In The June 2008 Issue

Contents

Feature Articles

• Buying Habits
  An exclusive KBDN survey sheds light on kitchen/bath dealer product usage, buying plans and other key business activities – revealing a bullish approach even in the face of a sluggish housing market.
• Concrete Ideas
  For kitchen and bath professionals looking to create something truly unique, concrete countertops offer a nearly endless array of design possibilities.
  By Jeffrey Girard, P.E.
• Divine DPH
  Decorative plumbing showrooms must combine high style, innovation and versatility at all price points for sustained success.
  By Andrea Girolamo
• Pouring it on
  Designers are finding that wet bars can be a lucrative addition to their design services.
  By John Filippelli

Product Trend Report

• Clean & Green
  Today’s kitchen cabinets are trending toward cleaner lines and ‘greener’ designs, with plenty of custom storage options for nearly every price point.
  By Denise Vermeulen

Product Review

• Products with Purpose
  Current trends in kitchen and bath design reflect a wide range of consumer concerns – from environmental responsibility to aging in place to keeping pace with today’s busy lifestyle.

Editorials

• Sound Strategies in the Downturn
  It’s encouraging that dealers are willing to implement well-conceived business strategies rather than merely whine about business conditions.
  By Eliot Sefrin

Bettering Your Bottom Line

• Good Mentoring Makes a Tangible Difference
  Find a great mentor like Don Boico, CKD to help you regularly work on your business, not just in it, and you will no doubt achieve great strides in your Firm’s development.
  By Ken Peterson, CKD , LPBC

Business Strategies

• Using a Design Agreement to Maximize Business
  This month, we’ll look at some forms that we have developed and used over the years that we feel have contributed to our closing ratio and the profitability of our projects.
  By Thompson Price, CMKBD

Closing the Sale

• Maintaining an ‘Up’ Attitude in a ‘Down’ Market
  Negative thoughts prevent you from discovering and focusing on the opportunities to sell.
  By Ralph Palmer, CKD

Consumer Insights

• Tips for Tapping into the ‘Richistani’ Market
  The companies that succeed in grabbing the ‘Richistani’ market will likely be among the biggest winners in the coming years.
  By Leslie Hart

DPH Perspectives

• Be Distinct or Become Extinct, DPHA Advises
  Forward thinking dealers, manufacturers and representative agencies need to establish new strategic directions.
  By David Goldberg

Directory Addendum

• Directory Addendum
  The following companies are either new to KBDN’s February Directory & Buyer’s Guide, or have submitted updated information.

Market Pulse

• Dealers Share Effective ‘Green’ Design Practices
  There are many different ways to look at working with green products.

Design Updates

• Life Styles and Stages Reflected in Idea Center
  This year’s Design Idea Center, sponsored by Meredith Corp. and displayed at the recent K/BIS, featured designs for homeowners of every age and stripe.
  By Anita Shaw

Winner's Circle

• Sub-Zero Winners Display Eye for Efficiency, Art
  The winners of this year’s Sub-Zero/Wolf Kitchen Design Competition showcased creative designs featuring innovative appliance applications.
  By John Filippelli

Book Marks

• June 2008’s Featured Tomes
  See what goes into a “signature” bath and become inspired by some of the best bath designs, then learn all that goes into a successful outdoor kitchen.
        Visit KitchenBathDesign.com's Bookshelf to purchase books featured in this issue.

Project Case Studies

• Old World Kitchen Has Plenty of Style in Store
  It has been said that obstacles are unrecognized opportunities, and Robin Dreher seems to agree.
  By John Filippelli

Consumer Buying Trends

• Survey: Kitchens Top Priority in Today’s Homes
  Kitchens and bathrooms remain at the forefront of the consumer decision-making process when it comes to buying or remodeling a home, a newly released research study reveals.

Industry Barometers & Stockwatch

• Housing Market Continues to Languish
  No major changes have been reported in a housing market that continues to decline under the weight of an economic recession and declines in consumer confidence.

Openings

• New Showroom Boasts Broadway-Style Appeal
  Frank Sinatra sang that New York City is the city that never sleeps.
  By Amanda O’Mahony

Industry Updates

• Testing Sparks Debate Over Granite Countertops
• ASA Members Convene With Government Officials
• Alno Becomes Member Of Green Building Council
• ‘Dealer of the Year’ Cited by Canyon Creek
• Mockett to Distribute Furnipart Products
• Keener Sponsors Fundraising Effort
• Bosch Recognized for Environmental Efforts
• Kitchen/Bath Showroom Awards Danze Rep
• Showrooms in FL, OR Opened by Ferguson
• Blanco Honors Sales Reps
• Moen Recognizes Sixth Grader as Winner of First Green Essay Contest
• SEN Certifies Group After ‘Boot Camp’
• DPHA Annual Conference Set for October in AZ
• '08-'09 Slate of Officers Elected by KCMA
• Viking, Rev-A-Shelf Lend Support to 2008 Seminar Initiative
• Tornado-Ravaged Town Receives Aid from Caroma
• Geberit Joins Alliance For Water Efficiency
• GE Reviews Options For Appliances Business
• Liebherr Donations Support ‘Green’ Initiative

Healthy Baths

• Smart Surfaces Promote Wellness in the Bath
  With the sudden notoriety of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), sanitary standards have been placed under intense scrutiny.
  By Andrea Girolamo

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