It's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow - The Start of a New Era.

Attending KBIS this year totally reminded me of The Carousel of Progress at Walt Disney World.
I just can't believe All the technology and product Innovations that have developed since the last time I was at KBIS 5 years ago.  We are there .... the Future as seen in the last scene of Carousel of Progress- the age of Voice Activation, touch screen and Wi-Fi Connectivity.

"KBIS was all about Smart Appliances with wi-fi capabilities,  A Lot of voice activated products, touch screen appliances, smart phone connectivity ." quote from KBTRIBECHAT - Erica Islas

 

THERMADOR  - THE START OF A NEW ERA

Thermador , One of the Sponsors for Modenus Blog Tour KBIS2018, had over 300 new products to debut, I will only highlight a couple on this blog so go check them out for yourselves after reading my highlights.  I will be doing another blogpost soon to cover the other brands that showcased all these wonderful new technologies and innovations in Kitchen appliances too, so check back with me soon.

Continuing to redefine the possibilities

in the kitchen and beyond, Thermador introduced

the Thermador Connected Experience by Home Connect, an industry exclusive app that takes

the luxury consumer on an exceptional journey by connecting them to exclusive personalized

content, unique partnerships and customized product guidance. Through Home Connect, the Thermador Connected Experience will build

a personal connection with the consumer and

empower them to get the most out of their Thermador suite. 

 CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO below TO SEE HOW IT ALL WORKS WITH VOICE ACTIVATION.

 

For Example :

Let's say you found a great recipe... with Home Connect you can Send the appliance and temperature settings straight to your oven! You can now simply follow the step-by-step instructions for the correct method and perfect results. Season your dishes with fresh herbs and spices, and discover all manner of tips on how to use herbs, spices and ingredients.  You can also give your appliances a voice commands using Home Connect with Amazon Alexa to turn them on , off , etc... Isn't this so Neat ?!  It's also really convenient!    We all have busy mornings ... imagine this  "Alexa, tell Home Connect coffee machine to make a cappuccino." You can use this and many other commands to easily control your Home Connect coffee machine. Which means that you have your hands free to do other things.  I personally think this is a great feature for the Aging in place design that is so prevalent in our design industry today.
 

Freedom induction cooktop

The Thermador collection of ovens include: Thermador Connected Experience by Home Connect Cook smarter with Remote Start and mobile notifications that let you know when your food is hot and ready to enjoy.  Aside from the great technology, I LOVE the flush install , vertical alignment , no trim , sleek look of the Masterpiece series with the metallic glass . 

The new Freedom induction cook top was another item they debut .  It is the largest cooking surface on the market... with great features and accessories like the teppanyaki griddle ... Check them out here.

Masterpiece Series Ventilation

A perfect complement to the sleek, intelligently designed Thermador cook tops, Masterpiece Series Ventilation seamlessly blends into any kitchen aesthetic.

Features : Noise Control Technology, Thermador Connected Experience by Home Connect offers added flexibility and personalization, so you can program custom functionality like delay shut-off, mobile notifications, lighting adjustments and more using the mobile app. 

Performance Pairing Feature :  Thermador Masterpiece Series Ventilation is specifically engineered to work with Thermador cooktops. Cooktop Hood Sync Offered with Freedom Induction cooktops. When they are paired: The hood light automatically turns on when the cooktop is turned on.

Everyone was talking about:

The Entertainer’s Dishwasher

The Entertainer’s Dishwasher features a gentle cycle that won’t break or damage glasses, with a no-slip, soft rubber lower rack and adjustable stands specifically designed to keep stems secure.

The Specialty Glass Dishwasher allows you to wash up to 26 large wine glasses or even more smaller ones at once.

Mixed Use Top Rack

Thermador Connected Experience by Home Connect features include:

Amazon Dash Replenishment ( YUP , THAT's Right.... your smart dishwasher will re-order replenishment supplies)

Easy Start Function Control of appliance through app.  Let's face it ... we live in a world where APP simplify the way we do things.

Refrigeration with Thermafresh system , push assist and self close was another favorite .

.........Now Getting back to my story about Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress , the imagineers on this attraction take us on a journey thru time in a series of vignettes /sets which show an American Family in their home  ( thru animatronics) while noting the changes in innovations and technology as the carousel rotates around the stage and they move onto different eras all while the song "It's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow " plays from scene to scene.

Photo by Nate Rasmussen, Librarian, Walt Disney Archives

First scene is set in a kitchen pre-electric era 1900's where you have a cast iron stove and an ice box... then it moves to the 20's same setting with updated appliances....40's was beginning of the electric era, Now the scene has a electric appliances , lighting , a TV, and it continues to move thru time until last scene where you are in The Future ... The 21st century .

40's scene Photo from Internet - couln't find photo credit. 

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/walt-disney-carousel-of-progress/

In the last scene the family is shown in the Kitchen and Living room Mom is at the computer , kids and Grandma on video games with VR, Dad is cooking in a modern Kitchen with voice activated wall ovens.....the Future is push button living and voice activated .  

Well that's exactly where we are now my friends.... Voice activated lighting controls, appliances, TV , phones and all sorts of technological advancements.   When I saw this attraction for the first time a few years ago, I remember thinking to myself " that would be so cool if Appliances were voice activated"  But I didn't think technology would be moving so quickly in this direction with appliances , BUT I stand corrected,  technology is moving fast in the Kitchen industry as well . SO excited about the future in Kitchen appliances.   I'm getting ready to re-do my own Kitchen soon and excited to incorporate some new innovated products from these wonderful brands who are so forward thinking. 

WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT ????

Lastly , I'd like to mention how gracious our Sponsor was ... Not only did Thermador (along with other sponsors including KBIS)  paid for flights, hotel accommodations, some meals, for this KBIS trip I was on with 24+ other influential interior designers and bloggers from around the world, THEY also threw an EPIC party! The food stations were insane! SO good!  Full hosted bar and THE Entertainment.... ONE REPUBLIC!  It was THE Party to be at.  Had SOO much fun !  Thank you Thermador for always taking it up a notch ! Excited to have been there for the unveiling of all your products.

 
#sponsored

Vanity Cabinetry re-imagined by DXV and OH! the NEW TUB!

So excited to see brands this year at KBIS get creative with fun storage solutions integrated in cabinetry like drawers sections, versatile moving parts to cabinetry to make them more versatile and functional.   One Brand in particular this year at KBIS was DXV, and not just because they happen to be one of our sponsors for Modenus Blogtour KBIS2018, BUT seriously, they knocked it out of the park with their minimalist design ... offering maximum flexibility in installation.  It truly feels like a custom vanity I would design for a client.  What they did is awesome.  Check it out.... It's called DXV Modulus Collection.

Which by the way include lighting and mirrors too! 

 Also LOVE that they offer the lavatory sink in either white or smoke concrete and sizes range from 21"wide to 55"wide !  

 

Another FUN detail is the coordinating solid surface accessory tray that is designed to integrate perfectly onto the adjoining transition zone. This rectangular tray can easily be moved and stored in the matching wall-mounted DXV Modulus vanity or storage cabinet drawers.

DXV Modulus Double Lavatory and Accessories

Their entire plumbing fixture line for this collection is great!  Streamline and Chic.  Lines are soft and proportions are perfect.  It has a really timeless look which as you probably know is what I LOVE most about anything in design.   Check out their site and see for yourself.

Oh and I just have to share this gorgeous SPA TUB from DXV too.... It's a drop in airbath not on the market quiet yet... it just debut at KBIS .   It has an elongated spout accentuated by light , the water falls gently on your shoulders as you rest your head on the comfy pillow, you can then turn on your air bubble or not for an incredble spa experience.

Without a doubt one of my favorites at KBIS this Year !

#sponsoredpost

Featured in Architectural Digest 2018 January Issue

What an honor to be Featured in Architectural Digest ! 

Thank you Viking for naming me Viking's Kitchen Designer of the Year.  I'm so honored.

TOTO - People .Planet. Water.

I Love TOTO!  They have always been one of my favorite companies for bathroom products and my plumbers LOVE when I specify it for renovations.  It's really a no brainer to use them.  Their product is innovative, functional and they have something for every design style.

At this years KBIS , I saw some amazing products, and TOTO was one of them.

Toto's Air injection technology is pretty amazing.  You can't feel too much of a difference with a regular shower head, BUT you can SEE the difference in how much water is saved with TOTO's air injection technology.  TOTO had a great display demonstrating just that.  Here (photo below) I am testing it out with the Modenus BlogtourNola team.

The TOTO Shower Systems’ overhead rain showerhead uses patented air injection technology to increase the volume of water in each droplet by innovatively drawing air in through the showerhead and pumping it into the water droplet – enlarging and increasing their volume. To further enhance the showering experience, the overhead water falls in short, pulsating intervals.


TOTO’s products, technological innovations, operations, and policies demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability that dates back to its incorporation in 1917 when “environmental stewardship” was one of the company’s founding missions. Respect for the environment is embedded in the culture at TOTO. Whether it is engineering high-efficiency toilets, faucets, and showers or implementing a closed-loop paper-recycling system.

People. Planet. Water.

Water Conservation Advocacy
TOTO plays a significant role in leading the sustainability movement in the plumbing industry. In fact, its active role in advancing policy and leading certification organizations demonstrates how its products and practices to help ensure environmental responsibility:

• TOTO USA is the only plumbing manufacturer to receive the EPA’s Water Efficiency Leader Award 
• TOTO is the first plumbing products manufacturer to have employees become sustainability experts by gaining LEED Accredited Professional status 
• TOTO is the first major plumbing products manufacturer to join the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and is a founding member of the Alliance for Water Efficiency. 
• TOTO partners with the EPA to help develop the language of the WaterSense program and to help establish the testing criteria to validate the integrity of the high-efficiency product performance.

Besides all the wonderful innovative features, TOTO offers really great looking products.  New this year at KBIS was this Wyeth suite.  It is timeless and a must have on my next project.

 AIMES Suite happens to be one of my Favs!  Can you see why ?

What's Your Favorite TOTO Suite?

BlogTourNola Rebuilding NOLA Fundraiser

BlogTourNola was an enriching experience all around.  Veronika of Modenus and the generous Sponsors not only organized an amazing Architecture and Design tour, but they also took us to see another side of New Orleans, the side that many of us have forgotten about since news media has moved out of there and on to other stories and tragedies.  Yet, the fact remains, that New Orleans is still being rebuilt after almost 8 years. 

So we spent the day visiting communities in Gentile and the Lower 9th that were hit hard by Hurricane Katrina.  We met few families that day and went inside their homes.  It was not easy... Many of us in tears as we heard their stories.  These people LOST everything.  Everything but HOPE. 

We met one gentleman in particular who touched all of our hearts . His Name is Joe Robert.

This is Joe's House

Joe Pointing to the Levy

The Levy Behind Joe's house

Levy wall, Joe's house

Insid Joe's House - Slow Progress

Nearly eight years later, Joe and Gloria’s house is still uninhabitable. While a new house has been framed out, the building lacks essentials including electrical, drywall, flooring and plumbing.  Because Joe is a contractor by trade, he has the skills to work on his house, but he has generously donated much of his free time to volunteering with St. Paul’s Homecoming Center helping to rebuild other people’s houses.

Joe works on his home little by little, but is often derailed by setbacks such as having his house broken into and his tools stolen. Even though Joe was forced to save up until he could replenish his tool supply, he has not lost his faith in humanity.

Fortunately, Joe and Gloria received some good news recently when Storehouse of World Vision selected the couple and their house for a rehab project. A few weeks ago Storehouse joined forces with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and St. Paul’s Homecoming Center to help rehab kitchens and baths in three houses as a lead-in to NKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) held April 19-21 in New Orleans.

It was such a pleasure to meet Connie Uddo , Executive Director of St. Paul's Homecoming and the many volunteers of the program. "We have each other and that's the greatest resource of all" she says. 

They together with WorldVision are helping rebuild these communities with generous Partnerships such as NKBA and KBIS and many more.

Please visit the World Vision website where they have dedicated a page to Joe Robert and his story as well as a link to a fundraiser just for Joe. www.worldvision.org/nolaprojects. Every little helps.