Ever Wonder Where a Delta or Brizo Faucet Comes From?

Is this some cutting edge art installation?  Although it's beautiful, it's not!  What you see  is a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) chamber at the Delta Faucet Plant in Jackson, Tennessee.

Delta's trademark  BRILLIANCE  anti-tarnish finish is applied here, not only adding color but providing heavy duty abrasion resistance to their faucets.This was just one of the things I learned about on day two of the Brizo Blogger 19 Reunion.  (Click here to read about day one at St. Jude's) I always love to visit plants and factories because it gives me so much more information to help my clients make the right choices for there home.

American manufacturing is alive and well at Delta Faucet Company which also produces the luxury line of Brizo Faucets.  The plant, located in Jackson, Tennessee is about midway between Memphis and Nashville.  They employ around 900 workers operating in about 600,000 square feet.

What impressed me was the level of quality control I saw.  Everything was oriented towards helping employees to make the best products as safely and efficiently as possible.  There's a lot of creative machining and engineering going on but it's not all automated.  This factory is very people focussed.  Each faucet is actually hand made and 100% of product is tested before being sent out into the world.Delta and Brizo faucets are also known for their  trademarked DIAMOND SEAL technology.  This is the little mechanism inside that dictates water flow and temperature.  Yes, there are actually diamonds in there!  Diamonds lubricate moving parts without need for lubricants.  This eliminates even trace amounts of  lead.  What this means for the consumer is that a Delta or Brizo faucet is safe and durable lasting up to 5 million uses – up to 10 times longer than the industry standard!Last but not least we can't leave the factory without mentioning what I consider to be the Delta Brizo crowning glory, the trademarked Brizo SMARTTOUCH technology.  In Delta products it's called TOUCH20. All SmartTouch/Touch20 (touch on, touch off ) products undergo extensive testing.  Yes, every single one!  In addition my favorite, the Brizo Odin electronic lavatory faucet now sports SMARTTOUCH PLUS technology which means it can also be used totally hands free.Back at the hotel we were able to preview top secret products in development as well as the new line of Brizo freestanding tub fillers.  We also learned that all "touch technology" is not created equal and were able to experiment with a wide variety of products, many of which use the infrared method that we frequently see in public bathrooms.  In my opinion there was a big difference between how these products function compared to the Delta products which function using the static electricity we carry in our bodies!  The human body conducts electricity.  The surface of the faucet conducts that energy activating a solenoid (on/off switch) under the sink. The result seems to be much more dependable.  I tested Moen, Kholer and Hansgrohe, so basically all price points.  Though none were perfect, to me the most expensive Hansgrohe was the worst!We ended the day with a demonstration of the newest showering phenomenon, H20KINETICS.  Wow!  It's a very wet, very satisfying shower with LESS water.  Check it out.  The H20KINETICS shower on the left as seen with an infrared light vs. a typical sprinkling showerhead.  You can see the strands of water seem turbo charged!I want to thank Brizo for a most amazing experience.  It's always great to connect with people I am proud to call my peers and to learn a great deal in the process. 

Bloggers Do Memphis! First Stop, St. Jude's

Great to be home and inundated with eager clients who just can't wait to get started!  First things first, however.  I must share my thoughts and experiences from the late great Blogger 19 Reunion which took place July 16-19 in Memphis. I can't believe I've already been back for over a week!   I came away from the event with two main impressions 1) In a world of doubt and cynicism a true and pure force for good is alive and well at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.  2) American manufacturing is not only alive and well but also innovative and cutting edge at the Delta Faucet Factory in Jackson, Tennessee.

 In case you're not aware of "the Blogger 19", Brizo Faucets has wined dined and educated approximately 19 bloggers in New York City  every fashion season since Feb 2010.  I was a part of the second group in September 2010.  Bloggers get to attend a show during fashion week as well as preview products in development for Brizo Faucets (shhhhh).  Fashion designer Jason Wu has a long standing relationship with Brizo. He informs their aesthetic with his own fashion philosophy and they offer him the opportunity to expand his design into the home.   Fashion is not the only cause near and dear to Brizo.  Three years ago they also  teamed up with St. Jude's, the second largest healthcare charity in the US.After settling in at the luxurious Peabody Hotel on Tuesday we were off to St. Jude's the next day.

St. Jude's was founded around over 50 years ago by the late comedian Danny Thomas.  The torch is carried today by his daughter, That Girl, Marlo Thomas.  He was of Lebanese descent, thus the Arabic design details of the Pavilion where we dined and witnessed the remarkable success story of a former patient.Over the last 50 years, thanks to the efforts of St. Jude, the average survival rate for children with leukemia has improved from 4% to 94%!  I was afraid this experience would be gut wrenching and while it was sobering to be sure it was tempered by  such a strong attitude of hope.In order to become a patient at St. Jude's, three criteria must be met.  Children beginning treatment must be no older than 18, they must be referred by a doctor and they must be suffering from a disease that is being studied at the hospital.  That's all.  Once accepted treatment is 100% free.   From there on every detail is addressed for not only the patient but for the families as well.  There is long term (3months to 3 years) housing on site as well as a short term facility.  Families are given food allowances as well. Brizo works with St. Jude's on the Dream Home Program in which designer homes are raffled to raise proceeds for the hospital.  Brizo is, in fact, the first national sponsor donating products to to raise funds.   To date, 246 million dollars has been generated by the Dream Home Program which began 21 years ago. St. Jude is the Catholic patron saint of lost causes but hope is not lost at St. Jude's.  That is a thought and comfort I take with me daily since this experience.   I'm so happy to know about it and share it with you.  I now have a new favorite cause.  They say "if you can't give green give red"!  Money is important but every bag of platelets donated saves the Hospital $700!Disclaimer:  I am not employed by Brizo and my editorial content is comprised entirely of my own opinions and experiences.  The trip however was fully paid for by Brizo Faucets.Next up:  Day 2 The Manufacturing Magic happening at Delta Faucet.           

Back on the Road with Brizo and St. Jude's

Only days away from my next adventure, a reunion for all the bloggers who have been a part of Brizo’s Blogger 19.In case you don’t know, this is a bi-annual jaunt to fashion week sponsored by Brizo Faucets who teams up with fashion designer Jason Wu.  I was a part of the second group to go back in September of 2010.  Seems like eons ago!  There have been many blogging trips since then but it will be great to reconnect with all the blogosphere peeps. The reunion will be held in Memphis and since this is the number one question I get, I’ll answer right off the bat, no I’m not going to Graceland!  Where we will be going is on a tour of the Brizo plant in Jackson, just outside of Memphis, where we will learn how their cutting edge products are produced.  I always love to get an inside peak at the how’s and whys.  It’s such a great tool to have for my clients. We will also be spending a day at the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital which should be amazing.  I recently learned that since 1962 treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to 80%!  Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.Wheels up on the 16^th.  Remember to follow me on FaceBook and Twitter.  Look for #blogger19reunion on Twitter.

Tip #4: Granite or Quartz?

 

The last few posts we have been exploring the big questions I get from clients who are in the market for a new kitchen.  Today we are up to #4, and it's a biggie.  What counter top should we get?  Counter tops are a main component of the kitchen.  They have to look right but more importantly they must stand up to daily use.  During the 50s, 60s and 70s , other than the odd wood or tile counter top, most of us had laminate counters.  Formica ruled the roost.  To be fair, laminates have come a long way and are quite popular in Europe.  They are not as indestructible as granite or quartz but the price is right.  Truth be told, back in the day, it was not unheard of to have a laminate top last 30 years or more!

Traditional Kitchen by Newton Kitchen and Bath Fixtures Kitchen Concepts, Inc. 

Remember those "Boomerang" Formica counter tops?  If not, then you might find one now in a Mid-Century Modern style kitchen of 2013.

Today my clients  know about granite but what's this quartz all about ?  Here's what I tell them: If you love the uniqueness and natural variations of granite then it's the top for you.  If you can't stand that and you prefer consistent color and/or pattern then quartz is for you.  Quartz is man-made and is about 93% quartz with the other 7% being the resins that hold it all together.  Performance wise you can't do better than quartz.  It is non-pourous, very hard, heat resistant and does not require maintenance.   When it comes to price, at least in Florida, the price is comparable to granite.  Both materials are generally available in 2cm or 3cm material.  2cm is about 3/4" thick.  You can use it like that if you like the thin look but typically it gets doubled up to give you your 1 1/2" standard counter top thickness.  If you're planning a matching backsplash this is a good option since it can be 3/4".  Yes, the counter edge will have a seam in the middle but if your fabricator is worth his salt, you shouldn't really notice it.  A 3cm thickness will give you 1 1/4" thick counter top with no seam but it makes for a very thick back splash which may not leave you enough room for your faucet.  My favorite brands for quartz are Cambria because of the color selection and because all the colors are the same price.  That makes it easy!  Cambria is also made in the USA.  I also love Silestone which can be a little more expensive but is cutting edge when it comes to new textures and technologies.  Silestone is made in Spain and features their trademark Microban which enhances the antibacterial nature of quartz even more.  Granite can come from South America, Mexico, Europe and even India.  If opting for granite you'll need to make a trip to the yard to select your slabs since they vary so much.  If you need help deciding you know where to find me!

Next up: Tip #5: Glass Doors, Solid Doors or Open Shelves?

Tip #3: Where can I save money and what items are worth the splurge?

Many of our clients begin kitchen remodeling projects in the summer.  Kids are out of school and our commitments tend to be less (for some of us) in the summer months.  Today's client query is one that I hear a lot.  Naturally we all want to get the most for our money in all our investments but where can you save money in a kitchen remodel and what items are worth the splurge?The answer to that is largely subjective as we all have differing needs and priorities.  That said, there are some principles that should never be compromised and those include efficient use of space, safety and the best quality you can afford.

Contemporary Kitchen with standard depth refrigerator.  Courtesy of Houzz.com

Eclectic Kitchen by Indianapolis General Contractors Wrightworks, LLC This counter depth

refrigerator is a much better fit.  Courtesy of  Houzz.com

 SplurgeI must confess, there are some standards in the kitchen industry that are just plain wrong.  One of them is the standard depth refrigerator.  A standard base cabinet depth is 24" (25" including doors).  A standard refrigerator is about 33" deep!  It might look perfect standing solo at the appliance store but it could look like a beast in your kitchen!  Yes, they stick out.  Depending on the layout of the kitchen we can sometimes work around the depth by surrounding the fridge with extra deep side panels and a cabinet above pulled forward.  But if you're tight on space it is worth investing in what's known as a counter, or cabinet depth refrigerator.  This means that the cabinet box will be flush with your counter top and your "stick out" will just be the thickness of the door.  It makes a big difference.  Here GE shows the difference between standard, or free-standing and counter depth.  A standard GE french door refrigerator would be about 26 cubic feet and retails at about $2,100 vs. a comparable counter depth model which is around 21 cubic feet and retails at $2,700.00. Yes, you will have less cubic footage with a counter depth fridge and I suggest keeping the old fridge in the garage if that's an option.  If the kitchen is large enough you can add a beverage cooler.  When water, soda, beer and wine are taken out of the main fridge you get all kinds of space. There is also a third category if you've got the big bucks and that is true built-in or integrated.  Those are even shallower but they are also more than a foot taller to compensate.  Whether you opt for Sub Zero or GE. a built-in refrigerator is pricey but the most visually seamless, particularly if you add matching cabinet panels. 

Contemporary Kitchen Cabinets by Other Metro Tile, Stone & Countertops Quality Stone Concepts

This kitchen was created using stock cabinet.  Courtesy of  Houzz.com

 SaveYou can save money on your cabinets if you can keep to standard, or stock, sizes.  Simpler cleaner lines with minimal molding can also save you enough money to splurge on that refrigerator!  There are just two things to keep in mind.  Make sure the quality of the cabinetry you buy is sound and backed by a warranty.SplurgeMany professional kitchen designers will be happy to consult with you on the layout and selections for your kitchen.  An hourly fee is well worth it to have your plan validated by a pro.  In many cases, if you purchase your cabinetry through your kitchen designer, design services are included. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Washington Architects & Designers Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc

Here they saved on cabinetry by selecting clean simple slab doors with no moldings and

they splurged on the counter depth refrigerator and focal point pantry door.

Splurge

You may have heard me say this before but I'll say it again.  Buy a good quality faucet.  Your faucet is arguably one of, if not the most, used items in your kitchen.  Splurge up front and you won't be sorry.  Buy a cheap faucet and within a couple years you will have drips and leaks.  By the time you pay the plumber and replace the faucet you haven't saved anything. If you buy a stainless steel sink make sure the gauge 18 or lower to avoid denting and horrible water spots.

Kitchen Faucets by Bonita Kitchen & Bath Designers Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS

You can get this Solna faucet by Brizo for under $400.

Save

If you've decided on granite counter tops, think about using 2cm material with no build up so that your total cabinet thickness is 3/4".  The minimal look works especially well with contemporary designs.  You'll get the functional advantages of a stone counter top without the extra labor to build up the edge to 1 1/2".  The look happens to be great, especially in dark counter tops.  If funds are tight you can also leave the back splash for last.  The area between your counter and upper cabinets can be tile or otherwise and it can always be finished at a later date.  However if you have enough material leftover from your tops maybe you'll want to use it for the backsplash. A word of caution: if you're using a slide in style range you'll want to make sure it's compatible with the finished height of your cabinets.

 SaveI love unique artsy cabinet handles as much as the next person but did you know that you can spend anywhere from $1.99 to upwards of $50 a piece for them?  Aim towards the $5-$10 for really good quality knobs or pull.  If you happen to fall in love with one of the $50 buggers maybe you can use just a couple for a special area. 

Asian Kitchen by San Francisco Architects & Designers John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA

Focal point hardware is on refrigerator (true built-in).  The rest are simpler designs

in the same finish.  It works!  Courtesy of Houzz.com

 Next up, Tip#4: Granite or Quartz?            

Tip 2: New Cabinets, All or Nothing?

Contemporary Dining Room by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs When mixing, a total contrast works best.

 Anyway where were we??  Ah yes, I was sharing with you five big questions I get from clients.  The first post in the series was about under cabinet lighting and here is number 2:2) Some of my cabinets are still really good, can I save money and just get more to match? While at first thought this may seem like a great way to save money, usually it's not.  Even if your cabinet doors are simple, chances are you've had them a long time so the color may have changed.  Also, each cabinet manufacturer makes their products slightly different so unless you can locate the original cabinet maker matching will be a challenge.  Styles also get discontinued.  If you're going to use a custom cabinet maker to replicate what you have you might as well just get new cabinets (unless he's a very very good friend).  If you work within standard sizing parameters you can get some very good quality cabinets in today's competitive market.  That said, there are some situations in which you can have the best of both worlds.  Two toned kitchens are very popular.  If you are replacing some cabinets, consider getting something totally different but complimentary to what you already have.  Every situation is unique and it's worth investing in a little consultation with a kitchen design professional to see what can work for your case. The design solution below works because the lighter maple of the upper cabinets is picked up in the flooring.  Usually I  prefer to see a darker finish on the bottom rather than on the top.  Darker colors are visually "weightier" so there is a "grounding" effect when you use them on the bottom. The operative word is "usually".  Never say never as shown in the photo above.  I love it. It works beautifully in this design. Lesson is don't be rigid.  Think outside the box, pardon the pun! 

Contemporary Kitchen by Chicago Interior Designer Claudia Martin, ASID

A word about refacing- Refacing your cabinets means you will be replacing your drawer fronts and doors.  The cabinet boxes themselves will remain including the drawer boxes.  The thing to consider is that most of the cost of a cabinet is in the doors and drawer fronts.  Along with that all exposed surfaces such as the ends and the frame around the front will have to be veneered or laminated to match the new doors.  Depending on your existing cabinets, this could be a very labor intensive process resulting in less savings than you would have thought.  One situation where I would recommend reface instead of replace is if you have already have great countertops which you now have a vested interest in saving. Then perhaps it would be worth it.  Also, bear in mind, a reface doesn't allow you to improve your layout or add drawers. Whether new cabinets or just new doors and drawer fronts, remember that a clean simple flat slab style door is always the easiest on the wallet.Next up:  #3: Where can I save money and what items are worth the splurge?