In The December 2009 Issue
Contents
Designed by Mike Stauffer of Excel Interior Concepts, this awardwinning kitchen was recognized for its dramatic use of CaesarStone Ruby Reflections and Absolute Black granite countertops to create a vibrant, light-hearted design. (see 'Dream Design' Winners Offer Beauty & Innovation). Photo: Courtesy of Excel Interior Concepts & Construction.
Feature Articles
- Same Difference
When it comes to regional differences in design trends, clients’ desires and the people who meet them aren’t so different after all. - Chart Toppers
Stunning, art-inspired hardware, warm wood countertops and cutting boards, energy-saving LED lighting options and space-saving appliances top the list of designers’ favorite products for 2009.
Product Trend Report
- Finishing Touches
Custom looks, warmer finishes and ease of use are among the hottest trends in decorative and functional hardware.
By Steven Shaw
Editorials
- A Year to Forget ... and to Remember
2009 was a year in which we discovered what the kitchen/bath industry is all about.
By Eliot Sefrin
Bettering Your Bottom Line
- Use a Forecasting System to Stay on Track
Kitchen and bath firms should be tracking three key business indicators: leads, sales orders and income.
By Ken Peterson, CKD , LPBC
Personnel
- Motivation Ideas for Supervisors and Employees
A manager’s goal – and challenge – is to create a truly motivated organization that inspires employees to do their very best every day.
By Hank Darlington
Market Pulse
- Dealers Share Time Tested Branding Strategies
Kitchen & Bath Design News recently posed the question to dealers and designers in the kitchen and bath industry: In this challenging economy, do you find your firm utilizing social networking options as a more cost-effective marketing tactic? Why or why not? Following are some of their responses.
Industry Profiles
- Design Firm Fills Niche With Unique Services
If you want something done right, do it yourself. It’s an old adage that everyone has heard.
By John Filippelli
Winner's Circle
- ‘Dream Design’ Winners Offer Beauty & Innovation
While everyone’s “dream design” is different, most kitchen and bath designers agree that it’s not just the products that make a design special.
By Janice Anne Costa
Project Case Studies
- Dated Kitchen Gets Noguchi-Inspired Remodel
Inspiration for a great design can come from the most unlikely places.
By Andrea Girolamo
Consumer Buying Trends
- Affluent Possess Hopeful Outlook, New Survey Reveals
America’s most affluent consumers have a negative opinion of current business conditions but possess a positive 12-month outlook for improvements in business conditions and the stock market, according to the latest in a series of twice-yearly surveys.
Industry Barometers & Stockwatch
- Housing Continues to Sputter at Year-End
The housing market, like the overall U.S. economy, continued to sputter in the fourth quarter as the pieces for a predicted recovery sometime in 2010 gradually fall into place.
Archives
For More Information on Kitchen & Bath Design News
