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Bubbling Up

At a time when activities and stress abound, the escape to the bath has never been more pronounced. While a warm soak is usually a welcome respite, many homeowners still crave the massaging waters of a jetted tub to soothe aching muscles and psyches.

The interest in freestanding soakers has allowed the tub to inch its way back into bathroom design. The bonus to that is the fact that many manufacturers provide a range of options that can be incorporated into the tub, allowing bathing to be elevated to a truly personalized experience.

Among the trends in spa baths are the following:

–Many soaking tubs include options that can be added, such as air injection, whirlpools and massage jets, all designed to customize the bathing experience.

–Several new technologies include tiny bubble enhancements that soften skin while providing a relaxing soak.

–The latest jetted systems employ technology that keeps the pipes cleaner and accessible for easier maintenance.

–Many spa tubs also incorporate elements such as mood lighting/chromatherapy and aromatherapy for greater relaxation.

–Ergonomics is key to comfort in the bath, and today’s tubs feature backrests, slanted designs and armrests to provide the body with the ultimate experience.

–Tub sizes are being adjusted to fit today’s bathrooms, with designs ranging from 60” to fit into standard tub spaces all the way up to fixtures that will fit two bathers comfortably.

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Cabinet Sales Gains Extend Through July, KCMA Reports

RESTON, VA — Domestic kitchen cabinet and vanity manufacturers continued to post substantial sales gains through the first seven months of 2021, according to the latest in a series of monthly surveys by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.

The KCMA’s latest “Trend of Business Survey” reflected a year-to-date sales increase of 18.3% through July, compared to the same seven-month period in 2020. Custom cabinet sales through the first seven months were reported up 21.5% over the same period last year, while semi-custom sales rose 17.6% and sales of stock cabinets gained 18.1%, the Reston, VA-based KCMA said.

July sales were up 7.2% compared to the same month last year, the association added.

 

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Home Sizes Rise With Virus-Fueled Demand for More Space

WASHINGTON, DC — Single-family home sizes are reported to be rising as an offshoot of the COVID-19 pandemic, reversing a recent trend toward downsizing as homeowners are seeking additional residential space for a wider range of purposes, particularly teleworking and school-related activities.

According to second-quarter 2021 U.S. government data and analysis from the National Association of Home Builders, the median size of a newly built single-family home increased to 2,297 sq. ft. The average size for new single-family homes increased to 2,540.

Since Great Recession lows, home size rose between 2009 to 2015 as entry-level new construction was constrained, according to the Washington, DC-based NAHB. In contrast, home sizes declined between 2016 and 2020, as more starter homes were developed, the NAHB said.

“Going forward we expect home size to increase again, given a shift in consumer preferences for more space due to the increased use and roles of homes in the post-COVID-19 environment,” observed Robert Dietz, chief economist for the Washington, DC-based NAHB.

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MirrorMate Changes Hands

Charlotte, NC — Charlotte-based entrepreneur and financial services executive Kevin Button has acquired MirrorMate from the company’s founder, Lisa Huntting. Button took the helm as CEO and owner of the 17-year-old consumer-based home décor brand in May.  

Button brings over 20 years of experience with GE and Synchrony, and served in senior executive roles at the senior v.p. and COO levels. He was head of operations for Synchrony’s Consumer Banking division as it grew from $6B to more than $50B in holdings by adopting a digital-first approach to delivering the customer experience. A customer advocate, Button specializes in developing organizations, enhancing and automating processes, and improving customer satisfaction and profitability, notes the firm.

“I am thrilled to take the lead at MirrorMate,” said Button. “This company has developed a great legacy as the leading mirror framing system in the market by focusing on world class manufacturing quality and delivering the best customer experience possible.”

“We’re absolutely going to maintain that focus,” continued Button, “while simultaneously exploring significant growth opportunities for our core product and adjacent offerings that align with our strengths and our customers’ needs.”  

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NKBA Seeks Hall of Fame Nominations

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The National Kitchen & Bath Associations is now accepting nominations for 2022 inductees to the Kitchen and Bath Hall of Fame,  recognizing individuals “for their significant and enduring contributions” to the kitchen and bath industry, the association announced.

Nominees will be reviewed based on outstanding achievement, leadership and corporate citizenship, according to the NKBA.

“The Kitchen & Bath Hall of Fame recognizes the pinnacle of excellence in K&B design, invention, entrepreneurship and service to the industry,” said Bill Darcy, CEO of the NKBA.

“These are the people whose contributions have impacted our homes and industry work in notable ways,” Darcy said. “We encourage our members to help celebrate these remarkable individuals by nominating them for this prestigious honor.”

Although nominees are not limited to NKBA members, nominations must be submitted by NKBA members. Each selection is based on merit of the nominee, not by the number of nominations. All nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee. Nominations must be submitted online on NKBA.org. The deadline for nominations is 5:00 pm ET, Sept. 30, 2021.

New inductees will be recognized during the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards on Feb. 7, as part of the 2022 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, FL.

The NKBA created the Kitchen & Bath Hall of Fame in 1989, and over the last three decades has inducted more than 90 individuals, who are featured in a special gallery at NKBA’s Hackettstown, NJ headquarters. 

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LIXIL Plumbing Workshops for Women

New York — LIXIL Americas, the parent company of kitchen/bath plumbing products manufacturer American Standard, partnered with Tools & Tiaras Inc. to sponsor a plumbing-focused workshop as part of a multi-day summer camp designed to introduce young girls and women to the skilled trade industry, the company announced.

Tools & Tiaras is an organization dedicated to advancing the interests of young girls and women who want to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated trade professions. The initiative is one effort to help reduce the downward labor shortage trend in the skilled trade industry. The multi-day vocational camp featured female participants, ages 13-17, who are interested in learning more about the skilled trade industry, sponsors said.

“We are committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work,” said LIXIL Americas spokesperson Debbie Drury. “Knowing that plumbers protect the health of the nation, yet the number of people entering plumbing and trade crafts is on a steady decline, we believe it is our duty to support programs that encourage the pursuit of plumbing as a profession.

“It is particularly exciting to be partnering with Tools & Tiaras, whose purpose is to empower ambitious and determined young women to knock down the social barrier of entering these trade professions,” Drury said.

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Tile of Spain Awards Call for Entries

Miami, FL – The Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer’s Association (ASCER) has issued the call for entry for the 20th annual Tile of Spain Awards of Architecture, Interior Design and Final Degree Project.

Sponsored by Endesa, the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX) and Port Valencia, the Tile of Spain Awards promote the use of Spanish ceramic tiles in architecture and interior design projects worldwide.
For the 2021 installment of the Awards, the jury will be chaired by architect Carlos Ferrater, who also led the jury during the first edition of the Awards in 2001. Carlos Ferrater is a founding partner of the Office of Architecture in Barcelona (OAB) and is a professor of Architectural Projects at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, with a long history backed by numerous awards and distinctions.
The Tile of Spain Awards have a prize fund of €35,000 ($41,220.11) shared between three categories. The two main categories, Architecture and Interior Design, each have cash prizes of €15,000 ($17,665.76). The Final Degree Project award has a cash prize of €5,000 ($5,888,58). The panel of judges is also entitled to give two special mentions in each category.
Entries from Spain and abroad are being accepted now through October 28, 2021. Visit www.tileofspainawards.com to enter the contest or learn more about the Tile of Spain Awards.

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Small Remodeling Upgrades to Make a Big Splash in Your Kitchen

Have you been considering a remodel, but aren’t sure you want the entire commitment a full kitchen renovation brings? If yes, this article is most definitely for you. The kitchen is the hub of any house. It’s the place in your home where you prep your meals, your kids do their homework, your guests congregate, and where your morning coffee is enjoyed. A place with so many different meanings deserves to look and perform up to its utmost potential. That’s why remodels at all levels are so popular. Recently, homeowners have been asking for smaller scale remodels to just tweak previous remodels from past years. Here are four great small kitchen remodeling ideas.

Cabinet Refacing

If you’re happy with the design and layout of your kitchen but are unhappy with the current look your cabinets bring, refacing is the route for you. Kitchen cabinet refacing allows you to have the look you’ve always dreamed of without the additional expense and hassle of a large remodel. The process of a reface is quite simple. It just consists of replacing all the existing doors and drawer fronts with a door style, wood species and finish that you choose. We then apply a matching refacing material to all exposed end panels and face frames of your existing cabinets. Kitchen cabinet refacing installation takes just days to complete.

Go Darker

For years, kitchens have always been about being white, bright, and pristine. White cabinetry was anywhere and everywhere. And although it will always remain a classic, there’s a new trend which is becoming ever so popular in kitchens all around the globe. In recent years, we’re now seeing a strong transition into dark countertops and cabinetry. This new style works to create more depth and contrast within the room. Comparatively, it also holds up much better against the daily wear and tear than white cabinetry.

Open Shelving

Open shelving is great to implement in your kitchen. It’s cost effective and has a quick installation process. Not only does it make for easily accessible dishes and appliances, but it’s also a great opportunity to showcase your character and personality within your home. Some homeowners choose to use this surface space as a way to showcase their artwork i.e. paintings, vases, pots, or pictures.

Full Scheme Backsplash

Recently, there’s been more of a vertical appearance with backsplashes. It’s no longer just the space between the countertop and cabinetry. Entire slabs are going up to create more of a sleek look. Utilizing an entire wall for a backsplash presents a two-in-one opportunity. One, you get your much needed backsplash for your kitchen. And two, you now have a statement wall within the room. This statement wall works to truly bring your kitchen to life.

Kitchen Solvers

At Kitchen Solvers, we want to ensure that you, the homeowner, protect and preserve your beautiful kitchen. The most important factor in how to make a kitchen remodel easy is getting help from professionals. At Kitchen Solvers, our expert design team can help you create the ultimate kitchen that fits your budget and offers some of the best features and styles available. Once the plan is established, we’ll take care of the rest. Get in touch with our team today to get started designing the kitchen of your dreams.

And be sure to read our helpful articles: How to Make a Kitchen Remodel Easy and Confused about Cabinet? A Guide to a Cabinet Reface or Replace!

 

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Statement Vessels

Personalization has emerged as a key trend in design as homeowners emerge from the pandemic with a renewed sense of what they want in their homes. People have become more adventurous with their design choices, and want rooms that reflect who they are and fill their needs.

Nowhere is the desire for a personalized space more important than the bath. While most clients look for a spa-like feel in the master, that term is getting an upgraded definition, with elegant finishes and calming, earth-toned colors getting a much-needed update. Guest and powder rooms designs are also getting more adventurous, with bold wallpapers, intricate tile and colorful fixtures and fittings getting a nod.

The bath sink, once a utilitarian fixture that knew its purpose and performed it without fanfare, is re-emerging in new shapes, textures, patterns and materials, providing a dizzying array of choices. Vessel sinks, in particular, are providing a wow factor that continues to push the envelope when it comes to making a statement.

Some of the trends being seen in vessel sinks include:

–Vessel sinks are no longer just round, with angular squares and geometrics joining softened ovals and asymmetrical shapes.

–Bright, bold colors are enjoying a surge in popularity, especially in the powder room where homeowners look for elements that make a statement.

–Many vessel sinks are now designed to do double duty, allowing them to sit on top of the counter or be semi-recessed for a different look.

–Metals and metal-looks are everywhere, with copper, brass and stainless leading the way.

–Vessels in all materials are often sporting texture, whether its waves or ridges on solid surface or hammered finishes on metals.

–Matte finishes are giving sinks and other bath fixtures new life, in a range of muted tones that often reflect the colors of nature, with a particular focus on matte black.

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NKBA ‘Hall of Fame’ Nominations Being Sought

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The National Kitchen & Bath Associations is now accepting nominations through for 2022 inductees to the Kitchen and Bath Hall of Fame,  recognizing individuals “for their significant and enduring contributions” to the kitchen and bath industry, the association announced.

Nominees will be reviewed based on outstanding achievement, leadership and corporate citizenship, according to the NKBA.

“The Kitchen & Bath Hall of Fame recognizes the pinnacle of excellence in K&B design, invention, entrepreneurship and service to the industry,” said Bill Darcy, CEO of the NKBA.

“These are the people whose contributions have impacted our homes and industry work in notable ways,” Darcy said. “We encourage our members to help celebrate these remarkable individuals by nominating them for this prestigious honor.”

Although nominees are not limited to NKBA members, nominations must be submitted by NKBA members. Each selection is based on merit of the nominee, not by the number of nominations. All nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee. Nominations must be submitted online on NKBA.org. The deadline for nominations is 5:00 pm ET, Sept. 30, 2021.

New inductees will be recognized during the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards on Feb. 7, as part of the 2022 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, FL.

The NKBA created the Kitchen & Bath Hall of Fame in 1989, and over the last three decades has inducted more than 90 individuals, who are featured in a special gallery at NKBA’s Hackettstown, NJ headquarters.

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