Caesarstone Launches Six New Colors

VAN NUYS, CA--(Marketwire - Jun 15, 2011) - Caesarstone is pleased to announce the launch of six brand-new colors. These new hues range from classic to contemporary, rounding out a total of forty-eight colors in the Caesarstone Classico collection.


"We are so pleased to unveil these newest innovations. Our research and development team is constantly pushing the envelope of quartz capabilities to bring the most stylish surfaces to the market; we definitely achieved that with this new collection," said Maggie Amir, Brand Manager.

The new colors are broken up into two categories stylistically. The first category is a trio, our fresh twist on a contemporary classic with the introduction of Linen, a rich greyish beige (greige) surface that compliments any design application; Belgian Moon, a stunning soft black summer night surface designed in collaboration with Jeff Lewis, of Bravo's hit show Flipping Out; and finally Haze, a light, clean, airy gray surface that is sure to suit any space. The second category is our nod to tradition; these are timeless classics. The first being Atlantic Salt, a color that looks the way it sounds, multifaceted with glimpses of peppered gray and whites, clean and serene; Wild Rocks, a sleek Mediterranean-inspired stunner, with hints of browns and blacks; and last but not least Late Autumn, a rich, bold surface with touches of beiges, browns and hints of gold that leaves you dreaming of the countryside.

These new colors are available now, so get inspired. However you want to express yourself, with Caesarstone you can.

About Caesarstone

Caesarstone is the original quartz countertops and surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, Miami, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis and Dallas. Caesarstone produces premium quartz countertops and surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. Caesarstone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Offering a Residential Lifetime Warranty, Caesarstone countertops and surfaces are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. Caesarstone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance with stringent international environmental standards, including ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), and NSF (public health and safety). A sustainable material, Caesarstone is GREENGUARD certified and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

For more information about Caesarstone and its products, please visit the company's website athttp://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Giving In Not Up

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By Peter J. Lamont, Esq

The kitchen, bath, and design trades  are unique in that what is really being sold is a design or idea.  Unlike a retail store, most often our customers complain about the services, promises, and design concepts, not the merchandise.  Of course, there are those who complain about the difference in color from the cabinets in your showroom as opposed to the cabinets she was provided, but for the most part the complaints are about your designs, layouts, measurements and promises.  Your designs, ideas and other non-tangible work is valuable and you should not be forced to give refunds or discounts to your clients simply because they complain. On the other hand, when you are wrong must be willing to provide reasonable reparations to your client. The tricky part is knowing when to fold and when to fight. 

Dealing with tangible items was once easy.  For example, if someone ordered light brown cabinets but you provided dark brown, the problem was clear cut as was the solution.  You simply would replace the cabinets at no charge. However, is this day and age, things are not so simple. Most customers complain about the impact of the delay in replacing the wrong color cabinets.  They claim that they are entitled to loss of use or make other esoteric legal arguments. More importantly, many customers are looking for you to make even the slightest mistake in the hopes that they can complain and receive a partial refund.

The four main complaints/allegations made by customers against kitchen and bath companies and designers are: (1) Verbal promises made before or after the contract is signed; (2) Incorrect measurements (even when they were present when measured); (3) Improper/inadequate designs; and (5) Loss of Use/Emotional Distress.

When your customer comes to you and requests a credit because your measurements were off by an inch or because you verbally suggested that the customer's order could arrive before the scheduled date when in reality it does not arrive until three days after the scheduled date how do you decide whether to give the credit or fight the customer?

           

The following guidelines should be used in determining whether to give in to a complaining customer.  

First, you must fully understand the customer's issues.  Many customers rant and rave and say nothing about their actual problem. You need to get a handle on the customer's real complaint.  Ask the customer to put his/her complaints in an e-mail or other form of writing.  If the claims involve some visible problem (i.e. improper installation; poor design; damage to the home; etc.) you should ask to physically inspect the conditions and photograph them.

Next you need to determine if the claims have merit. For example, if you contract does not have a time is of the essence clause and the customer complains because her cabinets arrived 7 days after the expected delivery date, she may not have a valid cause of action and thus, her threats are devoid of merit and you should offer nothing.  You may need to speak with an a attorney to analyze the merit of the claim.

You then need to review your file, notes and other documents as well as speaking to any employees or subcontractors who worked on the job to see if you in fact created the customer's problem (i.e. did you actually incorrectly measure the room).  If you did, the customer should be entitled to some reasonable form of compensation.  Reasonable means that which remedies the problem you created.  It does not mean that you should give the customer the whole project for free.  For example, if you incorrectly measure the height of a kitchen island, reorder the island at no charge and offer a percentage off the original cost of the island, not the who kitchen.

If you have verbal confirmation or written documentation proving that you made no mistakes, you now need to weigh the customer's demands with the cost of litigation.  For example, if a customer claims she is owed $500 due to a mistake that you did not make you may decide that it is a better business decision to pay the $500 since the cost of litigation would exceed the demand even if you win.  Conversely, if the demand is $25,000 and you did nothing wrong and can prove it, you need to fight the customer to the end. 

Please note, however, that giving in does not mean giving up.  If you do give a credit to your customer you have to be prepared for the customer to ask for more.  Remember the old adage, "If you give an inch they will take a mile." You need to be ready to refuse any further refunds and defend your position in court, if necessary.

It is important to keep emotion out of your decision to provide a credit or refund.  You need to view it as a business decision only.  In order to do this, you must understand the customer's complaint, your potential liability, and the true cost of settling vs. fighting it in court. Remember, that the best defense to these claims is having a proper contact that addresses your liability when certain problems occur.

           

2011 A&D Opening Night Recap

Each year the Architects & Designers Building throws an Opening Night party that spotlight each showroom in its best light. This year's festivities kicked off with 35 showroom events and countless fixtures and furnishings to enhance your home. Upon entering the 200,000 square foot building, we noticed a bot of a shift from last year. Perhaps it was the wet weather, but the hallways were a little less populated. There were still plenty of people...just not so much as 2010 (see "Opening Night at Architects & Designers Building"). Regardless of the shift in attendance, many of the participating showrooms did not disappoint.

Best Showroom Experience: Miele & GE Monogram

It is always a pleasure to attend the Miele showroom because they know how to do it up. Featuring polished appliances and innovative technology, Miele wowed guests with savory bites from Top Chef, Angelo Sosa. To experience the Miele showroom is fuse luxe fixtures with a posh lounge-like setting. Its modernity is a truly unbelievable experience that takes premium appliances to the next level.

Just a floor above was another appliance showroom making a splash. The GE Monogram Design Center knows how to keep guests entertained. With an amazing showroom, gorgeous interior vignettes, to styled kitchens and flat screen televisions (allows for demonstration close ups), all design styles can find inspiration here. With their own Executive Chef (Tageré Southwell), GE Monogram kept festivities going with mixes by DJ Gatsby and an unforgettable experience.

Best Showroom Design: Bilotta Kitchens

No showroom captivated our attention quite like Bilotta Kitchens. If Charlotte York (character from Sex and the City) were real, she would fall in love with their Rutt Classic collection. The blue cabinetry paired with marble counters created such an exquisite kitchen. Did we mention how functional this cooking space was? The kitchen cabinets alone could store every dish in two Manhattan apartments. And the adjacent seating area? Gorgeous! Bilotta Kitchens demonstrated a consistency in luxury and sophistication that was unrivaled at the Opening Night event.

Honorable Mention: Davis & Warshow-Kitchen & Bath Center

If one product stole the show it was a "little" toilet at the Davis & Warshow-Kitchen & Bath Design Center. Only on display at the A&D Building, the NUMI toilet by Kohler takes toilet technology to the next level. NUMI amenities include: motion activated lid, bidet, deodorizer, heated seat and feet warmer, music attributes and more.

All in all the 2011 A&D Opening Night party was a wonderful event full of great design. Our critique? To make this a more closed event. It seems that every year we notice more of a focus on the passed hors d'oeuvres than the actual design. Want to see more photos of the event? Visit our Facebook Fanpage.

NORDAM Sues Cessna Over Custom Cabinetry Contract

By Karen Koenig                                                                                                                                                          

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May 01, 2011

TULSA, OK — Custom woodworker and aerospace component supplier NORDAM Group filed a lawsuit against Cessna Aircraft Co. last month, alleging breach of contract.

NORDAM claims Cessna’s attempt to transfer to a competitor its intellectual property for the CJ4 jet interior cabinetry will result in more than $30 million in damages to the Tulsa, OK-based company.

U.S. Chief District Judge Claire Eagan has set a hearing for May 5 on NORDAM’s preliminary injunction. The suit was filed April 21 in U.S. District Court in Tulsa. The previous month, Cessna had informed NORDAM that the CJ4 cabinetry portion of their agreement had been “shopped around” — NORDAM would lose the business to a competitor unless it lowered its prices by 20 percent.

NORDAM has been working with Cessna on the CJ4 executive cabinetry since 2007. The set consists of a refreshment center, lavatory, closets, aft dividers and bulkheads, armrests, side ledges and tables. The cabinetry is manufactured in NORDAM’s 120,000-square-foot facility in Wichita, KS.

NORDAM employs more than 2,000 people and has nine facilities in three continents. In addition to manufacturing the custom cabinetry, NORDAM designs, certifies and manufactures integrated propulsion systems, nacelles and thrust reversers for business jets and manufactures aircraft transparencies, including cabin windows, wing-tip lenses and simulator screens.

NKBA announces 2011 best bath designs

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has announced the finalists in the 2011 NKBA Design Competition, honoring the best bath designs of the year.

Ridgewood-based designer Holly Rickert has won the first place in the Best Bathroom category. The bathroom space designed by her features river rocks surrounding the free-standing tub giving the space a relaxing spa feel. The space also features dark cabinetry and flooring to lend a modern touch. A large walk-in shower and water closet are carved out of a former guest room closet. Water tiles and a slide bar provide a rain shower and a traditional shower respectively. The shower space is defined by a curved wall that contains a drained planter and shampoo storage.

Best Before & After Bathroom category was sponsored by This Old House. The winner is Melissa Morgan Sutherland, CKD from Hermitage Kitchen Design Gallery in Nashville. Best Sustainable Bathroom category was sponsored by Kohler. The winner is Ines Hanl from The Sky is the Limit Design in Victoria, Canada. Budget-Friendly Bathroom category is sponsored by ServiceMagic. It was won by Scott Gjesdahl from Bristol Design & Construction in Lynnwood, Washington.

People’s Pick Bathroom was sponsored by HGTVPro.com. It was won by Holly Rickert from Ulrich, Inc. in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Category 6 Small Bathroom winners include Ellie R. Baker, CKD, CAPS, CGP; Brier, WA in first place; Scott Gjesdahl; Lynnwood, WA in second place; and Victoria Shaw, ARIDO; Pickering, ON in third place.

Category 7 Large Bathroom winners include First Place: Lori W. Carroll; Tucson, AZ; Second Place: Holly Rickert; Ridgewood, NJ; and Third Place: Victoria Shaw, ARIDO; Pickering, ON. Category 8 Master Bathroom winners include First Place: John A. Granato II, CKD; Syracuse, NY; Second Place: Elizabeth A. Rosensteel; Phoenix, AZ; and Third Place: Christine Salas, CKD, CBD; Calgary, AB.

Category 9 Showroom winners include First Place: Artur Leyzerov; Toronto, ON; Second Place: Areti Tanya Rentzos; Mississauga, ON; and Third Place: J. David Ulrich, CKD; Ridgewood, NJ.

The 2011 competition honours the top three designs in each of the nine categories, as well as special Best-Of award winners, from the nearly 500 entries received. Winning designs were announced at the Design Competition Awards event on 26 April 2011 during the NKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

LG Readies Studio Series Kitchen Line

April 27, 2011

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LG Studio Series

 

LG Tuesday announced a new suite of kitchen products known as the LG Studio Series. The energy efficient line includes ranges, wall ovens, warming drawers, cooktops, hoods, microwave ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers and more, the company said. 

The line will show this week at the 2011 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas. 

"The introduction of our Studio Series line gives consumers the opportunity to experience LG's cutting-edge core technologies packaged with award-winning style and design," Sam Kim, president of Home Appliances, LG Electronics USA, Inc, said as part of the announcement.

RELATED

• LG Officially To Launch Its First Smart Grid-Ready Smart Appliances
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"Studio Series represents LG's most premium appliances and offers an uncompromising approach to design and function that will create the ultimate kitchen experience in any home."

See the LG product page for more information. 

NanaWall® Kitchen Transition, New Trend in Kitchen Design, Introduced at 2011 Kitchen and Bath Show

NanaWall Systems, the leader in large opening glass walls for more than 25 years, announces its newest product for kitchen designers, remodelers and architects: the NanaWall Kitchen Transition. The NanaWall Kitchen Transition is a custom window-door combination that opens instantly to create an outdoor kitchen and a sense of spaciousness for everyday use or for entertaining. When closed, the NanaWall Kitchen Transition provides secure weather protection and durability in all climates from California to the Rocky Mountains.

The NanaWall Kitchen Transition turns one room into two rooms and is a stunning alternative to building both an outdoor kitchen and an indoor kitchen. With the NanaWall Kitchen Transition system, homeowners get the benefits of having an outdoor kitchen, or the expansive feel of being outdoors, without the extra cost and maintenance of special outdoor furniture, stoves, etc.

Mark R. LePage, AIA, LEED AP, partner at Fivecat Studio Architecture in Westchester County, N.Y., used the NanaWall to remodel a 1980's kitchen in Chappaqua, New York. The challenge: to create a kitchen that worked for family meals and could transition to accommodate larger gatherings for the homeowner's cooking school, "Marissa's Kitchen."

"The homeowner wanted a modern kitchen with a view to the yard and lots of natural light. In the summer, she entertains and often hosts large events. NanaWall is the perfect solution to address all of Marissa's requirements," said LePage. "We used two NanaWalls in order to allow the entire side of the house to open out onto the adjacent Ipe wood deck. When the NanaWalls are open, the entertaining space of the kitchen and adjacent family room more than doubles, allowing the homeowner to host very large events."

The window and door operate separately, but meet seamlessly to create a large opening glass wall up to 36 feet wide.

"With the NanaWall Kitchen Transition, certified kitchen designers and architects can have design flexibility to create indoor/outdoor kitchens and know their clients will benefit from exceptional performance for years to come," said Ebrahim Nana, president of NanaWall Systems. "The NanaWall Kitchen Transition is a great example of how NanaWall can create design solutions for remodeling or new homes. With the NanaWall Kitchen Transition, homeowners get two kitchens in one."

The NanaWall Kitchen Transition works with the NanaWall SL45 Aluminum, WD65 and WD66 Wood Systems. The wood system is available with more than 10 wood options including Lamboo (laminated bamboo), pine, spruce, beech, Douglas fir, oak, and sapelli mahogany. Aluminum systems are available in durable powder coating in a choice of more than 200 RAL Gloss or Matte colors.

About NanaWall Systems, Inc.

For more than 25 years, NanaWall Systems, Inc. has provided quality operable glass wall systems for large architectural openings, from 8 feet to 320 feet. Used in houses, condominiums, restaurants, stadiums, schools and more, NanaWall's precision-engineered opening glass wall systems are unrivaled in the industry for exceeding standards for air infiltration, water penetration, structural performance, hurricane protection and forced entry. Founded by engineers, all NanaWall systems are manufactured in the U.S. and Germany and include full service before and after sales including pre-ordering telephone technical support, accurate delivery schedules, factory-installed hardware, certified installers nationwide, and after-sales service. Nine of the NanaWall systems have been rated, certified and labeled in accordance with National Fenestration Rating Council 100/200. NanaWall Systems is the exclusive North American partner of Solarlux, Germany, the world leader in operable glass wall technology. For more information, videos or photos, visit www.nanawall.com, or see NanaWall on Facebook. On Twitter follow: @Nana_Wall.

About Fivecat Studio

Fivecat Studio is a residential architecture firm specializing in high-end small projects. You may learn more about Fivecat Studio at the firm's Web site, www.fivecat.com.

20-20 VIRTUAL PLANNER

from 20-20 Technologies

The 20-20 Virtual Planner from 20-20 Technologies (Booth C5363) is an easy-to-use 3D space planning application that simplifies the task of remodeling an interior space. The Virtual Planner allows users to engage customers in the design process from the comfort of their home.

Click here to request more information.

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The National Kitchen & Bath Association Launches New Website at Annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show

NKBA.org Gives Members and Consumers Unmarked Online Resource and Experience

Press Release Source: The National Kitchen & Bath Association On Tuesday April 26, 2011, 9:05 am EDT

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has launched a new, dynamic website that will enhance the experience of both consumers and professionals through improved navigation and easy access to information. NKBA.org, the most comprehensive online resource, supports the business of NKBA members, while serving as the go-to online design resource for consumers. The new face of the NKBA will be formally launched this week at the 2011 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas.

“The new NKBA.org features the latest trends and innovations in kitchen and bath design, which is a direct reflection of the NKBA brand and the work of our members,” stated 2011 NKBA President David Alderman, CMKBD. “Informed by the feedback of nearly 1,000 NKBA members and consumers, the new NKBA.org will make accessing information for members easier than ever, and will connect members to consumers seeking support with a kitchen or bath remodel project. As a primary resource for the kitchen and bath design industry, the new website uses best-in-class technology and strives to deliver the most comprehensive resources and tools available online.”

Showcased on the NKBA.org homepage, the refined “ProSearch” function connects consumers with NKBA members for specific needs. This feature allows consumers to easily find an NKBA member kitchen and bath professional in their area, offering company information for local NKBA members. For NKBA members, “ProSearch” provides an outlet to effectively market their business to consumers in the area seeking a kitchen and bath design or remodel.

NKBA.org is now organized into easy to use segments including “Dream,” “Design,” “Learn,” “Participate,” and “Member Center.” In addition, the website allows visitors to navigate by self-selecting as “Homeowners,” “Professionals,” or “Members.”

Homeowners visiting the NKBA’s new website can be easily inspired to create their very own dream kitchen through the featured “Dream” photo gallery showcasing NKBA member kitchen and bath designs, which includes designer information as well as a detailed list of all products used in the design space. Other consumer resources include information on hiring a designer or NKBA professional, and the free downloadableNKBA Kitchen Planner and NKBA Bath Planner used to guide homeowners through every step of kitchen and bath remodels. Consumers can also refer to the “Ask a Professional” section for first-hand, expert advice from NKBA professional designers on a variety of design aspects.

Design professionals can use the “NKBA Kitchen and Bath Planning Guidelines,” featured on the new website, to ensure safe and effective kitchen and bath planning for upcoming projects. The site also features education resources including industry statistics, certification information, and NKBA courses for professionals to further enhance their skills and knowledge.

The new NKBA.org provides an intranet portal specific to NKBA members where they can access privileged member information including marketing and business tools, career opportunities, education resources and NKBA chapter information. In addition, NKBA members have the opportunity to promote their business on the NKBA.org homepage as select kitchen and bath design images from the photo gallery are interchangeably featured.

To experience the NKBA’s enhanced website, visit NKBA.org. The NKBA’s online presence can also be found on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About the National Kitchen & Bath Association

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association with nearly 40,000 members that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for more than 45 years. NKBA.org provides consumers with an inspiration gallery of award-winning kitchen and bath designs, as well as articles, tips, and an extensive glossary of remodeling terms. At NKBA.org, consumers can also find certified kitchen and bath professionals in their areas, submit questions to NKBA experts, order complimentary kitchen and bath planners, and sign up for a free quarterly homeowner newsletter. To learn more, visit the NKBA Press Room atNKBA.org/Press or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).

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