DUBLIN — The global green building materials market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 12% over the next four years, due largely to “a growing awareness about environmental sustainability that’s driving demand,” a leading market research firm said last month.

According to Dublin, Ireland-based Research and Markets, the global green building materials market is expected to increase from $238.9 billion in 2021 to $383.9 billion in 2025. North America was the largest region in the green building materials market in 2021, the research firm said. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest region in the forecast period, researchers added.

“The introduction to environment-friendly products is gaining significant popularity in the green building materials market,” research officials said. “Major participants in the green building materials industry are concentrating on launching new product lines that minimize the global warming potential (GWP) without compromising product quality.”

The green building materials market consists of sales of eco-friendly, durable structural, exterior and interior products that use less water, are easier to maintain than traditional building materials, and improve the sustainability and efficiency of a building because of a lower carbon footprint. The products are used in framing, insulation, roofing, exterior siding and interior finishing for both residential and non-residential structures.

The post Sharp Growth Forecast for Green Building Materials appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.thekawaiikitchen.com/?p=595

Liebherr recently added three new members to its team.

Jessie Escobar was recently brought on as Liebherr’s regional sales manager, Western Territory. In his current role, he leads sales development from Alberta, Canada to Southern California and offers support to retailers and distributors, while working to increase brand awareness and Liebherr’s footprint in the North American market.

Christian Lopez has joined the Liebherr team as e-commerce specialist for Liebherr Appliances, North America. In his new role, Lopez will work to build strong relationships with consumer-facing dealers, creating an efficient path for dealers to purchase Liebherr accessories online.

Sarah Gambrell is Liebherr’s regional sales manager for Scientific Appliances. With over 18 years of experience in sales — specifically with medical devices, capital equipment and pharmaceuticals — she is tasked with growing the Scientific Appliances division for Liebherr and becoming the conduit for dealers and distributors. 

The post Liebherr Announces Appointments appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.thekawaiikitchen.com/?p=592

WASHINGTON, DC — The Federal Housing Finance Agency has announced an increase in conforming loan limits (CLLs) for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) in 2022.

In most of the U.S., the 2022 CLL for one-unit properties will be $647,200, an increase of $98,950 from $548,250 in 2021, according to the FHFA.

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 requires that the baseline CLL for the Enterprises be adjusted annually to reflect changes in the average U.S. home price. According to the latest FHFA House Price Index (HPI), house prices increased 18.05%, on average, between the third quarters of 2020 and 2021. Due to rising home values, the baseline CLL in 2022 in all but four U.S. counties or county equivalents will increase by the same percentage, the FHFA said.

“These increases are an important step to ensure that government-backed mortgages keep pace with the sharp rise in home prices over the past year,” said Robert Dietz, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders. “Supply-side challenges, including building material bottlenecks and lot and labor shortages, will continue to place upward pressure on construction costs and home prices in 2022.”

For additional information, visit https://www.fhfa.gov/CLLs.

The post Loan Limits Raised for Mortgages to be Acquired by the Enterprises appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

PALO ALTO, CA — U.S. homeowners are increasingly turning to their master bathroom as a safe and peaceful respite from a world that often seems chaotic and threatening, a major new survey has found.

According to the 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, whose results were released last month, two in five surveyed homeowners report using their renovated bathroom for rest and relaxation. The survey also found that cleanliness and a lack of clutter are keys to creating a “spa-like atmosphere” in the bath.

The annual online survey was fielded between June and July 2021 to nearly 3,000 U.S. Houzz users who are in the midst of, are planning, or recently completed a bathroom renovation, according to the Palo Alto, CA-based online platform for home renovation and design.

“In the midst of the chaos created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re seeing homeowners turn to their bathrooms for respite, creating calming sanctuaries with premium features, hygienic surfaces, and plants and other greenery,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz senior economist.

“Given the major changes involved, homeowners renovating their bathrooms are (also) seeking professional help at a growing rate,” Sargsyan added.

According to Houzz, modern, transitional and contemporary styles remain the leading choices for renovated bathrooms. Other features gaining popularity include dimmable lighting and greenery. The percentage of homeowners who relax in their renovated bathroom by soaking in the tub was up six points compared to last year, outpacing the share of those who unwind with long showers, Houzz said.

More than three quarters of homeowners incorporate premium features into their bathtubs and showers, the company added. Top premium features for the bath include soaking tubs, space for two and silent whirlpool baths, while premium shower upgrades include rainfall showerheads, dual showers, body sprayers and thermostatic mixers.

Additional survey findings include:

n  Marble in Vogue: ​​Marble is being adopted at a higher rate by renovating homeowners, with increased usage in shower flooring, non-shower flooring and non-shower walls.
n Colorful Vanities: While white continues to be the dominant color chosen across all bathroom features, blue and wood vanities have become more popular over the past year, bringing warmth and texture to bathrooms.
n Lighting Upgrades: Homeowners cite both insufficient lighting and no natural lighting as issues before a bathroom renovation, which may explain why more than four in five homeowners upgraded their lighting fixtures this year, Houzz said. Wall lights and recessed lights remain the top two choices in upgraded lighting. However lighted mirrors, pendant lights and chandeliers all inched up in popularity from last year.
n Toilet Technology: More than a third of homeowners who upgraded their toilets during renovations incorporated technology. Bidets remain the most popular tech feature for one in five homeowners, followed by self-cleaning, heated seats, overflow protection and built-in nightlights.
n Lighted Mirrors: Three-quarters of renovating homeowners installed mirrors in their renovated bathroom, with over half installing more than one mirror. Some upgraded mirrors have advanced features, such as LED lighting and anti-fog systems.
n Custom Medicine Cabinets: Nearly one-third of renovating homeowners install custom or semi-custom medicine cabinets, many of which include features such as hidden plugs and lighting on the inside.

The post Homeowners Seeking ‘Spa Feel’ in Bath Remodels, Study Finds appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.thekawaiikitchen.com/?p=586

In recent years, there’s been an increasing focus on categorizing clients by age: the Millennials, the Gen Xers, the Boomers, the Mature Buyers. These divisions have become so pervasive that some experts suggest choosing one age group to focus on as a “specialty area,” similar to how a designer might focus on historic renovations, Mid-Century Modern design or kosher kitchens. There are even books about “decoding” customers by age and marketing firms that go strictly “by the numbers.”

But is age really the be-all and end-all of design?

In my family, we’ve always subscribed to the “age is just a number” adage. My 82-year-old father still teaches college classes, is often out ’til the wee hours of the morning playing trumpet with his 18-piece jazz band and bowls three nights a week. He lives his life more like an active 50-year-old than a man in his 80s. The exception occurs when he’s faced with technology – then, he falls into the stereotype of the computer-phobic senior, frustrated by screens that “magically disappear.” He is also still hanging onto his flip phone for dear life, despite offers for free smart-phone upgrades.

But even that isn’t as cut and dried as one might think; indeed, I almost fell off my chair when he told me that the pro shop at his bowling alley discontinued the ball he liked so he ordered it online. I didn’t even know he knew how to use the internet, no less find a discontinued item – “and I got free shipping and no tax, too,” he informed me smugly.

My 20-something nephew, by contrast, is all about the latest gadgets. Yet, as a self-described science nerd, he only takes school notes using pencil and paper. “I feel more connected to what I’m studying that way,” he explains.

And my 50-year-old plumber recently told me about his newest discovery – inspired by a 20-something employee who loves “those someone’s-always-watching-you reality shows.” He found an online network where people pay to watch others online…and he’s now making a tidy second income from people who pay to watch him do plumbing jobs.

All of this reminds me how careful we have to be when we assume we know where someone’s coming from or what people think, want or need based on their age alone. Of course there are generalizations that often impact the design process – the senior homeowner for whom aging in place factors into the design, the millennial couple who want their kitchen to be the command center for their connected home (see story). But when asked about design preferences by age for a recent story, designers admitted that they’re often surprised by client desires, many of which defy those age-related stereotypes.

In fact, as one noted, a lot of bathrooms designed for people in their 70s and 80s aren’t so different from those designed for people in their 30s, 40s and 50s. That’s partly because the concept of Universal Design has focused a spotlight on design elements that make sense for everyone, from non-slip flooring to motion-activated bathroom lighting. And, of course, good design isn’t age specific – after all, everyone finds value in organized and accessible storage, well-designed task lighting and flexible appliances.

Additionally, taste is a very personal thing; a younger consumer may crave something warm and traditional, while an older consumer may decide to play out their color fantasy in unexpected ways.

Nor is it just about design; age can certainly factor into financial means, but as John Morgan points out in his Future Forward column (see story), often it’s more about life stage than years on the planet. The most profitable prospects, he believes, are at a point in their lives when they’re ready to focus on their own lifestyle needs – after the kids are done with college, before they’re in “capital preservation” mode and when enough of the mortgage is paid off that they feel confident investing in upgrading their homes to make them just the way they want them.

Certainly, many of these clients are within a certain age range, but some are older or younger, based on how long it took them to get to that life stage.

So, while it’s useful to understand the subtle nuances that different age groups bring to the table, it’s always wise to avoid letting stereotypes guide your design, sales or thought processes. In the end, age is only one factor of many that makes your clients unique.

The post Stereotypes About Age & Design appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

ONTARIO, CA — A new plumbing code signed into law in California will mandate strict new limits on the manufacturing and sale of plumbing fixtures that leach lead, a toxin that has been tied for decades to drinking water, state officials announced.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom last week signed into law AB 100, legislation that establishes new lead leaching standards for the state, according to the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), an organization that coordinates the development and adaptation of plumbing, mechanical, swimming pool and solar energy codes in the U.S. and abroad.

The new law, effective Jan. 1, 2023, prohibits the manufacturing and sale in California of any plumbing fixture, fitting or faucet that does not meet NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2020, the IAPMO said. The law also requires that product packaging and labeling of any device that’s intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption must indicate compliance with the “lead-free” standard.

“AB 100 will help reduce the risk of lead exposure in the built environment through certified, ‘lead-free’ endpoint devices,” said Robyn Fischer, director of government relations for the Ontario, CA-based IAPMO. “This new law will complement the larger-scale efforts underway to help protect California’s water infrastructure and underscores the state’s commitment to uphold public health and safety.”

“We’re grateful that California’s new law promotes the industry standard for lead reduction, so that drinking water fixtures and faucets are accurately labeled,” added Tom Palkon, IAPMO’s executive v.p.

The post New California Law Requires Use of ‘Lead-Free’ Plumbing Fixtures appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.thekawaiikitchen.com/?p=562

BLANTON, PA – Rasmussen/Su Architects of Philadelphia, PA has been awarded the grand prize in BlueStar’s annual design competition. This contest recognizes designers, architects, builders and remodelers from across the country and shows how performance, color and customization come together to create a bespoke, highly functional and luxurious kitchen space, notes the firm.

“The BlueStar design competition celebrates talented kitchen designers who are pushing the boundaries of color and creativity to help their clients realize their dream kitchens,” said Eliza Sheffield, president, BlueStar. “With our distinctive combination of restaurant-grade performance and unrivaled customization options, including 1000+ colors and finishes, BlueStar offers trade professionals truly unique options for clients looking to create statement kitchens.”

Grand prize winner Rasmussen/Su is an award-winning architecture firm specializing in custom residential design. Working together since 1995, firm principals Kevin C. Rasmussen AIA LEED AP and Vivian M. Su LEED AP bring diverse backgrounds and a collaborative spirit to the design process. The award-winning eat-in transitional galley kitchen features light wide-plank oak floors and dark blue Shaker cabinets and a 60-inch BlueStar RNB range with a Manhattan kitchen hood.

“We often are working on old townhomes in Philadelphia and it’s always a dimensional challenge to maximize functionality, light and space, and make it feel connected to the rest of the house. This kitchen is only a little over 14’ in width, but by expanding the views and consolidating closed storage we made it feel like an expansive kitchen, with the gorgeous 60″ BlueStar range as the centerpiece,” said designer Vivian Su.

The Grand Prize winner receives BlueStar appliances for his/her home kitchen and the title BlueStar Kitchen Designer of the Year.

Five finalists also were honored for their designs and use of BlueStar appliances:

1. Angela Free and Lillian Byers, Angela Free Design, San Francisco, CA, www.angelafreedesign.com
2. Steve Cooper, Cooper Pacific Kitchens, West Hollywood, CA www.cooperpacific.com
3. Hillary Gilkey, HGC Development Group, Tampa, FL www.hgcdesignbuild.com
4. Carolyn Michaelson, Carolyn Michaelson, RA LEED AP, Covington, KY www.cmichaelsonra.com
5. Karen Swanson, New England Design Works, Gloucester, Mass, www.ne-dw.com

The judging panel included Regan Baker, Regan Baker Design, San Francisco, CA; Caroline Smith, Caroline V. Smith Interiors, Memphis, TN, the 2019 Design Competition winner; and Lynn Kloythanomsup, Landed Interiors & Homes, Berkeley, CA and last year’s Grand Prize winner.

The 2022 competition is open for entries from now through July 20, 2022. The kitchen design entry can be any style kitchen. A minimum of one BlueStar cooking appliance as the primary cooking appliance is required. Ranges, rangetops, refrigerators, gas and electric ovens and cooktops meet this requirement. Official rules and entry criteria can be found https://bit.ly/2LDUeCy. For general product information, visit BlueStarcooking.com.

The post BlueStar Names 2021 Contest Winner appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.thekawaiikitchen.com/?p=531

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The National Kitchen & Bath Association has revised its 2021 industry sales projection to $170.9 billion, up by a substantial 21.4% from last year’s $140.8 billion in kitchen and bath spending, and nearly 8% higher than the association’s initial estimate for the year.

The revised estimate, announced in early July, pegs kitchen and bath spending for new construction this year to exceed 2020 by 28.5%, as builders attempt to keep pace with substantial demand. Kitchen and bath remodeling spending is expected to climb by 12.5%, according to the NKBA, which said it based its projections on a review of current industry conditions as well as macroeconomic factors that are likely to impact business.

“This update is very encouraging and confirms the ongoing robust performance of the design and remodeling industry,” said Bill Darcy, CEO of the Hackettstown, NJ-based NKBA. “This very strong sales forecast is attributable to pent-up demand for new home construction, easing COVID disruptions and a sea change in consumer behavior.

“People will continue to work from home in some capacity, fostering renovation of their space to meet their evolving needs. A tight inventory of homes for sale is also encouraging homeowners to stay put and renovate. That’s good news for our industry.”

Darcy cautioned, however, that there are “a few bumps in the road.” For example, he said, home prices continue to rise, and the cost of building materials is still high, a combination that’s excluding some potential buyers from the market; the employment picture still hasn’t fully recovered to pre-pandemic peaks, and supply-chain disruptions continue to delay jobs and make product sourcing a challenge.

“But most indicators suggest the thriving kitchen and bath market will continue,” he added.

Among the report’s other key findings:

n The industry should see double-digit increases in both kitchen and bath spending. This is a reversal from the industry’s 3.8% decline in 2020, which was driven by an 8.6% loss for remodeling and stagnant growth of just 0.5% for new construction during the pandemic. Bathroom spending will rise by 22.3% in 2021 and will be sparked mainly by gains in new construction, while kitchen spending will increase by 20.4%, led by stronger gains in remodeling.

n Although forecasts for low and mid-range project spending have each been revised upward, “it’s the high-end that will shine,” according to the NKBA, which said that big-ticket projects are expected to surge by more than 28% compared to 2020 (beating the initial 19.8% projection) “as pent-up demand, robust savings and impressive house appreciation encourage homeowners to go the extra mile.”

The post Industry Sales Projection Revised Sharply Upward by NKBA appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.thekawaiikitchen.com/?p=502

IRVINE, CA — Thermador, the Irvine, CA-based manufacturer of luxury home appliances, has launched a major new initiative aimed at empowering a new generation of talent from under-represented communities, the company announced.

The “Thermador Diversity in Design Pipeline Initiative,” launched in partnership with the Interior Design Society (IDS), will support up to five collegiate students in their senior year at an accredited interior design program, the company said. The comprehensive prize package will include a financial scholarship of $10,000 toward tuition, a one-year mentorship program with a hand-selected interior designer, invitations to key industry events and a one-year student membership to IDS, including access to local chapter events and larger professional networking opportunities.

“We feel a great sense of responsibility to ensure we do our part to create a supportive and inclusive environment for diversity, creativity and innovation that allows talent to break into this industry and thrive,” said Beatriz Sandoval, director of brand marketing for Thermador.

Professional designers are also invited to participate by becoming a mentor, Thermador officials said, noting that five mentors will be selected to be paired with each student awarded. These mentors will guide their respective mentees through the year-long programming outlined by Thermador and be invited as guests of the company to the same industry events, Thermador added, noting that recent research revealed that a lack of diversity was a leading concern for the interior design profession, following only a lack of available jobs and competitive wages. Additionally, 34% of all interior designers said they experienced racial discrimination in their career, including 66% of Black designers and 54% of Hispanic/LatinX designers, Thermador said.

The post Diversity Initiative Begun by Thermador appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

NEW YORK, NY — Nemo Tile + Stone has acquired Modern Stone Consulting, the leading specialists in the sourcing, project management and quality control of natural stone, the company announced. Modern Stone Consulting is active in both Europe and the United States, with consultants in New York, Boston and Carrara, Italy, a city known for its natural stone production and concentration. The company’s founders, Robert McArdle and Alvaro Torrecilla, bring over 40 years of expertise in the natural stone industry and will develop a comprehensive education program to complement the current knowledge and expertise of Nemo Tile + Stone employees to ensure a skilled and custom approach to stone project management, the firm added.

“We are thrilled to join Nemo Tile + Stone, and together, expand Nemo’s stone division in the company’s 100th year and beyond,” says McArdle. “With decades of experience in natural stone procurement, our team at Modern Stone Consulting is ready to arm Nemo Tile + Stone’s sales force with the tools to offer their customers the most competitive pricing, quality and lead times for any size project. This acquisition will diversify and modernize Nemo’s approach to stone selection and distribution.”

Modern Stone Consulting specializes in evaluating materials at quarries, assessing the quality as it is related to the budget of a project, curating alternate solutions specific to each client, and selecting factories for the work. Following the integration with Nemo Tile + Stone, Modern Stone Consulting will bring natural stone education to all sales channels, with a sharp focus on “cut to size” stone projects.

“As we continue to expand the portfolio of Nemo Tile + Stone, we have identified natural stone project management as an important segment of the design market that has been historically underserved,” says Matt Karlin, president and third-generation CEO of Nemo Tile + Stone. “Modern Stone Consulting’s comprehensive management package, as well as their connections to a large network of factories and quarries, allow us to curate an experience for our customers that exceeds what is currently offered in the industry. In turn, we can pass this benefit on to the design community, as stone projects are seamlessly made more efficient from a project’s concept to completion.”

The post Nemo Tile + Stone Acquires Modern Stone appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.thekawaiikitchen.com/?p=483