Month: November 2021

Salone Showcases Design

Myrtle Ryan

A special, abridged version of Salone del Mobile.Milano took place last week, amid much fanfare at its return and trepidation amid COVID-19 concerns. The safety of visitors was paramount, with all exhibitors and attendees adhering to protocols at all times, and an abbreviated show floor that often resembled an art gallery, with products hung on walls and shown in unique displays to keep visitors moving and at a safe distance.

“supersalone” did not disappoint, with more than 60,000 people attending the six-day show, which opened with an impromptu visit and remarks from Italian President Sergio Mattarella welcoming guests and 425 exhibitors, who showcased everything from opulent tables and chairs to modern cabinetry and lighting.

Up-and-coming trends were seen throughout the space. Kitchen cabinets sheathed in metal and metallic looks and a wide range of wood tones, and included complementary metal and glass shelving units. Disappearing kitchens were also displayed, with sliding countertops that tuck everything neatly away when not in use.

Faucets reflected a range of geometric shapes, and delivered on the desire for customization with changeable handles and a multitude of finishes that went far beyond the metals of the past. And LED lighting is revolutionizing the shape and size of pendants, sconces and chandeliers, delivering intricate shapes and modern vibes. LED lighting are also prominent in kitchen and closet shelving and interiors, and even in faucet spouts and showerheads.

Following are a few of the products that made a statement during the event.

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Builder Confidence Steadies as Material, Labor Woes Persist

Myrtle Ryan

WASHINGTON, DC — Builder confidence inched up this month on lower lumber prices and strong housing demand, even as the housing sector continues to grapple with building material supply chain issues and labor challenges, the National Association of Home Builders reported.

According to the latest in a series of monthly NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Indexes, released yesterday, builder sentiment in the market for newly built single-family homes edged up one point, to 76, in September, ending a three-month decline, the NAHB said.

“Builder sentiment has been gradually cooling since the HMI hit an all-time high reading of 90 last November,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. “The September data show stability as some building material cost challenges ease, particularly for softwood lumber. “However, delivery times remain extended, and the chronic construction labor shortage is expected to persist as the overall labor market recovers.”

“The single-family building market has moved off the unsustainably hot pace of construction of last fall and has reached a still hot but more stable level of activity,” added Robert Dietz, chief economist for the Washington, DC-based NAHB. “While building material challenges persist, the rate of cost growth has eased for some products, but the job openings rate in construction is trending higher.”

The NAHB said it expects housing affordability will be a key demand-side challenge in the coming quarters, given the rapid rate of growth for home prices and construction costs over the last year.

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Flexible Design in the Kitchen

Myrtle Ryan

Today’s kitchens are delivering more multi-tasking than ever, as islands and niches now act as places to do homework, bill-paying and game playing in addition to eating breakfast and entertaining. Function remains vital to the way a kitchen is designed, and as lifestyles change, so do the elements of the overall space.

In addition to multifunctionality, trends impacting kitchen design include advancing technology and wellness. Aesthetically, color is upping its presence in appliances, tile and countertops, so cabinets need to provide the right complement – whether that means a striking, bold selection or calm, neutral backdrop.

Key trends impacting the kitchen cabinet segment include:

–The selection of flexible and specialized storage features continues to expand as homeowners try to make use of every inch of space in the kitchen.

–Wood tones are making a comeback, with finishes ranging from pale, natural wood looks to rich, dark grayed browns.

–Texture continues to trend, with weathered woods and soft-touch options among the most popular.

–The interest in color is skyrocketing, with painted and powder-coated finishes now available in an almost endless selection.

–Among the most popular colors trending for cabinets are blues and greens with a hint of gray, as well as black and, of course, white.

–Creative storage for cabinets includes pullouts, peg systems, pull-downs and blind-corner options, while drawers feature dividers and elegant organization for utensils and other items.

 

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EPA Ruling Caps Production of HFCs in Refrigeration

Myrtle Ryan

WASHINGTON, DC — In what officials are calling a major step in combating global climate change, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final rule establishing a program to cap and phase down domestic production and consumption of climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners.

The landmark program, announced today, will phase down the U.S. production and consumption of HFCs by 85% over the next 15 years, as mandated by the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, enacted in December 2020 as part of an effort designed to slow global warming, EPA officials said. HFCs are potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, as well as foams and other applications.

The bipartisan AIM Act, backed by a coalition of industry and environmental groups, not only phases down HFCs, but also ushers in the use of more climate friendly and energy-efficient alternatives aimed at saving consumers money while protecting the environment, according to the EPA.

“Today, EPA is taking a significant step forward to tackle the climate crisis,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “Cutting these climate ‘super pollutants’ protects our environment, strengthens our economy, and demonstrates that America is back when it comes to leading the world in addressing climate change and curbing global warming in the years ahead.”

“American companies are at the forefront of developing HFC alternatives and the technologies that use them, and the AIM Act provides these companies additional opportunities to continue to innovate,” Regan added.

EPA estimates that the cumulative net benefit of its action will amount to more than $272 billion from 2022 through 2050, and that the rule will yield cumulative compliance savings for industry. In 2036 alone, the year the final reduction step is made, the rule is expected to prevent emissions of the equivalent of 171 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) – roughly equal to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from one out of every seven passenger vehicles registered in the U.S., the EPA said. The total emission reductions of the rule from 2022 to 2050 are projected to amount to the equivalent of 4.6 billion metric tons of CO2 – nearly equal to three years of U.S. power sector emissions at 2019 levels.

EPA officials said the agency will work with the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security to prevent the illegal import and trade of HFCs through an interagency task force led by personnel from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and EPA.

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Cabinet Sales Post Gains Through August, KCMA Reports

Myrtle Ryan

RESTON, VA — Major domestic kitchen cabinet and vanity manufacturers continued to post sales gains through the first eight 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 16.9% through August, compared to the same eight-month period in 2020. Custom cabinet sales through the first eight months were reported up 20.4% over the same period last year, while semi-custom sales rose 14.9% and sales of stock cabinets gained 17.6%, the Reston, VA-based KCMA said. August sales were up 8.0% compared to the same month the prior year, the association added.

Survey participants include stock, semi-custom and custom companies whose combined sales represent approximately 75% of the U.S. kitchen cabinet and bath vanity market, according to the KCMA.

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Sustainability Seen Shaping Housing, Remodeling Markets

Myrtle Ryan

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — A trio of emerging trends in neighborhood design and sustainable living practices should continue to shape the market for new housing and residential remodeling as the “mindset of consumers continues to shift in a dynamic social climate,” according to a new report from the Home Improvement Research Institute.

According to HIRI’s recently issued Future of Housing Trend Report, new and remodeled homes will likely be shaped by a growing homeowner passion regarding issues such as climate change, sustainability and minimalism, resulting “in an increased emergence of eco-friendly materials and 3D-printed technology to designs focused on cultural inspiration and reversible architecture.”

Among the key trends identified by HIRI researchers are the following:

n “Hyper-local neighborhoods”: Architects, developers and local governments are proposing neighborhoods centered on community building and local businesses. These spaces are intended to be car-free, with all necessities reachable via a short walk or bicycle ride.

n Flight from the cities: “As urban centers expand in size and population, consumers are recognizing that their quality of life is suffering — whether that be due to alienation, affordability issues, lengthy commutes or pollution,” HIRI said. As a result, many are moving away from city centers and turning to community-based neighborhoods that provide a sense of belonging while also satisfying the need for convenience and cleaner air.

n Sustainable Housing: With sustainability as a top priority, architects and designers are embracing different eco-friendly concepts, among them “reversible design” (the architecture of structures that can be easily deconstructed, that can be reused or with parts that can be removed and added easily) and 3D-printed housing (homes that offer sustainable and protective construction that avoids structural issues in the case of extreme weather).

“Contemporary consumers are wary of the impending consequences of climate change, and a large number are becoming increasingly aware that simply shifting their lifestyle and practicing ecological mindfulness are likely not enough,” HIRI said. “As a result, many are demanding that brands and creators take the environment into consideration.

n Simplified Living: Building off of the desire for more sustainable living, the emergence of simple, more minimalist design emphasizes homeowners’ functions and needs.

“Contemporary consumers in fast-paced urban centers are looking to balance the demands of their daily lifestyle with a comfortable home environment,” HIRI said. “Many are prioritizing minimalist designs and additional spaces that can optimize and elevate their living situation without compromising aesthetic appeal.”

 

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Emerging Home Design Trends Revealed in Houzz Report

Myrtle Ryan

PALO ALTO, CA — COVID-19 pandemic has changed people’s perception of “home,” resulting in new styles, features and aesthetics surfacing in home design over the past year –among them a need for dedicated activity spaces, a desire to bring the outdoors in, and a requirement to create flexible interior spaces.

That is the key conclusion of research conducted by Houzz Inc., the Palo Alto, CA-based online resource for home remodeling, which this week identified the top emerging home design trends based on the latest search insights from its community of homeowners and remodeling pros.

According to Houzz, the following are among the leading COVID-fueled home design trends that have emerged in the past year:

n Dedicated Activity Spaces: “People have been relying on their homes to provide new avenues of activity and entertainment since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Houzz, pointing to search trends that the online resource is seeing for art studios (up nearly tenfold), home bars and wine cellars (up nearly four times) and home theaters, home gyms and home offices (up between two and three times each).

n Bringing the Outdoors In: According to Houzz, one in five remodeling homeowners is opening up their kitchens to the outdoors, with “openness to nature and the role of greenery in our homes a trend that seems to be accelerating.” Searches for artificial plants and trees, as well as indoor pots and planters, are up significantly, respectively, since last year. “We’re also seeing a significant uptick in searches for green kitchen cabinets, bathroom tile, accent chairs and bedrooms,” Houzz said.

n Living Room Refresh: As people have spent more time in their living room over the past year, “they may be seeking inspiration to refresh the space,” with searches for living rooms up 52% compared to the same time in 2020, Houzz reported. Home accents in general have seen some of the most dramatic increases, along with decorative accents, abstract paintings, display shelves and slip or chair covers, the company noted.

n Flexible Design: Many homeowners are turning to design options that offer more flexibility within the existing footprint of their homes, Houzz reported. Searches for TV armoires with pocket doors, queen murphy beds, and nesting side tables are among the products and features generating significantly higher interest, Houzz researchers added.

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MyPlanet Living Center Opens Chicago Showroom

Myrtle Ryan

CHICAGO — Mayan Metzler, founder and CEO of German Kitchen Center, a multi-brand chain of showrooms for European-style kitchen designs in the U.S., has unveiled the newest branch of the “MyPlanet Living Center” chain of showrooms, the company announced.

The new site features 14,000 sq. ft. at the 900 North Michigan Shops in Chicago’s “Magnificent Mile,” an upscale shopping district known for its high-end retail outlets.

MyPlanet Living Centers are designed as showrooms aimed at exposing homeowners and trade professionals to high-end products for the kitchen and bath, among other areas of the home. MyPlanet, a nonprofit organization focused on housing and medical support for vulnerable populations, donates proceeds from the centers to community groups that assist the needy, according to the company. Partners include German Kitchen Center and MyPlanet Construction system, an energy-efficient home building system.

Each MPLC partner within the MPLC Chicago site will operate their own space, similar to that of a permanent trade show booth, with MPLC staff available for customer service, the company said.

“MPLC showrooms are fulfilling various needs currently lacking in the home renovation market for both customers and suppliers,” said Metzler. “Most importantly, however, this is an opportunity to also improve our communities.

“As the for-profit arm of MyPlanet, we can help rebuild communities affected by the recent pandemic, as well as communities that have seen a decline in residents due to lack of employment opportunities,” Metzler added, noting that the company will soon be announcing several locations in midsized cities, as well.

“I hope that this venture will serve as a blueprint for other companies to pitch in and help revitalize our cities,” Metzler said. “We’re only as strong as our communities are.”

 

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Angela Poirrier

Myrtle Ryan


Angela Poirrier, CAPS, isn’t just a designer. According to her peers, Poirrier – owner and designer, Acadian House Design + Renovation, in Baton Rouge, LA – is a leader in an industry that is constantly evolving. She loves learning as well as passing along her expertise to others. From attending KBIS to more local NKBA and HBA meetings, she uses her insights to drive the industry forward. Among her initiatives are maintaining a regularly updated blog and hosting over 100 seminars to keep both peers and clients abreast of the latest trends and developments.

Within her own business, she has developed a system and process for every step along the project timeline. She then monitors and analyzes these processes to ensure they remain both effective and profitable for her team. Meanwhile, her marketing plan has allowed her to know the return on investment of every dollar spent and to forecast well into the future.

Although it may not come with a title, being recognized as a leader among her colleagues is among Poirrier’s proudest accomplishments. Through her own drive to learn and grow within the kitchen and bath industry, she has become a go-to for others seeking to understand everything from successful marketing and client relations to hiring employees and subcontractors.

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Showplace Cabinetry Completes $2.5M Expansion

Myrtle Ryan

HARRISBURG, SD — Showplace Cabinetry, the Harrisburg, SD-based cabinet supplier, has completed a 16,800-sq.-ft. project linking its two manufacturing plants, the company announced.

The $2.5-million expansion provides a central shipping point for Showplace’s framed cabinetry and frameless cabinet lines, as well as enhanced warehousing and transportation efficiencies companywide, company officials said, adding that the project effectively increased Showplace’s production capacity by 30%. The project also streamlines logistics and handling, increasing shipping capacity for the company and creating a more efficient order flow from production to transportation.

“Demand is up for all our cabinetry lines,” said Bill Allen, Showplace Cabinetry president and CEO. “That demand required us to find an innovative solution to improved logistics and enhanced ShowplaceEVO production. The new warehouse and shipping link solves both challenges.”

“This new expansion gives us the space we need to take our quality production and customer service to the next level,” Allen observed.

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