Showing posts with label Modenus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Modenus. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Innovations and Technology at KBIS 2018


If you LOVE innovations and technology  , this was the year to be at KBIS in Orlando , Florida .  This year there were hundreds of brands showing off their latest and greatest more so than any other year I've been. 
Couple of my favorite products where among a couple of our Modenus Blog tour sponsors:
https://www.wilsonart.com/
https://www.grohe.us/en_us/
https://www.americanstandard-us.com/
Innovations and Technology at KBIS2018
Wilsonart was one of those brands.  One of the never before seen products they introduced was this innovative product with it's water resistant wet wall panels which provide no grout , easy alternative to tile.  The concept if very cool , you can install over tile over drywall and over studs.  

Innovations and Technology at KBIS2018

Their products are aesthetically really pleasing .  If you are looking for low maintenance with luxury on a budget , this is the product for you .  

Innovations and Technology at KBIS2018
Miter Fold Edge
Innovations and Technology at KBIS2018
Reverse Knife Edge detail
Wilsonart® Laminate
Blending existing styles and colors with newer styles and colors in a cohesive way can be challenging. Two new trend-forward premium laminate designs featuring AEON™ Enhanced Scratch & Scuff Resistance Technology, Drama Marble and Praline Antico, blur the lines between past and present, and coordinate well with nearly any cabinet, appliance or décor, breathing new life into the story of your space.

The new Soft Silk (-21) laminate finish is more than a stunning ultra-matte surface. This new finish is incredibly soft and smooth with a silky touch. Seven luxurious stone designs will feature the velvety finish. Visit www.wilsonart.com/finish-options to learn more.



You may or may not know that Wilsonart also offers Quartz and Solid Surface materials Check them out for your next Affordable Luxury Kitchen .



Innovation in Plumbing
LIXIL was another one of our sponsors who represents American Standard - they have been a favorite for years. What I loved about their NEW products is that they are not only innovative they are sustainable.

In the Kitchen:


First on the market to think about water preservation with this unique… American Standard BEALE Measure Fill kitchen faucet that dispenses precise volume of water on demand.  No more filling up your measuring cup and dumping water until you have exactly 2 cups, or 4 cups , etc... THIS faucet does the calculating for you !  
 

In the Bathroom : 
Innovations and Technology at KBIS2018
Delivering total control over the showering experience, the new Spectra+ collection offers a comprehensive range of products for savvy homeowners to customize their shower space, all from American Standard, part of the LIXIL corporation. Ranging from convenient hand showers to fixed showerheads, the Spectra+ collection empowers the user with flexible choices to suit individualized preferences for all ages and mobility levels in the home.

Technologically Advanced Solutions
Employing first-to-market technology, the Spectra+Touch showerhead changes spray patterns with a simple touch on the outside ring of the showerhead, making it easy to customize the shower experience, even with wet hands. This pioneering showerhead delivers a luxurious experience with an oversized, multi-function 7-inch showerhead that offers a choice of four 4 spray patterns.
Innovations and Technology at KBIS2018Innovative, Two-In-One Shower System

Innovations and Technology at KBIS2018
The Spectra+ Duo model combines a 9 ½-inch fixed showerhead and 5-inch multi-function hand shower all in one sleek fixture. Designed to deliver a drenching experience through a superior width of water coverage across the user’s body, the Spectra+ Duo shower system offers the widest spray coverage of any two-in-one showerhead on the market. This functional design allows homeowners to enjoy two convenient showering options without breaking any wall tile for remodeling.
The DivertPaddle, conveniently located on the front of the fixed shower head unit, makes it simple to switch from the combined spray to hand shower only. The Spectra+ Duo’s Dock-Tite feature incorporates a strong magnet to easily and securely dock the hand shower to the showerhead.

Innovations and Technology at KBIS2018Immersing oneself in a new dimension of showering this is what GROHE SmartControl is all about. The Push, Turn, Shower” experience has become even more multifaceted, thanks to a new model and combination options being added to this popular line of smart shower controls.

 

 

 

 

 

This was a fan favorite among the interior designers I was with .... these "free standing (3 sided) tubs"  they have a flat backside !  Do you know how great this is ?  This is perfect for those installations where you want the look of a freestanding tub but you need to put up against the wall for space saving situations or simply the aesthetic of the room .  They come in Traditional , Transitional and Contemporary styles.

Innovations and Technology at KBIS2018


Innovations and Technology at KBIS2018 
 HOW COOL IS THIS????
Tell me ,  is this something you can see using in your next project ?  Please leave a comment and tell me your thoughts.

















#sponsored 

Although my trip was paid for by these wonderful sponsors my comments and opinions are my own.  I was invited as an influencer interior designer and feel very proud to offer my opinions and feedback on these products that I've highlighted.  This is only a fraction of all their wonderful products.  Please take a moment to look them up and spec some of these wonderful new innovated products.  You can not go wrong, these companies have been around forever. 


Monday, January 22, 2018

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

Saturday, March 1, 2014

A YEAR in The Life of an Interior Designer -reflection on 2013

Take a peek into my interior design adventures of 2013... It was an incredible Year filled with great moments.  I traveled a lot and met a lot of wonderful people.  I am so grateful to everyone in this book and others who I don't have pictures of , who made such an impact on my life this past year.   I put this album together for me as a keepsake but then I thought... why not share it.  So here it is .


Friday, June 7, 2013

Silestone by Cosentino - A KBIS 2013 Favorite


One of the best things about Modenus' Blogtournola is the connections you make and the products you are introduced to.  Sure I knew about Silestone (by Cosentino) and have used them several times on projects, But I didn't  really know them.  I was so impressed by this company.  There is so much to love about them.  For starters, they are a family owned business , who doesn't love that? They take SO much pride on their products and it shows as they are a world leader in quartz, natural stone, and recycled surfaces. 

Una de las mejores cosas de Modenus 'Blogtournola son las conexiones con las empresas de los productos que realice. Claro que sabía de Silestone (by Cosentino) y los he utilizado varias veces en los proyectos , pero ahora conosco mas de ellos que antes. Estoy muy impresionada por esta empresa. Para empezar, son una empresa familiar, quien no ama eso? Ellos toman mucho orgullo en sus productos y se nota, ya que es líder mundial en el cuarzo, piedra natural y superficies recicladas.

This year at KBIS, Cosentino introduced Silestone Suede finish, an exceptional matte finish with a distinctive design aesthetic that sets it apart from the traditional high‐gloss appearance of many natural stone surfaces. The elegant texture is smooth to the touch, giving the surface a softer appearance with little reflection.

Este año, en KBIS, Cosentino presento un acabado que se llama "Suede" parte de Silestone, un acabado mate excepcional con un diseño estético distintivo .  La textura es suave al tacto, dando a la superficie un aspecto más suave con poca reflexión.

With designer Kim Lewis at Cosentino Booth KBIS2013


Also Debuting was Nebula!  LOVE THIS new product.
También debut fue Nebula! Me encanta este nuevo producto.


Why We Designers LOVE Silestone! : 
Made of Natural Quartz, the 4th hardest mineral found in nature
The only countertop with built-in antimicrobial protection
Scratch-, stain- and scorch-resistant
Low maintenance - cleans with soap and water; never needs sealers
Offers 15-year manufacturer’s warranty


Hecho de cuarzo natural, el cuarto mineral más duro encontrar en la naturaleza
La única encimera con una función de protección antimicrobiana
Arañazos, manchas y quemaduras resistente
Bajo mantenimiento - limpia con agua y jabón, nunca necesita selladores
Ofrece la garantía del fabricante de 15 años


Cosentino also introduced four new colors of their Eco line which I LOVE!
Lastly , Cosentino previewed the highly anticipated new ultra-compact surface, Dekton by Cosentino, at KBIS for the first time in North America.  The revolutionary new product, which can be used for both indoor and outdoor architectural applications, is UV resistent, and comes in large format, extremely thin slabs and will officially launch in North America later this year.  I was not allowed to take photos of product , but let's just say.... it is pretty fabulous!  I was able to take picture of the key attributes :)


Por último, Cosentino enseño la nueva superficie muy esperado ultra-compacto, Dekton de Cosentino, en KBIS por primera vez en América del Norte. El nuevo y revolucionario producto, que puede ser utilizado para aplicaciones de arquitectura de interior y al aire libre, es resistente a UV, y viene en gran formato, placas muy finas y se lanzará oficialmente en América del Norte a finales de este año. No se permitió tomar fotos de producto, pero les puedo decir.... es bastante fabuloso! Solo tuve la oportunidad de tomar la foto de los atributos clave :)

Monday, June 3, 2013

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?

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Bevolo Gas Lamps - A New Orleans Sight for Sore Eyes!



One of the things that left a lasting impressions of New Orleans for me was these beautiful gas lamps.  I'd never seen them before. 
Yes, These are gas lanterns on the porch ! Aren't they magical?
Imagine a whole city with these beauties.  What's so pretty about these is how the flame flickers. It's pretty magical .
Bevolo's gas burners were designed to provide a unique "bat-wing" shaped flame while offering the lowest BTU rating. They are only available on Bevolo fixtures and cost approximately $7-$8/month to operate. 
Cool right?




 It all began way back about 68 years ago.  Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights began in the French Quarter in 1945 when Andrew Bevolo Sr. revolutionized the production of gas lamps.  Utilizing a hand riveting technique , he created sustainable gas lights.  WAY before his time Right?  His master craftsmanship and artistic style paired up with the talents of renowned architect A. Hayes Town created what is now known as the French Quarter Lamp.  They are everywhere I tell you !  This family owned business continues growing strong , producing each and every piece by hand.  I had the pleasure of visiting the showroom and factory with Modenus & the BlogTourNOLA team and I got to see the production in person myself. 


 Bevolo lamps are sustainable.  Bevolo handcrafts their fixtures from the purest copper possible.  They pride themselves on fixtures that are lifetime products and will be in your family for generations to come.  To read more about this click here. and here for more reasons to LOVE and purchase Bevolo.


Don't you agree that these could be AMAZING everywhere ?  I REALLY want one now :)




Photos: by Erica Islas & some Courtesy of Bevolo

Thursday, May 9, 2013

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.