CHESAPEAKE, VA — Dave’s Cabinet, a leading cabinet manufacturer in the Mid-Atlantic region, has announced that the ownership interest of company founder David Alderman CMKBD, has been purchased by John K. Morgan, CEO of Green Forest Cabinetry.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Dave’s Cabinet, founded in 1980, occupies three manufacturing buildings on approximately 40 acres of land in Chesapeake, VA. The business consists of a fully equipped end-to-end cabinet manufacturing/finishing facility, a retail division, plus a modern granite/quartz fabrication unit.

“I am incredibly proud of the 40+ years of Dave’s Cabinet’s success, especially the commitment and work to better our local community,” said Morgan, who, along with Alderman, is a past president of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

“I could not be more pleased to have the opportunity to lead his legacy to the next level of tomorrow’s micro-manufacturing world,” Morgan added.

Under the terms of the agreement, Julie Boone will retain her existing ownership interest in Dave’s Cabinet, said the company, which also announced a continuation of an annual $5,000 grant/scholarship to both the Great Bridge Baptist Church, a local parish, and the student program at the NKBA nationally.

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Kitchen Transformation by Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse

Project Location:  Onalaska, WI 

Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing 

Type of door style: Shaker 

Remodel style: Transitional 

Color: Spruce on Maple for Perimeter and Medium Brown Walnut Stain on Rustic Alder for Island 

Countertop: Quartz 

Countertop color: Viatera Muse 

Backsplash: 3” x 6” arctic white tile  

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

Find a location near you.  

 

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Kitchen Inspiration by Kitchen Solvers of Eau Claire

Project Location: Menomonie, WI 

Remodel type: New Cabinetry 

Type of door style: Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection Bristol 

Remodel style: Modern 

Color: Boulder 

Countertop: Cambria Quartz 

Countertop color: Delgado  

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Eau Claire’s Blog.  

Find a location near you.  

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Oftentimes, the remodeling world can be stressful to navigate. With so many options, styles, and designs, it’s hard not to occasionally feel overwhelmed. And along with each decision comes an added price. At Kitchen Solvers, we know a kitchen remodel can be timely and costly. One of the most important aspects of any kitchen is your space’s layout. The layout is what determines how easy your kitchen is to navigate and how convenient it is for both cooking and entertaining. If you want to make sure you get the most out of your kitchen, optimizing all your given space will ensure easy navigation and top convenience. Read below to learn about which kitchen layout suits your home best.

L-Shaped 

This layout has become increasingly popular because it offers a very open feel to the kitchen. The L-shaped kitchen has two walls which intersect at a 90-degree angle that feature all the appliances. Often one of the walls is longer than the other to keep space open. Keep in mind working in the kitchen causes you to have your back to the rest of the house, so installing an island can help you prep meals and face people. 

U-Shaped Kitchen 

The U-shaped kitchen, also known as the horseshoe layout, adds a third wall to the L-shaped format. This kitchen layout provides workspace on all three sides and gives seamless countertop space. This layout works great in any size kitchen! Normally, homeowners will make the third wall an island or peninsula to help optimize traffic flow.  

Galley Kitchen 

A galley or one-wall kitchen is the most popular layout amongst homeowners because it makes the most out of the available space. A one-wall layout has the appliances and counters all lined up together which makes installation quick and convenient. Most customers choose to have an island compliment this set up to increase counter space and functionality.

Setting Up Appliances and Sections 

When it comes to setting up your appliances and sections, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Each appliance and section has its own traits, and while they often work together with other parts of your kitchen, they still have individual requirements to account for. This is true for appliances like stoves and sinks in addition to sections like cabinets and islands. 

Stoves and ovens are an essential aspect of any kitchen, but there’s something important to remember when placing them. To make ventilation easy, or even possible, your stove and oven combo will need to be placed on an exterior wall. Installing ventilation over an island or in the middle of your home can be costly and complicated. 

Islands are a common addition to high-end kitchens, but you need to consider where they’re implemented. An island that’s too close to the side of your kitchen will make maneuverability difficult. On the other hand, an island that’s too far away will cease to serve a convenient purpose. It’s just another surface that you must walk all the way over to.  

Kitchen Solvers 

At Kitchen Solvers, it’s our job to ensure that you have the most Pleasant Remodeling Experience. Making sure you’re constantly blown away by your home is part of our job description. Whether you need storage solutions, a design upgrade, an island installed, a cabinet reface, or want to start from scratch with a whole new kitchen remodel, Kitchen Solvers is here to make your dreams a reality. Also, feel free to check out our blog articles which cover everything from Adding an Easy Color Pop to Your Kitchen! to What is Cabinet Refacing and Why Should I Consider it for My Home? 

 

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Your kitchen is the heart of your home serving a multitude of purposes for you and your loved ones. When it comes to the heart of your home, you want to make sure it’s entrusted to someone who will respect and cherish it. That’s why choosing a remodeler is one of the most important steps in your remodeling journey. But, how do you know which remodeler is right for your unique project? Follow these 4 commonly asked questions when beginning your remodel journey to ensure your home and vision are taken the upmost care of.

1. What experience do you have with this type of remodeling project? 

Remodeling contractors often have different skill sets and while one might have done a great job on your neighbor’s garage or backyard shed, that doesn’t make them qualified to remodel your kitchen or bathroom. Ask potential contractors for a list of past projects they have completed that are similar in scope to what you have in mind. Don’t hesitate to contact prior customers for their thoughts on contractors work quality, adherence to schedule, and overall competence. The same can also be true when considering the dollar amount of a project – a $30,000 kitchen remodeling project often requires a different level of expertise than one that costs $3,000. 

2. Can You Work Within My Budget? 

The perfect kitchen design doesn’t do you much good if it’s out of your price range. Discussing budget early on will allow a designer to give you an idea of whether or not they will be able to work within your budget. You don’t want to work with a designer who only designs with very high-end, expensive products, if your budget is more in the middle range for kitchen remodels. Be honest and firm with your kitchen designer about your budget and early on make sure your remodeling dreams are feasible with your budget. 

3. How Much Input Will I Have? 

Hiring a kitchen designer is for the sole purpose of creating a space that suits the needs and desires of you and your family- not a kitchen that demonstrates their talent for design. An excellent kitchen designer should take time to find out what remodeling ideas you have, your family’s lifestyle, and even tie their work in with the overall style of your home. Find a kitchen designer who is willing to make your ideas be at the center of the project not backstage. 

4. Can I Review Examples of Your Past Work? 

Samples of past kitchen design work is a must. You need to know if the designers have experience creating a number of different kitchen design options and ideas to consider. You should eliminate any kitchen designers who seemingly use the same design elements over and over again. Instead, you want a designer who can be versatile and eclectic in style and design choices. You want to interview designers who are creative thinkers with the ability to clearly communicate their design concepts. 

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. 

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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Salisbury, NC — When Sara Lee started her design business in Salisbury, North Carolina, she knew just what to name it – SISU Home Designs. “SISU is personal to me,” says Lee. “It is a word used by my grandmother and mother of Finnish and Norwegian heritage. In one word, it embodies determination, potential, grit, freedom, courage, preparedness, strength, community and heart.” She adds, “In the business of design, there is inherent potential for what is possible.”

This inherent potential of design has, according to Lee, always been part of what drives her. “I always enjoyed setting up rooms and drawing house plans, even as a child,” she says. “Design school was a natural decision, and I specifically fell in love with kitchen and bath design. There is so much technicality, plus creativity. It’s problem-solving, communicating and wonderfully challenging.”

Branding a journey

Like most in the industry, Lee worked her way up from the bottom. “My first opportunity was with a large cabinet manufacturer, and I worked in marketing and sales, drawing plans for nationwide Lowe’s store displays and ‘The New American Home’ projects.” After a subsequent stint with a small dealer in order to gain more sales experience, she moved to Washington, DC to get a feel for the luxury market at a high-end showroom.

“A move to North Carolina in 2013 gave me new opportunities to serve a uniquely southern clientele,” she continues. “I thrived and felt a new confidence for what I could do for people and their spaces.”

When it came time to hang out her own shingle, Lee was careful to take her personal journey in the industry into account, working with an expert to create a cohesive narrative across all her digital channels.

“The branding [for SISU] was created by a lovely woman in London – we had much communication about who I am and what SISU represents,” she says. “The brand experience engages the senses and imagination through a visual narrative that is timeless, elegant and full of intentional detail – a visual identity that speaks with poetry and textural appeal to communicate inherent possibility and expertise.”

She adds, “Consistency is important. The brand carries over into social media and, I believe, sets a standard of credibility.” The Instagram presence of SISU in particular features a balance of crisp, beautifully staged project imagery, personal touches and anecdotes and graphics featuring the company’s sprouting plant-inspired logo.

New growth

Like the little sprout featured in SISU’s logo, Lee cultivates her client relationships carefully. “I get to know my clients through many meetings, calls and even texts,” she notes. “I have the privilege of going into people’s homes, and that requires trust, and I honor that. Our welcome packet actually goes over the entire process from beginning consultation to photoshoot day! It gives my clients a nice road map of what will happen over the course of the next few months.”

Looking ahead to the new year, Lee anticipates growth for her business. “Plans for 2022: I would love to hire some help and continue moving toward having a fantastic showroom.”

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HACKETTSTOWN, NJ – As the year comes to a close, many in the kitchen and bath industry are looking ahead to the return of the Kitchen & Bath Industry, the largest North American event dedicated to this segment of the market. With safety protocols and procedures in place, professionals are celebrating a return to an in-person exhibit and educational forum, where they can learn, reconnect and recharge for a promising business future.

Once again scheduled to be part of Design & Construction Week with the International Builders Show, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show is scheduled to be held February 8-10, 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. KBIS and IBS, hosted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the National Association of Home Builders, respectively, are expected to feature over 800,000 net square feet of exhibit space and showcase more than 1,000 design and construction brands.

While the event is still several weeks away, Kitchen & Bath Design News is offering this sneak peek at just a few of the products that will be on display.

 

The post Anticipation Builds for In-Person KBIS 2022 appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

See what our Trend Experts are predicting for the 2022 kitchen and bath design trends.

The post 2022 Kitchen Trends appeared first on Superior Cabinets.

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WASHINGTON, DC — The National Association of Home Builders has sharply criticized a decision by the Biden Administration to double the tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments into the U.S., charging that the move would “exacerbate market volatility, put upward pressure on lumber prices and make housing more expensive.”

Chuck Fowke, chairman of the Washington, DC-based NAHB, charged that the recent decision by the U.S. Commerce Dept. to proceed with an administrative review to increase the tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments from 9% to 17.9% would be counterproductive to a housing market that is already facing considerable challenges to future growth.

“With the nation in the midst of a housing affordability crisis … this is the worst time to add needless housing costs onto the backs of hardworking American families, Fowke said. “Home builders are grappling with lumber and other building material supply chain bottlenecks that are raising construction costs. And consumers are dealing with rising inflation that is pushing mortgage interest rates higher.

“The White House needs to change course and move immediately to engage with our Canadian partners on a long-term solution to the trade dispute that will end tariffs and help restore price stability to the lumber market.”

 

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The kitchen is the command center of many homes, with countertops called upon to handle more and more tasks. Food preparation is just the start; surfaces in the kitchen are also used for work, school, pet care and much more. These myriad uses require countertops that are strong and easy to care for. And, because they are so prominent in the kitchen, these surfaces must also look great and complement the other elements in the space.

“Consumers want products that are easy to maintain, durable and able to sustain a very active lifestyle,” says Massimo Ballucchi, v.p. kitchen and bath business at Cosentino North America, based in Coral Gables, FL. Customers are upgrading their countertops for aesthetic reasons as well, he says. “They want products that are making their homes a showcase…products they can admire for a long time.”

Colors and finishes for surfaces vary greatly based on individual style and taste, but there’s a clear move towards incorporating natural elements. “Designs and materials that are inspired by nature continue to lead the way in home decor trends,” stresses Gwen Petter, director of design for Temple, TX-based Wilsonart. “We’re seeing it everywhere from décor and paint colors to textiles and building materials, including countertops. Research shows that nature can offer mental health benefits including decreasing stress and relieving anxiety, as well as improve happiness and well-being.”

Material choice is often driven by convenient maintenance. “With a wave of new home buyers, we’re still seeing many homeowners unaware of the varying levels of durability and maintenance required when it comes to their countertop choices, and they’re shocked when they realize the maintenance involved with many popular options, such as marble,” offers Gerri Chmiel, residential design lead at Formica Corporation in Cincinnati, OH. “Interior designers say homeowners most often ask for the look of marble or quartz, but also want durable surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain,” she adds.

This is leading designers to recommend products that are low maintenance yet don’t compromise on modern, beautiful design. Colors that add warmth to the space – along with bolder colors, textures and materials that help make a statement – are also currently trending. That’s according to manufacturers recently surveyed by Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Natural Look Without the Wear

An organic, natural feel is desirable, but that doesn’t mean consumers are necessarily choosing natural stone. Maintenance concerns are driving the need for products that have the look of natural stone while offering higher durability. This has created a shift towards quartz, porcelain, laminate and solid surface.

“Consumers are most interested in performance, in-style yet timeless looks and materials that offer solutions,” Petter remarks. “The serene beauty of quartz is always in high demand, and it’s no surprise when you consider the material’s many benefits: on-trend elegant designs for any space, easy to clean and maintain, durable, stain resistant.”

“Solid Surface is quickly gaining traction as one of the most sought-
after countertops for its reliable durability, impact resistance and nearly effortless maintenance,” she adds.

The tendency of natural stone to stain and etch has driven the market towards porcelain, which offers the look, feel and depth of natural stone without the maintenance concerns, says Michael Zeitlin, executive director of Raphael Porcelain in Lodi, NJ. “Zero maintenance is something that every homeowner dreams of having when going for that look,” he states.

Maggie Ellis, residential marketing leader at Corian Design, based in Wilmington, DE, says they see users gravitating towards stone-like aesthetics as well as industrial looks such as cements and ironstone. “It really depends on the consumer, how they use their space and their personal style. In general, natural patterns are in demand,” she reports.

Practical Matters

Kitchen surfaces need to stand up to a wide range of activities, especially with the overlap between home, school and work these days. Durability, easy maintenance and cleanliness concerns have had a great impact on countertop trends, manufacturers say.

“Worry-free is a prerequisite to any surfacing in today’s world – whether it be flooring or countertop. That demand is here to stay,” stresses Sam Kim, senior v.p. – product at MSI in Orange, CA.

“Materials in homes need to be durable, to withstand the increased wear and tear and more frequent cleaning,” notes Ellis. Because outdoor spaces are being used more often, she adds, materials such as high-performance porcelain that can stand up to UV rays and the elements are in demand.

“We’ve seen a remarkable shift in consumer priorities to include a new focus on cleanliness and therefore countertop surfaces that can stand up to this new cleaning routine the world has taken on,” Petter states. “Materials that offer antimicrobial protection and stand up to rigorous cleaning are in high demand as we continue into this new normal.”

“Quartz, in general, has always been a durable and low-maintenance option for countertops,” adds Ed Rogers, executive v.p., US Surfaces, for Austin, TX-based Vadara Quartz Surfaces. “We are always looking for ways to improve our materials, and I believe consumers now are becoming more educated before they ever leave the house as to the type of product they want and how they need to take care of it.”

Bernadette White, v.p. at Cancos Tile + Stone in Southampton, NY says that, along with durability, the fact that porcelain comes in multiple thicknesses – allowing for a backsplash in a thinner material and thicker countertop while still book matching veining patterns – makes it a popular choice.

Warming Up

Manufacturers note that white is still the most prominent color for kitchen countertops, but warmer tones with texture and character, rather than stark, bright whites, are on the rise.

“Homeowners are looking for simple, grounding spaces that bring a sense of calm, so we’re seeing light, white spaces continue to dominate,” observes Chmiel. “People are comforted by what’s familiar, yet they’re craving something fresh and don’t want white to feel too stark, so we’re seeing an infusion of color into traditional palettes with an added hint of texture and drama.”

Ballucchi says the most sought-after trend right now is a white countertop with veining. “It showcases a clean look and the veins bring us back to a connection with nature and the everlasting richness of marble,” he explains.

The kitchen countertop is still dominated by white marble colors, concurs Taewoo Kim, surface product design director at LX Hausys America, in Atlanta, GA. “With a white base tone, gray, gold, navy and green vein colors that go well with the cabinet color are predominant,” he adds.

“While we see warm tones increasing in demand, the majority of the market is still demanding a lighter/white design aesthetic,” offers Jason Brown, director of Product Management for Architectural Surfaces, based in Austin, TX. He says veined marble porcelains, especially those emulating natural marble patterns, are seeing a surge.

Sam Kim remarks, “Warmer tones of both background and vein colors are gaining popularity, as are alternative finishes, such as MSI’s concrete- finish in quartz, which features the feel of concrete without any of the maintenance, staining, fingerprints, etc.”

Ballucchi adds that there’s a trend toward soft grays with beige undertones, sometimes known as “greige.” These colors add a contemporary feel, he notes, but can also go well with traditional cabinetry. Adding the beige to colder gray warms it up, bringing a more organic feel, he adds.

Bold Colors and Textured Looks

Homeowners seeking to make a statement are often moving towards darker or more vibrant colors, often mixed with other materials to add contrast, manufacturers say.

“Consumers are more open to adding color to their countertops,” Ballucchi notes. “Just as blues and greens are getting stronger in cabinetry, equally saturated, solid hues are also being sought out in countertops, as seen in Silestone’s newly-launched Sunlit Days Collection.”

Brown agrees that colors are currently in demand. “We’ve also seen an increase in bold and vibrant colors in residential settings for countertop designs – bold bathrooms, for example. People like a statement piece. We’re also seeing statement pieces on the kitchen island, while the rest of the kitchen is a calmer color/design,” he notes.

Mixing materials helps create visual interest while also maintaining practicality. “We are seeing an increased interest in mixing and matching materials to maximize functionality and beauty,” Ellis reports. “For example, in the kitchen, some homeowners are using Corian Quartz for the island and Corian Solid Surface for the perimeter, and 100% natural Corian Endura porcelain for the backsplash.” Homeowners are also experimenting with texture, she adds.   

“With color and patterns, we’re seeing continued emphasis on calming light colors and a twist on classic patterns,” says Chmiel. “When it comes to texture, there’s an increased interest in natural finishes that further contribute to a grounded space. Expect to see a greater emphasis on woodgrains and metals that develop a patina over time.”

“The feeling of concrete emphasizing modernity is attracting attention around the city,” adds Taewoo Kim. “Concrete, which has a rough feel as if it has been painted white, different from the existing marble texture, is increasingly attracting attention from consumers who are looking for a stylish kitchen.”

Rogers believes that color selection is dependent on the individual homeowner’s tastes and preferences, and whether they want a monochromatic look or interesting movement. “Book-matched patterns are very popular, particularly for consumers with larger island workspaces and seating areas,” he said. There is also movement to develop different textures, he adds. “For us, specifically, more diverse/complex backgrounds using a combination of colors and veining techniques add depth to the material – making it look as natural as possible.”

On the Edge

Edge treatments may not be the top consideration when choosing countertops, but they must be part of the conversation, manufacturers note. “It is commonly said that the edge gives character to the project,” says Ballucchi. “Although the choice is based on personal taste, some edges do complement certain kitchen looks better than others.”

Zeitlin notes that, even in residential treatments, waterfall edges and full backsplashes made from the same material as the countertop are being used more often to give the space a cleaner, more luxurious look.

White reports that clients are wanting multiple built-up edges in the kitchen – such as 5cm thickness on the island and 2cm thickness on the countertops.

Brown offers, “Eased edge or flat polish is predominantly the edge of choice. Mitred waterfall counters are also trending now.”

Clean lines rather than bulky, ornate edges are in demand, according to Rogers. Waterfall edges on islands and full height backsplashes to match the countertops are also popular, he adds.

Functional upgrades

The longer people remain at home due to COVID-19, the more concerned they become with ensuring that the space works for them. “There has been a surge in demand for home renovation, as people are spending more time at home and want their space to be both functional and beautiful,” Ellis reports. “We will likely continue to see interest in materials that are highly functional, sustainable and beautiful.”

“The function of the kitchen, especially the island, has expanded from simple cooking to socializing and hobbies, and as the size of the kitchen has increased, the tendency to emphasize the island has increased, as well,” notes Taewoo Kim.

Chmiel believes the pandemic inspired many homeowners to reassess the look and function of their spaces. “With working and schooling from home still being a reality for many families, homeowners are prioritizing hardworking, multifunctional surfaces that exude comfort and serenity, creating a calming foundation for a kitchen or bathroom,” she explains.

This increased demand has created some challenges for manufacturers, including rising shipping costs, challenging supply chains and longer lead times. “Even with those challenges, demand remains very strong, and projects are being booked well into next year,” reports Rogers. “The pandemic has, ironically, gotten consumers to reconsider their living spaces [and desire] a more personal way to make it their own type of space that really reflects their needs and wants.”

Conscious Consumers

More and more, issues of sustainability and social responsibility play a role in the products consumers are choosing, manufacturers report.

“We’re seeing homeowners place a larger emphasis on using environmentally friendly materials,” Petter notes. “Wilsonart takes great effort to incorporate sustainable measures in all our products and processes. From raw materials to indoor air quality, the results are products such as the Wilsonart HPL and Solid Surface collections, which are environmentally sustainable and offer an array of designs that mimic the best of Mother Nature without impacting the environment.”

Ballucchi agrees that sustainability is an important factor in product decisions. “Consumers are now spending time and doing the research on what products to buy, and they want a product that has sustainable practices in the manufacturing process,” he stresses. “Overall, consumers are shifting to buy products from companies
they can trust.”

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