Blanco Makes a Splash!

For the last few years I have been honored to be a member of the Blanco Design Council.  This means I’m on the main line when it comes to inside information about their products. BLANCO, of course, is the German manufacturer of finely crafted sinks and faucets.  Their SILGRANIT II sinks are a particular favorite of mine and you should definitely know about them if you’re considering a kitchen remodel.  If you don’t know about SILGRANIT II, see my previous post here.   As a kick off to KBIS2013,  I got to see the newest BLANCO happenings  in New Orleans with a Cajun-styled experience called The Kitchen Unmasked.  This joint venture featuring Blanco, Poggenpohl and Silestone was held at the beautiful Nordic Kitchens showroom and was one of our stops on the Modenus Blog Tour.

The latest SILGRANIT II color, Cinder, is all the rage.  It’s a stormy striking combo of dark gray with some black and rich brown thrown into the mix.  I think it’s the perfect color to go with all the new luscious shades of gray we’re seeing.  It’s on trend yet neutral at the same time. The new SILGRANIT II series of sinks also includes HYGIENIC+PLUS^™ a patented formula that acts as a shield against dirt and bacteria. Independent laboratory tests confirm that the unique built-in hygiene protection reduces bacterial growth by an average of 98%.My favorite addition to the SILGRANIT II collection is the Modex sink (at top).  The next kitchen I design for myself (hoping) will have this sink.  I love it.  It adds a bit of architecture to the kitchen!  Modex features a unique 3” profile that sits on the counter and includes a large integrated cutting board.  It’s not just a sink, but a workstation.Speaking of work, did you know your faucet is the most abused item in your kitchen?  BLANCO's well known German engineering ensures that you have a product that will stand up to the test.  BLANCO also launched a new line of water saving faucets including Grace II, Alta, Highland and Napa. “Our latest collection of faucets offer livable style,” stated Tim Maicher, Director of Marketing for BLANCO. “When we say livable style, we are referencing style that leads trends while integrating into any kitchen design. At the same time, we are talking about the faucets’ functionality. We engineer BLANCO faucets to last, to use less water, to provide unmatched cleaning and to be as easy to use as they are to maintain.” I’ve had a blast telling you about all the products I learned about on the Modenus Blog Tour.  A big thank you to Veronika Miller and her team at Modenus as well as all the fabulous sponsors including Blanco, Poggenpohl, Cosentino, National Kitchen & Bath Association, Kitchen & Bath Industry Show 2013, Mr. Steam, TOTO and Du Verre Hardware.   It truly was a most memorable and enjoyable experience to see New Orleans in this way.  To me, the best part of all was the people, both meeting the sweet good- natured, perservering locals as well as enjoying the community of those who I’m honored to call my peers.  I hope you’ve enjoyed following along and have learned a thing or two in the process that will help you know what to look for when shopping for kitchen and bath products. Click here to see ALL my photos and commentary from Blog Tour NOLA!     

TOTO, Total Luxury with a Conscience

There's nothing more luxurious than a TOTO toilet.  There, I said it.  Even the "design civilians" know about the TOTO toilet with tush cleaning features but since learning about this amazing company, in depth, I have begun to notice that TOTO toilets are literally everywhere!  When you visit restaurants, airports, hotels and any number of commercial locations, check the toilet.  It's probably TOTO.  There's a good reason for that.  Their products start with really listening to people and discovering what they need.  They call it "People First Innovation".TOTO is the world’s largest plumbing products manufacturer offering a complete line of commercial and residential decorative plumbing fixtures including, not only toilets but showers, faucets, lavatories and more. They're at the top because they achieve a seamless integration of performance, conservation, technology and innovation.  No small order and they've been doing it for over 90 years.  TOTO was founded in Japan in 1917 and continues to be a global company with TOTO USA headquarters and state-of-art plant located in Morrow Georgia.We both know a TOTO product is an investment so let me tell you what you're paying for.  Countless layers and hours of research and development are spent which results in superb performance and products that are environmentally responsible.  Quality and worry-free fixtures  translate into money savings and, even better, peace of mind.  I'm not joking when I say research.  While on the Modenus Blog Tour, I spoke with Lenora Campos, TOTO PR guru, who explained that TOTO studies, in depth, every possible type of matter that is likely to end up in the bowl.  They are intrepid.   TOTO's Dual-Max® flushing system, found on several of their most popular High Efficiency Toilets, offers the option of a 1.6 gallon flush or 0.9 gallon flush based upon need.  I've heard consumers complain about the inefficiency of the one gallon flush.  My answer to that is that quality varies in all products.  The one gallon flush is not going away and I can tell you with TOTO it's a win-win concept.  Even the materials used help conserve your time and water.  SanaGloss® ceramic glaze - prevents debris, mold from sticking to ceramic surfaces, leading to fewer chemicals and less water in cleaning.In addition to the famous NEOREST toilet, TOTO also makes what they call a Washlet toilet seat which offers the  same personal cleaning system that uses warm, aerated water to clean (similar to a bidet) and can fit right onto your existing bowl.  All you need is an electrical outlet in the vicinity.  Still not sure?  You can actually try one out for yourself at a number of establishments.  Click here to see where they are.I was able to view many of the TOTO products at the recent Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) last month.  The product selection extends beyond their famous toilets.  I loved the Rain Showerheads.  Not only are they lovely to look at but somehow they are able to make less water feel like more! The Wyeth Collection  also embodies TOTO's People First Innovation philosophy.  A part of that is it's extreme "environmentally friendliness".  It consumes only 1.5 gallons of water per minute without sacrificing an ounce of performance.  The transitional design is also the product of consumer research.  This look will be at home in a variety of decors.   Wyeth tub and shower faucets are also available. Click here to visit TOTO's comprehensive website where you can see the many features and technologies they incorporate into their products.           

Du Verre, The Hardware Co., Sustainably Beautiful

As a designer I'm always on the look out for products that will make my kitchens one of a kind.  Sometimes the necessary functionality of cabinet boxes can be redundant.  As much as I tell clients "less is more", I can't fight the fact that most of us have lots of stuff and we need our storage, dammit!  One way to add a little artfulness is with cabinet hardware.  Du Verre The Hardware Co. is one of the companies I discovered on the Modenus Blog Tour New Orleans.  Then, you know how you learn about something and then all of a sudden it seems to pop up everywhere?  That's what happened to me and Du Verre.  Whilst writing about the NKBA design winning kitchen below I discovered that the hardware used was none other than the Forged 3 Collection by, you guessed it, Du Verre!

Traditional Kitchen by Manchester Kitchen And Bath New England Design Works

sports Forged 3 handles by Du Verre in satin nickel finish.  Photo by Evan White

Du Verre Hardware is a design leader for original, contemporary hardware.  Made from recycled aluminum, Du Verre is environmentally friendly.

Co-Founder, CEO and Creative Director Gina Lubin teams up with innovative designers such as Clodagh to create truly unique and artful collections that can be considered sculpture with a function. Clodagh, who worked on the Primitive, Stacked and Tribal collections, is known for intelligent use of materials and natural elements.  One hallmark of contemporary design is minimalism yet there has to be enough.  "Clutter can undermine serenity, but minimalism should not be self denying", says Clodagh.

 

Available die cast finishes include Satin Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze polished chrome and more.  Each collection varies. I love that these are all as pleasurable to look at as they are to touch.  If you'd like to experience Du Verre in person, click here to find a distributor in your area.

Your Chance to Make a Difference

http://vimeo.com/64400893Last month I told you about the continuing recovery efforts eight years after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.  This is what's transpired since my post.  Modenus, has launched a campaign to get the word out.  We'll be having a live Twitter chat tomorrow, Thursday, May 9 from 4-5pm EST.  Please join, get involved, donate and help these people out.    #blogtourNOLA will get you to the right place on Twitter.  Funds raised during the Twitter chat  will be dedicated exclusively to Joe and the St Paul’s Homecoming Center.  Below is an excerpt of the story. Above is a video taken on the day of our visit to the Gentilly neighborhood of Joe and Gloria Robert.  You can find more on the Modenus website here.Joe and Gloria Robert of New Orleans were newlyweds looking forward to a bright future together when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in August 2005.Residing in their new house for just one month before Katrina slammed the city, the couple lost everything when the levee behind their house was destroyed - one of 53 levees in the city breached by the storm surge – and canal water swallowed the home. The Roberts evacuated the city, staying with various friends and relatives. When the flood waters receded weeks later, Joe and Gloria moved into a pop-up camper in their driveway for a while, but they’ve also been staying with Joe’s daughter from a previous marriage.Nearly eight years later, Joe and Gloria’s house is still uninhabitable. While a new house has been framed out, the building lacks essentials including electrical, drywall, flooring and plumbing.  Because Joe is a contractor by trade, he has the skills to work on his house, but he has generously donated much of his free time to volunteering with St. Paul’s Homecoming Center helping to rebuild other people’s houses.Joe works on his home little by little, but is often derailed by setbacks such as having his house broken into and his tools stolen. Even though Joe was forced to save up until he could replenish his tool supply, he has not lost his faith in humanity.Fortunately, Joe and Gloria received some good news recently when Storehouse of World Vision selected the couple and their house for a rehab project. A few weeks ago Storehouse joined forces with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and St. Paul’s Homecoming Center to help rehab kitchens and baths in three houses as a lead-in to NKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) held April 19-21 in New Orleans.While Storehouse and NKBA partners have donated materials, appliances and labor for a new kitchen and bath in the Robert’s house, the rest of the unfinished home still needs lots of TLC.PLEASE GIVE NOWAbout Storehouse of World VisionWorld Vision’s Storehouse network is comprised of six warehouses across the U.S. that receive corporate donations of new, top-quality goods made available to local community partners for distribution. Goods that are distributed include building materials, school supplies, personal care items, and clothing to over 2.2 million people in low-income communities annually. About the National Kitchen & Bath AssociationNow celebrating its 50th Anniversary, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS®). With nearly 60,000 members, the NKBA has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry since the association’s founding in 1963. The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry worldwide. For more information, visit the NKBA Press Room orcall 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522). KBIS and NKBA are registered trademarks of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. 

Cosentino: Leading Innovator of Quartz Surfacing

 As a kitchen designer, quartz has been my long time favorite choice for kitchen counter tops.  The reasons include durability, ease of maintenance and all the available choices for color and visual texture.  Cosentino, maker of Silestone as well as other new counter top products, is the world’s largest manufacturer of natural quartz.  I love the fact that Silestone is nonporous- so it doesn’t require sealers.  It’s also incredibly hard and stronger than granite.  This makes it naturally scratch, stain and scorch resistant.  One thing that really sets Silestone apart from their competitors is their use of Microban.   Since 2005, Silestone® has incorporated Microban® antibacterial technology to give extra hygiene protection and they are the first quartz kitchen worktop in the world to use it.Silestone also boasts the largest color selection (70+) in natural quartz.  My term “visual texture” refers to the different looks you can get varying from large particles, reminiscent of granite, to totally solid blocks of color which are perfect for more contemporary applications.   Thickness varies from 1.2cm to 3cm with 15 edge detail choices.  "Suede"  is a new matte finish that is smooth to the touch, giving the surface a softer, velvety appearance with little reflection, like honed marble without the upkeep.Silestone comes with a 15 year transferable warranty so if you buy a house with Silestone tops already installed, you’re covered.  One interesting bit of trivia I learned is that Silestone is used in such places at The Tower of London and the Bellagio in Las Vegas!

Cosentino isn’t just about Silestone, they are also the makers of ECO. We spent a great day with the folks from Cosentino as a part of the Modenus Blog Tour.  We traveled to the, Katrina devastated,  Lower Ninth Ward and saw ECO, on site, as a part of the "Make It Right" project.   Cosentino has partnered with the "Make It Right" foundation which is dedicated to building 150 affordable green, storm resistant homes to enable families to return to the area.  Click here to read my post about the "Make It Right" project.ECO is a green counter top choice made of recycled and natural materials including glass, mirror, porcelain, industrial furnace residuals, quartz, stone scrap and corn oil- quite the recipe!  It has much the same properties as Silestone, as far as non-porousness and durability, and is available in 14 colors. (Photo at the top of this post is ECO in a color called Grey Moss)Cosentino also had a lot to offer at KBIS2013 where we were able to preview new colors, featuring the movement and graining of natural stone, coming out later this yearThey also presented the highly anticipated new ultra-compact surface Dekton for the first time in North America.  This is an entirely new product which can be used for interior as well as exterior applications.  It's UV resistant and will come in extra large and extra thin slabs.  Cosentino products are produced in Almeria, Spain and distributed globally.Next up:  We're heading back to the bath for a peek at what's new at Toto!

Feel Good with Mr. Steam

 

Comfortably seated, eyes closed, the music washes over you as you feel your every cell opening, releasing toxins and cleansing away all signs of stress and tension. The fragrant scent of lavender envelopes you and you are truly relaxed…Sound good?  This is what Mr. Steam is all about.  A little history...Steam bathing has been around for centuries, as far back as ancient Rome and Greece. The history of the Roman bath actually began during the height of the Roman Empire.  Ancient Roman baths served many community and social functions. Everyone used Roman public baths, regardless of status. Eventually the home spa system was introduced transforming the experience from one of community into an intimate restorative experience customized to your needs.And then came Arthur...Arthur Sussman  founded Automatic Steam Corporation in 1917.  In the early days, steam technology was used for ironing garments and even for creating steam boilers used in US Navy frigates. This company evolved into Mr. Steam, maker of the world's most luxurious steam showers and steam baths for the home and for the spa. The Mr. Steam experience encompasses the therapeutic benefits of Chromasteam (colored lights), Aromasteam (aroma therapy) and Audiosteam (music).  It’s all digitally controlled.  If you’re in the kitchen and just starting to think about having a steam you can make that thought a reality with the touch of a button on the iGenie remote control!The guiding principle in all things Mr. Steam is “Feel Good” and you have to love a company with a sense of humor to boot! Check out this brilliant commercial! Not only does it feel good but I was amazed to learn how much “steaming” can benefit your health!  We know that steam is great for muscles, sinuses, asthma and skin hydration but did you know that, on average you can burn up to 150 calories in a 15 minute session at 114 degrees Fahrenheit?We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Steam Vice President Martha Orellana on the Modenus Blog Tour  and I think you can say she is a testament to the benefits of steaming. She steams everyday and  just look at that complexion! Can you believe she’s 87? (just kidding, I don’t know how old she is but she looks great)I know you’re thinking, “how can I have this magic in my bathroom?”  You can integrate a steam generator in an existing shower stall.  Smaller units that fit inside your bathroom vanity are available.  You can pick and choose the sensory features you want as well as a wall mounted folding teak seat and a variety of towel warmers.  Mr. Steam's products are American made and they continue to operate from their original factory in Queens New York.  If you'd like to know more click here to find a distributor in your area.