In The August 2008 Issue
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Contents
Part Museum of Modern Art, part Italian minimalism, the Urban Homes NY showroom displays a range of vibrant styles (See On With The Show).
Feature Articles
- On With the Show
Innovative showrooms hinge on the creativity of the layout, an intuitive understanding of the local marketplace and the spirit of small business.
By Andrea Girolamo - Bonus Features
Challenging economic times have motivated kitchen and bath dealers to explore avenues beyond traditional design services.
By Anita Shaw - A Cut Above
While countertop and island designs can provide a stunning focal point for the kitchen, the best projects are ones in which form follows function.
By John Filippelli
Product Trend Report
- Inviting Organization
The desire to create simplified, organized retreats continues to drive trends in vanities, with furniture styling, custom interiors and clean lines among the hottest items.
By Elizabeth Richards
Editorials
- Success on the Retail Battlefield
Savvy business management is more critical than ever in this challenging, volatile market.
By Eliot Sefrin
Bettering Your Bottom Line
- Making an Analysis System for Your Salespeople
Our Sales Analysis System has proven to be a powerful data management tool that helped me develop a team of highly effective sales professionals.
By Ken Peterson, CKD
Business Strategies
- Systems and Forms Improve Communication
Having your agreement state what you’re not going to do is every bit as important as having it list what you are going to do.
By Thompson Price, CKD, CBD, CR
DPH Perspectives
- Tips for Defining and Focusing Your Brand
Branding is the result of a culmination of events that provide a connection between what consumers want and what your products/services promise to deliver.
By David Crossley
Market Pulse
- Dealers Describe Benefits of Working Displays
If a picture is worth 1,000 words, a working display is worth 10,000 words.
Industry Profiles
- California Design Firm Proves ‘Green’ is Gorgeous
The grass may not always be greener on the other side, but the kitchen and bath are two areas that certainly can be.
By John Filippelli
Book Marks
- August 2008’s Touted Tomes
Find out what architectural elements are “dos,” and which ones aren’t.
Visit KitchenBathDesign.com's Bookshelf to purchase books featured in this issue.
Appointments
- August 2008’s Movers and Shakers
Check out what kitchen and bath peers are moving ahead, moving up and moving out.
Pro to Pro
- Kitchen and Bath Specialists Debate Industry Issues
Design pros discuss frameless cabinets, cabinetry displays, MDF center panels, undercounter lighting, hood ventilation, apron sink styles, sink cutting boards and refrigerator hinges, debate marketing tactics and cabinet installation, discuss finger joint issues and offer their best bath remodeling tips.
Project Case Studies
- Dual Islands Add Function to Oversized Kitchen
A designer uses two islands to overcome unique space issues posed by an oversized, open plan kitchen.
By John Filippelli
Showhouse Spotlights
- Showhouse Finds Inspiration in Historical Surroundings
Set against a rich historical backdrop, the Orchard Hill Designer Showhouse was recently turned into a modern-day showcase of design talent.
By Amanda O’Mahony
Consumer Buying Trends
- Homes Getting Smaller As Market Weakens
As the housing market continues to weaken, and rising costs continue to impact consumers, the size of the typical U.S. home is declining, a new study by the American Institute of Architects reveals.
Industry Barometers & Stockwatch
- Analysts Hint at Stabilization by Year End
While the housing downturn is still underway, and both the general economy and consumer confidence remain fragile, some analysts are pointing to the first hints of market stabilization taking hold by the end of 2008.
Openings
- Colonial Setting Inspires Pioneering Showroom
A Boston-area showroom draws its design inspiration from its colonial setting.
By Amanda O’Mahony
Letters to the Editor
- In Defense of Granite Testing: One Reader ‘Speaks’
A reader response in favor of granite countertop testing as a result of the recent concern over radon and radiation levels.
Industry Updates
- ‘Sustainable’ Categories Added to NKBA Competition
- Radon Testing on Granite is Ongoing, BuildClean Says
- Duratex/Deca Acquires Vitreous China Producer
- Outstanding Design Students Cited and Honored by NKBA & TOTO
- NBMDA Convention Set for November in DC
- NKBA ‘MasterClass 2008’ Set for October in Atlanta
- Five-Part Webinar Series Scheduled by MIA
- MA Regional Meeting Scheduled By ISSFA
- NKBA Members Urged To Fight NY Title Legislation
- First Annual Conference Conducted by Forte
- CMA to Participate in Education at Show
- Rynone Countertops Aid Charitable Effort
- StarMark Golf Event Aids After-School Program
- Chicago Faucet Supports IL Educational Initiative
- DuPont-NASCAR Donations to Aid Tornado Victims
- Kimball Distributing Adds Viking Appliance Kiosks
- ISSFA Creates AWI Solid Surface Standard
- Vent-A-Hood Awards Scholarships to Ten
- Pacific Crest Founder Honored as Entreprenuer
- NYC Museum Exhibit Features Duravit Products
- Missouri Fabricator Relocates Facility
- 29 Kitchen Designers Complete Mouser Program
- Richelieu Acquires NC-Based Distributor
- Three New Showrooms Opened by Poggenpohl