Sometimes two great styles are better than one. That’s what happens when the raw functionality of Scandinavian design fuses with Japanese nature-suffused simplicity, and it’s a look that fits American kitchens like a glove. Designers say it creates wonderful zen, with some famous Scandi and Japanese variants adding warmth and interest to sleek minimalism.

At first glance it may seem an unlikely design union, since Japan and Scandinavia are on opposite sides of the globe. But, in actuality, their design sensibilities are remarkably similar, and Denmark, especially, has had a close trade relationship with Japan for hundreds of years. The Danish design museum in Copenhagen even devotes exhibit space to Japanese design.

Thomas Lykke of OEO Studio in Copenhagen, Tokyo and Kyoto applauds the design fusion of the two countries, but dislikes that it’s dubbed a trend.

“Trends tend to pass by,” he says. “The Japanese-Danish connection goes far beyond that. I call it shared DNA. Meticulous craftsmanship and attention to details, simplicity and timelessness are deep-rooted in both countries’ culture. We want design that will be relevant 50 years from now. And we are, in our hectic lives, looking for meaningful ways to live, through craftsmanship and rituals, whether that’s a tea ceremony in Kyoto or a coffee break in Copenhagen. Also, neither country has vast natural resources, so we respect what we have and work with it.”

Although Japandi at its roots is the epitome of minimalism, two special concepts set it apart. One is “hygge,” a Danish word now known by designers everywhere, meaning cozy comfort. In Scandinavia this is achieved with lots of textures and touches of color. The other is wabi sabi, the Japanese concept of finding beauty in something imperfect. This could be a well-loved heirloom, perhaps a piece of furniture or a well-used utensil. Although Scandinavians don’t talk about wabi sabi, they, too, love to let the patina of something old and well-loved add charm to a space.

Cabinetry in a Lykke kitchen is always the main event. In one kitchen, for example, cabinets aspire to be more a piece of furniture that fits naturally into living environments rather than a stand-alone kitchen. It combines simplicity and refined, contrasting materials. Lykke calls it “a quality culinary space rather than merely a show kitchen.” Another kitchen features modular cabinets, a popular concept in European homes. The modules are sectioned using slender metal dividers and sit on metal plinths creating a light, floating look.

Modern Nostalgia

When a 30-something guy bought a tiny, concrete cell of an apartment on New York City’s Upper East Side, he turned to architect Andrew Mikhael for help. The client showed Mikhael photos from his grandmother’s home, a place that inspired wonderful memories. When Mikhael saw the grandmother’s Danish serve ware and the simple, elegant mid-century furnishings, he knew exactly what to do.

“Since he loves to have people over and cook and bake for them, I knew the kitchen should be an unexpected centerpiece,” reports Mikhael, “a functional work of art. We removed the wall between the galley kitchen and the living room to combine the spaces. We also extended the kitchen into the entryway space, thus expanding the kitchen from 56 square feet to 87 square feet. Next, we installed an angled walnut wall that recalls a partially pulled-back curtain, dramatically revealing the sculptural kitchen.”

Mikhael used walnut throughout the kitchen as an homage to the client’s grandmother. He even wrapped a structural column that couldn’t be moved in walnut. The remarkable workmanship morphs and blends, wraps and anchors, and ultimately hammers out a rhythm.

Lighting was a problem in the apartment. “Because the ceilings were concrete, lighting couldn’t be recessed into them,” explains Mikhael. “As a result, LED tape lights were mounted in long channels one inch below the ceiling, and we then used wood slats to give them a home. The slats don’t just shield the lighting channels, they also hide the unsightly concrete.”

Cabinetry is frameless with simple finger pulls to keep the look minimalist, countertops are matte black Corian, the range and hood are wrapped in stainless steel, and backsplashes are backlit glass.

Mikhael warns that a meticulous carpenter is needed for this kind of work. “I asked my contractor if he minded if I worked with the carpenters at Conex Interiors directly,” he relays, “and he gave me his blessing. They did an incredible job.”

Japandi Meets Bungalow

Jennifer Gilmer, an award-winning kitchen and bath designer and principal of Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath with showrooms in Maryland and Virginia, says that she tells clients, jokingly, that she designs “Western Feng Shui” kitchens. “But I am really quite serious,” she remarks. “The more I learned about Feng Shui, the more I realized that I was unwittingly doing just that. It has become my signature style. So no matter what the design is, and they are all very different, the one thing they have in common is that they make you feel good. That’s Feng Shui.”

Japandi fans will testify to its built-in Feng Shui, so it’s no surprise that Gilmer chose modern Japanese design as the look she wanted for her own home. “This was a Sears bungalow,” she tells. “It was a far cry from the elegant minimalism of Japanese design, but my architect magically made my aspirations possible with a modern addition at the back of the house. There, I got the beautiful and functional space I had visualized for cooking, family life and entertaining.”

Knowing that the cabinetry would be the main focus of the kitchen, Gilmer sought out Premier Custom-Built Cabinetry, which has developed its Mizuki style inspired by Japanese folk houses and traditional Tansu cabinetry.

“We chose an engineered veneer crafted to look like Macassar Ebony,” relays Gilmer. “The wood grain is horizontal, and the ‘striped’ look is so striking that everything else in the kitchen was chosen to complement the cabinetry. No other element was allowed to distract from its beauty. For example, honed black granite was used for the countertops and wenge for the island wood detail. Wenge is similar to cherry, but turns dark over time. The backsplash behind the cooktop is backpainted glass, the farmhouse sink sits on black granite to protect the cabinets from water damage, and dishes are kept on floating shelves.”

She’s especially fond of the pantry, with its retractable bi-fold doors. They open to reveal a countertop, and it houses a steam oven as well as a plethora of cooking accessories. When not in use, the doors are shut so the pantry looks beautiful when entering the kitchen.

The gnarly irregularity of the unclaimed wood floors and beams contrasts with the clean, sleek cabinets, creating precisely the kind of juxtaposition that’s quintessentially Japanese. “So, yes, modern Japanese design and American Bungalow can mix well,” concludes Gilmer. “This space will never go out of style because it honored and melded two very tasteful styles that have proven the test of time.”

Detailed Minimalism

Mick De Giulio, principal of de Giulio Kitchen Design in Chicago, IL, pays visits to near and far locales, and those influences have a way of creeping into his kitchen designs. Japanese and Scandi aesthetics may appear in a design here and there, but in typical De Giulio fashion, inspirations remain just that. From there they are carefully curated and translated into one-of-a-kind designs.

Such is the case of a kitchen he designed in Boston – a classic 19th-century Victorian with a modern addition in the back. “It was just right for a family friendly kitchen,” notes De Giulio. “It’s a contemporary, clean-lined space, but it blends seamlessly with the old part of the house, he remarks. “The design emphasizes asymmetry and horizontals, and the layout is straightforward. Materials play an important role in keeping the space serene. We used light walnut in an organic, almost natural color that we nicknamed ‘Norwegian’ for its sun-bleached, Scandinavian look.”

Of course, everything that De Giulio designs is actually not that simple. A kitchen may look minimalistic, but it’s sure to include exquisite details that don’t shout. The Boston kitchen’s cabinetry, for example, is framed in bronze and contrasts subtly with brushed Iceberg quartzite. The edges of the quartzite counter were mitered to make the slab look extra thick, and a stair-step design at one end provides room for extra seating. The quartzite is repeated on the backsplashes and wrapped the range area.

In another kitchen in Winnetka, IL, De Giulio, worked the wood, creating cabinets with seemingly unfinished, textured surfaces. The space was a riff on a style that the client called Belgian farmhouse, but it is also a look that’s beloved in Scandinavian and Japanese farmhouses. De Giulio achieved it using white oak, cross-cut against the grain. To emphasize the casual, freewheeling look of the light-filled space, he installed legs on the island and placed the cooktop on a table made of reclaimed wood. Finally, he introduced some freestanding stainless steel cabinets for a bit of an industrial vibe.

“There’s nothing sleek about this space,” comments De Giulio. “It is full of textures and juxtapositions. Nobody ever heard of Japandi when this kitchen was designed, but I think it plays into the style. It’s a strong style, especially because it is so adaptable.”

Globetrotting Style

How do a couple of world travelers get a kitchen that reflects their global style, works as a canvas for treasures from many countries and yet functions for everyday life? They get together with award-winning designer Marcus Otten of Exquisite Kitchen Design in Denver, CO. Otten is known for a singular motto: “There are 10,000 different ways to do things, but only one way to do it right.”

For the world travelers, he designed a space where everything tells a story and brings up memories. The couple’s objets d’art are displayed throughout the space, including on floating shelves. The most stunning element, however, is the cabinetry featuring Royal Ebony veneer.

“It’s the most beautiful material I have ever seen,” remarks Otten. “It features unique color patterns and is very rare. There simply are no more logs. This African tree grows slowly and can only be turned into lumber when it’s 100 or so years old.”

Rift-cut oak for other cabinets and the island plus steel accents provide the layers and textures that Otten favors. Altogether, the space contains a lot of the Japandi influence: meticulous craftsmanship, beautiful wood, thoughtful contrasts and artistic accents.

Japandi’s elements are expected to continue to resonate with designers, who find its sophisticated minimalism warmed by craftsmanship and artistry endlessly adaptable. Many homeowners also understand and embrace the concepts of hygge and wabi-sabi, which Japandi fans call “yin and yang” at its best. Gilmer’s reference to it as “great Feng Shui” reflects its staying power in design.

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PALO ALTO, CA — U.S. homeowners are increasingly turning to their master bathroom as a safe and peaceful respite from a world that often seems chaotic and threatening, a major new survey has found.

According to the 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, whose results were released last month, two in five surveyed homeowners report using their renovated bathroom for rest and relaxation. The survey also found that cleanliness and a lack of clutter are keys to creating a “spa-like atmosphere” in the bath.

The annual online survey was fielded between June and July 2021 to nearly 3,000 U.S. Houzz users who are in the midst of, are planning, or recently completed a bathroom renovation, according to the Palo Alto, CA-based online platform for home renovation and design.

“In the midst of the chaos created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re seeing homeowners turn to their bathrooms for respite, creating calming sanctuaries with premium features, hygienic surfaces, and plants and other greenery,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz senior economist.

“Given the major changes involved, homeowners renovating their bathrooms are (also) seeking professional help at a growing rate,” Sargsyan added.

According to Houzz, modern, transitional and contemporary styles remain the leading choices for renovated bathrooms. Other features gaining popularity include dimmable lighting and greenery. The percentage of homeowners who relax in their renovated bathroom by soaking in the tub was up six points compared to last year, outpacing the share of those who unwind with long showers, Houzz said.

More than three quarters of homeowners incorporate premium features into their bathtubs and showers, the company added. Top premium features for the bath include soaking tubs, space for two and silent whirlpool baths, while premium shower upgrades include rainfall showerheads, dual showers, body sprayers and thermostatic mixers.

Additional survey findings include:

n  Marble in Vogue: ​​Marble is being adopted at a higher rate by renovating homeowners, with increased usage in shower flooring, non-shower flooring and non-shower walls.
n Colorful Vanities: While white continues to be the dominant color chosen across all bathroom features, blue and wood vanities have become more popular over the past year, bringing warmth and texture to bathrooms.
n Lighting Upgrades: Homeowners cite both insufficient lighting and no natural lighting as issues before a bathroom renovation, which may explain why more than four in five homeowners upgraded their lighting fixtures this year, Houzz said. Wall lights and recessed lights remain the top two choices in upgraded lighting. However lighted mirrors, pendant lights and chandeliers all inched up in popularity from last year.
n Toilet Technology: More than a third of homeowners who upgraded their toilets during renovations incorporated technology. Bidets remain the most popular tech feature for one in five homeowners, followed by self-cleaning, heated seats, overflow protection and built-in nightlights.
n Lighted Mirrors: Three-quarters of renovating homeowners installed mirrors in their renovated bathroom, with over half installing more than one mirror. Some upgraded mirrors have advanced features, such as LED lighting and anti-fog systems.
n Custom Medicine Cabinets: Nearly one-third of renovating homeowners install custom or semi-custom medicine cabinets, many of which include features such as hidden plugs and lighting on the inside.

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DUBLIN — The global green building materials market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 12% over the next four years, due largely to “a growing awareness about environmental sustainability that’s driving demand,” a leading market research firm said last month.

According to Dublin, Ireland-based Research and Markets, the global green building materials market is expected to increase from $238.9 billion in 2021 to $383.9 billion in 2025. North America was the largest region in the green building materials market in 2021, the research firm said. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest region in the forecast period, researchers added.

“The introduction to environment-friendly products is gaining significant popularity in the green building materials market,” research officials said. “Major participants in the green building materials industry are concentrating on launching new product lines that minimize the global warming potential (GWP) without compromising product quality.”

The green building materials market consists of sales of eco-friendly, durable structural, exterior and interior products that use less water, are easier to maintain than traditional building materials, and improve the sustainability and efficiency of a building because of a lower carbon footprint. The products are used in framing, insulation, roofing, exterior siding and interior finishing for both residential and non-residential structures.

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HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The National Kitchen & Bath Association has unveiled its “Thirty Under 30” Class of 2022.

The program, currently in its tenth year, recognizes talented kitchen and bath professionals under the age of 30. Nominees were evaluated on their career or educational achievements, commitment to excellence in the kitchen and bath industry and leadership within their organizations, according to the NKBA.

The 2022 Class includes: Jessica Bolles, Oasis Showroom/APR Supply, York, PA; Michael Boone, Green Forest Cabinetry, Chesapeake, VA; Andrew Converse, Moen, Cleveland; Alex Dickson, PK Brand Management, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Darla Duncan, Prime Cabinetry, Kennesaw, GA; Hannah Guilford, Heart & Hammer Homes, Fryeburg, ME; Cara Hansen, Triple Dot Design Studio, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Jesse Jarrett, Jarrett Design LLC, Emmaus, PA; Becky Leu, Leu Interiors, Des Moines, IA; Andrea Liston-Jones, Liston Design Build, St. Charles, MO; James McDonald, McDonald Contracting, Arlington, MA; Madelaine Millholland, CASE Design/Remodeling, Bethesda, MD; Basia M’Pinda, Kohler/Williams & Associates, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Antoinette Nunez, CKBD, F&J Builders, Wilmington, DE; Hannah Pregont, Superior Marketing, Brooklyn, NY; Megan Reed, AKBD, CLIPP, Beyond the Box Inc., Billings, MT, and Kelsey Richter, BDA & Associates, Fishers, IN.

Other Class of 2022 members include: Caitlin Ryan, Fisher & Paykel | DCS Experience Center, New York; Grace Sheehan, CLIPP, Kitchen Doctors, Midlothian, VA; Justyna Skolasinski, AKBD, Crystal Lumber, Crystal Falls, MI.; Amanda Slattery, Artistic Cabinetry, Jackson Lake, NE; Benjamin Stoler, Delta Faucet Co., Indianapolis; AJ Tentler, Delta Faucet Co., Indianapolis; Summerlyn Travis, Strohmaier Construction, Spokane, WA; Hannah Triebel, Sunnyfields Cabinetry, Baltimore, MD; Austin Waldhauser, Kenwood Kitchens, Columbia, MD; Emily-Anne Walker, Ferguson Enterprises, Williamsburg, VA; Patience Whipple, Chariot Plumbing Supply Design, Sandy, UT; Pip Wu, D.I.D., Ferguson/Wolseley, Burnaby, BC, Canada, and Shantelle Yablonski, Superior Cabinets, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.

The incoming class will be formally inducted during KBIS 2022 in Orlando, FL, according to the NKBA.

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Creating highly functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces is contingent on much more than design alone. Designers know that finding just the right products for their clients is equally as critical and helps set the stage for ultimate success.

Often, they discover some of those products – like the perfect cabinetry, countertop, appliance or fixture that makes a kitchen or bathroom go from ho-hum to spectacular – within the pages of Kitchen & Bath Design News or on KitchenBathDesign.com.

At the end of each year, KBDN compiles a list of the Top 20 products that designers found most interesting, as identified through reader feedback.

This year’s list shines a spotlight on cabinetry and the significant role it plays in a kitchen or bathroom space. As evidence, the top four spots are either cabinets or related accessories. An additional seven spots within the Top 20 are represented by countertops, hardware and cabinetry configuration and organization.

While cabinetry dominates this year’s list, there are plenty of other products designers inquired about throughout the year. To find out what other products made the 2021 Most-Asked-About Product list, peruse the following pages and visit KitchenBathDesign.com.

1. Slim Shaker

Over the years, kitchen and bath design has seen a change from traditionally decorative door styles to a simple shaker look that has now become the standard in home fashion, relates Lisa Myers, head of the Showplace Cabinetry Product Development team.

The Showplace Cabinetry Shaker door styles have been popular for many years, and the showcased slimmer version gives a modern spin to the shaker family with its timeless look and feel.

“The Showplace Duet Slim Shaker option is very appealing, with its simple clean lines and ability to adapt to any design style within a home,” says Myers. “When paired with one of the many paint options we have available, the Duet Slim Shaker door looks stunning, displaying a distinct character within the simplicity of the door’s slim design.”

The simple Duet Slim Shaker style is available in the overlay, inset and frameless Showplace Cabinetry lines, delivering a modern feel to any living space.

2. Clutter-free Surfaces

The ever-growing number of personal tech and small appliances, countertop cords and device clutter are at an all-time high, indicates Paul Hostelley, director of business development for Docking Drawer. As a result, incorporating features such as the Style Drawer Appliance Garage and Docking Drawer outlets inside kitchen cabinet drawers have become mainstream features that are essential to creating organized, functional and clutter-free surfaces.

Small kitchen appliances can be safely powered and accessed via the Style Drawer Appliance Garage while remaining plugged in. The outlet cutout is already prepared on the back of the pullout for easy installation of the Style Drawer Blade or Blade Duo powering outlet.

“Striking the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality, powered appliance garage pullouts offer the ability to keep blenders, toasters, coffee makers and other small appliances connected and ready while otherwise stowed neatly out of sight,” says Hostelley.

As well, Docking Drawer in-drawer outlets are simple to install into new or existing cabinets. While commonly found throughout the home in bathrooms, nightstands and countless other residential and commercial spaces, they can be “especially practical in the kitchen, which is often the primary gathering area and where countertop space is of the utmost value,” says Sarah Robertson, founder/principal of Studio Dearborn and Docking Drawer brand ambassador. 

3. Integrated Paper Towel Holder

Now, more than ever, cleanliness is of utmost importance, says Angela O’Neill, director of marketing for Wellborn Cabinet.

In response, the company offers its You Draw It paper towel holder. Integrated into the bottom of upper wall cabinetry, paper towels are kept off the countertop and protected against countertop spills. Plus, they are kept out of sight by placing them within the cabinetry.

“This design maximizes the utility of the cabinetry by maintaining the protection for your paper goods against countertop spills, and it doesn’t remove storage capacity,” she explains. “Typically, homeowners choose to position this particular feature near the sink or microwave to ensure convenience. Because the towels are enclosed inside the cabinet, they are kept away from bacteria and other contaminants for a safer and cleaner environment.”

Crafted from products made in America, both the paper towel holder and cabinet provide durability for long-term usage. This and other cabinet accessories from Wellborn Cabinet are available in a multitude of materials and finishes.

4. Purposeful Cabinets

As people spend more time inside, they are gravitating toward cabinets designed with purpose, style and overall function in mind, notes Stephanie Pierce, director of design and trends at MasterBrand Cabinets.

For example, Pierce says, “The company’s Omega Cabinetry contemporary collection not only looks beautiful, but it also accommodates the need for more storage, multi-purpose functionality and better organization for easy living. Embodying clean lines and subtle design, Omega contemporary cabinetry harmoniously elevates any space and can be modified for any lifestyle.”

With nearly 80 cabinet door styles to choose from and numerous wood type, finish, laminate and color options, the Omega collection of contemporary products truly provides a perfect fit for every taste, according to the company.

The company recently added three stunning door styles – Jax, Kali and Kadey – to the line, with streamlined profiles and a minimal aesthetic. Modern meets minimalistic in the Jax door style, where slab and shaker styling merge beautifully in a sleek slim-line shaker profile. The Kali and Kadey epitomize a classic but modern feel with shallow center panels.

5. Shaker-style Hood

The move toward simplistic, shaker-style painted cabinets has also led to increased interest in Castlewood’s Shiplap-style Range hoods, states Pete Larson, national sales manager for Castlewood.

“Homeowners are wanting a design element that will add some unique characteristic to make their kitchen stand out,” he explains. “The Shiplap style provides designers with the opportunity to add spice to the plain, shaker-style kitchen.”

Castlewood by AMS offers Shiplap range hoods in Chimney and Box configurations, which are designed to accommodate the Ascension line of kitchen ventilation products. They can be built from select molded hardwoods or rustic weathered planks, with each offering its own distinguishing quality.

Currently, the Chimney-style Shiplap range hood is the most popular, Larson adds, noting that this style needs extra space between wall cabinets to really stand out. In remodeling applications where there is not enough space between the wall cabinets, a Box-style Shiplap range hood is more suitable, he notes.

“The box-style Shiplap range hood can fit tightly between adjacent cabinets and still offer the individual client a distinctive and appealing design option,” he says. “We see this trend continuing and we intend on broadening our offering with other components that will complement this style.”

6. Shower Organizer

Staying organized is critical for all rooms of the home, including the bathroom. Keuco accommodates the need for storage in the shower/bath area by offerings its Shower Shelf. Made from sturdy, eco-friendly aluminum material with a black or white powder-coated finish, the Shower Shelf helps maintain a tidy, organized shower by holding shampoo, conditioner, body washes and other items.

Removable for easy cleaning, the shelf is available in a closed-front design to hide items or a semi-open front to see what is behind. It offers customizable widths in ½” increments. It can be hung in either glued or screwed wall brackets.

7. Retro Appliances

According to Hillary Frei, president of Big Chill, a popular trend in interior design currently is mixing styles and pulling in elements of different decades.

“It creates a unique, personalized look,” she states. “I think that’s what makes our Retro line and the Original Fridge so popular. People want a seamless blend of old and new, and that’s exactly what this product line is designed to do.”

The company added Turquoise its line of finishes for the iconic Retro Fridge. It pays tribute to the 1950s, when the hue was widely used in Mid-Century kitchens and in fashion.

“In terms of the color, the pandemic has pushed us to incorporate more vibrant colors into our personal styles, and the Turquoise color is the perfect soft blue/green to add that pop,” she continues. “It’s reminiscent of the 1950’s Robin Egg Blue we all recognize as iconic for the decade, and with retro styles coming back in all departments, it’s a great addition to the modern all-white kitchens.”

Turquoise joins the other colors in the line – White, Black, Cherry Red, Beach Blue, Orange, Jadite Green, Buttercup Yellow and Pink Lemonade. More than 200 custom colors are also available.

8. Look-alike Sintered Stone

The range of surface options from LOTTE Chemical Corporation includes its Locelain sintered stone collection.

Available in an extensive range of nine bold to subtle colors – including those that resemble natural stone and concrete as well as a solid selection – the ultra-compact durable surfaces come in multiple sizes, including large-format sheets in polished, satin and matte finishes.

Resistant to UV rays, extreme temperatures, scratches and stains, the line performs in interior and exterior applications, including as wall cladding, flooring and countertops in kitchen and bathroom projects or any high-traffic areas that require additional durability and functionality.

9. Interior Design Software

Interior design software is an essential part of today’s design process, relates Santiago
Morales, 2020 Design Live product manager.

“Clients are becoming more and more involved with their remodeling projects, and they expect 3D visualizations and digital floor plans to help them better understand what their future space will look like,” says Morales. “An interior design software is also beneficial to the user’s bottom line because it helps improve accuracy, minimize errors and convey realistic estimates, all contributing to a happy customer.”

2020 Design Live is a kitchen and bathroom design software with built-in manufacturer catalogs, 3D rendering capabilities, an extensive library of decorative items, infinite customization options, advanced lighting functionality and so much more.

The latest software has features such as real-time collaboration between designers and clients, artistic effect options for renderings, and a multi-point feature that showcases different perspectives in a 360° panorama. 2020 Design Live is meant to simplify and streamline the design process so that users can focus on the creative, innovative and functional aspects of a project.

10. Sliding Barn Shower Doors

Barn doors have become a popular trend in interior design and, building upon that popularity, Coastal Shower Doors offers its Eclipse Series sleek, modern and adaptable shower door.

The Eclipse marries the function and style of the barn door with smooth gliding rollers, tempered glass and a seamless header, creating a contemporary piece that makes a statement in the bathroom.

The doors are available in a black finish, customizable glass styles, textures and hardware, anodized aluminum frames and stainless steel handles, brackets and fasteners.

11. Distinctive Bath Fittings

In keeping with homeowners’ desire to mix and match modern elements with traditional design, Delta Faucet Co. offers the Kayra Bath Collection. Its transitional style adds distinctive design to any bathroom. To further elevate a space, it offers functional features like a pull-down spray wand for easy cleaning, multi-setting H2Okinetic Technology and In2ition Two-in-One Shower options.

The Kayra Bath Collection is offered in Chrome, Brilliance Stainless and Matte Black finishes.

12. Heated Freestanding Tub

Aquatica’s True Ofuro Tranquility Heated Japanese freestanding bathtub is fashioned from the firm’s AquateX solid surface material, which makes it durable, eco-friendly and easily cleanable, notes the company. Its Tranquility heating system is fitted with a recirculation system to eliminate the hassle of adding hot water while maintaining a constant 104° F temperature.

Now available in black, the soaking tub allows for full body immersion and includes an integrated seat and backrest to ensure comfort and relaxation, notes the firm.

13. Push-to-Open Cabinet System

Hettich’s Push-to-Open Silent makes cabinetry effortlessly handleless by opening drawers mechanically in response to a light press on the front panel. On shutting, they close in a gently cushioned movement.

The system recognizes drawers closed by hand and does not reopen them accidentally. And, if there’s a lack of momentum on closing, a drawer energy storage system prevents the drawer from opening again and reduces the force needed to close it next time.

14. Corner Drawers

Drawers are a great way to store and organize items. To maximize corner storage, WalzCraft offers its Inside Corner Drawer Boxes, which are designed to create easily accessible storage space in lieu of lazy susan cabinets. The addition of full-extension drawer glides allows access to stored items and eliminates kneeling to get to those hard-to-reach places.

The drawer boxes are made to order and are available with half-blind dovetail construction in solid wood and Baltic birch plywood.

15. Natural Minerals Porcelain Surfacing

Corian Design showcases its new Corian Endura line, a porcelain made from 100% natural minerals that is resistant to extreme heat, UV light, abrasions, scratches and stains, according to the firm.

Endura is non-porous and Greenguard Gold Certified. It is available in four product families, including tones in monochromatic, marble, metal and cement, that match up with a wide selection of kitchen styles. As a complement, it is also offered in two finishes – Satin and Mineral. 

16. Quartzite Surfacing

Antolini Luigi has added to its wide range of natural stones with Fusion Wow Quartzite, available in three styles: Fusion Wow Dark, Fusion Wow Light and Fusion Wow Multicolor. Fusion Wow | Original ‘Light’ quartzite is unique for its colors and striking veining, with shades of green that spread like gentle waves. The surfacing can be customized with any finish the company offers.

17. Custom Color Appliances

Elmira Stove Works offers custom color capabilities to its Antique line. The company’s antique appliances are now available in more than 1,200 custom colors, significantly expanding design options.

Inspired by 1850s-style appliances, Elmira’s Antique line includes a series of ranges, refrigerators, wall ovens, microwaves and dishwashers/dishwasher panels. Each appliance is custom crafted according to desired color, trim style and cooking features (for ranges) to suit personal preference and cooking style.

Elmira’s antique appliances can be ordered in approximately 200 colors from the RAL color code book and 1,040 hues from the Axalta SpectraMaster Solids Color Atlas. In addition, the company can color match to many colors.

18. Hands-free Cabinet Pull

For a more hygienic approach to operating lower cabinet doors and drawers, Doug Mockett & Co. offers the foot pull, which operates cabinet doors and drawers by using the front of a shoe.

Delivering hands-free touchless operation, users can safely access storage areas without the fear of spreading or contracting germs. The lip on the front edge is softened with a subtle bend to prevent scratching on dress shoes – just slip the front of the shoe underneath and pull forward.

The foot pulls are available in Matte Black, Matte White, Metallic Silver and Satin Stainless Steel. 

19. Shower Wall Panel System

Wilsonart has introduced Wilsonart Home, a curation of the company’s most sought-after collections with surfaces that are versatile enough to be used anywhere – on countertops, cabinets, walls and more. The Wetwall Water-Proof Wall Panel System includes 15 waterproof, lightweight panels that work well for wet area applications, such as showers. The patented waterproof solution eliminates the need for grout or demolitions, since it can be installed directly over gypsum board, green board, fiberboard and existing tile.

20. Smart Cube Storage

Häfele delivers modular display storage with its Smartcube Open Storage System. Smartcube can be as small as one shelf unit on a wall, or multiplied exponentially to fit any project, and can even be paired with casework, islands and other furniture. Projects can be customized by cutting horizontal runs to their preferred length and using shelving to match. Smartcube is offered in black and stainless steel look finishes.

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AUSTIN, TX — The Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association has named its 2021 DPHA Professional of the Year Award Winners, the Bethesda, MD-based trade association announced.

The winners, who were cited at the DPHA’s recent 20th Anniversary Conference and Product Showcase in Austin, include:

• Customer Service Department of the Year: Waterstone Faucets, Murrieta, CA.
• Manufacturing Professional of the Year: Bruce Reidel, Mountain Plumbing, Irving, TX.
• Representative Agency of the Year: Excel Marketing, Boise City, ID.
• Representative Professional of the Year: Kory Nelson, Premier Decorative Group, San Ramon, CA.
• Showroom Professional of the Year: Joshua Moss, Advance Plumbing Company, Detroit, MI.
• Showroom of the Year: Ultra Design Center, Denver, CO.

The post DPHA Names 2021 Award Winners appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Dallas, TX – Daltile recently held the official grand opening event for its newest showroom, located in the South Lamar area of Austin, TX.  The brand’s newest 4,000+-sq.-ft. showroom delivers easy access to the hottest tile products for Austin’s interior designers and architects, notes the firm.

“The design scene in Austin is really electric right now, with a lot of new build residential and commercial construction happening as well as a constant stream of remodels,” said Katy Ebbert, manager of Daltile’s new Austin showroom and licensed interior designer with 20+ years’ experience in commercial and residential interior design. “Austin itself is so exciting and that energy flows right into our city’s design scene. Austin is a melting pot of people and artistic ideas. There is a constant exchange with everyone bringing fun, unique ideas to the table when it comes to design.”

“The Austin design vibe is definitely unique,” said Brian Smith, senior marketing manager, Dal-Tile Corporation. “It’s kind of a funky, hippy, organic vibe. We nod to Austin’s personality with special features designed into our Austin studio location. As you enter our studio, you are greeted by a big tie-dyed tile wall, complete with the phrase, ‘Keep Design Weird’ in neon lights above the mosaic. Part of our studio is dedicated to outdoor design, where we prominently feature a favorite phrase of a well-known Austinite, ‘Alright, Alright, Alright.’ We have also transformed the front brick wall of our building outside into an impressive mural, designed and hand-painted by professional artist Daas. Daas took his original inspiration for the mural from Texas wildflowers and expressed this idea in a modern take that includes geometric tile shapes and perfectly reflects Austin’s unique flavor.”

“We have designed our new Austin showroom to focus on our high-end products and showcase these tiles in a unique way,” said Paij Thorn-Brooks, v.p. of marketing, Dal-Tile Corporation. “In addition to an easy-to-peruse showroom filled with product samples, our Austin studio features a generous number of vignettes throughout the showroom as well as story boards, flat lays, and generous slices of product. Accessing take-with product samples is very easy for the interior designers, architects and homeowners who are visiting our studio.”

“Daltile has also designed this studio to be an extension of our customers’ business,” advised Thorn-Brooks. “We encourage our local designer and architect customers to bring their own clients into our showroom. Not only do we put all of the hottest tile looks right at the professionals’ fingertips, making it easy to help their clients select just the right tile, but the stylish atmosphere of our studio, complete with work tables and conference rooms, provides such an inspirational ambience for a meeting. Although this particular studio focuses on showcasing Daltile’s high-end products, our entire product line is accessible to choose from during a visit to the Austin studio.”

 

The post Daltile Celebrates Austin Showroom Opening appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.culturekitchen.net/?p=618

ORANGE, CA — MSI, the Orange, CA-based supplier of flooring, countertops, wall tile and related products, has acquired ROKplank, the manufacturer of Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Tile, the company announced.

The factory, located in Cartersville, GA, will operate under the name Premium LVT Manufacturing, MSI officials said.

“MSI is excited about our acquisition of ROKplank,” said company President Raj Shah. “This will enable MSI to domestically manufacture Everlife LVT (and) with the exponential growth in demand of LVT coupled with industry-wide supply-chain challenges, the factory will give us a base to even better serve our customers.”

The post MSI Acquires GA Vinyl Tile Supplier appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

CHARLOTTE, NC — SEN Design Group, the Charlotte, NC-based kitchen and bath industry buying group and business education resource, has revamped its membership structure to increase access to business education opportunities for industry professionals, the organization announced.

“Under our previous structure, the majority of our educational opportunities were add-on expenses for our members, but we wanted to make sure our members had access to as much educational content as they wanted without added expense, so we have updated our membership structure to provide this much-needed resource at a minimal monthly investment,” said Catherine Daugherty, director of membership at SEN Design Group.

SEN Design Group will now offer three tiers of membership with differing benefits based on the member’s specific needs:

Associate Membership includes basic access to industry-specific business and sales education opportunities; this level is targeted for industry firms and independent designers who may not want to participate in a buying group or attend semi-annual conferences.

Signature U Membership includes increased access to industry-specific business and sales education opportunities, as well as access to SEN Design Group’s purchasing power and networking community.

Executive U Membership ($399 per month) includes everything in the Signature U Membership with additional benefits for industry leaders, such as dealer roundtables, a business development manual, personal profiling assessments for better hiring and communication, maximum quarterly rebates and more.

Additional details are available at www.sendesigngroup.com.

The post SEN Design Expands Educational Access appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.culturekitchen.net/?p=606

• Project Location: Clearwater, FL
• Remodel type: New Cabinetry
• Type of door style: Mission
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: Koala
• Countertop: Cambria
• Countertop color: Ironsbridge
• Backsplash: Tile backsplash in Literati Irving

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of the Gulf Coast’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: Seminole, FL
• Remodel type: New Cabinetry
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: White
• Countertop: Silestone
• Countertop color: Eternal Calacatta Gold
• Backsplash: Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of the Gulf Coast’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: La Crosse, WI
• Remodel type: New Cabinetry
• Type of door style: Mission
• Remodel style: Contemporary
• Color: Ebony
• Door Material: Cherry
• Countertop: Hanstone Quartz
• Countertop color: Montauk
• Backsplash: Hanstone Quartz full-height

 For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: Belleair, FL
• Remodel type: New Cabinetry
• Type of door style: Maui
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: Polar White
• Countertop: Silestone
• Countertop color: Pearl Jasmine

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of the Gulf Coast’s Gallery page.

The post Spotlight Kitchens of July – New Cabinetry appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.