By Dianne M. Pogoda

 

COMPANY NEWS

REPORT FROM KUCHEMEILE: Sharon Sherman, CKD, ASID, CID, NCIDQ, owner of Thyme & Place Design in Wyckoff, N.J., attended the recent Kuchenmiele, or “Kitchen Mile” in Germany, as part of an NKBA Global Connect delegation. The trip was sponsored by Nobilia North America, Poggenpohl Kitchens, Miele Appliances and Hettich hardware and organized by Modenus Media. In a story for Designers Today, she writes about some of the trends, innovations and new products she discovered. Read more here.

INFINITY DRAIN EARNS PATENT: Infinity Drain, a leading manufacturer of linear, architectural and decorative drains, has earned a U.S. patent for its Site Sizable Low Profile Linear Drain. The drain’s lower profile helps minimize the floor height needed to achieve a curbless entry shower while the innovative sizable channel system, which can be modified on site, helps installers overcome site specific challenges. Besides its lower profile, the PVC channel option has been designed with a new mortar lock groove along its length to ensure that it stays positioned firmly in the mortar bed floor. KBB has more.

NEOLITH OPENS IN FLORIDA: Neolith, a leader in sintered stone based in Almazora, Spain, has opened an expansive 28,000 square-foot showroom and distribution center in Pembroke Park, Fla., near Miami. The new facility is part of the company’s North American distribution network of 35 centers and showrooms, and follows the opening in June of a 40,000 square-foot facility in Carlstadt, N.J. The company also introduced its latest process, Neolith Iconic Design, a 3D printing technology, at the Florida opening. Neolith was founded in 2009, and specializes in sintered stone, an architectural surface engineered from all-natural materials. It achieved carbon-neutral status in 2019. For more, visit Neolith’s website.

LG LAUNCHES TWO FOR HOLIDAY: LG Electronics is unveiling two innovative workhorse appliances just in time for the holiday entertaining season: The 27 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Max refrigerator, the largest capacity available in a counter depth style, and the LG Smart Top-Control Dishwasher with a one-hour wash and dry cycle. Among other features, the refrigerator features LG InstaView technology that lights up the interior with two knocks on the door glass, integrated cooling technology and maximum shelf space design. The dishwasher uses improved, high-pressure jets with 38 percent more cleaning power from multiple angles, steam cleaning, and a fast one-hour turnaround. Both work with the LG ThinQ® App. For more info, go here.

 

INDUSTRY NEWS

CABINET SALES SOAR: The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association reports that sales of kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities spiked nearly 25 percent in August compared to August 2021, continuing their upward path since the beginning of the year. KBDN has more.

ARE KITCHENS GOING DARK? Better Homes & Gardens featured four NKBA designers in a recent article about dark, moody kitchens coming on as the next big style theme. Members Ellen Lopez of EL Design Studio, Nureed Saed of Nu Interiors, Crystal Hackl of Inspired Haven Design, and Lauren Schulte of Monarch Kitchen Design Studio weighed on the growing popularity of dark cabinets contrasted with light surfaces like countertops; earthy, natural elements, metallic accents and more. Read more here.

THANKSGIVING BOOST: Certain kitchen amenities simplify meal prep as well as increase the resale value of a home. Here are eight features and appliances to recommend to clients as they start to think about their dream kitchens, from wine fridges and dual-fuel ranges to steam ovens and pot fillers. Builder Online has the scoop.

 

CHAPTER NEWS

‘CATCH’ THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH EASTERN CAROLINAS: The Eastern Carolinas Chapter will host its holiday party at the 21c Museum Hotel 111 North Corcoran Street in Durham, N.C., on Nov. 17 at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner and an inspiring presentation from the Ebony Anglers, a group of five professional Black women who embrace the sport of competitive fishing while balancing family, motherhood and business. It’s approved for .1 CEU. Register and purchase tickets here.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CASINO NIGHT: Join the Rocky Mountain Chapter for a Casino Night Holiday Fundraiser on Nov. 17, 5 to 9 p.m., at The Stone Collection, 10000 E 45th Avenue in Denver. It will feature blackjack tables, craps and roulette, with guests earning raffle tickets for playing. An online silent auction also takes place, with items on display during the event and proceeds benefiting Savvy Giving by Design Denver. NKBA Members are $25, non-members are $35; Click for more info and to register.

PARTY WITH TEXAS NORTH PLAINS: The Texas North Plains Chapter is hosting its annual holiday party and silent auction on Dec. 14, 5 to 8 p.m., at Expressions Home Gallery, 1500 Dragon Street, Suite B, in Dallas. The event, sponsored by Expressions and Reece, features drinks and appetizers, photo opportunities with holiday decorations and a visit from Santa. The auction benefits Operation Finally Home, which provides mortgage-free homes, home modifications and transitional housing to wounded, ill and injured military veterans, first responders and their families. It’s free for all to attend, but registration is required. To register, go here.