Continued Growth Forecast for U.S. Building Products

Myrtle Ryan

INDIANAPOLIS — The U.S. building products market will continue building on its “exponential growth” of the past two years, gaining an additional 2.9% from 2023 through 2025, with the professional sector increasing by 4.6%, according to a newly released forecast by the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI).

The Indianapolis-based HIRI predicted that the total U.S. building products market will increase by 13% in 2021 over the previous year, with the professional sector growing by 18.2%. The total building products market is forecast to grow an additional 2.3% in 2022, with the professional sector growing by 7.1%, HIRI added.

“The home improvement industry had explosive growth during the coronavirus pandemic, due primarily to DIY projects, but that may now be driven by pros,” said HIRI Research Director Matthew Craig, adding that growth in the DIY sector is expected to decline as an overall share of home improvement product sales in 2022, since “many homeowners completed planned projects throughout this year and the last.”

However, growth “will continue further in the professional products market as COVID-19 restrictions ease and projects put on hold resume, HIRI said.

“The strong home improvement outlook provided by pandemic behavior has been given new life by improved employment gains, increased access to vaccinations and additional stimulus measures,” said HIRI. “A continuing strong economy suggests that spending (in the professional sector) will improve, as households feel more comfortable with contractors in their home.”

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LX Hausys America Unveils New Brand Identities

Myrtle Ryan

CHICAGO – LX Hausys America Inc. unveiled new brand identities for its  HIMACS Solid Surface and Viatera Quartz Surface brands, and a new brand identity for its resilient floorcovering line of products, HFLOR, at NeoCon last week. The new brand identities reflect the company’s name change this summer from LG Hausys America to LX Hausys America.

The new name is a result of the company’s position within the recently established LX Holdings Corp. The holding company is a globally diversified organization recently spun off from LG Group, the South Korean multinational conglomerate best known for its advanced consumer electronics.

Concurrent with the name change, the company introduced a new logo. It pays homage to the company’s roots, looks to the future and embodies the organization’s management philosophy: “Link to a sustainable future.” Of significance, the “X” within the LX Hausys logo is intersected with an ascending diagonal line, which is a visual representation of the company accelerating into the future, notes the firm.

An ascending diagonal line is now found within each brand logo. This subtle design treatment creates a unified look between the company and its three brands, the company continues. It also ensures the company’s mission for creating a more sustainable future is consistently visually represented across its portfolio of brands.

 

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RSI Acquires Beck/Allen Cabinetry

Myrtle Ryan

ST. LOUIS, MO – RSI Kitchen & Bath President and CEO Megan Bittle has announced the expansion of the RSI portfolio of offerings with the acquisition of Beck/Allen Cabinetry in advance of company President Mike Beck’s planned retirement.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead Beck/Allen through times of tremendous growth, as well as challenging economic downturns that tested our team,” said Beck. “To have had a role in taking Beck/Allen from meager start-up to becoming the sought-after player in the cabinet space that it is has been both gratifying and humbling. A succession plan was extremely important as we looked to the future, and we’re confident that the company and our employees will be in trusted and forward-thinking hands with Megan at the helm.”

Founded in the year 2000 by Mike Beck and Lee Allen, Beck/Allen began as a wholesale cabinet company catering solely to home builders and remodelers in the St. Louis area. Over two decades, the company evolved in both product lines and capabilities, earning the respect and business of leading trade professionals including designers and architects.

“I believe that to exist in our industry 20 years from now, you must be thinking of strategic alliances, and Beck/Allen represents a complementary segment of the kitchen and bath industry in St. Louis,” says Bittle. “There is so much growth potential in the St. Louis market that acquiring a local business with strong ties to the community and not having to look outside of this market was incredibly intriguing. Our cultures and customer bases meld so well that I saw an opportunity to grow RSI over the next 10 years.”

Moving forward, Beck/Allen Cabinetry will be referred to as a “division of RSI Kitchen & Bath”.

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How In-Stock Cabinets Can Transform Your Home!

Myrtle Ryan

Over the years, the term in-stock cabinets has become a little synonymous with the kitchen. Having become a staple of the room over the last few decades, many homeowners simply believe them to be suitable for that one room.

However, that is not the case, and utilizing them in other rooms can help to you transform your home. As technology and materials advance, in-stock cabinets are able to offer you with some truly beautiful designs and styles that can help you to elevate any interior.

Still not sure? We thought we would take a closer look at how they can enhance some of the most popular rooms in your home…

In-stock Cabinets for Bathrooms

Your bathroom is one of the most-used rooms in the home, and storage is an incredibly important feature. Installing in-stock cabinets in your bathroom can provide you with a wide range of benefits, including:

Allowing you to enjoy a unique design that combines storage with countertop space. This will let you display things such as cosmetics or various décor options.In-stock cabinets for the bathroom can also help you to make better use of your existing space. If you find your bathroom has unused nooks, then adding a cabinet can help you to add the perfect finishing touch.Adding an in-stock cabinet can also help you get rid of the traditional pedestal sink storage, reducing the clutter in your bathroom.

In-stock Cabinets for Laundry Rooms

The laundry room is another very important space within the home. However, for many homeowners, this room remains a functional, if slightly uninspiring, area. In-stock cabinets can help you to transform your laundry room in multiple ways:

By providing greater storage and organisation for your essential supplies. They can also help to keep supplies out of sight from children or pets.They can also add additional countertop space to fold or iron your clothes.In-stock cabinets can also help to provide seating space for your family, which can be useful if you are putting on shoes or getting ready to head outside.

In-stock Cabinets for Wine and Coffee Bars

Looking to create a truly unique wine or coffee bar in your home? In-stock cabinets are a fantastic way to transform any space:

Help you to create a dedicated bar space to entertain friends and familyProvide you with additional storage and organisation to keep ice buckets, glasses, and anything else you need.Boost the visual appeal of any room by creating a tidy and stylish bar area that is both eye-catching and functional. They can also be tailored to meet any interior design, ensuring you have the perfect matching cabinets.

In-stock Cabinets for Home Offices

As more people work remotely, in-stock cabinets are quickly becoming a must-have accessory for any home office. These unique solutions can help you to:

Enjoy a clear workstation, allowing you to quickly create the perfect home office solution to store everything you need.They can also help you to improve your organization and reduce any clutter by giving you a secure place to store them.In-stock cabinets can also create a more inviting space to work from, making it more enjoyable to work from (while also looking far better on your next Zoom call!)

In-stock Cabinets for Dining Rooms

No matter whether you are eating with your family or entertaining friends, your dining room is often the heart of any home. Adding in-stock cabinets can help you to:

Enjoy an ample serving space, allowing you to serve guests directly at the table or creating a delicious buffet spread for those more relaxed occasions.Not only do they help you to bring more dishes through to the dining room, but in-stock cabinets can also free up space on the dining table, helping to make it feel less cluttered.In-stock cabinets can also help you to transform the aesthetics of your dining room, allowing you to create a modern and stylish interior that your guests will love.

In-stock Cabinets for Bedrooms

Whether you are looking to store accessories and cosmetics, or you just need more space in your bedroom, in-stock cabinets can help you to transform your bedroom in multiple ways, including:

Acting as a makeup station. The flat surface is the perfect spot to add a mirror and lighting, allowing you to stop trying to apply your makeup standing in front of the bathroom mirror.For students, an in-stock cabinet can also double as a fantastic desk for remote learning, allowing them to complete homework and lessons in a private space.In-stock cabinets for bedrooms can also help to reduce clutter by providing ample storage space for a huge array of items.

In-stock Cabinets for Playrooms

Children’s playrooms can often be a messy space, so adding an in-stock cabinet can transform your interior in multiple ways:

They are a great way to neatly store and organize all of your child’s favorite toys. Allowing you to keep them out of sight while remaining easily accessible.In-stock cabinets can also double up as a fantastic desk space that your child can use for their drawings and colorings in.They are also a very stylish solution that can help to either enhance the existing décor or add a splash of additional color and texture.

In-stock Cabinets for Entertainment Rooms

Do you regularly host fun nights for your friends and family? If so, in-stock cabinets for entertainment rooms can provide an array of benefits, including:

Increasing the amount of usable storage space. No matter whether it is storing your favorite DVDs or records or keeping some of your favorite drinks out of sight, this storage space can be invaluable.With all that storage space, you can remove the messy and unsightly clutter, helping to create a cleaner and less distracting room for your guests.In-stock cabinets for entertainment rooms are also a great way to transform the interior of any room, allowing you to create the perfect décor for your home.


     

Looking for in-stock cabinets?

If you are looking to transform your home with some beautiful and stylish in-stock cabinets, then Explore Kitchens is here to help you. We provide our customers with the very best cabinet solutions, operating across Northern Virginia.

So no matter which room you are looking to transform in your home, our experienced team is here to help you create the perfect interior. Want to find out more? Get in touch today!

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Wetstyle Opens New Showroom

Myrtle Ryan


Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Canada – WETSTYLE, a Canadian manufacturer of premium-quality bath fixtures and furnishings for the North American market, has opened its newly constructed showroom to architects, designers and the general public for the first time.

Beginning May 1, 2021, customers are welcome to view WETSTYLE’s product line at its new corporate showroom, with social distancing practices in place. The 11,600-sq.-ft. showroom, located in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, on Montreal’s South Shore, will be open by appointment only during showroom hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

“We are very proud to welcome customers to this facility, which was designed to showcase our values as a brand,” says Mark Wolinsky, president of WETSTYLE. “We look forward to showing local specifiers and customers what we do.”

The showroom exhibits 19 bathtub models, nine furniture collections and more than 30 sink models to choose from, many featuring WETSTYLE’s proprietary WETMAR BiO material, recognized by GOOD DESIGN for Green Innovation as the industry’s first recipe for soy and mineral stone used in the fabrication of composite bath fixtures. Among the WETSTYLE products on display are the Stelle Vanity collection, Mood bathtub and Feel shower bases, all recipients of GOOD DESIGN awards.

Designed by Atelier Moderno, and recipient of the Grands Prix du Design 2020 award, the showroom is filled with distinct and intimate spaces, each highlighting an individual product. The contemporary space features non-obtrusive walls that isolate each product zone in vignette-like fashion, invoking sentiments of environments reflective of the products in use. Atmospheric lighting sets the mood of each product zone via strips and spotlights, reflecting off of a porcelain floor with marble-esque qualities that embrace the sophistication of the company’s high-end, handcrafted, made-to-order products.

“The showroom is the face of our beautiful finished products, and we have succeeded in creating a space that captures the essence of that beauty,” adds Wolinsky. “It’s also a vehicle for exhibiting the tremendous level of detail, craftmanship and passion invested in the making of our award-winning products.”

Ensuring a safe environment

With the health and safety of its clients and employees as a top priority, the WETSTYLE showroom strictly adheres to all government guidelines in respect to COVID-19 protocols. As of May 1, the facility will welcome customers up to a maximum of five people per designated appointment time.

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Fantini Calls for Awards Entries

Myrtle Ryan

New York – The Fantini Design Awards, an annual competition presented by Fantini USA, has opened its competition with a call for entries through October 29, 2021. The competition, celebrating its fourth year, celebrates the best of North American design inspired by water. Fantini invites all architects, designers and developers to submit their eligible projects for consideration.

Seven projects will be selected as winners by a panel of judges, and one representative per winning project will receive a four-day, all-expenses paid trip this fall to Casa Fantini/Lake Time resort, designed by Piero Lissoni at Fantini’s headquarters in Pella, Italy.

Qualifying Projects should:

Be either a Completed or a Future project

Be completed after January 1, 2019 and no later than October 29, 2021Be located in the U.S. or CanadaBe documented with high-resolution, professional photography (Completed Projects) OR a sketch, rendering and/or floor plan (Future Projects)

Completed Project Requirements

Fit in one of the categories: Residential or CommercialIf Residential, the Project must have at least:

One master bathroom with five or more Fantini fixtures (including faucets), OR

two or more bathrooms with at least three Fantini fixtures (including one or more faucets) in eachIf Commercial, Fantini branded products must have been used in the Project.

Future Project Requirements

Project must be under construction, meaning that the construction works have begun on-site in the U.S. or Canada but are not yet completed.Must fall into one of the following two categories:

Residential, provided it will install Fantini fixtures in two or more bathrooms; OR Commercial, provided that Fantini branded products will be used in the Project.

Project entries will be judged by Kendra Jackson, deputy editor, AZURE magazine; Olivia Hosken, Style and Interiors writer for Town & Country, and Alessandro Munge, founder and design director for Studio Munge.

All submissions must be received by October 29th, 2021 at 11:59 pm EST.

For additional information, visit https://fantinidesignawards.squarespace.com/

 

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4 DIY Kitchen Storage Ideas

Myrtle Ryan

Have you been craving some change within your kitchen, but aren’t looking to drop hundreds to achieve your new look? Well, you’re in luck. Changing up the look and feel of your kitchen does not have to be pricey. There’s countless do it yourself home projects regardless of if you’re looking for a smaller or larger scale project. If you’re in the mood for some change, this article is for you. Here’s 4 DIY projects which will improve your kitchen storage space.

Include Hooks and Racks

Fully utilizing hooks and racks within your kitchen will maximize the vertical space within your home. It allows often-used kitchen utensils to be easily accessible, so you are not forced to store items where they are hard to reach or see. You can hang mugs, pots, pans, and other cooking utensils from hooks and store larger items on racks. Pro tip, before fully installing your hooks and racks make sure to check their weight capacity.

Corner Shelves

Shelves don’t have to take up a lot of room for them to be useful. Even a shelf with a shorter than average length can be used to your advantage. Corners are often neglected within one’s home. They’re normally thought of as places to squeeze in a microwave or another appliance, but you can utilize this space to install cut shelving for extra storage. This storage space can be used as either a practical or decorative space.

Introduce Shelf Inserts

Use shelf inserts to create extra levels for jars and other items with varying heights. A clip-on basket also maximizes pantry space, and you can place flatter foods like tortillas and pasta boxes underneath. Shelving inserts are a quick and easy way to double your storage space. They are also cost effective and take almost no time to install.

Turn Your Backsplash into Storage

Your backsplash can serve many purposes. It can provide beauty and character to your home while also providing functionality. Implement a rail or a floating shelf within your backsplash. However if you’re concerned about damaging your walls, adding a few command hook will not hurt your kitchen.

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. Connect with our team today to get started designing the kitchen of your dreams.

Make sure to check out some of our top trending articles: Small Remodeling Upgrades to Make a Big Splash in Your Kitchen and Confused about Cabinetry? A Guide to a Cabinet Reface or Replace!

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Professional Tile Cleaning Tips

Laurie Ragan

What makes tile cleaning so challenging? Dirt and contaminants accumulate over time, causing your tiles to look discolored and even darken in some cases. Over time, if you do not use regular commercial tile cleaning products as recommended, you will find it necessary to change your tile cleaning products as well as your tile grouting cleaning solutions. When you are looking for a solution to a stubborn stain or dirty spot, you may notice that some commercial tile cleaning products can leave streaks that are quite difficult to get out of the grout. This is especially true when you have a heavily stained tile.

The first step to preventing this problem is to ensure that you never allow soap scum to accumulate on your floors. You can prevent soap scum from building up by not using commercial tile cleaning solutions that are highly concentrated. These products can actually leave residue behind, which can make the stains more difficult to remove.

tile cleaning

Professional tile cleaning experts use hot water to loosen dirt and grime from tile and grouts. This hot water also helps to loosen any chemicals that may be in the cleaner. You should never clean tile with a harsh abrasive. Most professionals clean tile and grout with pH-balanced cleaners and mild dish soap.

Before scrubbing, thoroughly wash any area that you will be working on. For larger areas, use one cup of white vinegar and one gallon of warm water. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the area until the tile is thoroughly cleaned. Make sure you rinse all the soap away and then refill the tub with hot water. Never apply white vinegar directly to marble.

One of the biggest obstacles that homeowners face when they are mopping tile floors is getting the dirt out of the grout lines. You will have to work fast when mopping tile because if you leave the grout alone it will just build up and become a bigger mess. You can use a vacuum to get the dirt out of the grout lines, but you will need a power washer to get it completely out.

The grout lines are the unsightly places between the tile and the floor where the dirt builds. Use a mop to soak up the dirt as you go, but make sure the mop is only dipped halfway through the grout lines. Then, rinse the tile and grout with clear water so that you don’t trap the dirt back inside the tile.

Another great way to keep your floors looking clean is with baking soda. By mixing one cup of baking soda with two cups of water, you can create a paste that you can rub into the grout. The baking soda will absorb the excess dirt and then the scrubbing action will help pull out the stains from between the tiles. Before scrubbing, make sure you rinse the area with warm water to remove any soap residue.

Vacuum your tile floors often enough so that you don’t have to use abrasive cleaners on your tile surfaces. A good quality mop is all that you need to clean tile floors. For hard-to-reach areas that are particularly stubborn, you may want to use a steam cleaner. However, for general tile cleaning around the house or even in the garage, you can use your mop, wet paper towels and even vinegar to clean tile.

When it comes to grout, most professional tile cleaners use hot soapy water. If you want to go the environmentally friendly route, you can find plenty of organic products that you can use to make cleaning the grout easier. However, using chemicals to clean tile is not always a good idea. Some tile cleaners can actually cause damage to the grout, so it’s a good idea to test the product on an inconspicuous area first to see if you have a reaction. Some homeowners even opt for coal-tar or bleach-based solutions when dealing with stubborn grout.

Although there are plenty of ways to clean your tile floors, the trick is to start small and work your way up. You can save money by doing a homemade tile cleaner using ingredients that you likely already have. For example, you can make a simple scrubbing paste by combining lemon juice and club soda. Other ingredients that you can add to homemade tile cleaner solutions include borax and baking soda.

As you work on cleaning your tile, remember that you should alternate between wet and dry methods. This ensures that the grout cleaning products stay in contact with the tile and don’t lose their effectiveness. Some professionals suggest that you let the grout cleaner sit on the floor until it is fully dried before applying it with a mop or cloth. Before using the scrubbing pads, check the ingredients list on the grout cleaner to make sure it isn’t abrasive. You can also ask for assistance from a professional if you need extra advice about the best way to use the different grout cleaning products.

concrete

Concrete Services Creates the Perfect Outdoor Space

Cassie Coronado

concreteWorking with Concrete Companies in Tampa is a dynamic and ever-changing city. Permanent residents and visitors alike have adopted this city as an open concrete playground. Concrete is both functional and beautiful.

With concrete services, you can explore various styles, from precast columns to stamped concrete designs to molded concretes. There are also different concrete options for all kinds of budgets, sizes, and specifications. The selection process will give you numerous options for your next project that fits perfectly with your needs. Let concrete companies help you bring your concept to life.

Concrete is not just used for construction projects anymore. Residential and commercial structures are getting built with concrete to enhance the look and feel of the place. From walkways to retaining walls and pools, concrete companies have the expertise to make sure these structures are made with the highest quality workmanship and of the highest durability. Their expertise allows them to create structures that are durable and will last for decades.

Another popular application of concrete companies and contractors is in the realm of countertops. Countertops are no longer merely a functional part of kitchen counters. More people are finding concrete contractors to install countertops that are beautiful, functional, and even show well off the design or architectural theme of the house.

Perhaps one of the most common areas where concrete contractors install countertops is in the realm of bathroom countertops. Bathroom countertops are typically constructed by hand, but they can also be constructed by machines. As such, there are numerous types of countertops to choose from ranging from tile to granite. Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing home, you can find a concrete contractor who can construct a great piece of countertop.

From driveways to walkways, concrete contractors have the expertise to help you choose the perfect material for your project. In terms of driveways, you can find both traditional and modern driveways, and concrete walkways. Concrete walkways are ideal when you are trying to create the look of space by utilizing the small spaces that are often overlooked by home owners. This type of walkway is also ideal for increasing the usability of your property as well. If you have an upcoming special event, such as a festival, you can choose driveways that will not only enhance the occasion but also increase traffic flow into and out of the area.

Of course, in many cases, you may not have a need for concrete services. However, no matter what the situation, you can count on concrete companies to come to your aid. From leak repairs to pothole repairs, concrete contractors can take care of almost any concrete job that you may need. You can also depend on them to make sure that your exterior walls and chimney are in good shape. You can trust these professionals to help you create the backyard of your dreams, or give you a timeless beauty that will outlast your home’s lifetime.

Whether you are having a new home constructed or you are simply looking to update your outdoor space, concrete contractors can help you create the home of your dreams. Take some time to explore the variety of services that are offered by these contractors. Not only can you find residential project specifications, you can also get an overall estimate based upon your specifications. In addition, you can choose from different concrete services, including facade repairs, stamped concrete, poured concrete, exterior slab repairs, concrete paving and more. Take some time to explore the variety of services that are offered. No matter what type of residential project you are working on, you can count on concrete contractors to meet all of your concrete needs.

stucco

How Does Stucco Work?

James Thompson

stuccoBefore you start using stucco, make sure that there are no underground elements such as salt, sulfur, or carbon dioxide in your soil. If you add these elements, the stucco will not bond properly with your masonry or base material, and it may result in structural failure. When you buy new plaster for your project, ask to see a sample so you can determine if the Portland cement you are using is appropriate for your soil type.

After determining that you’re using the proper cement for your home project, you’ll want to mix your stucco batch with either medium or light pigments depending on the needs you have for the area being stucco’d. For areas such as brick, you can either go with a dark or a lighter shade. Darker shades of stucco allow the pattern to stand out better against the background of the building and light colors help to show up more of the original stucco once it has cured. Another option you have is to blend the colors together. This can make for a unique look, especially if you choose to use historic stucco to match the exterior of your home.

The final step is to mix the Portland cement with water to create the final mixture necessary to seal the surface and allow it to dry. If you have a smaller wall or room to fill, you can mix the stucco by hand but if you are working with a larger space, be sure to have a container to mix the Portland cement with water in. Mixing by hand leaves small air bubbles in the stucco, and these can cause the stucco to stiffen and dry out prematurely.

Once the stucco has completely dried, you can apply it to the areas you want to coat with stucco. If you have already applied the stucco before the ground is dry, you should mix the cement with water and apply it to the surface right before the ground is hardened. Then, you can pour the mixture into your moulds and begin shaping the stucco into the patterns you desire. You can also hand stamp decorative patterns on the stucco once it has cured to give it a rough texture.

There are many options available when it comes to using stucco. Some of the more common uses include repairing cracked and worn floor tiles, protecting masonry structures, coating exposed brick walls, protecting exterior walls from weather, and making repairs to the portico and facades. When stucco is used as a binder, it seals the edges of mortar joints while also increasing the structural integrity of the building. When stucco is applied to the interior of a structure, it forms a smooth surface that will not mar the look of the flooring, walls, or landscaping. It also provides a textured surface for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Stucco can be combined with other materials to create a variety of effects including: stamped patterns, decorative crown moldings, textured ceilings and walls, stamped concrete finishes, pre-painted hardware and paint, and more. When stucco is stained or painted, the finished look can change dramatically. For example, a light stucco finish coat can be combined with dark wood trim, while a dark stained stucco finish can be combined with a light cherry wood trim. Stucco finishes can even be applied to architectural pillars.

When stucco becomes wet, it begins to expand like elastic. Because of this, any space that is exposed to water must be thoroughly dry mopped dry before stucco may be applied. Mopping after exposure to moisture takes care of a lot of potential problems, including cracking and shrinking, flaking, mildew, corrosion, and other water problems. If you are looking for a way to improve the look of your home, stucco may be the right choice. However, if you have young children or pets, you may want to consider an alternative to stucco, such as fiber-cement siding.