuser, half metallic shell. In the Sumner family, thumbscrews with lathe-cut
knurling add to its industrial evocations. Sumner is available in three pendant sizes
and a new modern brass finish as well as old bronze and polished nickel finishes.

Based on its continued
popularity, M S International
has reimagined white marble
for its Q Premium Natural
Quartz Collection. Pictured
here is a kitchen countertop in
Marbella White Quartz.
Surface Statements
Today’s countertops and surfacing materials are inspired by nature and beg to be
touched, with stone looks, woods, textures and mixed media drawing attention.
T he surfaces in today’s kitchens, baths and beyond are derived from a

wide range of materials – all the way from stones found in nature to
laminates that mimic those stones in look and feel. Along with stone,
other nature-inspired looks continue their hot streak, with wood in all of its
forms – including pristine, raw edge and weathered – enjoying continued
A-LINE BY
ADVANCE TABCO
200 Heartland Boulevard
Edgewood, NY 11717
Tel: 800-645-3166
Fax: 866-799-0249
decorative laminates used for coun-
tertops and wall cladding.
Stratificato: Compact laminate
panels used for countertops, back-
splashes and furniture.
growth. Variations of concrete and marble are everywhere, with fabricated
creations providing easier maintenance and superior durability than their Email: greed@advancetabco.com
natural counterparts.
Website: AKDO
www.alinebyadvancetabco.com 1435 State Street
Tile trends continue to embrace the concept of mixed media, with nat-
A-Line by Advance Tabco: Stainless Bridgeport, CT 06605
ural stones, metals, glass and precious materials all sharing the spotlight.
steel 16-gauge 304 used for coun- Tel: 203-336-5199
Shiny and matte surfaces sit side-by-side, providing a fresh, updated take. Website: www.akdo.com
tertops. The countertops feature
Matte tiles and honed surfaces continue to make design statements.
all-steel, hat channel construction Origami: Comprised of marble that
Natural tones are everywhere, with grays and taupes leading the way. and all green materials. is expertly cut to allow the veining on
But these neutrals are anything but boring, with movement and sparkle, Circle No. 240 on Product Card each piece to align with others within
and even some unexpected colors like teal, copper and purple included the pattern, creating the illusion of a
in the mix. ABET LAMINATI folding object.
Manufacturers and suppliers in today’s surfacing market must deliver 60 W. Sheffield Avenue Circle No. 242 on Product Card
a range of products that work with a variety of design styles and colors, Englewood, NJ 07631
providing materials that can make a statement or anchor a room. They Tel: 800-228-2238 AMERICAN OLEAN
must be beautiful, durable, easy to care for and highly touchable. In Fax: 201-541-0701 7834 C.F. Hawn Freeway
this month’s Guide to Surfacing Manufacturers, Kitchen & Bath Design Email: sales@abetlaminati.com Dallas, TX 75217
News showcases top players in this market, along with some of the latest Website: www.abetlaminati.com Website: www.americanolean.com
products available. Abet Laminati: High pressure Tile & Stone Products: Porcelain, glass

DIRECTORY OF SURFACING MANUFACTURERS
tile, metals, mosaics and natural stone ARIZONA TILE tile used for flooring, dry interior wall Overlap), a unique seam system that
products for countertops, wall cover- 8829 S. Priest Drive and saddle. The marble has a mix- creates less visible seams.
ings and flooring. Tempe, AZ 85284 ture of dark gray, black and subtle Circle No. 251 on Product Card
Circle No. 243 on Product Card Tel: 480-893-9393 white coloring.
Fax: 480-893-9390 Circle No. 248 on Product Card ATLAS CONCORDE
ANN SACKS Email: info@arizonatile.com Via Canaletto, 141
8120 NE 33rd Drive Website: www.arizonatile.com ASCOT CERAMICHE Spezzano di Fiorano, MO 41042
Portland, OR 97211 Company Apps: Arizona Tile app. Via Croce, 80 Italy
Tel: 800-278-8453 Solignano di Castelvetro, MO Tel: 212-528-3160
Website: www.annsacks.com Della Terra Quartz: Quartz 41014 Italy Website: www.atlasconcorde.com
surfacing used for countertops, back- Tel: 212-528-3160
Company App: splashes, tub surrounds, showers, Porcelain Tile: Porcelain tile used
Ann Sacks literature app. Website: www.ascot.it
lavatories and walls. It is composed for flooring and wall cladding. Atlas
Lana: A soft marble distinctive of greater than 90% quartz, and is Stone Style Tile: Porcelain tile used Concorde provides a variety of por-
with a brushed surface. A creamy resistant to scratching and chipping. for flooring that mimics stone. celain tile solutions. The Marvel XL
white stone with predominant gray Circle No. 249 on Product Card collection features large-format (up
Marrakesh Series: Porcelain and
veining that breaks the surface in a to 3.9'x7.8') marble-look tiles.
ceramic tile used for flooring (matte
gentle, lineal pattern. Lana is cur- finish only), walls, backsplashes, ASTOR CERAMICHE Circle No. 252 on Product Card
rently available in 3"x6", 6"x18" and countertops, fireplaces, vanities, tub Strada Statale 569 n.234
12"x24" field tiles; a 2" Hexagon; surrounds and showers. It is avail- Solignano , MO 41014 Italy AVA BY LA FABBRICA
Random Linear and Basketweave able in polished and matte finishes. Tel: 212-528-3160 Via Emilia Ponente, 925
mosaics; and pencil liner and chair Website: www.ceramicheastor.it Castel Bolognese, RA 48014 Italy
rail trims. Digitalart Series: Porcelain tile
Porcelain Tile: Porcelain tile with Tel: 212-528-3160
Circle No. 244 on Product Card used for flooring, walls, backsplash-
reversed conic edges used for floor- Website: www.avaceramica.it
es, countertops, fireplaces, tub
surrounds and showers. The tiles ing. Tile is produced with a particular Porcelain Tile: These dry-pressed
feature a fabric-like texture, with system to obtain reversed conic porcelain stoneware slabs are 6mm
rectified color body porcelain. edges, enabling installation with thick and used for countertops,
Circle No. 247 on Product Card very small joints, giving the surface a flooring and wall cladding.
sensation of continuity. Circle No. 253 on Product Card
BALLY BLOCK
ATI DECORATIVE 30 South Seventh Street
LAMINATES Bally, PA 19503
6106 West Market Street Tel: 610-845-7511
Greensboro, NC 27409 Fax: 800-542-8489
Tel: 800-849-1320 Email: bbc@butcherblock.com
Fax: 336-668-0713
Email: info@advtechnology.com Bally Block Butcher Block: Solid
Website: www.ATILaminates.com wood butcher block countertops in
Shown is Lana by Ann Sacks, a seven species.
white marble stone with gray veining MirroFlex Structures: Thermoplas- Circle No. 254 on Product Card
in a gentle, lineal pattern. tic laminate used for wall panels,
ceilings, backsplash, wainscoting,
and tub and shower surrounds. The BELLAVITA TILE USA
ANTOLINI The new Michael Aram Collection MirroFlex Structures product line 1446 Halsey Way, Suite 108
Via Guglielmo Marconi 101 of ceramic tile from Artistic Tile offers eight new patterns – Ariel, Carrollton, TX 75007
37010 Sega di Cavaion includes Leaf White (shown). Bee Hive, Bowtie, Interlink, Japa- Tel: 972-323-4304
Veronese, Italy nese Weave, Kalahari, Ridges and Website: www.bellavitatile.com
Tel: +39 045 683 6611 Sculpted Petals. They can be formed Tile: Ceramic, glass, metal and
Website: ARTISTIC TILE in either 4'x8' or 4'x10' wall panels porcelain tile used for walls, back-
www.antolini.com/en-us/home 520 Secaucus Road in over 40 different finishes. All new splashes and floors.
Secaucus, NJ 07094 panels feature the BIO (Built-In- Circle No. 255 on Product Card
Granite and Marble: Granite and
Tel: 201-864-7000
marble used for countertops, flooring
Fax: 201-864-7008
and wall cladding. A zerobact, which
Email: racheladler@artistictile.com
gives the stone antimicrobial proper-
Website: www.artistictile.com
ties, is among those offered.
Circle No. 245 on Product Card Fusion Wow Multicolor 2cm &
3cm Slabs: Polished rare Brazilian
quartzite with clouds of feldspar and
ARBORITE natural variation. Used for coun-
385 Lafleur
Lasalle, QC H8R 3H7 tertop, vanities, dry interior walls &
Tel: 800-996-0366 floors, saddle and exterior wall.
Email: info@arborite.com Michael Aram Collection: A gloss
Website: www.arborite.com ceramic decorative field tile used for
Company Apps: Arborite app. interior wall and shower wall includ-
ing steam. The line draws on some
Color Edge: High pressure laminate of Aram’s well-known existing col-
for countertops, wall cladding and lections - Molten, Botanical Leaf and
furnishings. It eliminates seams. Gotham - and translates the distinct
Ink: High pressure laminate for coun- aesthetic into a series of decorative
tertops, wall cladding and furnishings. ceramic tiles and liners. Each pattern
Panorama: High pressure laminate is glazed in gloss white or in metallic
for countertops, wall cladding and bronze or steel.
furnishings. Dark Arabescato Orobico: A Seen on the walls in this picture is ATI MirroFlex Structure in the Kalahari
Circle No. 246 on Product Card polished Italian marble 12"x24" field pattern in Gloss White by ATI Decorative Laminates.

Email: Stone-Effect Porcelain Tile: Por-

claude.caron@caronindustries.com celain tile used for flooring and wall
Website: www.caronindustries.com cladding. Caesar provides porcelain
Circle No. 260 on Product Card tiles that seamlessly replicate the
look and feel of stone with the supe-
CARVART rior technical qualities of porcelain.
180 Varick Street The new Tecnolito collection features
New York, NY 10014 14 colorways based on real stones.
Tel: 212-675-0030 Circle No. 264 on Product Card
Website: www.carvart.com
Carvart: Curated glass used for
CHENG DESIGN
countertops, cabinets, backsplashes PRODUCTS
and flooring. 2808 San Pablo Avenue
Showcased in this kitchen is an L-shaped cold cast zinc countertop with a Circle No. 261 on Product Card Berkeley, CA 94702
curved edge and Stamford edge profile by Brooks Custom. Tel: 510-849-3272
Email: randrews@chengdesign.com
CERAMICA DEL CONCA Website: www.chengdesign.com
BROOKS CUSTOM Wood Countertops: Wood coun- Via Croce, 8
San Clemente, RN 47832 Italy Geocrete by Cheng: Concrete
15 Kensico Drive tertops that are food-prep safe and
Tel: 212-528-3160 surfacing used for countertops, fur-
Mount Kisco, NY 10549 suitable for sink areas.
Website: http://en.delconca.com niture and fireplace hearths. Cheng
Tel: 914-666-2029 Circle No. 257 on Product Card
provides ultra custom fabrication.
Email: quotes@brookscustom.com Corner Wrapping Tiles: Porcelain Circle No. 265 on Product Card
Website: www.brookscustom.com CAESARSTONE tile used for wall cladding. Made
9275 Corbin Ave. of two pieces of porcelain bound
The Bistro Collection: Made of cold
Northridge, CA 91324 by resin, the L-shaped tiles wrap
CLE
cast metal (stainless, zinc, pewter, 855 Spring Street
nickel, copper, bronze and brass), Tel: 818-779-0999 around corners (both interior and
Sausalito, CA 94965
the Bistro Collection can be used for Website: www.caesarstoneus.com exterior).
Tel: 415-887-9011
countertops, bar tops and furniture. Caesarstone: Quartz used for Circle No. 262 on Product Card
Website: www.cletile.com
It has decorative edge profiles, is countertops, backsplashes and
Cement Tile by Deborah Osburn:
more affordable than sheet metal walls. Products are heat-, stain- and CERAMICA Cement surfaces for flooring and
and offers a quick lead time. scratch-resistant, and non-porous. SANT’AGOSTINO walls. The surfaces arrive pre-sealed
Live Edge Wood: Table tops, coun- Two new colors available are White Via Statale, 247 and hand polished.
tertops and bar tops are made out of Attica and Georgian Bluffs. S. Agostino, FE 44047 Italy Circle No. 266 on Product Card
live edge wood. Slabs are hand se- Circle No. 258 on Product Card Tel: 212-528-3160
lected, kiln-dried, machine flattened Website:
www.cermicasantagostino.it
COLORS OF THE WIND
smooth and sealed with Brooks 11910 Warfield
Custom’s permanent and waterproof Fabric-Look Tile: Sant’Agostino San Antonio, TX 78216
Marine Finish. has created a tile collection, Tel: 210-403-2935
Premium Wide Place Wood DIGITALART, that uses the artistic Email:
Countertops: Sealed with Brooks graphics of fabric, drawing from the sharron@colorsofthewind.net
Custom’s permanent and waterproof fashion world. These tiles also are Website:
Marine Finish, the wood boards are reminiscent of fabric in physical tex- www.colorsofthewind.net
chosen for an even color and tone – ture. The tiles are used for flooring
Honeycomb Calcite: A transparent,
no sapwood is used. All boards are and wall coverings.
translucent crystal form of Orange
between 5" and 12" wide. Custom Circle No. 263 on Product Card
Calcite is used for tile (any type),
stain matching is available. The backsplashes, tub surrounds, shower
countertops, furniture or bar tops CERAMICHE CAESAR walls, vanity bowls, insert/accent
are made in and delivered from the Via Canaletto 49 pieces, back bars, bar fronts and
factory wood shop in Mt. Kisco, NY. Spezzano di Fiorano, MO 41042 lighting features. The stone lumi-
Circle No. 256 on Product Card Caesarstone’s heat-, stain- and Italy nates easily and can change color
scratch-resistant quartz is seen here Tel: 212-528-3160 depending upon thickness.
CAFECOUNTERTOPS in new color Georgian Bluffs. Website: www.caesar.it Circle No. 267 on Product Card
2811 John Deere Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37917
Tel: 865-219-9993 CAMBRIA
Fax: 865-219-6128 11000 West 78th Street, Ste. 220
Email: sales@cafecountertops.com Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Website: Tel: 866-226-2742
http://cafecountertops.com Website: www.cambriausa.com
Company Apps: Cambria Designs;
Cambria Style Magazine.
Quartz: Quartz used for coun-
tertops, flooring, wall cladding,
backsplash and bathtub surrounds.
Products are scratch-resistant,
non-porous and low maintenance.
CARON INDUSTRIES
45, 4 e Rue, C. P. 100
The undermount sink shown here Montmagny, QC Canada G5V 3S3
is detailed in CafeCountertops’ Dark Tel: 418-248-0255 Colors of the Wind Honeycomb Calcite is featured on this bar top, windowsill
Chocolate Beech. Fax: 418-248-0982 and pass through counter area with wall art, wine chiller and candle covers.

Industry recognition isn’t everything,
but it sure feels good.
INTRODUCING THE
Now is the time to nominate

outstanding kitchen and bath
designers, dealers and independent
showroom leaders for inclusion in our
NEW annual award program KBDN 50.
Each of the 50 recipients will be featured in the
October 2017 issue of KBDN.
To learn more and complete a nomination go to
kitchenbathdesign.com/KBDN50 or email Heidi Riedl
at Heidi@SOLAbrands.com.
Curava Recycled Glass Surfaces: Company App: mySurface app.

Surfacing used for countertops, Corian: Solid surface used for coun-
vanity tops and wall cladding. tertops, vanity tops and showers.
The surfaces are made from 60% Corian is seamless, repairable and
recycled glass in resin. They are non-porous.
non-porous and heat-resistant.
Circle No. 273 on Product Card Zodiaq: Quartz used for countertops
and vanity tops. Zodiaq is non-po-
rous, and resistant to heat, stains,
DALTILE chips and cracks.
7834 C.F. Hawn Freeway Circle No. 276 on Product Card
Dallas, TX 75217
Tel: 214-398-1411
Website: www.daltile.com
EDEN MOSAIC TILE
247 SW 8th St. #851
Tile: Quartz, porcelain, ceramic, glass Miami, FL 33130
tile and natural stone tiles for flooring, Tel: 305-393-8835
countertops and wall coverings. Email: sales@edenmosaictile.com
Circle No. 274 on Product Card Website: www.edenmosaictile.com
Stainless Steel Tiles: Tiles used
for backsplashes and other wall
Silestone by Cosentino takes white quartz to the next level with Iconic White,
applications.
seen in this modern kitchen.
Aluminum Tiles: Tiles used for back-
splashes and other wall applications.
CONTEMPO SURFACES THE CRAFT-ART CO. Copper Tiles: Tiles used for back-
4879 Olson Drive 1209 Logan Circle NW
splashes and other wall applications.
Dallas, TX 75227 Atlanta, GA 30318
Tel: 214-381-8405 Tel: 404-352-5625
Website: Website: www.craft-art.com
www.contemposurfaces.com Wood and Metal: Wood and metal
Santa Margherita Quartz: Engi- surfaces used for butcher blocks,
neered quartz used for countertops, countertops and vanities.
backsplashes, wet wall applications Circle No. 271 on Product Card
and flooring. Thin slab is 2cm and
3cm thick.
Render Metals from Daltile looks
Horizon: Thin slab porcelain for
like traditional metal but can be used
countertops, backsplashes, wet wall
in moisture-prone wall spaces.
and flooring.
Mixed media is showcased in this
DOMAIN INDUSTRIES Black and Silver Stainless Steel and
COSENTINO 1400 East Lone Star Drive Crackled Glass Mosaic Mix Tile by
2245 Texas Drive Mustang Ridge, TX 78610 Eden Mosaic Tile.
Sugar Land, TX 77479 Tel: 866-385-7775
Tel: 281-494-7277 Email: sales@domainindustries.com
Fax: 877-532-6394 Website: www.domainindustries.com EMILCERAMICA
Website: www.cosentino.com Via Ghiarola Nuova, 49
Affinity Surfaces: Solid surface in
Silestone: Quartz used for coun- 72 colors used for countertops. The Fiorano Modenese, MO 41042
tertops. Silestone is non-porous surfaces are non-porous, stain-resis- Italy
and offers high scratch-, stain- and tant and virtually seamless. Tel: 212-528-3160
Crossville’s Simpatico collection
heat-resistance. The material is Circle No. 275 on Product Card Website: www.emilceramica.it
features a quartet of dimensional
GREENGUARD certified and has NSF Customizable Porcelain Brick Tiles:
tiles that act as art for walls.
51 certification.
DUPONT SURFACES Pressed ceramic brick-look tiles
Dekton: Ultra-compact surface Chestnut Run Plaza 735 feature a “paint” decoration system,
composed of glass, porcelain and CROSSVILLE INC. 974 Centre Road, P.O. Box 2915 and can be completely customized in
quartz that is used for countertops. 349 Sweeney Drive Wilmington, DE 19805 color and quantity.
The material offers UV resistance, Crossville, TN 38555 Tel: 800-426-7426 Circle No. 278 on Product Card
and provides high resistance to Tel: 931-484-2110 Website: www.surfaces.dupont.com
impact. It has low water absorption, Email: EMSER TILE
and provides resistance to thermal marketing@crossvilleinc.com 8431 Santa Monica Boulevard
shock, heat and frost. Website: http://crossvilleinc.com Los Angeles, CA 90069
Circle No. 269 on Product Card Tile: Porcelain tile, glass tile, natural Website: www.emser.com
stone and porcelain tile panels used Tile: Ceramic, porcelain, natural
COTTO D’ESTE for flooring, walls, countertops and stone, glass, metal, engineered stone
Via Emilia Romagna, 31 exterior cladding. Properties of the and mosaic tile used for walls, floors,
Sassuolo, MO 41049 Italy various collections include high per- countertops and backsplashes. Tiles
Tel: 212-528-3160 formance, low maintenance, long life work for indoor and outdoor use.
Website: www.cottodeste.it cycle and environmentally friendly. Circle No. 279 on Product Card
Inkjet HD Printed Porcelain “Lime- Circle No. 272 on Product Card
stone”: Porcelain tile used for flooring FAP CERAMICHE
and wall coverings. Cotto d’Este uses CURAVA CORP. Via Ghiarola Nuova, 44
inkjet HD printing technology to cre- 7 Webb Drive Fiorano Modenese, MO 41042
ate a replication of limestone. These Merrimack, NH 03054 Corian, a leading solid surface Italy
tiles have Class 5 stain resistance. Tel: 603-262-1487 from DuPont Surfaces, is shown in Tel: 212-528-3160
Circle No. 270 on Product Card Website: www.curava.com Cocoa Prima. Website: www.fapceramiche.com

Tile in Brilliant Colorways: Ce- GRANADA TILE real reclaimed, heirloom quality
ramic tile used for wall cladding in 1103 W. Kensington Road lumber. The wood used is predomi-
eye-catching colorways. The com- Los Angeles, CA 90026 nately from dismantled 18th and 19th
pany’s new collection, Color Now, Tel: 213-788-4238 century Pennsylvania barns.
comes in eight intense colors, from Fax: 213-482-4123 Circle No. 288 on Product Card
red to orange to blue. Email: sales@granadatile.com
Circle No. 280 on Product Card Website: www.granadatile.com HANWHA
Granada Tile: Cement tile used for L&C SURFACES
FIRECLAY TILE backsplashes, floors, walls, pools, 2839 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 200
495 W. Julian Street fountains and wall accents. Atlanta, GA 30339
San Jose, CA 95110 Circle No. 287 on Product Card Tel: 888-426-9421
Tel: 408-275-1182 Vibra stainless steel by FourSea- Fax: 770-431-6135
Email: info@fireclaytile.com Website:
Website: www.fireclaytile.com
sons MetalWorks provides a metal GROTHOUSE
look for the kitchen. 6104 Buckery Road www.hanwhasurfaces.com
Tile: Recycled ceramic and glass tile Germansville, PA 18053 Hanstone: Quartz used for coun-
used for walls, floors and backsplashes. Tel: 610-767-6515 tertops, horizontal and vertical
Circle No. 281 on Product Card FOURSEASONS Email: morgan@theperfectsix.com applications, and walls. Developed
METALWORKS Website: www.glumber.com using proprietary design techniques.
2109 Dutch Valley Drive
FLORIM Knoxville, TN 37918
Durata Waterproof Permanent Hanex: Acrylic solid surface used
152 Madison Ave Finish: Wood used for countertops. for countertops, horizontal and
Tel: 865-219-7730
New York, NY 10016 Durata Finish is a permanent and vertical applications, and walls.
Fax: 865-219-5983
Tel: 212-528-3160 maintenance-free proprietary finish Developed using proprietary
Email: info@fsmetalworks.com
Large Format Tiles: Porcelain stone- exclusively available on Grothouse design techniques.
Website: www.fsmetalworks.com
ware ceramic slabs used for flooring solid wood surfaces. Durata is Circle No. 289 on Product Card
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel, significantly harder than Tung Oil
and wall coverings. Florim’s Magnum
zinc, copper, carbon steel and brass Urethanes, and creates a scratch-re-
Oversize line features large sizes
countertops, backsplashes, ventila- sistant and waterproof surface. It is
HARTSON-KENNEDY
(up to 63"x126") and a thickness of CABINET TOP CO.
tion hoods and shelving are available also highly chemically resistant and
6mm. 522 West 22nd Street
in multiple different finishes, colors does not require recoating. Durata
Circle No. 282 on Product Card Marion, IN 46953
and techniques to patina. All of the Finish is available in Satin, Matte or
countertops are custom and built to Semi-Gloss sheen. Tel: 800-388-8144
FORMICA CORP. design. Fax: 765-662-3452
10155 Reading Road Anvil Metal Countertops: Solid Email: info@hartson-kennedy.com
Cincinnati, OH 45241 surface used for countertops. With Website: www.hartson-kennedy.com
Tel: 800-FORMICA its finishing techniques, the Anvil
Website: www.formica.com
FRANK MORROW CO. line coats Grothouse solid surfaces Amore: Particleboard laminate
129 Baker Street in a finish of real metal particles. used for countertops.
180fx by Formica Group: 180fx fea- Providence, RI 02905 Anvil surfaces imitate real metal Vida: Particleboard laminate used
tures true-to-scale granite patterns Tel: 401-941-3900 countertops in look and function, and for countertops.
that add visual drama to laminate. Fax: 401-941-3810 provide the warmth of wood. Not Circle No. 290 on Product Card
Modern, sophisticated patterns Email: sales@frankmorrow.com previously possible in sheet metal
focus on a neutral palette. Website: www.frankmorrow.com products, Anvil surfaces can be used HASTINGS TILE & BATH
Formica Laminate: Formica Brand U Paint: Surfacing made from steel, in curved profile applications and 711-8 Koehler Avenue
Laminate offers a broader range brass, copper and aluminum, used for complex shapes. Anvil metal coun- Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
of looks than ever before. Mix and floors, walls, cabinets, glass and stone. tertops are available in eight finishes. Tel: 631-285-3330
match solids, graphic patterns and It is fashioned from raw metal. Reclaimed Wood Surfaces by Email: bob@hastingstilebath.com
finishes. Grothouse: Wood used for counter- Website:
Decorative Banding: Made from
Formica Laminate Jonathan Adler steel, brass, copper and aluminum, tops. Reclaimed wood countertops www.hastingstilebath.com
Collection: Formica Corporation and used for floors, walls, cabinets, by Grothouse are made from 100% Circle No. 291 on Product Card
collaborated with potter, author and glass and stone. It is fashioned from
designer Jonathan Adler to create raw metal.
four new chic, eclectic laminate
Decorative Stamping: Made from
patterns.
steel, brass, copper and aluminum,
and used for floors, walls, cabinets,
glass and stone. Fashioned from raw
metal.
GLASS RECYCLED
SURFACES
2413 S. Shiloh
Garland, TX 75041
Tel: 972-865-4780
Email: contact@glassrecycled.com
Website: www.glassrecycled.com
GlassSLAB: Recycled glass with
epoxy resin for countertops.
GlassPLANK: Recycled glass with
epoxy resin for flooring and wall
cladding.
180fx laminates from Formica Corp. GlassDECOR: Recycled glass with This kitchen showcases a White Oak Wood waterfall countertop with Durata
feature natural stone looks, such as epoxy resin for table tops. Waterproof Permanent Finish in Matte sheen by Grothouse. Design: Paul
Silver Flower Granite (shown). Circle No. 286 on Product Card Bentham, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath. Photo: Bob Narod.

Marble, Slate, Natural Stone: Stone Website: www.lghausys.com and visuals seen in the iconic art
used for countertops and flooring. Viatera: Quartz surfacing used for form and recreate them in glass.
Circle No. 295 on Product Card countertops. The non-porous surface Circle No. 302 on Product Card
is made in the U.S. from 93% quartz.
JOHN BOOS & CO. HI-MACS: Solid surfacing used MARAZZI
3601 S. Banker Street for countertops, wall cladding, 7834 C.F. Hawn Freeway
Effingham, IL 62401 exterior and interior surfaces. The Dallas, TX 75217
Tel: 217-347-7701 Tel: 214-398-1411
non-porous surface is made in
Email: mandy@johnboos.com Website: www.marazzitile.com
the U.S.
Website: www.johnboos.com Tile & Stone Products: Porcelain,
DecoFoil: Surfacing used
Butcher Block: All American Hard- for cabinets, doors and wall cladding. ceramic, mosaics, glass tile and natural
wood (maple, cherry and walnut) Circle No. 300 on Product Card stone products for countertops, wall
Hirsch Glass’ Adrift is the result of
used for countertops and island tops.
proprietary technology and 3-D form,
and plays off light and shadow.
KUEHN BEVEL
HIRSCH GLASS 10 Furnace Street
106 Melrich Road Stanhope, NJ 07874
Cranbury, NJ 08512 Tel: 800-862-3835
Tel: 732-329-8988 Fax: 973-527-4843
Fax: 732-329-8851 Email:
Email: tracyk@hirschglasscorp.com customersservice@kuehnbevel.com
Website: www.hirschglasscorp.com Website: www.kuehnbevel.com
Hirsch Glass: Glass tile, glass pan- Kuehn Bevel: Laminate, solid
els, glass mosaics for walls, floors surface and wood used for mois-
(where applicable), etc. Products ture-resistant edging on countertops.
include art glass and stained glass. Kurv Edges: Laminate used for
Circle No. 292 on Product Card moisture-resistant edging on
countertops.
IMAGINE TILE Circle No. 297 on Product Card
150 West 25th Street, Suite 501
New York, NY 10001
Tel: 800-680-8453
LAPITEC SPA Gem-Loc Premier Edge from Loti Corp. blends Corian into a traditional lami-
Via Bassanese 6 nate surface, creating a high-end look.
Website: www.imaginetile.com
Vedelago, TV 31010, Italy
Bibliophile: Ceramic tile used for Tel: +39 0423 700239
floor, wall or ceiling applications. Fax: +39 0423 709540 LOTI CORPORATION coverings and flooring.
The tiles are suitable for indoor or Email: info@lapitec.it 21505 Bents Court NE Circle No. 303 on Product Card
outdoor use, are resistant to strong Website: www.lapitec.com Aurora, OR 97002
chemicals, and can contribute to
Lapitec: Sintered stone that is used
Tel: 503-678-1966 MARCA CARONA
LEED credit. Email: info@loticorp.com Via Emilia Romagna, 7
indoors and outdoors for cladding,
Art of Board Floor Collection: Website: www.gemloc.com Sassuolo, MO 41049 Italy
bathrooms and kitchens. The material
Ceramic tile used for floor appli- is scratch-, alkali- and heat-resistant, Gem-Loc Premier Edge: A tradi- Tel: 212-528-3160
cations. The tiles measure 3"x6", anti-bacterial and UV stable, with no tional laminate surface that blends Website: www.marcacorona.it/eng
contain no VOCs and are made with fading indoors or outdoors. Corian with the durability of laminate Three-Dimensional Wall Tile:
pre-consumer recycled materials. Circle No. 298 on Product Card and the wearability of a solid surface. Ceramic tile used for wall cladding.
Circle No. 293 on Product Card Used for decorative countertop The three-dimensional wall tiles
LEA CERAMICHE edges and backsplashes. add movement and dynamism to
J. AARON LLC Via Cameazzo, 21 Circle No. 301 on Product Card a space. Marca Corona’s “4D” line
733 Glendale Road, #A Fiorano Modenese, MO 41042 offers eight different textures.
Scottdale, GA 30079 Italy LUNADA BAY TILE Circle No. 304 on Product Card
Tel: 404-298-4200 Tel: 212-528-3160 1661 W. 240th Street
Fax: 404-298-4228 Website: www.ceramichelea.it Harbor City, CA 90710
Email: Tel: 310-257-1300
Slimtech: Porcelain tile used for Fax: 310-530-0610
sales@jaaronwoodcountertops.com
countertops, interior and exterior Email:
Website:
wall cladding and flooring. The ul- sales@lunadabaytile.com
www.jaaronwoodcountertops.com
tra-thin porcelain tile is 3-5mm, and Website:
J.Aaron: Solid wood and butcher is available in formats up to 118"x39". www.lunadabaytile.com
block used for countertops. The Antimicrobial Porcelain Tile: Lam- Shinju: Shinju is a ceramic tile
tops are naturally antibacterial, inated and traditional porcelain tile collection with colors and textures
waterproof and are available in zero used for countertops, wall cladding reflecting those of the sea and its
maintenance finish options. and flooring. A selection of Lea’s creatures. Shinju, which means
Circle No. 294 on Product Card collections are available with Micro- “pearl” in Japanese, translates the
ban technology, which offers built-in ridges of oyster shells, the shimmer
JEFFREY COURT protection from microbial growth. of pearls, the brine of the sea and
620 Parkridge Avenue Circle No. 299 on Product Card the element of waves into a modern,
Norco, CA 92860 elegant tile collection.
Tel: 951-340-3383 LG HAUSYS AMERICA Origami Mosaic Three-
Website: 900 Circle 75 Parkway, Dimensional Glass Tile: Glass tile
www.jeffreycourt.com Suite 1500 that takes inspiration from the an-
Tile: Ceramic and glass tile used for Atlanta, GA 30339 cient Japanese art of origami paper Shinju Reef in Kumamoto and
walls, backsplashes, countertops and Tel: 877-842-8372 folding. Delicate angles and subtle Origami Vesper Twist in Ivory from
bath areas. Email: jaechoi@lghausys.com geometry emulate the techniques Lunada Bay Tile are showcased here.

MEGANITE PaperStone: PaperStone solid M S INTERNATIONAL Website: www.msistone.com
SOLID SURFACE surfaces are crafted from 100% 2095 N. Batavia Street Company Apps: MSI Kitchen Visu-
post-consumer, recycled paper.
1461 S. Balboa Avenue Orange, CA 92865 alizer, MSI Brochure Viewer.
PaperStone can be used for coun-
Ontario, CA 91761 Tel: 714-685-7507 Q Premium Natural Quartz: Quartz
tertops, tabletops, wall panels and
Tel: 800-836-1118 accessories. Email: used for countertops.
Fax: 909-391-8886
Circle No. 308 on Product Card Nili@msistone.com Circle No. 309 on Product Card
Email: info@meganite.com
Website: www.meganite.com
Meganite Solid Surface: Solid
surface for countertops, wall
cladding, window sills and
vanities. The solid surface
is 100% acrylic, available in
over 1,000 colors, with 105 in
The Kitchen Bible

stock.
MICHIGAN MAPLE Now in its Second Printing! Five Star Reviews on Amazon!
BLOCK CO.
P.O. Box 245,
1420 Standish Avenue
Petoskey, MI 49770 Don’t Design Your Kitchen project - or building a new
Tel: 231-347-4170 Without It home/new kitchen, this
Fax: 800-447-7975 By M. Rosenberg book is a must!
Email: Beautifully written,
mmb@mapleblock.com exquisite photos, and Read this before you call
Website: thoughtful, practical the contractor!
www.butcherblock.com guidance to the terrifying By E. Harrison
task of renovating a In clear simple prose
Wood Welded Butcher Block:
kitchen. Absolutely an and with smashing
Butcher block solid wood
essential tool. photographs, “The
countertops.
Kitchen Bible”
Emmet’s Elixir: Oil finish made Don’t Start A Kitchen lays out what you need to
with beeswax and mineral oil Renovation Without This know. The authors explain
with Rosemary and lemon for Book style, materials and design
wood countertops. By C. Juestel and how they all work
Good Stuff: Gel urethane finish A beautifully written and together with the rest of
for wood countertops. well illustrated bible for the house. That’s called
Circle No. 306 on Product Card anyone thinking about ‘flow.’
taking on a kitchen
MIRAGE remodel. Don’t start a This is the “go to” kitchen
Via Giardini nord, 225 new kitchen without it! book for everyone!
Pavullo, MO 41026 Italy It is also the perfect gift By S. Van Raalteon
Tel: 212-528-3160 for someone dreaming Where was this book
Stunning Kitchen Design Beautifully photographed,
Website: www.mirage.it or thinking of renovating when I was doing each
Guide very well written
their kitchen. of my three kitchens?
Porcelain Tile: These By Kathryn By B. Matthews My life would have been
porcelain tiles subtly de- I’m usually intimidated/ An absolute must before
Fabulous Book! so much easier and my
grade in color, giving them a overwhelmed by designer a kitchen remodel!!
by Erica kitchen would have been
distinctive textural effect. They tomes, but this one is Beautifully photographed,
This book is well-written so much more beautiful
are used for flooring and wall different---a fresh, clear, very well written, and
and can speak to the and practical.
coverings. approachable guide to a loaded with inspirational
consumer in detail about
Circle No. 307 on Product Card a great kitchen design.
more beautiful and ideas. Even if you are not An inspiring book
functional kitchen. re-doing your kitchen, a
Easy to understand and By X.A. Urbanon
MODERN SURFACES wonderful photographs
Beguiling cover and wonderful coffee table As an architect, I highly
404-C Glenwood Avenue inspiring photos. book for your reading
to go along with each recommend this book.
Raleigh, NC 27603 section of the book. I pleasure! It covers everything
Tel: 919-929-3009 This book is so much
especially loved Chapter in the kitchen design
Email: 3’s “Top 12 Design
more than its beautiful Beautifully written - process, from demolition
info@modern-surfaces.com Questions” and Chapter
photographs of kitchens awesome photographs to selecting cabinet
Website: 7’s images as well as
By C. Welleson illustrate every style of hardware handles. The
www.modern-surfaces.com family-friendly hubs.
Homeowners can decorating... stunning photos are a
become experts PRIOR By S. Pelleyon
Durat: Durat solid surfaces are pleasure themselves.
to beginning their kitchen If you are considering
forged from 100% recycled,
pre-consumer plastics and are remodeling. a kitchen remodeling
used for countertops, sinks, wall
panels, tubs and furniture.
IceStone: Made with 70%
recycled glass, IceStone solid
surfaces stand strong with
Purchase your autographed copy at our showroom.
resilient scratch and UV 6935 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 | 301-657-2500 | www.gilmerkitchens.com
resistance. It can be used for Also serving the Eastern Shore and the beaches: Bethany, Fenwick, and Rehoboth.
countertops, wall panels and
table tops.

bathroom vanity tops and kitchen

countertops.
Rynone Granite Vanity Program:
Stone/granite bathroom vanity tops.
Rynone Kitchen Program: Quartz
and granite 3cm kitchen countertops.
SAMSUNG
CHEMICAL (USA)
6 Centerpointe Drive, Suite 100
La Palma, CA 90623
RangeCraft’s latest backsplash is Tel: 800-795-7177
a quilted surface in powder-coated Website: www.staron.com
gloss black with Swarovski crystals.
Staron: Solid surface used for
countertops, vanity tops and wall
Website: www.rangecraft.com coverings.
Metal: Countertops and backsplash- Radianz: Quartz surfacing that can
Rebar, a porcelain tile series from Nemo Tile, is inspired by cement textures es made out of a variety of materials, be used for countertops and bath
and designs, with large-format, hexagon and square-shaped tiles. including copper, brass and stainless vanity tops.
steel. Countertops can be made to Circle No. 322 on Product Card
any size.
NEMO TILE countertops, flooring, wall illumina-
48 East 21st Street tion and backlighting. The product SEIEFFE CORP.
features even illuminations, 70,000 12227 FM 529, Suite K
New York, NY 10010
lifetime, custom color and color RAW URTH DESIGNS Houston, TX 77041
Tel: 212-505-0009 1313 Blue Spruce Drive
temperature. Tel: 713-849-3800
Email: kflanagan@nemotile.com Fort Collins, CO 80524
Circle No. 313 on Product Card Fax: 713-849-3835
Website: www.nemotile.com Tel: 970-484-8851 Email: info@okite.us
Tile: Glass, ceramic, porcelain and Fax: 970-484-8176 Website: www.okite.us
PORCELANOSA
USA Website: www.rawurth.com
stone for flooring, wall, cladding and 600 New Jersey 17 Okite Quartz Surfacing: Quartz
countertops. Ramsey, NJ 07446 Metal Surfaces: Countertops, surfacing from Italy used for coun-
Stone Slabs: Used for flooring, wall, Tel: 201-995-1310 backsplashes and paneling are hand- tertops, vanity tops, wall cladding
cladding and countertops. Website: www.porcelanosa-usa.com crafted in Colorado and are available and flooring. Products are NSF and
Circle No. 310 on Product Card Porcelanosa Barcelona Collection: in steel, bronze, zinc, copper and GREENGUARD certified.
Porcelain tiles used for walls and pewter. Okera by Okite: Ceramic slab is
NEW RAVENNA flooring. Circle No. 318 on Product Card graffiti-proof and fireproof and can
3268 Broad Street, Parker Oxford Wood Porcelain be used for indoor and outdoor
P.O. Box 1000 Tiles: Porcelain tiles used for walls
REFIN CERAMICHE applications such as wall cladding,
Exmore, VA 23350 Via San Lorenzo – Salvaterra countertops and flooring.
and flooring. Anti-slip tiles are de-
Tel: 757-442-3379 signed to resemble wood. Casalgrande, RE 42013 Italy Circle No. 323 on Product Card
Website: www.newravenna.com Tel: 212-528-3160
Porcelanosa KRION Solid Surface: Website:
Stone & Glass Tile: Natural stone Surfaces used for countertops, SICIS
www.refin-ceramic-tiles.com 150 Bruckner Boulevard
and glass used for flooring, walls and flooring and walls. The surfaces have
backsplashes. Handcrafted mosaics. no visible joints, can be backlit and Wide Tile: Porcelain tile for floors Bronx, NY 10454
Circle No. 311 on Product Card molded into any shape. and walls that are available in a Tel: 212-528-3160
Circle No. 314 on Product Card variety of different sizes to adapt to Website: www.sicis.com
ORNAMENTA different uses: 47"x94", 47"x47", Handmade Mosaics: Sicis mosa-
Via Mosca 1 24"x47", 24"x24" and 12"x24". ics are handmade by an atelier of
PYROLAVE Circle No. 319 on Product Card
Sassuolo, MO 41049 Italy 213 Fayetteville Street, #200 craftsmen in Ravenna, Italy. They
Tel: 212-528-3160 Raleigh, NC 27601 feature a variety of different intricate
Website: Tel: 919-788-8953 RICHLITE CO. designs in glass, precious metals
http://ornamenta.com Website: www.pyrolave.com 624 E. 15th Street and ceramic mosaic. They can be
Tiles Featuring Graphic Designs: Tacoma, WA 98421 used for flooring, wall cladding and
Pyrolave: Glazed volcanic lava used Tel: 253-383-5533
Porcelain tile used for flooring and for countertops, vanity tops and
wall cladding. Ornamenta’s tiles Fax: 253-383-5536
flooring. The surfaces are available in
feature unique designs inspired by Email: info@richlite.com
more than 5,000 colors, in matte or
a graphic sensibility. New collec- Website: www.richlite.com
glossy finish.
tions include: 80s (inspired by retro Circle No. 315 on Product Card Richlite: Solid surface paper com-
patterns) and OPLUS (with a plus posite material used for countertops,
sign motif). cabinet faces, wall cladding, etc.
Circle No. 312 on Product Card RAGNO USA Circle No. 320 on Product Card
7834 C.F. Hawn Freeway
Dallas, TX 75217
OUTWATER PLASTICS Tel: 214-398-1411 RYNONE
INDUSTRIES, INC. Website: www.ragnousa.com MANUFACTURING
24 River Road Circle No. 316 on Product Card P.O. Box 128N. Thomas Avenue
Bogota, NJ 07603 Sayre, PA 18840
Tel: 201-498-8750 RANGECRAFT Tel: 570-888-5272
Email: MANUFACTURING Fax: 570-888-1175
vladsharov@outwaterplastics.com 4-40 Banta Place Email: RMC@rynone.com Wood countertops from The
Website: www.outwater.com Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 Website: www.rynone.com Southside Woodshop include this
Nova Sheet: PMMA Acrylic used for Tel: 201-791-0440 Prism Quartz: 2cm quartz used for African hardwood called Shedua.

decorative panels. TAGINA Website: www.tagina.com TANGO TILE
Circle No. 324 on Product Card CERAMICHE D’ARTE 3-D Tile: Porcelain tile used for 2120 Las Palmas Drive, Suite E
via Flaminia – Zona Ind.le Nord wall coverings that is enriched by a Carlsbad, CA 92011
THE SOUTHSIDE Gualdo Tadino, PG 06023 particular tri-dimensional graphic Tel: 855-358-2646
WOODSHOP Italy manufacturing. Fax: 760-476-2736
2409 Bowden’s Ferry Road Tel: 212-528-3160 Circle No. 329 on Product Card Email: crista@tangotile.com
Norfolk, VA 23508
Tel: 757-366-8828
Fax: 757-282-570
Email: contact@
southsidewoodshop.com
Website: www.customwood
countertops.com
Countertops: Wood countertops.
2017
SPECTRUM QUARTZ
BY HIRSCH GLASS CALL FOR
ENTRIES
106 Melrich Road
Cranbury, NJ 08512
Tel: 732-329-8988
Fax: 732-329-8851
Email:
tracyk@hirschglasscorp.com
Website:
www.spectrumquartz.com
Spectrum Quartz: Quartz surfac- Honoring the finest
ing used for countertops. Some
designs incorporate the compa-
ny’s art glass, which is proprietary
remodeling projects in
to Hirsch Glass.
the nation
STONE IMPRESSIONS/
ARTISAN STONE TILE
8495 Redwood Creek Lane
San Diego, CA 92126 Entries for the 2017 Chrysalis Awards
Tel: 858-274-3400
Fax: 858-490-4255 are now being accepted.
Website: www.stoneimpressions. All entries must be in a digital format this year.Complete information is
com; www.artisanstonetile.com
available at ChrysalisAwards.com.
Stone Impressions: Natural Stone
– Carrara, Durango, Travertine,
etc. The stone is used for light DEADLINE: Entries must be received by ENTRY CATEGORIES: A complete list and
flooring, wall installations and March 25, 2017. This deadline may be extended. description of the categories can be found at
backsplashes.
ChrysalisAwards.com and on the entry page.
Artisan Stone Carrara: Carrara ELIGIBILITY: Projects completed after January Entry categories include several price ranges in
used for light flooring, wall instal- 1, 2014 are eligible for the 2017 program. This
lations and backsplashes. almost every aspect of remodeling.
includes previous Chrysalis entries that did not
Artisan Stone Durango: Durango
win a Chrysalis Award, as well as entries in other ENTRY FORMAT: You can create your entry
used for light flooring, wall instal-
lations and backsplashes. competitions. on the Chrysalis Award Entry page, or submit
Circle No.327 on Product Card any digital entry from another remodeling
WHO MAY ENTER: Any remodeler, architect competition without change.
STUDIO G3 GLASS or design professional in the United States.
3108 – 1225 Kingsway Avenue Chrysalis is open to everyone. There is no THE CHRYSALIS WEBSITE: You will find
Port Coquitlam, BC requirement to be a member of a specific complete information at ChrysalisAwards.com.
Canada V3C 1S2
professional organization to enter. You can also see all the winning projects since
Tel: 604-552-0017
Fax: 604-552-0016 1998. This site promotes winning Chrysalis
Website: www.studiog3glass.com projects to the industry and public.
Satin Etch Matte Glass: Glass
panels used for countertops. The
panels feature an anti-scratch We are available to answer any questions at
surface. info@ChrysalisAwards.com or 888.263.5687
Fused Glass: Glass panels used for
Winners will be featured in our publishing sponsors’ magazines:
countertops. The panels are 1 1/2"
thick.
G3 Gallery Collection: Glass panel
wall art paintings. High-end, one-
of-a-kind decorative art panels.

Website: http://tangotile.com porcelain emulates the linear veining

of natural Sequoia stone through
Sisters Series Ceramic Tile:
a new generation of innovative ink
Hand-painted ceramics for walls,
jet glazing technology. The textures
backsplashes, feature walls, kitchen
resemble actual Sequoia slabs, yet
and bath.
come with the benefits of porcelain
Boogie Woogie Marble Mosaics: (including natural and differing
Marble mosaics for walls, floors, colors).
backsplashes, feature walls, kitchen Porcelain Slabs: Porcelain used for
and bath. countertops and large scale fireplace
Steppes Ceramic Tile: Handcrafted surrounds. Thinner than traditional
ceramic tile for walls, backsplashes, stone slabs, cutting-edge technology
feature walls, and kitchen and bath now provides the authentic look of
surfaces. marble veining with the easy mainte-
Circle No. 330 on Product Card nance and durability of porcelain.
ThinkGlass’ thermoformed glass Arabescato is one of the latest ad-
Andalucia: Ceramic used for
countertop has original handcrafted ditions to the Vicostone Exotic collec-
TERAGREN textures. Design & Photo: Kyra Inc. tion of engineered stone surfaces.
bathroom/kitchen walls and back-
12715 Miller Road NE, Suite 301 splashes. A blend of Arts and Crafts
Bainbridge Island, WA 98040 and Mission influences, the colors
Tel: 206-842-9477 and shapes are suited to authentic
Fax: 206-842-9456
THINKGLASS VICOSTONE restoration and spaces inspired by
1993 Lionel-Bertrand 11620 Goodnight Lane, Suite 100 the past.
Email: mjordan123@gmail.com Boisbriand, QC Canada J7H 1N8 Dallas, TX 75229 Circle No. 339 on Product Card
Website: www.teragren.com Tel: 877-410-4527 Tel: 972-243-2325
Teragren: Bamboo panels and Fax: 450-420-4010 Fax: 972-243-4197
veneers used for countertops, floors Email: info@thinkglass.com Email: info@vicostoneus.com
and cabinets. This sustainable and Website: www.thinkglass.com Website: www.vicostoneus.com
renewable resource contributes to Glass: Glass used for countertops, Company Apps: Vicostone app.
LEED certification. flooring, walls, showers, treads, Vicostone: Quartz used for counter-
Circle No. 331 on Product Card tabletops, shelves and doors. The tops, flooring and walls. Developed
thermoformed glass has original using Breton technology, with no
THESIZE SURFACES SL handcrafted textures. sealing required.
P.I. Cami Fondo, Supoi 8, Circle No. 333 on Product Card Circle No. 337 on Product Card
C/Dels Ibers 31
Almassora, Castellon 12550 TILE OF SPAIN VT INDUSTRIES
Spain 2655 Le Jeune Road, Suite 1114 1000 Industrial Park
Tel: +34 964 652 233 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Holstein, IA 51025
Fax: +34 964 652 209 Tel: 305-446-4387 Tel: 800-827-1615 Wilsonart’s White Sands pattern
Email: info@thesize.es Email: info@tileofspainusa.com Email: info@vtindustries.com features a lineal, white-on-white
Website: www.thesize.es Website: www.tileofspainusa.com Website: www.vtindustries.com translucent design that can be backlit.
Neolith: Sintered stone used for Tile of Spain: Ceramic tile for walls, VT Dimensions: Laminate coun-
countertops, flooring, interior wall floors, countertops and cladding. tertops reflect the look of natural
cladding and furniture. Neolith is a Circle No. 334 on Product Card WILSONART
surfaces.
sintered stone, 100% natural, recy- 2501 Wilsonart Drive
clable surfacing product, composed Stone: Natural granite used for
TORZO SURFACES countertops and vanity tops.
Temple, TX 76503
of raw materials – clays, feldspar, 2475 Progress Way Tel: 800-433-3222
silica and natural mineral oxides. Woodburn, OR 97071 Quartz: Natural quartz used for Fax: 254-207-3209
Neolith has near-zero porosity, mak- Tel: 866-822-0002 countertops and vanity tops. Website: www.wilsonart.com
ing it stain-resistant and impervious Fax: 503-981-7534 Circle No. 338 on Product Card
to chemicals, notes the firm. The Quartz: Quartz used for counter-
Email: info@torzosurfaces.com tops. The line includes more than 50
product is also scratch- and heat
resistant and its all-natural colors are
Website: www.torzosurfaces.com WALKER ZANGER designs showcasing a full range of
Denim: Recycled denim fabric made 16719 Schoenborn Street colors, textures and structures.
fade protected. The lightweight prod-
into material for wall paneling, coun- Los Angeles, CA 91343
uct is currently available in 50 colors Laminate: Laminate used for coun-
tertops, transaction tops and cabinets. Tel: 818-280-8300
across seven pattern collections. tertops and vertical applications. The
Website: www.walkerzanger.com
Circle No. 332 on Product Card Tiikeri: Recycled sorghum straw material features AEON-enhanced
made into material for wall paneling, Sequoia: Porcelain used for interior performance technology. The newest
countertops, flooring and furniture. and exterior flooring, and walls. The patterns feature repurposed woods,
Durum: Recycled wheat straw made exotic stones and hardwoods.
into material for countertops, floor- Solid Surface: Solid surface used for
ing, walls and furniture. countertops. The newest patterns
Circle No. 335 on Product Card feature white and gray tones for a
neutral story.
VETRAZZO Circle No. 340 on Product Card
P.O. Box 238
200 Georgia Marble Lane XIMA LOFT
Tate, GA 30177 5509 NW Lac Leman Drive
Tel: 770-313-1054 Issaquah, WA 98027
Website: www.vetrazzo.com Tel: 425-633-6984
Recycled Glass: Each countertop Email: mcffegroup@gmail.com
includes 100% recycled glass in a Website: www.ximaloft.com
From Neolith by TheSize’s Fusion mixture of 85% glass and 15% Port- New from Walker Zanger are thin Xima Loft: Quartz, engineered stone
collection, Aspen Grey is a dark gray land white cement. porcelain slabs that resemble natural and granite used for countertops
matte inspired by Aspen stone. Circle No. 336 on Product Card marble. Circle No. 341 on Product Card

NEW PRODUCTS
CONNECTED COOKING REVERSIBLE FARM SINK

APPLIANCES Galassia has put a spin on the classic
Samsung Electronics America farmhouse sink with the introduction
is now offering built-in cooking of the Reversible Farmer Sink. Mea-
products with Wi-Fi connectivity suring 30"x18"x10", the sink is crafted
for monitoring from a smartphone, from fine fireclay and infused with a
and Bluetooth connectivity that vintage-inspired style. The front apron
syncs the cooktop and range hood. of the sink features subtle sculpted
Cooktops include a gas cooktop detailing, and is available in a choice of
with 22K BTU dual-power burner, white, biscuit or black.
induction cooktop with FlexZone Circle No. 226 on Product Card
feature and Virtual Flame technol-
ogy, and electric cooktop with 3.3
kW Rapid Boil element and 15 dif-
ferent heat settings. The appliances
are available in stainless steel and
black stainless steel finishes.
BLACK STAINLESS
MICROWAVE DRAWER
Sharp Electronics Marketing
Company of America has rolled
out its Black Stainless Steel
Microwave Drawer Oven, with
the new popular black stainless
finish, clean sightlines and a con- SKY BLUE PAINTED CABINETS
cealed control panel that opens Billowy Breeze, which Showplace Wood Products notes captures the colors of the
up to a 45-degree angle. The crystal sea and clear sky, is a new paint color available in Showplace and Show-
oven also features the Easy Touch Automatic Drawer system, an even gliding ac- placeEVO door styles. The classic sky blue works with today’s popular whites
tion to prevent spills when opening and closing, low sides and virtual Carousel. and grays, in a range of design styles, the company notes. The cabinets feature an
There are customizable setting options as well as built-in functions on the oven, oven-baked finish coat for durability. Billowy Breeze is available in red oak, paint
which features a 1.2-cu.-ft. capacity. grade, rustic alder and, for overlay and inset door styles, maple wood species.
NEUTRAL
CABINET TONES
KraftMaid Cabinetry has
expanded its neutral color
palette with the intro-
duction of Linen (shown)
and Moonshine. Linen
is a khaki-colored, light
neutral that is available
with Cocoa, Coconut and Cinder glazes, as well as in a
Vintage finish to give the look of an heirloom cabinet.
Moonshine is a light, soft gray neutral that is also avail-
able with Cocoa and Cinder glazes and a Vintage finish.
LAUNDRY SINK
The Quatrus R15 Single Bowl
Laundry Sink features an extra-deep
CONTEMPORARY 12" bowl and generous R15 radius
BATH FAUCET corners. The Blanco sink, fashioned
Isenberg’s new 150 Series from 18-gauge stainless steel with
includes 20 matching piec- a satin finish, is built to fit within a
es to provide personalized variety of cabinet sizes, and features
flexibility. Featuring a clean, a dual-deck design that can be in-
contemporary shape, the stalled as a drop-in or undermount.
bath faucet presents a Custom accessories, including a
sculptural quality, blending stainless steel basket, can be pur-
with a range of bath designs, according to the company. chased separately.

NEW PRODUCTS
ULTRA SLIM SLIPPER SOAKING TUB

SHOWER The Imogene slipper tub from Barclay Products is made of acrylic,
COLUMN with a reinforced textured fiberglass that is epoxy coated. The bath
The MilanoSlim inclines at a graceful slope, and the 67" length allows for a comfortable
Easy, part of the soak. Imogene’s cast aluminum ball and claw feet are brightly polished.
Milano collection Circle No. 233 on Product Card
for Fantini by Franco
Sargiani, showcases
a slim, 60mm-
wide panel with MINIMALIST BATH FAUCET
the control knobs A minimalist design and softened geometric lines define Extend, the bath
aligned with the faucet from MCN European Enterprises. The widespread faucet features
column. The shower dramatic handles that offer a mix of flat edges and curved profiles. A
spray flows from the full collection of bath fittings is available to complement the faucet, in
thin heading above Polished Chrome, Brushed Nickel and Polished Nickel.
as well as from the Circle No. 234 on Product Card
vertical column. The
shower is avail-
able in a range of
finishes, including MONOCHROMATIC GLASS TILES
the company’s new The look of the Mizumi Gendai glass mosaic tile collection from
Gun Metal, Copper Lunada Bay Tile is achieved using two finishes in a single color,
Bronze and British providing a monochromatic yet layered aesthetic. The interlock-
Gold. ing pattern combines 1/2"x1/2", 1/2"x1" and 1"x1" glass tiles. The
Circle No. 232 on collection is available in a palette of 18 hand-poured colors.
Product Card Circle No. 235 on Product Card
CLASSIFIEDS
Wanted
to Buy: Account Manager-New Business Dev.
Surplus Building Grabill Cabinet Company is growing and
needs territory sales representatives to join
Materials their team. At least 5 years of experience in
the custom cabinet industry is required, and
Clean off your Dock candidates must embody the service, values
and get paid for it. and integrity of Grabill. Successful account
We buy discontinued products, managers will concentrate on new business
development and create successful, long-
wrong orders, dead inventory. term relationships with cabinetry accounts.
No job too big. Salary + commission position.
Call
Send your confidential resume to Chuck Bower
(Chuck@HawthorneServices.com), on
717-249-2329
behalf of Grabill Cabinet Company, or call
574-361-6166.
BERTCH CABINET REPS WANTED!! GET RESULTS

Brooke Chase
A S S O C I A T E S , I N C .
New Hampshire,Vermont,and Maine
Aggressive commission structure
WITH CLASSIFIEDS
For more info contact:
EXECUTIVE SEARCH & RECRUITMENT Contact brian@theclarkeconnection.com
Mike Serino at
Your exclusive BERTCH representatives (630) 699-2004
BR
ATING O
Retained Executive Search
36
E
VE
CEL
in the
R
Years of Service Kitchen & Bath Design News (USPS: 728-410, ISSN 8750-345X) is published monthly by SOLA GROUP, INC.,
198
0 - 2016 Building Products Industry 1880 Oak Ave., Suite 350, Evanston, IL 60201; (847) 920-9513. Copyright ©2017 by Kitchen & Bath Design
News. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The
publisher assumes no responsibility for the opinions expressed by editorial contributions to Kitchen & Bath
Helping Companies Build World Class Organizations Design News. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising not in keeping with the publisher’s
standard. Subscriptions free upon completion of qualification card to individuals and firms engaged in
Contact retailing, designing, wholesaling or manufacturing of kitchen cabinets, counter tops, bath vanities and built-in
kitchen and bathroom products. One year subscription to non-qualified individuals: $55.00 payable in USA
Joe McElmeel, Chairman & CEO funds; print or digital copy within USA; digital copy only outside USA; valid email address required for digital
Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. copy. Single issues available to USA only (prepayment required), $10.00 each. For subscription information
and address changes, write to: Kitchen & Bath Design News, Circulation Dept., P.O. Box 3007, Northbrook, IL
(941) 479 - 6382 60065-3007, or call (866) 932-5904, or email circ.kbdn@omeda.com. Postmaster: Send address changes
jmcelmeel@brookechase.com www.brookechase.com to Kitchen & Bath Design News, Circulation Dept., P.O. Box 3007, Northbrook, IL 60065-3007. Periodicals
Postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices. Printed in USA.

ADVERTISER INDEX PRODUCT & SERVICES SHOWCASE
CIRCLE PAGE CIRCLE PAGE

ADVERTISERS ADVERTISERS
NO. NO. NO. NO.
Blanco America 8 15 MS International, Inc. 4 9
Brooke Chase & Assoc., Inc. 66 Nantucket Sinks 15 25
Chief Architect 2 4 Outwater Plastics
103 67
Industries, Inc.
Chrysalis Awards 63
Paini US 14 25
Custom Inserts 102 67
REHAU Industries LLC 16 27
Grabill Cabinet Company 66
Rev-A-Shelf 1 2
Hafele America Company 17 31
RICKI 18 37
Hettich America, L.P. 13 23
SEN Design Group 20 69
Ideal Cabinetry 5 11
SoftPlan Systems Inc. 19 65
Jennifer Gilmer, CKD:
61
The Kitchen Bible Stanisci Design 101 67 Circle No. 100 on Product Card
Karran USA 12 21 Sagehill Designs 7 14
KCD Software 10 17 The Clarke Connection 66
Keystone Wood Specialties 100 67 Top Knobs 6 13
KBDN 50 57 UltraCraft Cabinetry 21 70
KBDN Seminar Series 49 Vent-A-Hood 3 7
Kitchen & Bath Design Awards 43 Vicostone USA 9 16
Kitchen Trader 66 Wellborn Cabinet 11 19
McCarren Supply 66
Wood Range Hoods
www.wood-hood.com
sales@wood-hood.com
Phone: 248-572-6880
PRODUCT INDEX Circle No. 101 on Product Card
CIRCLE PAGE CIRCLE PAGE

COMPANIES COMPANIES
NO. NO. NO. NO.
2nd Ave Lighting 210 53 KraftMaid Cabinetry 229 65
American Standard 170 46 Kraus USA 169 46
Barclay Products 184, 233 48, 66 KWC 175 47
Blanco 158, 231 44, 65 Legrand 207 50
Brizo 190 48 Lenova 181 47
California Faucets 172 46 Lunada Bay Tile 235 66
Corbett Lighting 212 53 MCN European Enterprises 234 66
CSL 214 53 MGS 162 45
Danze 174 46 Mila International 183 48
Delta Faucet Co. 186 48 Modern Forms 216 53

Dornbracht 161 45 Moen 187 48
Eaton Lighting 211 53 Nantucket Sinks 173 46
Elkay 177 47 Native Trails 157 44 NEW FOR 2017 Large Stocked Selection
of Knobs and Pulls
Fantini by Franco Sargiani 232 66 Newport Brass 179 47
Feiss 213 53 Niche 209 53
Franke 188 48 Nora Lighting 215 53
Galassia 226 65 Progress Lighting 205 50
Gessi 171 46 Richelieu 201 50
Global Lighting 200 50 Rohl 180 47
Graff 155 44 Samsung Electronics

225 65
America
Grohe 176 47
Sharp Electronics
Häfele 202 50 Marketing Company 227 65
of America
Hansgrohe 189 48
Showplace Wood Products 228 65
Hastings Tile & Bath 182 47
Sonneman - A Way of Light 217 53
Herbeau 164 45
Sonoma Forge 163 45
Houzer 156 44
Stone Forest 168 46
Hudson Valley Lighting 218 53
Task Lighting 208 53
InSinkErator 178 47
The Galley 185 48
Isenberg 230 65
Tresco Lighting from Rev-
204 50
Julien 165 45 A-Shelf
Karran USA 160 45 Troy Lighting 203 50
Kichler 206 50 Watermark Designs 166 45
Family Owned & Operated
Kohler 167 46 Whitehaus Collection 159 45
1-800-631-8375
www.outwaterads.com/vip1

TRANSFORMATIONS
Kitchen Maximizes Drawer Storage
BEFORE
This Boise, ID kitchen is home to a master entertainer whose previ-
ous U-shaped kitchen wasn’t meeting her entertaining standards.
The cramped space had an adjacent pantry with a bump-in that
took up additional space, and the homeowner felt that the place-
ment of the bathroom door spoiled the sightlines in the kitchen.
After Photos: Jason Ropp, RoppOp Photography
AFTER
Patricia Dunlop, CMKBD, of Boise, ID-based Fine Kitchens & Baths, came in and created
a spacious and airy kitchen designed with expansive storage. She planned the kitchen to
be more guest-friendly, as an uncluttered space with clean lines. Only one upper cabinet
was included; all of the dishes, flatware, glassware and other items traditionally found in
upper cabinets are stored in drawers instead. Additionally, in the adjacent pantry, there was
a bump-in that took up valuable space in the old kitchen. Dunlop was able to reclaim the
space, making room for more storage and a dedicated area for the microwave. The JennAir
range selected includes a downdraft feature, eliminating the need for a hood. This allowed
for a non-opening, sealed window to go above the range, bringing more natural light into
the kitchen. As the owner did not want to look directly into the bathroom every time she
entered the space, she made the investment to move the bathroom door, allowing for unin-
terrupted views and a cleaner layout.
View more after photos at KitchenBathDesign.com

usiness for the
Next Generation of kitchen and bath,
design/build industry leaders.
critical
CONFERENCE EVENT
October 18-19, 2017 • Lost Pines Resort • Austin, TX
Visit sendesign.com/nextgen

METROPOLIS DOOR STYLE IN SILVER
ELM VERTICAL AND SOUTH BEACH
DOOR STYLE IN POWDER.
PHOTO: THE SHADOWLIGHT GROUP
Kitty Hawk, Martin and Piper Finishes

Available in Horizontal or Vertical grain on Piper.
NEW!
UltraCraft Textured Melamines
Introducing: 5-piece door – Kitty Hawk, 3-piece door – Martin, and six
new durable melamine finishes with woodgrain texture. Also new, our RAW
HUSK KODIA
K
COTTO
N KONA CHAR
RED
high-performance cabinet now comes with our popular grey melamine
interior. The entire collection is contemporary and organic in today’s NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW!
popular earth-toned palette.
SS WIRED
CYPRE LD RECLAIMED RIFT
N WIRED
GO GREY HITE PINE BROW SILVER
W
Metropolis Finishes
Available in Horizontal or Vertical grain.
NT HED EBON
Y
FLAM
E
ARGE K BURNIS UT
OA WALN ASH OAK
Finishes shown represent the scope

NEW! NEW! NEW! of the Destiny line and should not be
used for color matching. UltraCraft
METROPOLIS PIPER KITTY HAWK KITTY HAWK MARTIN recommends ordering a sample door,
IN FLAME OAK IN KONA w/SLAB DRAWER w/OPTIONAL 5-PIECE w/STANDARD 3-PIECE the most accurate finish representation,
VERTICAL HORIZONTAL FRONT, IN RIFT DRAWER FRONT, DRAWER FRONT, IRISH SILVER before ordering cabinetry.
WHITE PINE IN CYPRESS GOLD IN WIRED SILVER OAK ELM
Full Access. Great Selection. Better Value.

 GREAT SERVICE
VICE  MORE STORAGE  CUSTOM PAINT custom cabinets for life
cus
 DESIGN FREEDOM  100 YEAR WARRANTY COLORS

www.ultracraft.com
 SMARTT PRICING  EASY MODIFICATIONS 800-803-2315
©2017 ULTRACRAFT. ULTRACRAFT CABINETRY IS A NORCRAFT COMPANIES BRAND.
NORCRAFT COMPANIES IS PART OF THE MASTERBRAND CABINETS FAMILY.

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2/17

Circle No. 1 on Product Card

32 PORTFOLIO DEPARTMENTS COLUMNS

Backsplash Beauties 5 Editorial 18 Planning & Design

44 PRODUCT TREND REPORT 66 Classifieds

50 PRODUCT REVIEW 2/17 ON THE COVER

Illumination Nation Designer Robyn Scott chose

painted a creamy white, for the

February 2017 • KitchenBathDesign.com 3

Like us: Facebook.com/

Above & Beyond Simply Product Join the discussion:

it comes to improving suppliers provide that level of service. Denise Vermeulen

Copyright © 2017 by SOLA Group Inc.

February 2017 • KitchenBathDesign.com 5

Designers/Dealers Talk Popular Products

6 Kitchen & Bath Design News • February 2017

At Vent-A-Hood®, our uncompromising dedication to kitchen ventilation drives us to constantly improve

Circle No. 3 on Product Card

Market Gains Seen Continuing in 2017

Demand for Accessible Housing Features Projected to Rise

8 Kitchen & Bath Design News • February 2017

Photo: Courtesy GE Appliances

Consumer Interest Rising in Smart Homes Ext. 102

10 Kitchen & Bath Design News • February 2017

Tiverton Pebble Gray

Palm Beach Radiant White

KBDN Design Competition Underway

2017 KBDN Seminar Series Starts Designer Needs Outlined During

12 Kitchen & Bath Design News • February 2017

ELK Group Gets Xync Brands Conestoga Wood

New Vanity Collections From:

Legs are removable for wall

16 Kitchen & Bath Design News • February 2017

ThermaSol, based in Round Rock,

Circle No. 10 on Product Card

February 2017 • KitchenBathDesign.com 17

Great Kitchen Design on a Budget

to fit the budget.” 9. Think of hardware and lighting as jewelry.

18 Kitchen & Bath Design News • February 2017

Circle No. 11 on Product Card

To Finish Well, Be Sure to Start Right

20 Kitchen & Bath Design News • February 2017

WHAT IT DOES: When Drafts is opened, a new, blank draft

22 Kitchen & Bath Design News • February 2017

On the cutting edge:

4295 Hamilton Mill Road

From the Drawing Board to the Showroom

Photo: Dan Farmer, Seattle Home Tours

back into the DPHA universe she knew so well.

24 Kitchen & Bath Design News • February 2017

Circle No. 14 on Product Card Circle No. 15 on Product Card

Showroom Stresses Customer Experience

A new showroom focuses on

Photo: Tony Martin

CROWN POINT, IN — When designing

26 Kitchen & Bath Design News • February 2017

Soft touch, rugged feel.

Order online or request a sample at

Circle No. 16 on Product Card

Historic Remodel Realizes True Potential

needed for cooking

28 Kitchen & Bath Design News • February 2017

‘HER’ SPECIAL FEATURES

February 2017 • KitchenBathDesign.com 29