Elegant Essentials
Beautiful finishes, exquisite detailing and exceptional functionality are all integral to the design of luxury products. The high standards for these products are not only constantly met but exceeded by the companies that produce them.
Choosing the best products introduced into the luxury market is no easy task, but the Decorative Plumbing & Hardware Association assigned a team of industry experts to do just that for its 2021 Product of the Year Awards. The program recognizes uniqueness, design, functionality, innovation and technological superiority and taps the winners in a range of categories. This year’s independent panel of judges included: Mary Jo Peterson, principal, Mary Jo Peterson Design in Brookfield, CT; Eliot Sefrin, founding director and publisher emeritus of Kitchen & Bath Design News; Alissa Ponchione, executive editor at Hospitality Design magazine; Molly Switzer, creator, Molly N. Switzer Designs in Portland, OR, and Alena Capra, owner, Alena Capra Designs in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Award winners were presented in seven separate categories: Plumbing Fixture, Water Delivery, Furniture, Accessory, Door Hardware, Cabinet Hardware and Technology. The Products of the Year were announced at DPHA’s annual conference and product showcase held this past fall. 
Water Delivery
Winner
Brizo: Frank Lloyd Wright Single-Function Raincan Showerhead
Drawing on the famed architect’s philosophy of organic architecture, Brizo’s Frank Lloyd Wright Single-Function Raincan Showerhead features the distinctive rush of the Canopy Spray, which activates a built-in LED light powered by a hydroge- nator for a dramatic effect. The Spray releases thousands of fine droplets, creating a down- pour that leaves a light tingling sensation. The showerhead can also be surface mounted to the ceiling or pendant mounted on a shower arm. A number of metal finish options highlight the natural beauty of the available wood.
Honorable Mention
California Faucet: Corsano Culinary with Squeeze Handle
Designed to give cooking enthusiasts a professional look, the Corsano Culinary Faucet with Squeeze Handle includes an easy-to-squeeze lever that activates a powerful spray. Available from California Faucets, the kitchen faucet is offered in 25-plus artisan finishes, plus the ability to finish the coiled spring to match the rest of the faucet. The uniquely engineered insulated sprayhead ensures that it’s never too hot to the touch, even with scalding water. Easy-to-clean spray jets withstand mineral build-up, notes the firm.
Accessory
Winner
Sterlingham: Marble Heated Towel Rail
The Sterlingham Co.’s Marble Heated Towel Rail pairs marble with the brand’s signature brassware in a rail designed to gently warm towels. Part of the Cascades Collection, the single rails – which measure nearly 24″ long – may be hung alone or stacked and arranged in nearly any formation. The marble accents are patterned and versatile, and available in five distinctive marbles: Nero Marquina, Bardiglio Nuvolato, Bianco Carrara Venatino, Calacatta Gold Calo-Bett and Giallo Sienna, along with 16 metal finishes.
Honorable Mention
Infinity Drain: Next Day Custom Linear Program
Infinity Drain’s Next Day Custom program eliminates costly and lengthy installation delays by offering custom-sized drains for the shower within a day. Next Day Custom Linear Drains are available in lengths up to 72″ and are offered in two finishes, three grate styles and for all installation waterproofing methods. Custom orders received by 10 a.m. ET ship the following day.
Plumbing Fixture
Winner
MTI Bath: Bowie Freestanding Tub
Featuring pleated exterior detailing, MTI Bath’s Bowie Freestanding Tub adds unexpected texture to the bath. Developed in collaboration with the design firm Source, Bowie is handcrafted from MTI’s SculptureStone material, which is primarily an organic mixture of ground natural minerals and resins that presents the look and feel of molded stone. Bowie provides space for two bathers, is offered as a soaker or air bath and is available in white or biscuit with eight different exterior colors in matte or highly polished gloss finishes.
Honorable Mention
Native Trails: Amara Fireclay Sinks
Handcrafted by Italian artisans, Amara fireclay sinks from Native Trails feature a rectangular profile glazed in 24k gold, platinum and silver in honor of the company’s silver anniversary. The sink is created from rich clay soils sourced from the Umbrian region of central Italy that are molded using ancient ceramic techniques dating back to the Bronze age. The sinks can be installed as drop-in or undermount, and deliver a stain-resistant, non-toxic coating that resists tarnishing and fingerprints.
Furniture
Winner
Stone Forest: Elemental Crossbar
Designed for the bath, Stone Forest’s Elemental Crossbar uses a locking collar system that affords the flexibility to customize each setup to suit individual needs and preferences. The knurled locking collar supports modular components at desired heights on the brass pipe legs for seemingly endless options. Elemental Crossbar allows users to combine integral stone sinks, wood drawers and steel, wood or stone shelving in various combinations. It is available in all finishes, including a new walnut finish option for drawers and shelves.
Honorable Mention
AD Waters/Simas: Agile Vanity
Handcrafted in Italy, the Agile wall-hung console vanity from Simas exhibits clean lines and squared-off edges that evoke both simplicity and purity. Available in the U.S. from AD Waters, the piece includes a washbasin fashioned from Italian porcelain, showcasing craftsmanship and cultural authenticity. Agile is available in eight colors.
Door Hardware
Winner
Accurate Lock & Hardware: SmartEntry, Self-Latching Mortise Lock
The SL-SM9159E brings the convenience of smartphone locking control to space-saving sliding and pocket doors. The lock, from Accurate Lock & Hardware, combines mechanical expertise with cutting-edge technology. Paired with the SL9100 Self-Latching Mortise Lock, it is available with a variety of trim options including Sectional Trim (lever and rose), ADA Trim (lever and escutcheon) or Flush Pull Trim for Pocket Doors.
Honorable Mention
OMNIA Industries: L.D12943 Smart Lock
OMNIA Industries has partnered with Level to deliver smart deadbolt locksets, including the L.D12943 Smart Lock. The hardware designs are crafted in the Italian tradition and powered by the Level Bolt invisible smart lock. Level Bolt is powered by one CR2 lithium battery and works with the Level app to provide safe and secure keyless entry. Users can automatically lock and unlock a door, see who’s come and gone, access from anywhere, use with other devices, control with voice, create home automations and more.
Technology
Winner
Airmada: Shower Drying System
The patented Airmada Shower Drying System prevents mold, mildew, slippery floors and after-shower humidity, reduces watermarks, and the need to use harsh cleaning chemicals, notes the company. With the push of a button, air flows into the space from Air-Jet nozzles installed into the walls and ceiling. Installed at rough in, nozzles are placed throughout the shower space, typically in the ceiling, on the wall above any benches and low on walls to dry across the floor. An array of finishes to match tile, and complement other features, is offered.
Honorable Mention
ThermaSol: HydroVive
ThermaSol’s HydroVive is designed to bring the multi-sensory powers of light, sound and water under the user’s control when paired with ThermaSol’s Smart Shower Valve and ThermaTouch interface. Key features include a ceiling-mounted light, sound and rainhead environment system in one module; a rainhead shower that delivers a gentle falling water sensation with 300 neoprene jets; sound settings that include volume, treble, mid-range and bass; stereo RCA input; 200 full-color spectrum luminous LED, and built-in Bluetooth.
Cabinet Hardware
Winner
Waterstone Faucets: Industrial Appliance Pulls
Inspired by the company’s Industrial Contemporary bath collection, the Industrial Appliance Pulls and cabinet hardware from Waterstone Faucets feature diamond knurling detailing. Fashioned from U.S. solid brass bar stock, the hardware features more of an oval shape for a comfortable feel in the hand. There is no knurling on the underside, which adds to the smooth aesthetic. Split finish designs are available.
Honorable Mention
Turnstyle Designs: Hickory
Inspired by North American hunting knives, the Hickory lever, pull handle and cabinet knob are hand-cast in Turnstyle Designs’ Amalfine material, which preserves the fine details of the timber and wood grain design. Available in 48 combinations of Amalfine and solid brass, the pieces are set on a solid brass plate or strip and have a circular button. The circular buttons are a take on a nail, creating a contrast between the smooth brass finish and the textured Amalfine surface.
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NKBA Names 2022 Board of Directors
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The National Kitchen & Bath Association has named its 2022 NKBA Board of Directors, the trade association announced.
The newly elected NKBA Board Chair is Basil E. Larkin, v.p./sales at Hestan Commercial Corp. Larkin succeeds Michael Mahan, senior v.p./Home and Distribution, North America, Schneider Electric.
Randy Warner, v.p./sales for Signature Kitchen Suite and LG Builder, has been elected Vice Chair. Returning board member, Kristen Elder, v.p. of Residential Builder & Showrooms, Ferguson Enterprises, will assume the position of NKBA Board Secretary/Treasurer.
Mahan and Allison Lowrie, chief marketing officer for Vacasa, and a former NKBA Board Chair, have completed their four-year terms and will depart the board at the close of 2021, the Hackettstown, NJ-based NKBA said.
New 2022 board members and filling the two vacancies left by Mahan and Lowrie, are Ken Roberts, president of Delta Faucet Company, and Ken Williams, president of Caesarstone North America. Both have been elected to serve four-year terms, the NKBA said.
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Construction Job Openings Surge to Record High
WASHINGTON, DC — The labor market continues to tighten for the housing industry, according to newly released government figures and analysis by the National Association of Home Builders.
The Washington, DC-based NAHB announced this week that the count of open construction jobs rose to 410,000 unfilled positions in October, the highest measure in the 20+-year history of date from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“The housing market remains underbuilt and requires additional labor, lots lumber and building materials to add inventory, the NAHB said.
Looking ahead, the construction job openings rate is likely to see “increased upward pressure as both the residential and nonresidential construction sectors trend higher, the trade association observed.
“Attracting skilled labor will remain a key objective for construction firms in the coming quarters and will become more challenging as the labor market strengthens and the unemployment rate declines,” the NAHB added.
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Planning Kitchen Remodels
A new backsplash is often a good place to start when planning Kitchen Remodels Omaha. Not only will the new color scheme make your food look better, but it will also give your room a fresh new look. A tile backsplash can also tie in the colors in your kitchen, and it will cost a few hundred dollars for the materials. This project can take three to four months to complete, depending on the contractor. You can also do the installation yourself if you want to cut costs.
Plumbing and wiring are trades that can take weeks to master, and a kitchen remodel requires a large number of new pipes and circuits. These are complicated tasks that most do-it-yourselfers would rather leave to a professional. Then, you’ll need to figure out your budget and whether you can afford to hire a professional to do it for you. If you do decide to do the job yourself, you can get the materials for a very reasonable price.
You should also determine how much money you want to spend on your kitchen remodel, and then decide how to fund it. If you can’t afford to hire a professional, you can always opt for a home equity loan, which generally comes with low interest rates and tax benefits. Regardless of your budget, be sure you have enough money to complete the project. If you’re not able to pay the entire amount upfront, you can do small projects to make the renovations more affordable.
A kitchen remodel can be done in stages, or you can spend a few days updating each component. You should also determine your budget and how you will fund the remodeling. You can take out a home equity loan to finance the kitchen, and you may qualify for lower interest rates if you have equity in your home. However, you should make sure you have enough funds before starting any major projects. You’ll need to keep in mind that you’ll need to replace some items, such as the faucet and cabinetry, so you’ll need to save up for those.
Before you start your kitchen remodel, you’ll need a plan. This plan will outline the areas you want to change and how much you’ll spend on each of them. Once you’ve made a plan, you can start planning. A solid kitchen plan will ensure that you stay on track and avoid surprises. It will also be easier to do the projects if you’ve mapped out a budget and have a clear idea of what you want.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, you need to have an idea of how much the project will cost. Create a budget and decide how to fund it. A home equity loan is a great option if you want to do a kitchen remodel on a budget. A home equity loan can provide you with the money you need, and it also has tax benefits. The more money you have to spend, the more kitchen remodeling will be possible.
While your kitchen remodel is important, you should also consider how future buyers will view it. Unlike other rooms in a house, a kitchen remodel rarely brings a 1:1 exchange of costs and values. A minor kitchen remodel with midrange finishes will only add around 75% of the original cost. On the other hand, a major kitchen remodel with upscale finishes will only add about 53.9% of the cost to the sale price. This is a good investment if you plan to sell your home in the future.
Whether you choose to renovate your entire kitchen or only some parts, you need a solid plan. This plan will detail the projects you want to do and the cost you’re willing to pay. It’s a good idea to create a budget for your kitchen remodel and then budget accordingly. Having a plan will help you stay on task and avoid unnecessary unforeseen expenses. Just make sure you have enough money to complete the job.
After you’ve created a budget, you’ll need to decide which of the two options is right for you. Changing your kitchen design and style can be costly. In addition, you need to know how much you can afford to spend for your new kitchen. A kitchen remodel should be based on your budget and your priorities. Choosing a design that will look good in the long run will save you money in the long run.