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Salone Showcases Design

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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Sales Gains Projected for Bathroom Organization Products

CLEVELAND, OH — The growing number of bathrooms in U.S. households will continue to bolster opportunities in the $276-million bathroom organization products market, according to a newly released report by the Freedonia Group.

The analysis by the Cleveland, OH-based market research firm forecasted that sales of bathroom organization products will grow 1.5% per year through 2025, to a total market size of $298 million. Market growth will be relatively slow “because bathrooms are already a well-established segment of the home organization market, and growth will be coming off of elevated sales in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic heightened consumers’ investment in their homes,” Freedonia said.

Nevertheless, the company said, the market for bathroom organization products will be sustained by macroeconomic factors such as new home construction, renovations and existing-home sales, “all of which can open up new sales opportunities for suppliers of bathroom organization products by increasing the number and/or quality of bathrooms.”

“New homes are increasingly built with more bathrooms than are common in existing homes, expanding the number of available bathrooms in which consumers can install organization products,” Freedonia said. “The number of bathrooms per home continues to tick up, and this growth will be boosted, at least in the short-term, by a rise in the number of households looking for single-family rather than multifamily living situations.”

Design trends favoring large tubs and showers will also encourage consumers to better organize their bathroom storage, the research firm added, pointing to growth for bins, baskets, and totes, as well as shelving, modular units, hanging storage, accessories and hardware.

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How can I make my kitchen more luxurious on a budget?

Are you tired of looking at your kitchen in dismay? Are you hoping to improve the face value of your space? Do you just want to step into your room and say, Wow!?” Well look no further, Kitchen Solvers is here to aid you on your journey of adding value to your home. Here are simple additions and changes which will make your kitchen more luxurious on a budget. 

A Strong Sink

Your kitchen sink is always in battle, fighting against the daily wear and tear. Since a kitchen sink is either running water, holding dirty dishes, or fighting off bacteria, it’s worth the money to invest in a high-quality appliance. And if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, we recommend you install a stainless-steel sink. This great investment can double as a centerpiece and can help aid in functionality. When contemplating gauge sizes, our homeowners have found the greatest satisfaction with our 16-gauge steel option. 

Change Out Your Hardware

Sometimes the simplest of changes is what makes all the difference. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add value to your home, changing out your hardware is for you. A new set of more up-to-date hardware gives your kitchen a quick and mindless facelift. Start by just removing one handle to make sure you are able to do an easy switch without any staining from the existing hardware. You’ll want to purchase hardware that is the same size to cover the same drillholes. 

Replace or Add a Backsplash

Never underestimate the power of adding or replacing your backsplash. Not only does a backsplash act as a protective surface, but it gives a kitchen depth and dimension. Although a backsplash functions as a seal that protects the wall beneath from bacteria, it simultaneously brings character to your home. With a variety of patterns and color schemes, you’ll never be at a loss for choices. 

Reface Your Cabinets

Cabinet refacing allows you to have the look you’ve always dreamed of without the additional expenses and time commitment of a full kitchen renovation. Refacing is a quick and painless way to give a fresh new look to your cabinetry without a complete cabinet remodel. Here at Kitchen Solvers cabinet refacing is one of our specialties. We simply replace all the existing doors and drawer fronts with a door style, wood species, and finish of your choosing. We then apply a matching refacing material to all exposed end panels and face frames of your existing cabinets. If you’re looking to upgrade the aesthetic in your kitchen look no further, the cabinet refacing process is as painless as a kitchen update can get. 

Kitchen Solvers 

Now that you know how to make your kitchen more luxurious on a budget, it’s time to find the experts to do it. That’s where Kitchen Solvers can help. Contact us today to learn more! Regardless of what you’re project entails, Kitchen Solvers will take the time to show and educate you on all the appropriate options for your project to help you get the best value, style, and function that suits you.  

And be sure to check out our helpful blogs, Complimentary Color Schemes to Last You a Lifetime and How Much is a Kitchen Remodel Going to Cost Me in 2021-2022.

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Corsi Group Changes Ownership

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Corsi Group announces the transfer of company ownership from Pat Corsi, who founded the company in 1973, to Mark Earl. Corsi will serve as an advisor to The Corsi Group during the transition. The transfer was effective on August 31.

Pat Corsi, founder of The Corsi Group stated, “It has been my great pleasure and an honor to work with some of the finest employees, suppliers, reps, dealers and designers in the cabinet industry for the past 48 years. I know Mark will take the company to new heights, and I have every confidence that the management team will work well with his process-oriented approach.”

Earl, incoming CEO added, “I look forward to working with the Corsi management team, and helping grow this terrific group of premium brands. Pat has built a strong company, and I want to continue to build on his legacy.”

Earl is a strategic leader with deep experience in product development, strategic marketing, finance, sales and marketing, and operations, noted The Corsi Group. He has led companies from $20 million to $150 million in annual revenue. Most recently, he served as senior v.p., Americas for Nokian Tyres, a global tire manufacturer.

Terms of the sale will not be disclosed.

The Corsi Group has been building custom cabinetry for 48 years. The company’s two brands, Greenfield Cabinetry and Siteline Cabinetry, are distributed nationally to about 500 dealer/designers. All cabinets are built in the company’s two plants, located in Indianapolis, IN, and Elkins, WV.

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Complimentary Color Schemes to Last You a Lifetime

Color schemes have a tendency to come and go as popular trends begin to fade out of style. If you’re anything like me, when it comes to your kitchen, you’re looking for a color palette which will not only take your breath away but which will also last you a lifetime. The first thing someone sees when they enter your home is the colors which you’ve incorporated into the room. If you’re looking to remodel or redesign your kitchen, here are some complimentary color schemes which will ensure your kitchen is always up-to-date and stylish. 

Black and White 

A black and white color scheme is the ultimate classic look. This pairing has been around since the dawn of time and is still a beloved favorite amongst homeowners. Black and white stands strong on its own, but it also paves the way for some flexibility within your kitchen. This dynamic color scheme duo easily allows for statement pieces to be added or for a bright pop of color to be incorporated. 

Blues and Brown 

Another amazing choice for your kitchen color scheme is blues and browns. This versatile look can be used to create a natural aesthetic which loosely encompasses earth and sky. Oftentimes, homeowners like to use a toned-down, dusty blue in their kitchen. This exudes and enhances a soothing and relaxing feeling within the room. 

White on White 

Yes, you read that correctly. White on white is a color scheme if you can believe it or not. Introducing an all-white kitchen into your home, opens the door to endless possibilities. White on White gives a sense of openness and pristineness. It brightens up your kitchen while simultaneously working to enhance the natural light in your room. As well as providing a refreshing feeling in your home, white on white allows you to play around with all sorts or accents colors. If you’re in the mood for a kitchen switch-up, simple accent pieces provide an easy transition for change. 

Gray and White 

If you’re in a smaller kitchen and want to provide more depth in your room, a gray and white color scheme is the way to go. In comparison to the white on white color scheme mentioned above, adding gray into the mixture creates greater dimension in the room. It’s also less likely to fall victim to the daily wear and tear a kitchen encounters throughout the years. Gray plays well off of other materials such as stone countertops, concrete tiles, exposed wood, etc. 

Kitchen Solvers 

We want your kitchen to feel like home. Here at Kitchen Solvers, it’s our goal to ensure you have the Most Pleasant Remodeling Experience. From choosing your kitchen’s color palette to deciphering which countertop material is the perfect fit, we are here to answer all your question on this process. Feel free to call us today for your kitchen consultation or read some of our latest blog articles like Confused about Cabinetry? A guide to a Cabinet Reface or Replace! or Classic Kitchen Color Palettes. 

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Homeowners Seeking Functionality, Style

NEWPORT NEWS, VA — As the nation approaches the year-and-a-half mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, homeowners continue to reevaluate their living spaces, “with many looking for ways to put the ‘home’ back in a more functional house.”

That’s the key conclusion of a major new consumer survey conducted by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery in an effort to better understand how the global public-health crisis impacted trends in home renovation and updates. The survey, fielded this spring on behalf of Ferguson by G&S Business Communications, involved some 1,100 U.S. adults aged 18+, according to the Newport News, VA-based distributor of plumbing, lighting and related products.

The Ferguson survey, whose results were released in July, found that 64% of Americans made an update of some kind to their home, or to a room in their home, during the pandemic. The most popular reasons for the update included being tired of the home’s current style (34%) and needing to make changes for better functionality (32%), Ferguson reported.

The kitchen (47%) and the bathroom (44%) were the top choices when it comes to specific areas of the home people would want to redesign or upgrade based on spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. A growing number of Americans say they would want to redesign or upgrade their outdoor space (30% in 2021 compared to 23% in 2020), Ferguson reported.

Interestingly, the room people spent the most amount of time in last year compared to previous years was the living room (50%), with 33% of Americans working from home in their living rooms during the pandemic. A third (33%) spent more time in their bedrooms and nearly a third (32%) spent more time in the kitchen. Younger generations were more likely than older generations to say they spent more time in the bedroom and bathroom, but just as likely to say they spend more time in the living room.

“There are likely a number of reasons why the living room grew in importance over the past year, since it was used as a gathering place during quarantine, for home schooling and other activities,” Ferguson reported. “We may also see this trend, in part, because people who work from home often set up their workstation in their living rooms.”

Just over a third of respondents (34%) said they started working from home during the pandemic, Ferguson said. Within this group, a third said they have been working in the living room and a third have been working from an existing office, the company added.

Among other survey findings:

  • Among those who started working from home during the pandemic, 62% made changes to their lighting in their home office space. Americans prioritized functionality over aesthetics when changing lighting in these spaces. Twenty-eight percent changed their lighting to see their work/computer better, and 22% changed their lighting to look better on video.
  • Americans also spruced up their office space in general during the pandemic, creating a more multifunctional space. Eleven percent put a coffee maker in their office and 10% installed a refrigerator to hold coffee creamer, water and other beverages for easy access.
  • Nearly half of Americans say they would buy smart home products to make their lives easier (49%), while others say they would buy them to save time (32%) or to improve the energy efficiency of their home (31%).
  • As an example of the desire for convenience and hygiene, 41% of surveyed Americans say they would like touchless faucets in their home. Almost a third (32%) would like a refrigerator that notifies them when the door has been left open. And although bidets haven’t traditionally been standard in America, 17% of Americans say they would like a bidet in their bathroom and 26% would like a bidet seat. A quarter (25%) said they want a smart toilet. Younger generations, not surprisingly, are likely to want these products and features (see graph above). ▪

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Obstacles Linger, Even in Face of Uptick

Supply side challenges continue to hamstring both new housing and the residential-construction trade, even as both market sectors continue to exhibit significant 2021 gains. Among the key statistics and forecasts released in recent weeks by government agencies, research firms and industry-related trade associations were the following:

HOUSING STARTS & NEW-HOME SALES

Despite recent gains in housing production, concerns linger over weakening permit numbers, a slowdown in new-home sales and rising materials costs, the National Association of Home Builders said. Overall housing starts were pegged at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.64 million units, according to the latest available figures, as strong demand helped offset supply-side challenges. Builders continue to contend with rising home prices and materials delays, as well as with shortages of buildable lots, a dearth of skilled labor and a challenging regulatory climate, said Robert Dietz, NAHB chief economist. “The weakening of single-family and multifamily permits is due to higher material costs, which have pushed new home prices higher since the end of last year,” Dietz said. “This is a troubling sign for future housing production (and) a challenge for a housing market that needs additional inventory.”

RESIDENTIAL REMODELING

Residential construction professionals experienced their busiest quarter since at least 2015 in the first three months of 2021, with confidence among remodeling construction and design firms running high, according to Houzz Inc. The online platform for home remodeling and design reported positive results for its “Q3 2021 Houzz Renovation Barometer,” a quarterly gauge of residential renovation market expectations, project backlogs and recent activity among businesses in the construction, architectural and design services sectors. However, the heightened activity is not without challenges, according to Houzz, which reported that supply chain delays, extreme weather patterns, rising product and material costs and labor shortages “continue to create major headwinds for the industry.” In a related development, annual gains in homeowner improvement and maintenance spending are poised to accelerate in the second half of 2021 and remain elevated through mid-year 2022, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), released in by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The LIRA projects that annual growth in home renovation and repair expenditures will reach 8.6% by the second quarter of 2022, with annual expenditures expected to exceed $380 billion.

EXISTING-HOME SALES

Existing-home sales, despite several months of declines, were up 22.9% from a year ago, and available supply has improved in recent months due to gains in housing starts and existing homeowners listing their homes, the National Association of Realtors reported. “Home sales continue to run at a pace above the rate seen before the pandemic,” said Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the Washington, DC-based NARI, which pegged the latest seasonally adjusted annual rate for resales at 5.86 million units. Total inventory was down 18.8% from a year ago, while unsold inventory is down year to date, from 3.9-month supply in 2020 to a 2.6-month supply at the same time this year, the NAR added.

APPLIANCE SHIPMENTS

Reflecting gains in new construction and residential remodeling, domestic shipments of major home appliances continued their rebound from the impact of COVID-19 in the first half of 2021, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers reported. According to the Washington, DC-based AHAM, an April-to-June spike of 23.7% over the same quarter a year ago was largely responsible for an overall year-to-date gain of 26.6% in major appliance shipments compared to the same six-month period in 2019. First-half gains were posted in all key product categories, including food preservation (+31.6%), home laundry (+27.7%), cooking (+24.1%) and kitchen cleanup (+17.4%), AHAM noted.

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Different Approach Delivers Local Vibes

San Francisco, CA — When you hear that your clients recently moved from Japan after having lived in Tokyo for two decades, it might seem logical to incorporate Asian influences into the renovation of their home to make them feel comfortable. However, Jeni Gamble knew they wanted a different approach.

“There would be no bamboo, no shoji,” says the founder/creative director and LEED AP/NCDIQ at gamble + design in San Francisco, CA, who worked in collaboration with Arrow Builders to remodel this home in the Presidio Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. “That would have felt too contrived. Instead, they were interested in learning more about their new city and creating a home that reflected that area. They also wanted to keep the renovation within the community, so they were also very interested in meeting and working with local artisans who could show them something new.”

Subtle, carefully crafted details

With a sophisticated design eye, Gamble’s clients wanted to transform the previously gaudy and heavily ornamented home into one that showcased a pared-down elegance and serenity imbued with subtle, carefully crafted details and custom pieces from California artisans.

“The home previously had a ton of layered ornamentation,” says the designer. “That may be okay for an old historic home. But for my clients’ home, with its more modern architecture, it just didn’t make sense. So, we stripped away the applied finishes and brought the home back to its original architecture.”

As such, gone was the hodgepodge of random, highly patterned tiles that made up the kitchen’s backsplash. Gone, too, was the painted blue floor – which was stripped and returned to its natural walnut state – as well as the overabundance of matching blue elements that overtook the room.

Jeni Gamble included materials and finishes that provide texture and depth, such as the Jura limestone countertops and custom white oak cabinetry that reinforce the feeling of nature. To highlight local artisans, she accented the cabinetry with custom knobs and pulls crafted by Marin County’s Alice Tacheny.

In their place, Gamble brought in materials and finishes that provide texture and depth, such as the Jura limestone countertops that reinforce the feeling of nature, along with the custom white oak cabinetry from local cabinet maker Bachmann Woodworking.

“We love working with white oak,” says Gamble. “It’s a staple for us because of its density. We also love it because it has a very fine grain pattern, which offers warmth when allowed to show through the stain. Often, we play with stain, but for this kitchen, rather than allowing the wood to take on a yellow cast, we purposefully lightened it to control the color palette. We also carried the oak throughout the rest of the home, using it for the dining room table as well as the staircase.”

The designer accented the lightened cabinetry with end panels and frames for the tall cabinetry, painted with Farrow & Ball’s deeply hued Hague Blue paint.

“Blue was everywhere in the previous kitchen,” she says. “Our clients do like blue; they just didn’t want so much of it, so we toned it down. The blue color also serves as a ‘bookend’ for the cabinetry. I often like to bookend, or sandwich, elements to give them a beginning and an end. Sometimes I use different materials or finishes. In this case,
I used the blue paint.”

Gamble also used the dark shade to draw attention to the custom niche she created within the refrigerator/pantry wall.

“We like to incorporate niches into our designs that can be used as coffee or tea stations,” says the designer. “They have become a signature feature for us. Carving out a space that can be used specifically for this purpose helps keep the counter clear so it doesn’t get cluttered. Often, people’s favorite part of the day is their coffee, so we like to celebrate it!”

To fulfill the desire to highlight local artisans, Gamble accented the cabinetry with custom knobs and pulls, crafted by Marin County’s Alice Tacheny. The blackened metal is on-trend with current kitchen design and matches the MGS Black Steel faucet and trio of peninsula pendants from Michael Anastassiades’ Brass Architectural Collection.

Outdoor Sanctuary

While the living room offers views of Presidio and the Golden Gate Bridge, the kitchen grants glimpses to the homeowners’ outdoor living space. Patio doors provide physical entry to the barbecue/seating area, while their transparent glass offers visual access to a large painted mural of a mountain range. Boasting calming shades of grays and whites, the mural also serves as artwork for the kitchen and gives the homeowners some privacy from their neighbors.

“Having a kitchen adjacent to an outdoor space is always coveted,” indicates Gamble. “For these clients, their outdoor courtyard is sheltered for barbecuing and is quickly accessible from the kitchen prep area.” ▪

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Cabinets Plus Changes Name, Expands Franchise Effort

AUSTIN, TX — Cabinets Plus USA, the kitchen-related franchising operation headquartered in Austin, TX, has changed its corporate name to Cabinet Q as part of a nationwide expansion effort.

The expansion initiative, which launched last month, will enable the newly named Cabinet IQ to rolling out its franchise program, replicating its business model nationwide, the company said.

“The Cabinets Plus USA brand has been a robust and fast-growing fixture in the Austin, TX area (and) has become well known for its step-by-step system to provide quality, service and design in kitchen and bath remodeling,” said company owner Michael Hartel. “Strong demand for services has spurred our growth, and this name change better reflects our position as the most innovative cabinet and kitchen remodeling company, and now franchise opportunity.”

The rebranding does not affect any existing orders or projects, the company said, adding that corporate ownership, billing address, shipping addresses and invoicing information remain the same.

 

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Trendy Kitchen Designs – Make Your Kitchen Stand Out

Kitchen DesignsThere are many reasons why people look for new kitchen designs. Most often, it’s to fit in with the latest trends and lifestyles. Florida Kitchen Designs today are more modern, innovative, and dynamic than ever before. You can change some things around and make the most of your space by changing your cabinets and flooring. With a bit of creativity and ingenuity, you can have the kitchen of your dreams.

One of the most popular trends is customized kitchen designs. Kitchen remodeling has become very popular these days because it allows homeowners to make their kitchens unique. If you own a home today, you probably have at least one other family member who has also purchased a custom kitchen unit or design. Customized units allow homeowners to choose the colors and finishes for the appliances and cabinets based on their personality and taste. Another benefit is that you can custom-order everything from the handles on the stove to the knobs on cabinets. You’ll be able to choose the color of the appliances and even where they should go.

Kitchen layouts have also changed. More homeowners these days are choosing a farmhouse-style kitchen layout where there is an extra space between the dining area and the living area. The idea behind this idea is to allow more people to dine comfortably together without having to leave the living area. This can add a unique charm to your home and allow your family to get away from it all together.

Another trend in modern kitchen designs these days is the incorporation of unconventional materials like stone, stainless steel and glass. Glass is used extensively in these contemporary designs because it gives the room a bold, modern look. Many homeowners are opting for benchtops that are made from natural materials like slate, granite or soapstone. Natural materials such as granite, soapstone and slate require little maintenance and are generally stain-resistant.

Another trend in modern kitchen designs is the use of appliances that don’t necessarily fit into standard cabinet designs. One of these is the kitchen island cart. These carts are placed on top of the stove and offer you several functions. They can include small refrigerators, a microwave and even an ice cream maker. Because these appliances are tucked away out of sight, they tend to blend into the background and aren’t seen. Many homeowners find them extremely convenient and have opted to use a combination of these with their other layouts.

As discussed earlier, one of the trends in contemporary kitchen designs is a move away from conventional cabinetry and towards unconventional ones. For example, you may make from these links: wooden cabinets, vessel sinks, concrete countertops and stainless steel appliances. All of these have been featured in recent cookbooks and magazines. While they may sound strange and unusual, many homeowners are finding them to be perfect for their kitchens. If you’re tired of the way your kitchen looks today, then these may be the solutions you need.

Finally, another trend in kitchens today is that of going dark. Not only are homeowners looking to upgrade their current kitchen designs, but they are also looking for ways to make their kitchens more efficient. Dark cabinets can be a great way to accomplish both of these tasks. Instead, of dull looking traditional cabinets, for instance, you could go with stainless steel sinks and appliances.

On the one-wall cabinet front, you can include a design featuring one-wall drawers. These are ideal for storing items such as food. You could also make use of under cabinet space to store extra appliances or other items that are not used regularly. As you can see, the possibilities when it comes to creating unique and original kitchen layouts are almost endless.