August’s free webinars cover the world of surfaces in K&B applications. By Dianne M. Pogoda

 

It’s said that beauty is skin deep. In the kitchen and bath world, that could easily translate to surfaces — the subject of August’s seminar series.

August’s webinars, generously sponsored by Kohler, explore the attributes of various materials and surfacing, and their practical and aesthetic applications in kitchen and bath design. Each month, NKBA offers free 60-minute webinars, each of which features a presentation by an expert in the specific subject matter, delivered via a virtual platform. The sessions offer certified participants 0.1 CEU per event — it’s an easy way to collect the CEUs needed to maintain NKBA certification. Participants must engage in 80 percent of the sessions to receive CEU credit; registration closes two hours prior to start times. All times listed are Eastern.

Starting the series off on Aug. 1 at 12 noon, Darik Campbell, regional sales manager for Stone Mart, will discuss “Natural Stone vs. Engineered Material for Kitchen and Bath Applications.” This comprehensive presentation will compare natural stone and engineered materials, their differences, advantages and disadvantages, performance under various applications and conditions, hardness and porosity and more.The discussion will cover granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, travertine, limestone, schist, onyx, precious stone, engineered quartz and porcelain surfaces, and explain suitability for indoor as well as outdoor applications. Click here to register for “Natural Stone vs. Engineered Material for K&B Applications.”

Next, on Aug. 8 at 12 noon, “Modern Materials for Contemporary Design” will serve as a guide into the trends shaping the next generation of homeowners who are building and remodeling their kitchens and baths.Nelson Wills, vice president of business development for Element Designs, will talk about how to incorporate clean and transitional or modern materials into today’s and tomorrow’s design, and focus on ideas for using materials in the emerging marketplace of contemporary design trends. At the end of this session, attendees will be able to describe three contemporary design materials and their characteristics, discuss interior design applications for aluminum, glass and high-gloss acrylic, and how to apply them in contemporary design. Click here to register for “Modern Materials for Contemporary Design.

On Aug. 14 at 12 noon, David Pollock, CEO of mirari, a firm specializing in extended reality (XR) solutions, will decipher “Augmented Reality for the Home Improvement Industry.”

The growth of augmented reality (AR) applications in recent years can be attributed to solutions that allow consumers to visualize products and imagine what it might feel like to own or use the product or service before actually purchasing it. As augmented technology becomes more sophisticated and the cost-saving and business applications expand, demand and consumer expectations in AR will increase. Used properly, AR can improve the sales and selection process by giving clients a variety of real-time visualizations and scenarios for paint, flooring, countertops, backsplashes and more. Attendees will learn to define AR applications, explore AR in the home improvement industry and recognize when to apply in the kitchen and bath business. To register for “Augmented Reality for the Home Improvement Industry,” click here.

On Aug. 19 at 12 noon, Christopher Grubb, president of Arch Interiors Design Group, will present “Beyond the Surface: Which Surfacing Materials Add Texture, Drama, and Luxury to Design Projects, inside and Out?” Surfacing has become the centerpiece of striking spaces, with tactile, visual, and sensory elements making a lasting impression. Whether it’s natural stone on walls and flooring, countertops, or specialty tile for a “wow” effect, surfacing materials create a multitude of design statements in any environment. Grubb will share unique methods of combining tile, stone and other materials to create an indoor or outdoor space with exceptional aesthetic and big impact, even on smaller budgets. The session will illustrate which products are splurge-worthy and which can help stretch a project budget; discuss the difference that drama, texture and mixed materials can make, and discuss sustainability and LEED points. Click here to register for “Beyond the Surface: Which Surfacing Materials Add Texture, Drama, and Luxury to Design Projects, Inside and Out?”

Finally, Piergiorgio Mazzetta, director of North America sales & operations for Laminam SpA, will present “Large Format Porcelain Slabs: A Revolutionary Product in the Architectural World” on Aug. 27 at 3 p.m. Porcelain slabs were introduced to the market less than 10 years ago, and are becoming increasingly popular due to their performance and versatility. This session is designed to educate architects, interior designers and specifiers about applications, the differences between manufacturing processes, performance and technical features of various porcelain slabs andother products such natural stone, engineered quartz and solid surface slabs. By the end of this session, participants will be better prepared to make a more educated choices when selecting slabs for their projects. To register for “Large Format Porcelain Slabs: A Revolutionary Product in the Architectural World,” click here.