idéobain 2010 just wrapped up, and if its traffic and interest is any indication, 2010 will be a much better year for the Kitchen and Bath industry in France, if not Northern Europe as a whole. This leading bathroom trade show occurs every other year in Paris, drawing attention from bath manufacturers and designers as well as the general public.

Even in Europe, conversion from tub to shower in the master bath (often the only full bath in the older home) is now a hot project.  Plumbing manufacturers are introducing a host of solutions to allow for low profile drain fittings with anti siphon functions all in one.  If introduced in the U.S., they would replace the “drain-P trap combo.”  Others focus on the more stylish grill drains as they become more popular than conventional round drains.

Traditional plumbing suppliers showed model after model of either modern or highly functional faucets: hands free, waterfall, high capacity and water savings to name a few.

Ninety percent of the tubs at idéobain were of the “stand alone” type, manufactured out of solid materials, sporting oval, slipper and rectangular shapes.  While the majority was white (some featured a metallic tint on the outside), we also saw composite stone tubs with a true granite appeal.

Vanity tops closely followed cabinet design.  Most cabinets in European bathrooms are suspended, finished with a high-gloss lacquer and have matching vanity tops. The 2010 color range included orange, fuchsia, pink, purple and … concrete grey.  Most tops and bowls are smaller than what we are used to in the states, but so are typical European bathrooms.

There was a host of manufacturers introducing the “slow releasing” commode seat (a spring mechanism inside the hinge slows down the closing of the seat), as well as the“Japanese-style commode” where a well-placed stream of warm water followed by warm drying air replaces toilet paper.

As for “Aging in Place,” we saw a remarkable product from three manufacturers that took a different approach to the challenges of bathing with limited mobility.  Instead of the walk-in tub as we know it (seated bathing in a high tub with door), standard tubs in acrylic offered cutouts for easy step in.  A shower height glass panel would close off the opening, lock in place and allow for either traditional bathing or showering.  One model even had an acrylic seat built in across the top.

Shower glass manufacturers showed stylish slider and door designs, all in a frameless setup.  To make up for the loss of stability that the frame would supply, glass was noticeably thicker than usual.

Last but not least, we saw many attempts to introduce “La Douche Italienne” or the California-style Walk-In Shower.  Standard sized composite shower bases fitting into the tub opening would have a shower area with a drain and a step out area for drying off, sloped so water would drain into the shower area.  A sturdy piece of glass extending just past the shower base would keep the water inside the “wet area.”

In short, exhibitors at idéobain in Paris showed off the latest in shapes for smaller bathrooms, trendy color schemes and attention to easy showering.

Report by: Dirk De Vuyst

Modern appliances and futuristic home goods offer an interactive and precise user experience that promises to be both efficient and mind blowing. Despite recent trends that put a strong emphasis on vintage, consumers continue to mix both contemporary and modern, resulting in strong pieces juxtaposed with vintage and repurposed materials. With most futuristic items boasting functionality over look, homeowners are drawn to a personalized and simple experience that promises consumers cheaper bills and more time in their day. This sleek combination is unlike any other, and many designers are catching on, creating products that are beyond imaginable. From a mirror that keeps track of water consumption to a digital interface for your shower, modern technology is moving fast. The question is: Can consumers keep up?

In today’s world of green, natural products, and eco-everything, the biggest trend in product design continues to be keeping the earth in tiptop shape. Consumers still want efficiency, and companies and designers are giving it to them with appliances, natural products and devices that promise to make life easier. Many products focus on water consumption. Now, consumers can do more than taking a fast shower or turning off the water while brushing their teeth. With many products saving thousands of gallons per year, it’s possible to take water saving to a new level.

By now, we think we have seen it all. A recent innovation, however, is really turning heads. The Earth Mirror by Jim Kim is a mirror that tracks your water consumption on a daily, monthly and yearly basis using LED lights. Warm and cool colors show how much water has been used based on the water that runs through the sink to which the mirror is attached. It can even limit how much water you are allowed to use. Now that’s a product that will make you think.

Gerber Plumbing Fixtures is a big advocate of water conservation with many of its products offering WaterSense™ certified products, the Environmental Protection Agency’s partnership program that promotes water-efficient programs and practices throughout the United States. Their newest product, the Avalanche 1.28™, is a high efficiency toilet that promises to deliver outstanding performance and beautiful design while also saving big bucks. Compared to the industry standard 1.6 model, the Avalanche uses only 1.28 gallons of water per flush (gpf), saving an average of 20 percent or more in annual water usage. An average family of four can save up to 8,760 gallons of water each year. What’s more, the Avalanche is manufactured with Gerber’s XP3 flushing system, making it the most efficient unit on the market.

The idea of efficiency is in full swing with green’s end nowhere near. Technology will continue to evolve, spitting out new products that will only get better. Saving water at home will not only cut the water bill in half, but will more importantly make living feel inspiring. Plus, it can’t get much better than helping the earth.

Surfaces Expo continues to exhibit a broad view of flooring trends, flooring technology advancements and refreshing flooring ideas.  This year the industry rallied, with traffic up approximately 15% over last year.  Perhaps we are beginning to see, ever so slightly, the very edge of the bright side.  With these subtle signs of optimism, Surfaces exceeded the expectations of many exhibitors.

Hard surface was the more dominant product category this year, with bamboo coming in all shapes and forms.  From NW Bamboo Trim, a wonderfully elegant use of bamboo mosaics was presented, perfect for the hospitality market.  Using grout similar to installing tile, this format for bamboo can be used for walls and floors.  Coconut palm wood, another product gaining popularity, from Green Choice Flooring and Frisch was shown in a variety of different textures and finishes making this an excellent design and eco solution for residential and commercial interiors.

APC Cork

Cork reached new levels of elegance.  APC Cork presented ‘The Plank’ format using new cork finishes in a beautiful range of colors and polished surfaces, some of which resembled stone.  Also featured, their Kid’s Collection using subtle primary colors perfect for schools, libraries, playgrounds and the home play area.

Ceramic and stone products continue a strong, solid presence, many of which were presented in natural, down-to-earth colors.  Gone are the less flashy metallic-trend finishes as we’ve seen in recent years. Crossville made a strong statement with their “Made in the USA” theme, which was well thought out and beautifully executed.  Stone Peak focused on their glazed and unglazed collections that combine elegant colors with subtle natural beauty.

Radiant floor technology has made big strides.  New options include sheets, webbing and wires – all of which are excellent radiant flooring alternatives to hot water tubing.  These provide more flexible installations and use less energy without water.

Eco everything. Environmentally friendly products continue to make a statement across many product categories.  New materials and more efficient flooring technology continue to pave the way and build awareness around environmentally friendly products for our industry and – even more importantly – for the consumer.

The Wool Project, an exciting concept launched by the Prince of Wales the week prior to Surfaces, made a strong statement for the wool industry.  The Wool Project is a campaign for real wool, promoting the natural, sustainable and globally available resource.  With the explosion of eco-friendly products, it’s important as ever to educate the consumer on the qualities of sustainable products.

Finally, carpet. Carpet continues to present a wide variety of options and styles for the market including new textures, interesting twists and natural fibers.  Beautifully crafted woven looks in tufted construction, new expanded wool collections and natural soft colors and textures move the trend to simple and elegant.  Wools of New Zealand made a big splash across many companies.  Natural fiber collections, such as those from The Natural Carpet Company, included a variety of sisal collections using interesting basket weave combinations in bold and subtle colors.  J. Mish presented a unique woven look in a tufted construction while Shaw featured stylish woven looks in their Visions Line.

Its last year at the Sands Expo, Surfaces was buzzing and vendors’ spirits were uplifted – a great way to end an era at Sands as Surfaces 2011 moves to Mandalay Bay.

Reported by
Catherine Minervini

Where are your fondest memories in your home? Most would say the kitchen, a celebrated room that not only offers the comfort of good food, family times and great company, but also promises the biggest return on investment in terms of upgrades. Today, the kitchen is an open space that may flood into other rooms of the house. Often called “the heart of the home,” many spend the better part of the evening there. Children run in and out, chasing each other around the island, young couples learn how to cook together, referencing many cookbooks as they move from recipe to recipe, dogs look for scrap pieces of food and friends gather around while sipping a glass of wine.

Despite today’s room of domestic bliss, the kitchen was not always a room of such glamour. Kitchens were once small, cramped, dark and boxy – a dungeon of bad design. Does anybody remember linoleum? One could say that kitchens went through a serious rough patch; however, the allure of the kitchen has since recovered and is now considered the perfect space for social pleasure.

Trends show that people expect a lot from their kitchens. They want them to be efficient, save hundreds of dollars in utilities, withstand wear and tear, store everything, entertain friends and offer a cozy enough space to enjoy a cup of coffee. That’s a lot of weight on one room’s shoulders. And it doesn’t end there. Experts say that the look and feel of the kitchen influences the design decisions made about the rest of the house. That says a lot. Many homeowners have to force their guests to move to another room after a long night standing around the island or sitting at the bar. Given its history, nobody expected the kitchen (of all rooms) to become the temple of entertainment and life in general.

Like many home trends, green products are all the rage. From small, indoor greenhouses to high efficiency appliances, most homeowners are opting to go green – at least on some level. Studies show that refrigerators account for almost 15 percent of a household’s energy usage while dishwashers older than ten years use almost double the water of green dishwashers. Technology has come a long way with modern dishwashers incorporating soil sensors capable of adjusting water use depending on how dirty the dishes are and new gas ovens boasting electronic ignition systems, which save about 30 percent more energy than older models. These appliances can save hundreds of dollars each year and will more than make up for the cash spent on their purchase. Plus, efficiency doesn’t get in the way of looks. Most of today’s appliances have sleek designs in an array of color.

You don’t have to have a gourmet kitchen lined with cabinets and built-in shelves to invest in great storage. With many do-it-yourselfers living in extremely cramped spaces, homeowners are becoming increasingly inventive when considering storage options. From apple keepers that can hold both apples and other produce like onions and potatoes to jars filled with flour and sugar to homemade shelving, homeowners are proving that having a small kitchen may in fact be better. And that’s what it is all about – keeping it simple.

Dwell recently featured Cass Calder Smith’s kitchen revamp. The San Francisco architect’s only requirements included using natural light to make the kitchen bright – modestly and efficiently. The results included a window seat with a great natural view, large open windows and clean white cabinets accented with mirrors. A small cooktop, sub-zero refrigerator and sleek furniture brought the room together. Even in an extremely small space, the kitchen works. “Kitchens should be scaled to the size of the family and the house – which in this case is 18 feet wide. It doesn’t have to be a grand statement; it just has to work,” said Smith. Smaller families should take note and value simplicity over luxury.

So where will kitchens be in the future? The functionality and “room of the house” mentality is here to stay. Most homeowners, however, are looking to scale down their exaggerated and extravagant kitchens by reinventing the luxurious design popular a few years ago and investing their time and money into quaint spaces. When asked about kitchens of the future, Christine Rosel agrees. “One of the best meals I’ve had came out of the tiniest kitchen,” she said. “Instead of thinking ‘how much can we spend?’ we might try ‘how much can we do with how little?’”

Imagine being able to interact with your customers at the exact moment they see your product on the shelf, view your ad or read an article about your product. Imagine engaging with your customers the moment they shop for your product – or better yet, the moment in which they even consider purchasing your product.

2D codes are making this possible. The “next big thing in shopper marketing” makes it easy for marketers and suppliers to identify shoppers and offer information and incentives that will encourage future loyalty. These two-dimensional bar codes may be scanned with camera-ready smartphones, taking users directly to a screen that provides additional product information or special offers.

2D Barcode

The codes may be printed on packaging, displays, in magazines or on receipts. When scanned with the built-in camera, a user’s smartphone reads the code and takes the user to a screen that can offer anything from coupons to how-to videos to price listings.

Microsoft’s Tag program subscribes to this model of direct interaction by creating “visual links to content which can be ‘opened’” from print media.

As social media and marketing continue to work hand-in-hand, advancements such as 2D codes will only become stronger and more prevalent. The latest in highly targeted messaging is getting to the root of consumer interest and need. Consumers want more interaction with the brands they love, and companies need to respond to their desires.

A major benefit of the 2D codes?

• They allow for two-way communication between the customer and the brand. Companies learn where customers are shopping, what they’re looking for and how to capture their attention, and customers have the chance to provide feedback by commenting, clicking through and by simply showing interest.
• The information users receive is incredibly flexible. Marketers have the ability to change coupon offers or notify the user of new information as soon as it’s available.

The problem marketers have to solve right now is getting the word out about 2D codes. Consumer awareness is relatively low, even as codes are starting to appear in magazines and on store shelves. And even though smartphones are as widespread as ever, not all customers own one. They need to be reached in other ways.

Smart marketers will look into 2D codes as they appear more in our day-to-day living. In Amsterdam, for example, train stops have 2D codes posted to signs, providing train schedules and entertainment for those who scan with their phones.

I see this new way of marketing to and interacting with the customer taking off in a big way. Through what other mediums will we see these scannable codes?

Last week’s International Builders Show in Las Vegas drew a lot of attention to the home and building industry, the housing market and economy. I was fortunate enough to sit down with the Carey Brothers and Rebecca Cole as they broadcast their national radio show “On the House.” Their radio segments gave listeners an insider’s look at the show, including the newest products and popular trends within the industry. Listen here for the scoop! (I chime in about 1:40 into the clip)

http://www.onthehouse.com/whatsnew.php

In today’s world where living a green life is all the rage and eco-friendly is labeled on every other product in the store, more and more people are looking for ways to sustain the earth, whether by shopping for groceries at the local farmers market or printing business cards on recycled paper. It’s no surprise that sustainable design has become the norm both professionally and personally. Major companies are joining the bandwagon, marketing products that are not only eco-friendly, but also perform better, saving time and money (think high efficiency washers and dryers). The catch is that consumers can lead the green life they seek while also saving precious money on their utilities. And, some of these products offer tax credits. What more could you ask for?

http://knackstudios.blogspot.com/

In a professional setting, especially in marketing and advertising, many clients are opting to print business cards, brochures and other collateral on papers dedicated to the environment. Neenah Paper offers a great line of papers called Neenah Green that promises to make clients feel like they are really making a difference. With papers that are FSC and Green Seal Certified, 100 percent Post Consumer and more, Neenah Green boasts a tagline that speaks volumes—“Effecting Change One Project at a Time”—and will make any client jump for joy if they are at all interested in changing their carbon footprint…even if it’s just something simple like printing business cards on paper that is manufactured without chlorine. Plus, Neenah does all of the hard work by providing a downloadable presentation containing a great list of terms that explains each of their green papers and certifications and how they benefit the earth. Green really has become easy.

Beyond just giving back in the workplace, eco-chicks (and fellows) may also want to fill their homes with locally grown produce, repurposed furniture and ethically-made jewelry. There are plenty of products to satisfy their needs. Knack Studios, a home furnishings design studio based in Greenville, S. C., offers repurposed furniture and found objects restyled to fit in with a modern, urban lifestyle. Barb Blair, founder and owner, has a superior eye for detail and a real talent for seeing an old, and sometimes broken, piece of furniture’s potential. With hours of sanding, painting and gluing, Barb can transform any item into a lovely work of art. In a recent blog post, a beautiful light fixture is pictured. Made of metal, the faint hint of rust and peeled paint pair perfectly with glass teardrops from an old chandelier. Barb reveals in the post that the light is made from reclaimed garden fencing. It doesn’t get much more eco-friendly than that.

Bario-Neal is another company committed to ethical practices. Based in Philadelphia, Bario-Neal makes jewelry that is handcrafted from reclaimed metals, ethically sourced stones and low-impact and environmentally conscious practices. Its jewelry is quaint, simple and often pretty, however, much of what they create has a rustic and industrial flair. From a knotted ring to lace hoop earrings, Bario-Neal is far from flashy, mixing brass with recycled yarn and often using rough diamonds for engagement rings. The best part is its packaging. Jewelry comes in recycled glass bottles and muslin bags, and fine jewelry and engagement rings come in wooden boxes. Imagine opening a package that is 100 percent committed to the earth. What’s more is that one percent of Bario-Neal’s proceeds go to the Association for Responsible Mining.

There are certainly other ways to live green: solar panels, organic foods, buying locally. Your dogs can even wear recycled collars made from old belts. What does living green boil down to? Most of the rave of having an eco-friendly existence isn’t about the label, but about feeling good by helping sustain the earth. I know that when I shopped at my local farmers market, it made me feel great. Consumers are moving in a new direction, and industries are following them, changing the way companies develop and market their products.

What are you doing to live green?

Handmade gifts have always been both charming and meaningful. Although the popularity of mass-produced and manufactured items is still the norm, a new trend has emerged that returns to basics: crafting, DIY (do it yourself) projects and handmade items, as well as traditional forms of art, including sewing and knitting. The popularity of this craft phenomenon has revealed a tight knit group of artists and designers who are seeing big success as small business owners.

What’s so great about handmade? Consumers are attracted to one-of-a-kind pieces to give as gifts to friends and family or as furniture to fill their homes. The difference being the exclusivity and uniqueness—something you would never find in Pottery Barn or Bloomingdales. Plus, customers are blown away by the intimate customer service from the designers themselves. Who knew you would actually speak one-on-one with the person responsible for their design? With this new trend comes plenty of resources for anybody interested in establishing themselves as an artist, including books detailing the process of turning a hobby into a business and an online market for artists and consumers to buy and sell goods. It’s easier than ever to bring an idea to reality.

Etsy is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of handmade. I discovered it on a whim as I was looking for unique dog tags, and I haven’t looked back. Since then, I have enjoyed discovering new artists and reading new content in the community section. Sellers number in the hundreds of thousands and span the globe from more than 150 countries. Etsy was founded in 2005 by Rob Kalin, Chris Maguire, Haim Schoppik and Jared Tarbell. Their mission “is to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers.” Considering the success that Etsy has seen over the past four years, they’ve succeeded. One of the most important aspects of the site is spreading the word that success is attainable. Many sellers have quit their day jobs to sell on Etsy full time. That says a lot, especially in this economy.

One of the best books out there for making a business with handmade crafts and the one most recommended by Etsy sellers, is Craft Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby Into a Business by Meg Mateo Ilasco. Having owned a successful wedding invitation business and currently owning a housewares and gift business, Ilasco knows the ins and outs of starting and operating a business and what it takes to actually succeed. Beyond the glamour and superficiality, Ilasco touches on the more difficult and realistic aspects of starting a business, from obtaining a business license to sourcing materials and vendors. Plus, the personal stories from real artists and designers will not only inspire you, but teach you how they overcame challenges in their own business ventures, from selling products for too little to what marketing techniques didn’t work. Ilasco’s book is something that every designer (at any level) should own. You will refer back to it again and again.

What does all of this handmade stuff mean? Faythe Levine, director of “Handmade Nation,” a film documenting the emerging arts and crafts community, thinks that there is no end in sight for the growth of handmade. “I think that there are a number of reasons why there has been a resurgence in craft and handmade, including people appreciating things made by hand, wanting to take time with family and friends making things in groups and the empowering feelings one gets after finishing a project,” she said. “I think that there is no end in sight for the community, and the contagious feeling people get from seeing each other’s work will push our movement forward.”

And that’s just it. When you find an item that just agrees with you, the urge to create just takes over.

The drive toward more stringent environmental building regulations—especially for existing structures—is taking a hit in this tough economy. New York City recently scaled back proposed regulations that would have required many building owners to undergo audits to determine which renovations would make their properties more energy efficient and then compelled them by law to pay for those renovations.

Opponents won the day by leaning on the argument that now is not the time to add to the economic burden with increased regulation.

But putting off investment in greening existing structures is a shortsighted approach to economic uncertainty.

As the real estate market recovers, homes that can be certified as energy efficient will likely earn back their value the fastest. Recent research in the Seattle and Portland, Ore., areas shows this to be the case. In both markets, third-party-certified-sustainable residential properties sold for more than comparable non-certified properties, and in Portland those homes sold 18 days faster.

The question is, how far can we go with voluntary third-party certifications? The National Association of Realtors has made it clear that it thinks mandatory measures will hurt an already struggling residential real estate market. But if we go the way of voluntary certifications, it will be up to Realtors to get out there and promote green valuations through Multiple Listing Services and to make them a more integral part of real estate appraisals.

Homeowners need to know how much is at stake, not only for the environment and the future, but also for their own pocketbooks through savings on energy bills and increased value in their homes. It’s up to real estate, contracting and building products professionals to get the information out there so homeowners can make informed decisions about where to spend scarce remodeling dollars.

High profile tax incentives like “Cash for Caulkers” will certainly help and will clearly remain the most popular way to encourage green retrofitting until a recovery begins to take stronger hold. For politicians in all levels of government the carrot will always be more palatable than the stick.

But the carrot can only take us so far. The stick, in the form of mandatory standards, must be employed as well if we are going to make significant gains in reducing energy usage by buildings, especially when it comes to existing homes.

The writing is on the wall in the federal government’s recent “Recovery Through Retrofit” report, which sets the stage for an efficiency rating tool and labeling scheme for assessing energy in buildings, which Green Inc. reports will likely be run out of the Department of Energy.

Standards like these tend to grow from the states up. With a federal standard in the works, it’s only a matter of time before mandates become part of the conversation.

Those who take the initiative now – be they Realtors, contractors, building products manufacturers or homeowners – will be poised to benefit most once green retrofit mandates see the light of day.

Rotoluxe describes itself this way:

“‘Environmentally sound’ is the first initiative at Rotoluxe. Every process and system from design, manufacturing and shipping has been examined with the primary goal of low environmental impact. The Rotoluxe name is for luxury, style and sustainability, because going green does not mean you have to compromise design.”

Watch and see what WE found this year: