By Dianne M. Pogoda
COMPANY NEWS
GRO WITH ELECTROLUX: Appliance giant Electrolux has introduced a concept for future kitchen design that aims to help people eat healthier and more sustainably. The modular kitchen system, dubbed “GRO”— Swedish for “to sprout” — is powered by advanced sensors and AI. It’s a “jewel box” appliance, storage and interactive data solution that encourages people to eat less but better meats and explore new, sustainable sources of protein (mostly plant-based) and new recipes and cooking techniques, including the Nordic smoker, part of the brand’s premium line. For more info, go here.
FORMICA INNOVATION CONTEST OPEN: Formica Corp. has opened its sixth annual Form Student Innovation Competition. The contest invites students to design a piece of furniture for residential or commercial settings, incorporating the creator’s interpretation of maximalism with the use of three or more Formica or Fenix brand products. For the first time this year, the competition is open to students in Mexico as well as Canada and the U.S. For more information or to apply before March 6, 2023, click here.
COMPUSOFT + 2020 REBRANDS AND BUYS: Software developer Compusoft + 2020 has rebranded the recently merged company as Cyncly, an amalgamation of “synchronization” and “simplicity.” Additionally, the company has acquired Mozaik, a software provider for the custom cabinet market. The Cyncly platform offers software and industry-specific solutions in the kitchen, bathroom, furniture, flooring and windows, doors and glass industries, with an extensive repository of catalogs and solutions, online space planning, CAD design applications, CPQ solutions, business process management and more. Learn more here.
ELICA LAUNCHES DESIGN CONTEST: Italian appliance maker Elica has opened its inaugural America Designers competition, inviting designers, architects, builders, kitchen dealers and other remodelers to submit images of projects in which they used an Elica appliance. Submissions are open through the end of December, with online voting for the top 20 finalists in January and the winner revealed in February. Top prize is $5,000 worth of Elica appliances. For more info and to enter, go here.
INDUSTRY NEWS
FASHION FORWARD: Home design trends can originate from many places and industries. In an article in Utopia, Jeff Mulcrone, principal and director of design for BSB Design, postulates that recent trends in the single- and multifamily market have been influenced by an unlikely source—fashion—and its use of unique materials, designs and colors. Read more here.
NEXT HOT THING—STEAM: Steam ovens are catching on as a healthier way to cook, and as an alternative to the microwave oven. Steam cooking keeps food tender and juicy, rehydrates and is energy efficient. Most models offer precise temperature control, generous capacity, multiple cooking functions including combination steam and convection and more. Designer Sharon L. Sherman, CKD, offers more detail in KBB.
DEBT FORGIVENESS COULD IMPACT HOUSING: The White House’s student loan debt forgiveness program, which would wipe out a portion of federal student loans at certain income levels, could be a boon to housing. By canceling some of the $1.6 trillion debt burden owed by about 45 million Americans, some individuals, especially first-time home buyers, will be able to save for a down payment and make monthly mortgage payments. Zonda research says affordability is the major hurdle to home ownership, especially for Millennials. A boost in new homeowners will undoubtedly lift the remodeling business as well. Builder has more.
FAUCET FUTURES: The hot market for bathroom remodeling continues to be vigorous, with a number of trends bubbling to the surface —particularly when it comes to faucets. Key directions include interchangeable handle selection for customization options, hands-free operation to reduce the spread of germs, water conservation, and lots of materials and finishes, especially gold or gold tones. KBDN elaborates.
CHAPTER NEWS
WELL DONE, WEST MICHIGAN! The West Michigan Chapter restored the teachers’ lounge in an elementary school in an underserved community near Grand Rapids. Not only did they refurbish the lounge with new cabinetry, countertops, appliances and fixtures — all donated from member companies — but they also conducted a far-reaching school supply drive to ensure students would arrive at school well-stocked and ready to learn. Read more here.
