Surface & Panel - Q1 2020

Q1 • 2020

& U N I T I N G M AT E R I A L S , T E C H N O L O GY A N D D E S I G N

KITCHEN AND BATH INDUSTRY TAKES ON SIN CITY EGGER’S INVESTMENT IN NORTH AMERICA HIGH-END CLOSETS RIGHT AT HOME IN HOUSTON PENTHOUSES INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS, RELATIONSHIPS ARE KEY THE KITCHEN OF THE FUTURE DESIGN INFLUENCE FROM OVERSEAS

TRUE

TO

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P R E S I D E N T

•

PATRICK S. ADAMS, PRESIDENT 526 MEDIA GROUP PADAMS@526MEDIAGROUP.COM

Patrick S. Adams, President

F R O M

I’m sitting across my desk from a candidate who has applied for an open position. I’ve narrowed down the field already based on experience, stability and the other criteria pertinent to the job, and this is our first face-to-face meeting.

We’re having a conversation about family, about our hobbies and childhood lessons learned when she stops awkwardly and asks a question. “I’m sorry to be rude, but when are we going to get back to the interview questions?” I reply, “These are the interview questions.”

I look back on my 30-year career and reflect on my own lessons learned. I’ve worked for many companies both large and small. I have literally hired and fired so many people that I couldn’t even begin to put a number to it. I’ve learned a lot about people and what I believe makes a winning team.

I used to prepare a litany of questions relating to the position. I’ve tried panel interviews, assessments, psychology profile tests, probation periods, recruiters, referrals and more. However, as I look back on what I consider my “failures”—hiring the “wrong” person for the job—there is only one thing that is common across every person I’ve had to let go. I’ve realized that it was never because they exaggerated their skills or experience on their resume. It wasn’t because they didn’t have the customer relationships they claimed or because they missed a number in a particular quarter. It always boiled down to just one of two things—a lack of work ethic or a lack of values.

I remember one of the best employees I ever hired. He was a younger kid who desperately wanted to work for the company. He did so much research that even I learned a few things. During the interview, he did not brag or over-inflate his achievements. He simply said in the most honest way I’ve ever heard someone speak in an interview, “My grandfather, my father and I, as a child, have read this magazine every month. Together we would have long talks about the articles and products and essentially, it was our common bond. I don’t have the experience for your position but I promise you on my family’s name that if you give me the chance, I will work harder than anyone to prove that you made a good decision by hiring me.”

I hired him on the spot and, true to his word, he outworked and outperformed everyone every day for as long as we worked together. It wasn’t for the money, for the title, or so he could springboard to the next company. It was because he said he would and he was passionate about it.

With the “recent” advent of technology came the desire to quantify everything. The belief that technology can somehow provide the missing element that leads to certain business success and profit.

Using key words and tests will determine the best candidate. Using analytics to find the best marketing formula will generate the best ROI. Eliminating the slowest selling products will lead to increased profitability. Unfortunately, “values” do not appear to have a row or calculation on today’s spreadsheets.

My reply to the interview candidate was simple: “These are the interview questions. I can teach you anything you need to know to be successful in this company. I can introduce you to the right people, give you the right leads, and help you become an industry expert. The only thing that I cannot teach you is how to have a strong work ethic and values, and if you don’t have those, you will not succeed here.”

As I describe our company and team to people as being a “values led organization,” slowly I am getting curious looks more and more in response as if they don’t know what that means. I say that we do what we promise, and we always under-promise and over-deliver. If a friend needs help, we help.

If we do something wrong, we say sorry. Perhaps I’m becoming that “old guy” and my next mantra will simply be yelling, “Get off my lawn!”

Maybe values and work ethic don’t have a line on a spreadsheet these days. But I do know that each night as I lay down and reflect on the day, when I know we did well in those categories, I have a peaceful sleep and that is perhaps the greatest ROI of all.

I am grateful to serve this industry and for the amazing welcome greetings, offers of support and feedback that we continue to receive. I wish all of you and your families a wonderful spring!

T H E

The Value Of Values

“I’ve learned a lot about people and what I believe makes a winning team.”

Send your thoughts and messages on this issue and article to Patrick at padams@526mediagroup.com

SURFACE & PANEL • Q1 2020

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N U M B E R

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PRESIDENT

Patrick Adams PH: 714-486-2735

padams@526mediagroup.com

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From the President

PUBLISHER

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Kitchen and Bath Industry Takes on Sin City What happens in Vegas, doesn’t necessarily stay in Vegas, at least when it comes to the kitchen and bath designers and panel processors who were at Kitchen & Bath Industry Show this year.

John Aufderhaar PH: 920-206-1766 john@bedfordfallsmedia.com

CONTENT

Stephanie Ornelas Editorial Director PH: 714-486-2735

ssornelas@526mediagroup.com

ADVERTISING

Ryan Wagner VP Sales & Marketing PH: 920-261-1945 rwagner@526mediagroup.com

Daniel Davidson Sales & Marketing Specialist PH: 920-261-1947 ddavidson@526mediagroup.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Karen Leno kmldesigninc@gmail.com

Mitch Tanis mtanis@526mediagroup.com

C I R C U L AT I O N / S U B S C R I P T I O N S

Jody Bays PH: 714-486-2735 info@526mediagroup.com

NEWS info@526mediagroup.com

12 Egger’s Investment in North America Reflects Confidence in Material Shift As designers and consumers come around to laminates, Egger invests $700 million in particleboard, TFL plant.

18 Wireless Charging Surfaces Bring Phone-Charging Technology to Interior Spaces Integrated charging coils offer seamless design and superior user experience.

20 High-end Closets Right at Home in Houston Penthouses Architects and designers embrace custom services offered by ClosetMaid Professional.

30 Innovative Solutions, Relationships are Key For John Canary, founder of Canary Closets, solid relationships and efficient technology have paved the way to success .

36 New Overtime Rules: What You Need to Know The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes a duties and a salary test that employers must consider when classifying an employee as “non-exempt” or “exempt.”

40 Inspiring Greatness A review of “Furniture Is Our Passion,” a book recently published by Ashley Furniture Industries founder and Chairman Ron Wanek.

42 What’s Hot in Kitchen Cabinet Design Wellborn designer Darcie Miller and Angela O’Neill, director of marketing and advertising, share current industry trends that are shaping the company’s product offerings.

50 The Kitchen of the Future: 2020 and Beyond Expert designers from across the country weigh in on what they see for the future of kitchen design.

56 Design Influence from Overseas Honing in on some of the top European bathroom design trends.

526 MEDIA GROUP 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste. E200 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 PH: 714-486-2735 B E D F O R D F A L L S C O M M U N I C AT I O N S 302 N. 3rd Street, Watertown, WI 53094 PH: 920-261-1945

60 From the Publisher 62 Resource Products 64 From the Editor 66 Ad Index ON THE COVER: The Feelwood collection from EGGER reproduces the visual and tactile beauty of wood.

The embossed-in-register (EIR) finishes provide an authentic look—indistinguishable from veneers and solid wood—with unmatched fade-resistance and durability for myriad surfaces.

mtdsymposium.com

Surface & Panel is published quarterly by 526 Media Group, 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste. E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, telephone 714-486-2735.

Patrick Adams, President. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical without written permission from the publisher. Subscription policy: Individual subscriptions are available, without charge, to manufacturers who engage in panel processing, qualified service providers and suppliers. Publisher reserves the right to reject nonqualified subscribers. One year subscription to non-qualified individuals: U.S. $50, Canada/Mexico $75, all other countries $100, payable in U.S. funds. Single issues are $15, and must be prepaid. 526 Media Group does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident, or any other cause whatsoever.

Printed in the U.S.A. Postmaster: Send address changes to Surface & Panel, Jody Bays, 526 Media Group, 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste.E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Please direct all subscription questions to: Surface & Panel, 526 Media Group, 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste.E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 or e-mail Jody Bays at info@526mediagroup.com.

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Kitchen AND Bath Industry Takes On Sin City

W THE LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER WAS PACKED FOR THIS YEAR’S KITCHEN AND BATH INDUSTRY SHOW HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS SHOW JAN. 21-24.

BY STEPHANIE ORNELAS

hat happens in Vegas, doesn’t necessarily stay in Vegas, at least when it comes to the kitchen and bath designers and panel processors who were at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show this year. The overly crowded tradeshow and new product showcases and innovations will be talked about all year long.

The Las Vegas Convention Center was packed for this year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show held in conjunction with the International Builders Show Jan. 21-24. Confidence was high and new products were being displayed in every corner of the show. Attendees left and right travelled from across the country and the world, many who agreed that this was the biggest KBIS/IBS they had ever seen. “Everywhere I look, I see someone I know, or I’m meeting someone new. It’s been a crazy show,” one attendee was overheard saying to his colleague.

From new product offerings like Formica’s Living Impressions collection, to Häfele’s micro living display, the show was the epitome of smart, sleek, convenient living. Trends like bright, vibrant colors, decorative hardware and subtle yet strategic lighting were common features among products.

Organized living also took the forefront with Salice showcasing several organizational products like Salice Split, a system of division and storage compartments that allows the freest and most personalized CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 ›

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“We want to encourage designers to channel which decor piece truly matches the style, feeling and emotion of their projects.”

GREG SHEETS, HÄFELE CATEGORY MANAGER

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

TOP LEFT: FORMICA’S LIVING IMPRESSIONS COLLECTION. TOP RIGHT: SALICE SPLIT, A SYSTEM OF DIVISION AND STORAGE COMPARTMENTS THAT ALLOWS PERSONALIZED ORGANIZATION OF DRAWER INTERIORS. ABOVE: HÄFELE’S MICRO LIVING DISPLAYS SHOWCASED OPTIONS FOR SMART, SLEEK, CONVENIENT LIVING.

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organization of drawer interiors; and the Salice Pocket Door System, which optimizes space and can be used in a host of applications, from pantry units for kitchens, to hide- away appliances like washing machines, freezers or even sinks.

Meanwhile, Grass America debuted new products aimed to revitalize drop-down cabinets with its new Kinvaro D and Tiomos Flap Drop-down Flap System. The Kinvaro D is a stylish, modern dropdown flap system that creates a minimalistic look with clean lines while offering easy access into the cabinet contents. The sleek and modern Tiomos Flap Hinge is a flat rectangular hinge that offers a 90° opening angle and 3-dimensional adjustment.

It was a big show for Hafele, whose booth really stood out to showgoers with its impressive display of a 250-sq. ft. micro apartment, designed by famous design celebrity Michael K. Chen. The company gave Surface & Panel a tour of the exhibit, which made use of Häfele wall bed hardware, wardrobe lifts, flap fittings, TV lifts and much, much more—all built into a tiny space which freely allows for cooking & eating, relaxing & sleeping, entertaining and beyond.

The apartment not only featured a kitchenette and an extended dinner table, it had an impressive drop-down closet system and a mini bar that pulled out from behind the TV stand. The display will soon be packed up and shipped to the company’s showroom in New York— the hub of micro living.

The company also showed off some of its new attractive decorative hardware lines. “We wanted to create something that changed the way designers experience decorative hardware,” says Greg Sheets, Häfele category manager. “We want to encourage designers to channel which decor piece truly matches the style, feeling and emotion of their projects.”

Strategic lighting was also a highlight throughout the show. It wasn’t uncommon to see products display subtle lighting techniques CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 ›

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Strategic lighting was highlighted throughout the show, with products that displayed subtle lighting techniques within cabinets and storage compartments.

HÄFELE SHOWED OFF SOME OF ITS NEW DECORATIVE HARDWARE LINES AND LIGHTING SYSTEMS.

GRASS AMERICA'S PRODUCTS AIM TO REVITALIZE DROP-DOWN CABINETS WITH THEIR KINVARO D AND TIOMOS FLAP DROP-DOWN FLAP SYSTEM. ‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

within cabinets and storage compartments. “Strategic lighting placement is important because it helps homeowners enjoy their living spaces all day with out having the need to constantly light up the space with bright lighting,” said Becky Carico, assistant marketing communications manager for Häfele.

Several products from Hettich also featured subtle lighting systems in their fixtures that added a sophisticated flare. The company also showed off its innovative storage solutions as a “Best of KBIS” finalist.

In addition to new products and innovations, KBIS had several keynote speakers and panelists who shared insight on design, technology and industry trends. The conference featured 74 sessions in five categories that touched on growing your business, kitchen & bath specialty training, and management and customer service.

A panel of six kitchen designers also gave their thoughts on what this year has in store for kitchen design trends. “We’re seeing a huge trend in incorporating heath and wellness into design,” said designer Stephen Morrison. “Things like large windows and natural light for mental health, touchless faucets and appliances to help prevent the spread of bacteria when cooking, and wide, open spaces are becoming more in demand. It’s a great trend to be seeing.”

And that’s not the only trend that was talked about throughout the show. More professionals are taking note about environmental consciousness within the industry. “Like vegan leather is to fashion, luxury laminates are the new aesthetic of an awakened design world that is mindful of conservation,” said Gwen Petter, Director of Design, Wilsonart. “We are committed to being exceptional stewards of our planet. Our broad product portfolio is made up of designs that are inspired by the world and nature around us and gives conscientious consumers the gorgeous choices they are looking for.”

The show was flooded with designers, panels processors and fabricators from all walks of life proving that the industry is showing no signs of slowing down. With over 80,000 professionals in attendance, one thing was for certain: the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show is not going out of style any time soon. s&p 10

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SEVERAL PRODUCTS FROM HETTICH FEATURED SUBTLE LIGHTING SYSTEMS IN THEIR FIXTURES.

HETTICH 'S INNOVATIVE STORAGE SOLUTIONS QUALIFIED AS A “BEST OF KBIS” FINALIST.

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EGGER’s Investment in North America Reflects Confidence in Material Shift DESIGNERS, CONSUMERS COMING AROUND TO LAMINATES; COMPANY INVESTING $700 MILLION IN PARTICLEBOARD, TFL PLANT

BY SCOTT W. ANGUS

W

FIRST NORTH AMERICAN EGGER OFFICES IN LEXINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA

About EGGER A global, family-owned company, EGGER manufactures wood-based solutions for the furniture and interior design, building and flooring industries. Its products include thermally fused laminate (TFL), laminate, edge banding, particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF), MDF mouldings and laminate flooring. Founded in 1961 in Tyrol, Austria, the company employs about 9,900 people worldwide, with annual revenues exceeding $3 billion.

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hile EGGER’s positive outlook for laminates in North America goes without saying, those in the business might want to hear it anyway: Austria-based EGGER, one of the leading wood-based material and laminate manufacturers in the world, sees great potential for increased sales of decorative panels in the United States and Canada. That is why EGGER has committed to spend $700 million over 15 years to build and then expand its first U.S. manufacturing facility. The plant in Lexington, North Carolina, will produce particleboard and thermally fused laminate.

“Through our thorough market research and analysis, we’ve seen that today’s architects and designers are interested in exploring new and different types of materials—everything from fabric to laminate—based on factors like cost efficiencies, mindful sustainability and local manufacturing,” said Mario Bobsin, plant manager, commercial services for EGGER. “EGGER has made a significant investment in market research to understand the opportunities here in North America, and we see significant growth potential for the TFL market,” said Lisa Thornton, head of marketing for EGGER North America. “We firmly believe there will be a shift in the thinking of both designers and consumers in material choice.”

To be sure, laminate has considerable room to grow in North America before it approaches the popularity that it has enjoyed in Europe and Asia for years. TFL could be the biggest benefactor, as research shows that only 30 percent of the surfaces sold in the U.S. in 2018 were TFL. That compares to 71 percent in Germany and 72 percent in China.

With its new plant located on 230 acres in Lexington, EGGER is positioning itself to help meet the growing demand. The overall project involves three phases, with the first phase including a

SAND ORLEANS OAK FROM EGGER'S DECOR SERIES

$500 million investment and an estimated 400 jobs. Production in Lexington will begin later this year.

Phase II, estimated to begin in 2025, and Phase III, estimated to begin in 2030, will involve finishing lines and added-value production, dependent on market needs, Bobsin said.

“The entire EGGER family is excited about the progress of our firstphase construction,” he said. “Back in 2017, EGGER committed to a goal of continuous operational production by the end of 2020. We are proud to remain on schedule for local production this year.”

In a section on its website about the development, EGGER explains why it chose Lexington.

“We are well aware of the history of the furniture industry in North Carolina and want to contribute to the revitalization of the industry in the state. North Carolina’s historical prominence as a furnituremaking hub, the wood-material supply and the availability of a skilled labor force are excellent advantages for EGGER’s first entry into the U.S. market.”

The North Carolina plant will allow EGGER to become a significant player as demand for wood-based materials grows in the U.S., the company says. “EGGER’s goal is to replicate its strong market position in Europe and become the leading brand for wood-based solutions in North America.”

All raw materials for EGGER’s 19 plants are locally sourced, generally from within 100 miles, and the company’s wood purchasing team is evaluating timber sources in the southeastern U.S. to supply the Lexington plant, Bobsin said.

As a global, family-owned company, EGGER works with well-established supplier partners across the world to provide its machinery.

The Lexington plant will have a 10-foot-by-43-meter Siempelkamp Contiroll press for particleboard production, two Büttner dryers and at least two Wemhöhner short-cycle presses to laminate TFL. One of

FIRST NORTH AMERICAN EGGER SHOWROOM IN LEXINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA

FEELWOOD COLLECTION FROM EGGER REPRODUCES THE VISUAL AND TACTILE BEAUTY OF WOOD, WITHOUT THE DRAWBACKS. THE EMBOSSED-IN-REGISTER (EIR) FINISHES PROVIDE AN AUTHENTIC LOOK—INDISTINGUISHABLE FROM VENEERS AND SOLID WOOD—WITH UNMATCHED FADE-RESISTANCE AND DURABILITY FOR MYRIAD SURFACES. EXTENSIVE PATTERNS RANGE FROM OAK TO PINE TO LARCH IN LIGHT AND DARK TONES.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 ›

SURFACE & PANEL • Q1 2020

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CONSTRUCTION OF HIGH-BAY WAREHOUSE AT EGGER LEXINGTON PLANT

The Project Situated on 230 acres, the Lexington production facility will be EGGER’s 20th plant worldwide and first in North America. This state-of-the-art manufacturing plant will produce particleboard and thermally fused laminate (TFL).

The second phase will include finishing lines for added-value production.

BASICS • Three phases • 15-year development plan • $700 million planned investment • Estimated 770 jobs created FEELWOOD COLLECTION FROM EGGER

PHASES PHASE 1 (2018-2024):

• Offices, design center and training center—opened late 2019 • Particleboard and TFL production facilities—production beginning second half of 2020 • Stock distribution center • $500 million investment • Estimated 400 jobs created • Estimated full build-out in 2024 PHASE 2 (2025-2029):

• Finishing lines for added-value production • Estimated 120 jobs created PHASE 3 (STARTING 2030):

• Second composite wood panel line • Estimated 250 jobs created INSTALLATION OF WOOD CHIP DRYERS AT EGGER LEXINGTON PLANT

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

the short-cycle presses will produce standard 4-by-8 and 5-by-9-foot format U.S. boards, while the other will produce the 7-by-9-foot format popular in Europe.

The new plant will have an annual particleboard production capacity of 424 million square feet, based on ¾" thickness, at full build-out, Bobsin said. The company is developing a new EGGER Decorative Collection, which includes designs created to suit North American needs. With 96 total decors, architects, designers and fabricators can expect to see EGGER’s state-of-the-art, two-sided embossedin-register woodgrain finishes, high-quality matte and gloss neutrals and more, he said, adding that EGGER will launch additional lines based on market demand. EGGER North America will not produce the entire global range of the company’s products, but it will be able to import and offer products from global EGGER plants through its distribution facility in Lexington.

EGGER is especially proud that it manufactures all of its products and respective components in house, Thornton added. “In fact, we manufacture and offer the broadest range of ‘perfect match’ products, meaning we offer EGGER laminate and edge banding in matching decors and textures for our line of TFL panels.”

The company is developing manufacturer partnerships to complement and enhance its decor line with thermoplastic foils and fivepiece door mouldings, Bobsin said.

Asked about the prospect of other companies that provide downstream manufacturing or services co-locating near the Lexington plant, Bobsin said EGGER sees “tremendous” opportunities.

“The EGGER plant in Lexington anchors the coveted I-85 Corporate Center, situated in the heart of North Carolina’s advanced CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 ›

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Why Lexington?

Lexington was announced as the site for EGGER’s first North American manufacturing plant in 2017 after an extensive site-selection process that included 50 potential locations. Ultimately, EGGER chose to locate in Lexington due to the following advantages: • Regional furniture industry • Resource availability • Transportation logistics—proximity to NorfolkSouthern and I-85; direct flights available from Charlotte to Munich.

• Skilled workforce availability • Land and infrastructure support potential future business growth

EGGER STAR COOLERS, WHERE NEWLY PRESSED PARTICLEBOARD WILL COOL BEFORE BEING TRANSPORTED TO WAREHOUSE STORAGE

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

manufacturing region and within a 60-minute drive of a skilled and trainable workforce of more than 1.5 million people,” said Craig Goodson, president and CEO of the Davidson County Economic Development Commission, which manages the corporate center. “The Center is properly zoned and fully served by the sustainable infrastructure required for advanced manufacturing and logistics companies.”

EGGER will distribute products from Lexington throughout the U.S. and Canada using a carefully developed team of distribution partners, both existing and new, said Johannes Eder, sales manager for EGGER North American distribution.

“EGGER is very methodical when selecting distribution partners, and we aim to create long-term, mutually valuable partnerships,” Eder said. “Now that we will have local production capacity, we will work on building our network of strong, committed distributors, both current and new.”

As for the prospect of EGGER building additional facilities in North America, Bobsin said: “One of our core values is progress. We’re continually looking for new sustainable manufacturing opportunities with future generations in mind, which has resulted in our current focus—the successful development of our first manufacturing facility in North America.”

No matter how you cut it, this TFL and particleboard manufacturer is making a huge, long-term commitment to the North American market, and that’s a good sign for everyone involved in the laminate business.

“As a family-owned company, we’re interested in long-term strategies, and we see the North American market as key,” Bobsin said. s&p 16

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Wireless Charging Surfaces Bring Phone-Charging Technology to Interior Spaces INTEGRATED CHARGING COILS OFFER SEAMLESS DESIGN AND SUPERIOR USER EXPERIENCE

T

oday, mobile devices are becoming increasingly vital as we use them for just about everything when it comes to communication.

As mobile technology advances, the more we use our cell phones for things beyond calling and texting, and the more we realize how important it is that our devices are fully charged. Even businesses are coming to this realization, as we continue to see USB ports in hotel rooms and lobbies, making charging even more accessible, and tech companies are designing portable chargers on the go.

But is that enough?

Companies like Formica Corporation, Corian and Belkin are now offering even more convenient solutions—high-tech charging that make it as easy as setting your phone down on a table. Even Starbucks is introducing wireless charging surfaces at several of its coffee shops.

Some systems require the device to have a charging ring attachment. When it comes to Corian’s products, for example, hidden from view is a transmitter that powers up smartphones and tablets, wirelessly. Energy is transferred safely from below the Corian surface to a smart device and charging stops when the battery is full.

Other companies are integrating charging coils within their surfaces, something that’s becoming increasingly popular. Formica recently launched the Intentek Wireless

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Charging Surface—a Formica Laminate surface with integrated charging coils that can wirelessly charge Qi Certified devices. Users can charge their devices simply by placing them on the surface—no plug-in needed.

“Current wireless charging solutions often fall short of both designer and user expectations,” said Amy Gath, vice president, marketing, Formica Corporation North America.

“With the Intentek Wireless Charging Surface, designers can now help their clients offer visitors a simple, cord-free charging experience on horizontal surfaces designed to beautifully match any space from an airport lounge to a restaurant.”

The Intentek System is fully integrated into the durable, easy-to-clean surface, so unlike similar products, such as wireless charging pucks or pads, the product doesn’t clutter the surface and won’t be easily damaged with food or water. The system is available in more than 300 laminate colors, patterns and woodgrains, and is designed for applications in many spaces, including hospitality, entertainment, retail, health care, education and office settings.

With 72% of consumers reporting they have experienced “battery anxiety” as it relates to their mobile device, many find themselves searching for a solution to recharge on the go. To help alleviate this challenge, manufacturers across the country are developing products that will cater to convenient charging. s&p

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High-End Closets Right at Home in Houston Penthouses ARCHITECTS, DESIGNERS EMBRACE CUSTOM SERVICES OFFERED BY CLOSETMAID PROFESSIONAL

C B Y

B I L L

E S L E R

lose to Houston’s top-end Galleria shopping complex is a highrise residential district. Throughout the Galleria are retailers of premier global brands—Tom Ford, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Herman Miller and many others.

It is here, in Uptown Houston, that Hanover Company decided to locate its tony Hanover Post Oak apartment complex. Completed in 2014, the curvaceous 30-story tower of 355 apartments was quickly filled. How? At least partly by matching the interior design, architectural appointments and amenities to the quality levels of its upmarket retail neighbors.

The Hanover Post Oak common areas resemble those of a resort: a pool with private cabanas, 24-hour Technogym fitness club, private movie screening room, fully equipped catering kitchen, pet washing station, business center, 24-hour concierge, valet dry cleaning and, of course, valet parking.

As a testament to Hanover Company’s forward-thinking design and construction, the property in 2017 was awarded National Green Building Standard bronze-level certification—rated on criteria that include efficiency in energy and water usage and construction and material usage.

All of the apartments include a baseline of luxury. But atop the 350 units are five expansive penthouse homes. Measuring between 3,200 and 3,700 square feet, the CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 ›

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THE SPA-INSPIRED PENTHOUSE BATHROOMS INCLUDE RAIN SHOWERS AND SOAKER TUBS.

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

three-bedroom, three-bath floor plans rival full-size suburban homes.

These units feature towering, floor-to-ceiling windows with unparalleled views of Houston. Along with those panoramic views, the penthouse suites have access to a luxurious pool and stylish common areas.

Interiors are designed with open-plan living spaces, featuring 10-foot ceilings, stunning engineered hardwood flooring, cabinetry with solid granite and quartzite countertops, and a limestone fireplace in each of the five units.

Everything in these residences is upscale, including spa-inspired CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 ›

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The custom closet units are finished in Chocolate Pear.

The spacious walk-ins feature an array of options, including corner shelves, valet rods, shoe racks, complementing chrome hardware, and large quartzite topped floating islands. ‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

bathrooms with rain showers and soaker tubs. Kitchens are spacious, and the walk-in closets are beautifully organized.

The source of the organizing components may come as a surprise to some: ClosetMaid Professional Services, an arm of the familiar retail brand and one that operates in a league of its own.

Over the past five years, thousands of architects, designers, builders and contractors have discovered its top-of-the-line offerings.

Aligned with current trends in closet design, the closets in the Hanover Post Oak penthouses are as much a showcase as a place to store designer threads from the nearby Galleria shops.

Managers at Hanover saw the high-end closets as an amenity whose time is now. Each penthouse master bedroom has a custom ClosetMaid MasterSuite storage system. The spacious walk-ins feature an array of options chosen by Hanover’s team, including corner shelves, valet rods, shoe racks, complementing chrome hardware and a large center island.

Each system is floor-mounted, a European-originated structural trend that provides superior support. The frame panels and shelves are made of durable, scratch- and stain-resistant thermally fused laminate, which is embossed in register to give the feel of wood. The TFL is finished in Chocolate Pear, and the units feature soft-closing,

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full-extension glides on solid wood drawers. The five-piece drawer fronts are also made of TFL. The entire design coordinates with modern features in other parts of these rooftop homes.

MasterSuite offers materials unavailable in ClosetMaid’s other lines. The high-grade engineered wood aligns with the other luxurious materials in the penthouse suites. MasterSuite products are also CARB Phase 2 compliant, meaning the closet systems help promote healthier indoor air quality and lend support to the building’s green credentials.

PROFESSIONAL DESIGN ASSISTANCE The $95 million building was designed by Chicago architects Solomon Cordwell Buenz, with Kelley Summers as principal lead. The decision to upgrade the penthouse closets was made by executives at Hanover, which acted as its own general contractor.

The closet company’s design team provided Hanover with several design options and price points. The walk-in system was ultimately chosen as more affordable than traditional built-in casework but also because it makes functional storage look architecturally attractive, with integrated components that allowed all five installations to be completed in one pass.

After choosing the MasterSuite design, Hanover asked for the help of Mike Rouse, president of Doors & More, a Houston specialist in new-construction millwork and finishing. Rouse worked with ClosetMaid Professional on the project.

“Builders are looking for ways to distinguish themselves,” Rouse said about the heightened interest in closet design. “When I started, everyone was doing wire rack. Now, there is a lot of competition in closets. I’ve seen so many varieties of it through different developers.

No one seems to have settled on one type.”

ClosetMaid manufactured the components for Hanover Post Oak at its plant in Ocala, Florida. Doors & More did the installation, along with other work on the suites.

“We ended up doing quite a bit overall,” Rouse said. “We do a finish package … so for the Hanover Post Oak overall, we did all the wood doors and the standing and running trim, as well as building custom shelving.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 ›

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For the penthouse suites, Doors & More also handled all the closets, including the master bedroom walk-ins with quartzite-topped floating islands. Rouse explained how the process is relatively painless and seamless.

“ClosetMaid actually designs the configuration for you. After Hanover sent them the floor plan, their design software ends up giving you all the components. From our end, we interacted with Hanover. We got the designs approved, and the parts arrived, all prefinished laminate.”

ClosetMaid entered the higher-end market five years ago, said Brian Dougherty, vice president, building and strategic services at ClosetMaid Professional.

“We really wanted to engage the architects and the specifying community and give them the tools they needed,” he said. “We used to see a rough sketch being drawn in for closets. But if you are trying to command a $16,000 rent, wire rack isn’t going to cut it.”

To help develop its business for higher-volume projects such as new high-rise construction, ClosetMaid simplified its closet offerings, Dougherty said.

“Now we show ‘good, better, best’ for the design community at the predesign stage, and we also provide a budget estimate for each level.”

The strategy has fed a growing number of projects at the company’s manufacturing centers in Ocala, Florida, and Grantsville, Maryland.

“Now, we are working on projects 24 months out, as well as projects close to bid,” Dougherty said.

In working with commercial customers, ClosetMaid had to develop CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 ›

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a more sophisticated design center than what you’d find in a small local closet shop.

“We have an in-house unit that provides clients with all the design services they need—renderings and elevations,” he said. “We use a third-party design tool. It’s an easy drag-anddrop system that works within our parameters to provide 3D renderings, elevations and the cut list.”

In the world of commercial closets, many projects totaling thousands of units are at play, and they could be at any point in their development cycle at any given time.

“Typically, in the predesign stage, it’s the architectural firm and their interior designer who work together. Then they consult with us to provide them solutions at various price points,” Dougherty added.

Other times, the general contractor or developer drives the closet project. This was the case with Hanover Post Oak. “We have seen a number of projects, including Chastain Heights in Atlanta’s Buckhead District, where the developer wanted to offer more aesthetically pleasing storage solutions,” Dougherty said.

At Chastain Heights, along with hardwood floors, fireplaces and vaulted ceilings, oversize closets are among the marketable amenities. These were finished with the ClosetMaid’s ExpressShelf system, offered in TFL and ventilated wood versions.

Dougherty explained how the company has a pull-through sales effort and tracks projects in the U.S. and Canada.

ClosetMaid targets four market segments: apartments and condos, senior housing, student housing, and hospitality.

To facilitate installation on large-scale projects, closets are manufactured and packaged for installation, with staging based on the builder’s requirements.

“We can ship bulk quantities to a location, or we can palletize for a job at a time, per unit, in a project with everything labeled and sorted appropriately,” Dougherty said.

Though medium density fiberboard laminates from most closet providers are not significantly different, he said, the company developed its MasterSuite line as a more robust panel featuring 3/4-inch instead of 5/8-inch panel and drawer fronts and more scratch-resistant surfaces.

Within the MasterSuite design are six 27th Avenue finishes—Deep Blue, Timeless Taupe, Clean Slate, Washed White, Natural Blonde and Modern Gray—and four embossedin-register Classic finishes—White, Antique White, Chocolate Pear and Coastal Gray. Drawer fronts in 27th Avenue are

CLOSETMAID'S MASTERSUITE LINE INCLUDES FOUR EMBOSSEDIN-REGISTER CLASSIC FINISHES AND SIX 27TH AVENUE FINISHES. OPPOSITE PAGE: CLASSIC WHITE THIS PAGE: TIMELESS TAUPE AND WASHED WHITE ARE PICTURED AT LEFT, TIMELESS TAUPE ON RIGHT.

five-piece matte TFL. A 1 mm PVC edgeband is used throughout MasterSuite.

“At the same time that we introduced colors, we began to accept mix and match, allowing door and drawer fronts to be run in contrasting colors,” Dougherty said, adding that ClosetMaid Professional can also provide made-to-order products in MasterSuite, with some limitations.

“The MasterSuite line is exclusive to the pro channel,” Dougherty said. “MasterSuite is a premium-level product not intended for DIY installation, where panels aren’t meant to be cut. MasterSuite is also more durable— extremely durable—in terms of water and scratch resistance.”

For the five Hanover Post Oak penthouses, the MasterSuite Chocolate Pear laminate with Classic finish was installed with on-the-ground support from the manufacturer.

“For Doors & More, it was their first time installing one of our projects,” Dougherty said.

“So we sent our sales leaders, who were on site in Houston providing installation training.”

The site team also made multiple visits to determine which material went with which closet in each of the penthouses.

“Oftentimes, the subcontractor hasn’t installed a modular closet system. It’s not as complex as cabinetry, but it is new to them.”

The market for home organization seems to be continually growing, and the growth is being driven by changing demographics and generational tastes, ranging from electronics embedded in projects to the trend to smaller homes and apartments, Dougherty said.

“The Internet of Things has now become a more standard feature,” said Dougherty, allowing consumers to inventory and track their things, among other applications. Size is a factor, too.

“Since builders are building smaller homes and apartments, the old approach of bracket shelves and rods just doesn’t suffice.” Dougherty added, “The younger generation who is exposed to Houzz and Instagram is demanding something more.” s&p

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Innovative Solutions, Relationships ARE KEY For John Canary, founder of Canary Closets, solid relationships and efficient technology have paved the way to success.

T

echnology is leading the way when it comes to closet design and manufacturing, at least that’s how it is for New Jersey-based Canary Closets. The company has a few different business strategies to thank for its successful year (sales last year were 5.6 million), including time saving software systems and maintaining relationships across the board.

In addition to supplying closet and cabinet parts across the U.S., Canary Closets started making its own five-piece doors about six years ago for two reasons. First, the company was able to go from a 15-day lead time on projects down to seven. Additionally, if there were any damage issues, wrong size ordered or any other problem, a door could be remade in minutes to get the job done. Another reason was that the company already offered the complete door line to other closet companies, refacers and cabinet shops, so making its own five-piece doors has really helped grow business. But the company needed to make sure it was keeping up with booming business, and that meant investing in efficient software programs.

According to founder and president John Canary, the use of new software systems, Allmoxy and Closet Pro, has been revolutionary. “Our online systems have been the biggest boost to building our business,” he said, noting that the system is fast

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and efficient, using a fraction of the time that it would take employees. The company currently employs 27 full-time and two part-time people at its 16,000 sq. ft. location in Union, New Jersey, and the system “has helped bring everyone up to speed.”

Canary went on to explain how the design process and ordering are fast, accurate and have been well received by customers. Additionally, about 80 percent of payments from customers go through Allmoxy through Stripe (like Paypal). The company pays a great credit card processing rate and ACH (check) payments cost about 25 cents each. “We would not have seen our business grow without Closet Pro and Allmoxy. It’s completely changed the way we operate.”

But efficient software systems aren’t the only thing that’s helped make Canary Closets so successful. Canary emphasized that relationships are key—and not just with suppliers and distributors, competitors too.

“We are in a very busy market and have gotten to know our competitors in two ways. First, we still do some retail (direct to the consumer) closet jobs and we also sell doors as well as parts to closet companies we compete against,” Canary said.

“Since it is such a small part of our business, we are careful and back away from jobs when we find ourselves against one of our own customers.”

And the same goes for the wholesale end of the business.

“When it comes to wholesale, we have a working relationship

“We would not have seen our business grow without Closet Pro and Allmoxy. It’s completely changed the way we operate.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 33 ›

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Equipment: • Mayer PS100 panel saw • Busellato Jet Optima RT21 router • CR Onsrud Mater series router • Homag KAL370 edgebander • Brandt KDF 110 edgebander • Weeke BHX 055 vertical machining center • Omal HBD1300 • 2 Uhling HP300 case clamps • 4 JLT miter door clamps • Ironwood upcut saw with Tiger stop • 2 Balestrini Pico MD2 miter machines

Software: • Closet Pro web-based design tool • Allmoxy web-based online ordering and payment software • CAD Code software for machine code panel optimization and labeling.

Materials in Design: • Canary utilizes approximately 50 different colors of 3/4" thick Tafisa and Uniboard melamine for closet and cabinet parts. Additional cabinet parts are produced out of Columbia prefinished plywood as well as other various veneers.

• Doors are manufactured to match four different profile moldings sourced from Olon and 52 colors from Tafisa, Uniboard and American Laminates.

• Inventory includes 124 different combinations of door rail profile/colors as well as 171 accessory moldings (crown&base).

• Drawer boxes consist of vinyl wrapped 5/8" sides sourced from Olon that are doweled together. Some drawers are constructed using the Grass Zargen drawer system, and dovetail drawers are outsourced.

• Hardware is supplied by Richelieu and Hafele.

• Hardware kits are prebagged from Hafele.

• All drawer sides and door rails come from Olon's two plants in Indiana.

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‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

with another five-piece door manufacturer who we share materials with and make doors for in colors they don’t offer. We find it so beneficial to align ourselves with other companies in the same industry as we have benefited in many ways with supplies, new customers and technical information.”

Distribution is essential for supplies, as the company receives deliveries every day. “When I went into this business, I knew how important my vendor relationships would be (having worked in distribution).” Canary explained how those relationships are key to operations running smoothly. “We have amazing CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 ›

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board vendors: Russell Plywood, Roberts Plywood, Premium Plywood and Atlantic. They all have our board materials in stock and ready to go for us. In fact, all our board products are paid for before they leave the warehouse, so we owe our plywood vendors nothing.”

It’s maintaining these relationships that helps the company thrive. Canary Closets also still retains a small retail presence, which counts for about 15% of overall business, and some fully assembled cabinetry for commercial projects such as assisted living facilities and office fit-outs.

Though software programs and the maintaining relationships are crucial, Canary also touched on the importance of keeping a close eye on industry trends, while still trying to push the more lucrative pieces. “Popular door designs now are flat doors (slab) and the shaker and transitional styles of our 5-piece doors are popular,” said Canary. “White is our #1 color but we work hard to introduce and sell more profitable woodgrains such as the Viva from Tafisa and the Riviera Oak series from Uniboard.”

With technology taking the lead and more ways to communicate and build relationships now than ever before, it’s no surprise that Canary Closets had a successful year and is looking forward to more. Because for the panel processing and design community, maintaining relationships is key and adapting to an evolving industry is essential. s&p

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ANY OF OUR CLIENTS mistakenly believe it is up to them to decide whether to pay their employees on an hourly (non-exempt) or salaried (exempt) basis. Often, they classify employees, such as CSRs and inside sales professionals, as exempt and salaried when, in fact, the law requires that they be paid hourly and eligible for overtime.

The Fair Labor Standards Act, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, establishes a duties and a salary test that employers must consider when classifying an employee as “non-exempt” or “exempt.”

Non-exempt employees must be paid at least minimum wage for all hours worked and overtime for more than 40 hours worked in a work week. Employers must track and keep record of the exact time worked to ensure all employees are paid correctly.

Employees whose white-collar job responsibilities satisfy the various DOL “duties test” and who earn at least the minimum salary threshold established by the DOL can be classified as “exempt” from the minimum wage, overtime, and exact-time-record requirements (although you must keep payroll records of what all employees are paid). To review the various white collar exemptions, search online for DOL Factsheet #17.

On Sept. 24, 2019, the DOL released the highly-anticipated final rule increasing the minimum salary level for “white-collar” and highly

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compensated exempt employees for the first time since 2004. These changes will go into effect Jan. 1, 2020. No changes were made to the “duties test.”

WHITE-COLLAR EXEMPT EMPLOYEES: Typical DOL exemptions, commonly referred to as “white-collar” exemptions, are usually classified under the executive, administrative, and professional categories. (Again, refer to the DOL Factsheet #17 for more on these exemptions.) What has changed is the minimum salary requirement for these white-collar exemptions—it will increase to $684 per week ($35,568 per year) from the current $455 per week ($23,660 per year).

Up to 10% of this new minimum salary level for white-collar classifications can be satisfied with nondiscretionary bonuses, incentive pay, or commissions. And outside sales professionals continue to have no minimum salary threshold so this change doesn’t affect them.

As a result of increasing this minimum salary, the DOL estimates:

•

1.2 million workers will become eligible for overtime pay if employers make no adjustments to their pay; and

•

2.2 million non-exempt workers will have their non-exempt status strengthened because, even though their duties were close to making them eligible for an exemption, their salary level will now be below the required level.

HIGHLY-COMPENSATED EMPLOYEES: Highly-compensated employees (HCEs) are those who, even if they do not meet the duties test of other exemptions, are paid a high enough salary to qualify for an exemption. The DOL is increasing the salary requirement for HCE’s to $107,432 per year from the current $100,000 per year. This must include a weekly salary of at least $684 that does not include nondiscretionary bonuses, incentive pay, and/or commissions.

The DOL estimates that 101,800 current HCE will be impacted unless their salary is increased.

NEXT STEPS With this change going into effect January 1, 2020, we recommend that employers take the following steps:

•

STEP 1:

•

STEP 2:

•

STEP 3:

Identify which white-collar and HCE exempt employees will fall below the new salary levels.

Employers must track and keep record of the exact time worked to ensure all employees are paid correctly.

Review job duties to ensure exempt employees clearly meet the applicable duties requirement; if they do not, then, regardless of their salary, they should be reclassified as non-exempt.

Calculate the costs and consider the options for employees that meet the job duties tests but whose salary falls below the new $684/week $35,568 annual salary minimum

Your options include: – Re-classifying these employees as non-exempt, tracking and recording their time, paying overtime and minimum wage, and including time as compensable such as travel time, waiting time, etc.; or CONTINUED ON PAGE 38 ›

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– Increasing these exempt employees’ salaries to meet the new

Q. I have read about the new minimum salary

exempt salary minimum; or

for overtime going up from $23,660 to $35,568 starting Jan. 1, 2020. So, if we have exempt, salaried employees earning less than $35,568, do we need to increase their pay?

A. Yes, the new minimum is $35,568. So anyone earning less than that amount will need to be reclassified as non-exempt and paid overtime for any hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek.

(Note, some states have a higher threshold.) But remember, the employee’s duties also have to satisfy the duties test, not just the minimum salary threshold, so they could still be misclassified even though they’re earning more than $35,568. This is often the case with customer service representatives and inside sales positions. To make sure your employees satisfy both the salary threshold and the duties test, review the U.S. Department of Labor’s Fact Sheet #17a.

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– Structuring pay for non-exempt employees so that they still receive a salary but have their time tracked and receive overtime for all time worked in excess of 40 hours a week (or your state’s overtime requirements).

•

STEP 4:

•

Document everything.

Communicate your plan with the employees impacted so they know what to expect and why the change has occurred.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR CONSIDERATION 1. If there is uncertainty when classifying an employee, you must classify the employee as “non-exempt” as it benefits the employee by being eligible for overtime and earning at least minimum wage.

2. An employee cannot waive his/her right to protection under wage-andhour law. So even if the employee wants to be classified as exempt and salaried because they don’t want to track their time or they want to help you out, you are still liable for any misclassifications and underpayment that results from the misclassification. An employee who is okay with the practice now may not be in two years, and they would be within their right to bring a claim against you.

3. Wage-and-hour mistakes can be time-consuming and expensive as the DOL investigation may go back two years and include back wages, back overtime, and penalties. If the violations seem egregious, they can go back three years. Also, if one employee is deemed to be misclassified, they will check all employees in that job group, meaning you would be responsible to pay back wages and punitive damages for multiple employees even if they didn’t complain.

4. After the previous changes in 2004, there was a dramatic increase in wage-and-hour claims from employees thinking they were misclassified and should have been receiving overtime. Chances are, another bump will happen again in 2020 as the administration and media promote the fact that more than a million workers will now be eligible for overtime.

Remember, you’re only as safe as your last bad hire. Best to make sure you’ve got your employees classified correctly before they do! For more details about this rule change, read the DOL Factsheet #17G or review the full rule on the Federal Registry. s&p

PAIGE McALLISTER, SPHR The aesthetic and technical requirements of Manufacturers, Designers and architects in the design and production of both contemporary and classic style furniture find in Milesi best solutions.

Milesi’s wide and complete range for painting Kitchen Cabinet and all in Thetheaesthetic and technical requirements of Manufacturers, Designers and architects such as of doors, profiles or and frames, in both private and commercial therelated designelements, and production bothedges, contemporary classic style furniture find in Milesi is designed withwide the aim proposingrange innovative and pleasant aesthetic solutions. thestructures, best solutions.

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The aesthetic and technical requirements of manufacturers and designers of both contemporary and classic style furniture find the best solutions in Milesi. Our wide product range for kitchen cabinets and related related elements, such as doors, and edges, profi les or frames, in bothpleasing private and commercial elements provide innovative aesthetically solutions.

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They designed for maximum ease of use andmaximum speed industry experts, Milesi products designed ease of verticality, for fastthe drying and longare pot-life.

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All products are formulated contribute to the formulations, Milesi products contribute to theto steady reduction of steady reduction indoor pollution and environmental impact been related to the painting of Milesi products of were bornair in 1947 in Italy, a country that has always a point of reference environmental impact related to the finishing of wood. wood, thanks to low or no-VOC emission, poliallyl polymer water-based in the furniture industry.

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Inspiring Greatness

BY JOHN AUFDERHAAR

“Ashely Furniture, the Wanek family and the Ron and Joyce Wanek Foundation have touched the lives of so many, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to charities and worthy causes too numerous to mention here, but referenced in the book.”

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A

shley Furniture Industries founder and Chairman Ron Wanek recently published a book titled “Furniture Is Our Passion.” Produced in conjunction with Bill Napier, Ashley’s former chief marketing officer and now managing partner of Napier Marketing Group, “Furniture Is Our Passion” is an amazing resource for our industry.

Nearly everyone in the furniture industry knows Ashley.

Headquartered in Arcadia, Wisconsin, Ashley is the largest furniture manufacturer in the world. As a lifelong resident of the Badger State and an admirer of the Wanek family’s achievements, I was especially proud to receive an autographed copy from Ron. When you consider that Ashley grew from a 35,000-square-foot facility in 1970 to a global behemoth with 21 million square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space today, it is mind boggling.

That’s nearly 500 acres under roof. Even more impressive is that Ashley is larger than the next eight domestic furniture manufacturers combined. And Ashley is privately held. Oh, yes, one other stat: With more than 1,000 Ashley Furniture HomeStores, Ashley is the largest furniture retailer in North America.

Wanek grew Ashley in America’s heartland from 35 employees to more than 30,000. If Ashley was publicly traded, Ron would be a frequent guest on CNBC. Regardless, if you’re looking for the great American success story, this is it. The United States government should sit Ron in the back of a convertible and give him a New York-style ticker-tape parade.

Even considering Ron Wanek’s business success, what’s most impressive is his commitment to sharing, mentoring and education. Ashely Furniture, the Wanek family and the Ron and Joyce Wanek Foundation have touched the lives of so many, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to charities and worthy causes too numerous to mention here, but referenced in the book.

In addition to detailing the history of Ashley Furniture Industries, “Furniture Is Our Passion” is an excellent resource for designers, retailers and anyone interested in furniture style, construction and materials. The glossary is the most comprehensive I’ve seen.

As a veteran in the furniture industry, I found myself saying, “I didn’t know that.” Who knew that a seven-drawer chest is called a semainier?

Upon entering the Wanek Center in Arcadia, you can’t miss the message from Ron and Joyce Wanek in the atrium: “Leave a legacy.

Be a mentor. Inspire greatness.” Ron’s achievements and the success of Ashley Furniture are truly inspiring. s&p

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What’s Hot in Kitchen Cabinet Design Wellborn designer Darcie Miller and Angela O’Neill, director of marketing and advertising, share current industry trends that are shaping the company’s product offerings

Q. From a designer’s perspective, where do you see the kitchen cabinet industry going this year and beyond?

A. The direction of cabinetry and trends are multifaceted and are best if broken down into several categories: •

– There seems to be developing a disconnect on how the consumer desires to spend their off time at home. For the past several years there has been more and more buzz about creating that smart home–to make life easier, to eliminate some of the workload, etc.

TECH VS. NON-TECH

Ever so slightly we are seeing a push back on this where homeowners are desiring less technology in their homes as a retreat from an overly technical and stimulated world. I believe this trend might point to generational differences though the truth may lie somewhere in the middle where, no matter the age, though we might want a few things through technology to make our lives easier, we also don’t want something overly complicated either that just becomes another chore or something to figure out. We CONTINUED ON PAGE 44 ›

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offer many smart home technologies for cabinetry that covers this wide range of creating that perfect space. From interior lighting solutions, push and touch to open technology to ergonomic lift kits, meeting the needs of the consumer no matter what level of technology they desire in their homes.

•

ABOVE: UPPER CABINETRY UTILIZES MODESTO INSET DOORS IN MAPLE, WITH GAUNTLET STAIN AND JAVA GLAZE IN AN OLDE WORLD FINISH TECHNIQUE. THE BUTCHER BLOCK ISLAND FEATURES MAPLE WITH A SADDLE STAIN. RIGHT: ISLAND CABINETRY IS HANOVER BEADED INSET IN WELLBORN’S AQUA PAINT.

– Though we believe there will always be a market for the desire to create a clean white kitchen, we are also seeing more and more pops of color in cabinetry as consumers become exceedingly confident in this new economy. Still remembering the sting of the recession, we have all become more guarded on the way we spend our money.

A white kitchen is a safe tried and true choice—a signature look for the ultimate Americana kitchen. But an all-white kitchen today can look stale and sterile and the best way to remedy this is to boldly add a pop of color here and there.

It is very refreshing to see the addition of blues, greens and the occasional reds making their way back into cabinetry looks. This trend continues to get stronger and stronger so look for color coming back in a big way.

WHITE VS. COLOR

• COOL TONES TRENDING TO WARM – I feel there is a huge fatigue of the overly used cool gray tones used in home décor over the past 10 years. As a result, even though there is still a demand for gray, we

are seeing these tones warm up helping to create more inviting environments. This also can be seen in not just painted cabinetry, but also gray wash finishes that let the warmth of the wood through. A good example of this is Wellborn’s new finishes on a variety of wood species—Shale and Gauntlet, as well as melamine offerings like Smokey Walnut and Terra Oak, which bring a warmth of wood look with an undertone of warm gray. Beyond gray there is also a high demand for Walnut finishes that can create cozy yet elegant looks that are welcoming. To answer this need, we offer two Walnut look stains called Saddle and Suede.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 46 ›

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22.01.20 14:46

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Q. What specific trends are you noticing in kitchen cabinet design and how is that affecting your product offerings?

A. As with cabinetry trends, hardware trends run a wide spectrum which is why hardware companies offer so many varieties of products. Not only are you seeing specific pieces of hardware that have two or more metals or finishes used, there is also the trend of using 2 or more finishes within a space. Many times, you will see a chrome or brushed nickel look used on perimeter cabinetry and brass or matte black look used on an island or accent piece. Gone are the boring days where just one type of hardware finish is used in a total space. Mixing it up is the new trend which creates a more interesting long-lasting design.

Simplicity is key. As an answer to the trend of cleaner streamlined contemporary looks, hardware has become less is more. For the consumer who still feels the need to use decorative hardware with contemporary design, many are selecting tab type pulls that are barely seen and mount on the top of drawers/doors. For that uber contemporary look, Wellborn offers 2 solutions in their product line up—push/touch to open technology and GOLA hardware. Push/Touch to open

TOP LEFT: MATTE BLACK IS JUST ONE OF MANY HARDWARE FINISHES AVAILABLE TODAY. TOP RIGHT: PUSH/TOUCH TO OPEN TECHNOLOGY ELIMINATES THE NEED FOR EXTERIOR HARDWARE, ENABLING THE END USER TO OPEN CABINETRY BY PUSHING OR TOUCHING MECHANISMS. RIGHT: TAB TYPE PULLS THAT MOUNT ON THE TOP OF DRAWERS AND DOORS ARE BARELY SEEN, OFFERING A VERY CLEAN, CONTEMPORARY LOOK. FAR RIGHT: BRASS HARDWARE IS ENJOYING A COMEBACK, WITH WARMER TONES AND DEPTH THAN THE BRASS OF THE 80’S.

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technology eliminates the need for any exterior hardware to be used by giving the end user the ability to open cabinetry by pushing or touching mechanisms. GOLA hardware, though can be seen on the exterior of the cabinetry, creates a seamless look by ganging cabinetry with metal access rails for the user to easily open the drawers with a pulling motion. Highly ergonomic, GOLA hardware also gives that added design to a contemporary space mimicking the trends we are seeing from Europe.

Whether in small doses or whole room looks, brass hardware is making a huge comeback though it is not the same brass from the 80’s. With warmer more interesting tones and depth, this new brass accentuates many of the pops of color we are seeing today. Looking especially fresh on the trending navy blues in cabinetry, it also accentuates many of the other fixtures that have added brass options over the past few years—faucets, lighting fixtures, and decorative metal accents.

Q. What is the inspiration behind Wellborn’s new designs?

A. The 2020 Wellborn exhibit showcased at KBIS was a culmination of months of research and development that reflects what is currently happening in the U.S. market according to our trade partners as well as what we are seeing as far as sales and market demands. In our planning, we had sourced trend information from a variety of sources to present a full picture of what we believe is not only the present, but the future of cabinet and home design. Some of these sources included were reports on what is happening not only in our own market but also the newest ideas coming out of Europe from Euro Cucina, new introductions and top selling items from our outsourced items such as interior kits and melamine finishes for our Aspire full access line, as well as collaboration with our partner’s in design (appliance, plumbing, countertops etc.) to create full on trend spaces to complete the look.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48 ›

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Q. What is the main purpose of the new line?

A. Because we sell nationwide, this can be sometimes hard to pinpoint and formulate into a cohesive product line up.

Just like what was done for the exhibit, an extraordinary amount of time and research is dedicated to narrowing down what these market demands are. From a specific paint, finish or melamine color to cabinet design and engineering, Wellborn is continually adding what we are seeing as current and future trends according to this research. Wellborn develops any new product line because we hope to not only be a successful company but also help our customer base be successful in offering their clientele the most on trend innovative products in the market.

Q. How is the company incorporating traditional design into new trends that are in demand?

A. The offering of traditional “wood” looking finishes used in contemporary design is a demand straight from Europe. To answer this need, we developed a completely new cabinet line to incorporate this trend into our product line up. Aspire is a full access line of cabinetry that offers a variety of wood look melamine finishes in addition to matte or glossy acrylics to get that designer look that many savvy consumers are demanding.

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Though, not all demands are completely contemporary which is why Wellborn also offers all their wood doors, paints and finishes from Estate and Premier in this new Aspire line. This helps to incorporate traditional design, which is still very prevalent, into contemporary applications where there is a transitional mix of elements as the desired outcome.

Though there will always be a demand for a certain type of look or trend, most homeowners are more concerned about creating that unique space they can call their own. Because of this, many times a design becomes an eclectic mix of the end user’s personality that incorporates new trends with old ones. s&p

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The Kitchen of the Future:

2020 AND BEYOND

Expert designers from across the country weigh in on what they see for the future of kitchen design

TOP: THE AWARD-WINNING MONOGRAM BOOTH, DESIGNED BY RICHARD ANUSZKIEWICZ ABOVE: BRASS ACCENTS AND GOLD TRIM ARE ANOTHER COMMON DESIGN TREND, AS SEEN IN THIS COOKTOP FROM JENN-AIR. TOP RIGHT: SUBTLE LIGHTING TECHNIQUES, LIKE THIS SHELVING DISPLAY

FROM HÄFELE, ARE BECOMING MORE COMMON AS A WAY FOR HOMEOWNERS TO ENJOY THEIR KITCHEN SPACE WITHOUT HAVING TOO MUCH LIGHTING. BOTTOM RIGHT: ALL WHITE KITCHENS ARE A THING OF THE PAST. PEOPLE AREN’T AFRAID TO USE VIBRANT COLORS—COLORS THAT POP.

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I

f there’s one thing designers and panel processors can agree on, it’s that the industry—and the world—is evolving. Technology is taking the forefront and more people are being environmentally conscious and putting mental health and wellness first.

Innovative surface company Cosentino recently unveiled its 2019 global kitchen study, a compilation of findings from a survey of kitchen studios around the world and insights from 23 distinguished experts—spanning design, cooking, domestic technology, sociology, nutrition and sustainability. Through its latest influencer program, the Cosentino Design Alliance, the company sought insight from six leading interior designers who discussed various trends that are shaping the industry in a panel-type setting at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS According to Los Angeles-based designer Jaime Rummerfield, environmental consciousness is something that’s really dictating demand. “It’s so easy to take something and throw it all away in renovation. But understanding the mindfulness of how you use your materials goes a long way. Old is not bad. We restore cabinetry all the time and clients like to know that.” She continued, “It’s not just about replacing and getting rid of the old stuff. If it’s timeless design, we want it around forever.”

President and principal designer Nar Bustamante of Nar Design Group added that he’s very conscious about who he partners with

when it comes to materials. His design firm aims to put integrity first, representing companies like Crystal Cabinet Works, Spekva, Silestone, Franke, Cosentino and more. “I want to know where you are sourcing from. I’m always aware of what kind of companies handle their materials resourcefully and how they do it.”

STRATEGIC LIGHTING Some will argue that lighting is the special ingredient that makes or breaks a space. When it comes to lighting, the panelists echoed one thing—too much lighting is never a good idea. Designer Ron Woodson pointed out the use of strategic lighting and how subtle techniques are becoming more common.

Woodson, who works with all types of spaces from traditional to classic modern, commercial and eclectic opulence, noted that each style has one thing in common. “No one wants bright lighting that’s jarring. Lighting is so important to clients and too much can really ruin a space. Natural lighting is always preferred.”

While Bustamante added, “We’re now starting to see different layers of lighting being incorporated. It’s about light in the right place—glassware that lights up, cubbies and cabinets that light up.”

VIBRANT FINISHES All-white seems to be a thing of the past says New York-based designer Young Huh, when asked about color techniques. “The classic white, stainless steel kitchen was popular, but now there’s a new era of luxury,” she said. “People aren’t afraid of color anymore. They want a little flash, they like unusual finishes like navy and mixed materials.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 52 ›

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LEFT: AS ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS BECOMES MORE PREVALENT, COMPANIES RESPOND BY INCLUDING VARIOUS ECO-FRIENDLY FEATURES IN THEIR PRODUCT OFFERINGS, MUCH LIKE SALICE’S LINEABOX DRAWER AND THE WASTE BIN SYSTEM. CENTER: FEATURES LIKE WOKS AND KIMCHI FRIDGES OR THIS BUILT-IN SPICE RACK FROM WELLBORN CABINETS ARE REQUESTED BY HOMEOWNERS WHO ARE INFLUENCED BY INTERNATIONAL TRENDS. RIGHT: KITCHEN DESIGNERS ARE INCORPORATING LAYERS OF LIGHTING SUCH AS CUBBIES AND CABINETS THAT LIGHT UP AND HIGHLIGHT GLASSWARE, AS SEEN IN THIS CABINET FROM WELLBORN.

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A designer who works with stunning finishes like marble-andglass mosaics from AKDO, furnishings from Avery & Dash Collections and Carlisle wood flooring, Huh is an expert in timeless, luxury design.

She went on to explain that it’s not uncommon for New Yorkers to spend more on finishes because “there’s already very little footwork to cover. People want eye-catching details.”

Nashville-based designer Richard Anuszkiewicz also noticed a resurgence in bright colors and unique finishes. “Color is everywhere and it’s refreshing and exciting to see. I’m seeing palettes that are so vibrant and alive that I don’t see that going anywhere anytime soon.”

Anuszkiewicz was the designer behind the KBIS award-winning Monogram booth which incorporated luxury brands like SapienStone, and featured brass accents and, interestingly enough, cowhide.

“Hide hair is actually extremely durable and the space where we showcased the top was intended to be more living room and furniture inspired as appliances can be integrated into much more than just a kitchen,” he said. “A beautiful material like hide hair is versatile and as a countertop is great to consider for a secondary space where you want it to feel more lifestyle-oriented instead of utilitarian.”

INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE TV personality and interior designer Nina Magon pointed out an interesting trend that’s growing abundantly—international influence.

Whether they’re travelling to a foreign country or living with family, more clients are being inspired by international influence and they’re incorporating such features into their kitchens. “Things like built-in spice racks, woks and kimchi fridges are all things that are being asked for. And it’s so important to be aware of the cultural background of your client,” she added.

Huh pointed out the uptick in bohemian-style trends. “People visit places like Dubai and they come back wanting their living space to look like that.” Bustamante concurred, adding that he sometimes learns more from his international clients than they do from him.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS It’s no secret that homeowners are being more conscious about mental health and wellness, and panelists noted that the trend is making its way into the kitchen. “Things like natural light and lots of windows is good for mental wellness,” said Anuszkiewicz. “Light, airy, open spaces are things to think about when considering mental health. I think we respond to that as humans.”

Meanwhile, Magon noticed a growing trend of touchless faucets and other appliances. “People want to limit the spread of bacteria in the kitchen as much as possible and this helps a lot.”

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 54 ›

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TECHNOLOGY IS LEADING THE WAY Technology is shaping the way kitchens function, adding more convenience and energy efficiency. “Technology is part of our daily life and many of us have come to a point that we can’t really live without it,” said Anuszkiewicz. “Just look at the smartphone and how that’s evolved. Technology is all around us.”

While Anuszkiewicz didn’t argue that technology is something that’s going to continue to shape the industry, he noted that clients are still taking into consideration how “plugged-on” they really want to be. “There’s a line between tech that is an element of the home and what actually serves a purpose. Clients don’t want to be too gimmicky.”

Still, the panelists agreed that the use of technology and smartphones are changing the way kitchens are designed and operated.

Controlling everyday functions from your smartphone, utilizing hidden

spaces with rising cabinets and wireless dishwashers are all things the are becoming more common in the home.

Technology is also changing the way people design their spaces.

Huh noted that the use of social media is playing a huge part in the way clients get ideas. “Social media is making trends translate so fast,” said Huh. “Customers are more specific and open-minded. The trends cycle blows up really quick.”

Bustamante added that clients are finding use of social media to be helpful when sharing ideas and products. “Clients come to us because they saw a beautiful image at some point and they were inspired by it. Aesthetics are incredibly important. Finding that right angle. And as designers, it’s our job to ask what their style is and figure out how to present that to the world.” s&p RICHARD T. ANUSZKIEWICZ NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Richard is a recognized kitchen & bath design authority.

He graduated from Virginia Tech’s Residential Design program and has spoken at industry events across North America, including Design Chicago, Wanted Design New York, DDA Toronto, and KBIS, among others.

NAR BUSTAMANTE | SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Nar is president and principal designer of Sacramentobased Nar Design Group. His extensive travels throughout Europe, North Africa, and North America have played an influential role in his appreciation for art, culture and architecture.

YOUNG HUH | NEW YORK, NEW YORK.

Young is founder of Young Huh Interior Design and specializes in residential and commercial interiors.

Young actively bolsters the local and global design community through speaking engagements and charitable events including, among others, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House and NKBA Board of Directors.

NINA MAGON | HOUSTON, TEXAS

Nina Magon is an international, award-winning interior designer, creative director of Contour Interior Design and TV personality. She is renowned for her signature refined modern aesthetic that perfectly balances bold, high design with a luxurious appeal.

JAIME RUMMERFIELD | LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

With a Bachelor of Science in Design from Arizona State University’s prestigious College of Architecture, Los Angeles-based Woodson & Rummerfield’s co-founder Jaime Rummerfield has a signature California sensibility rooted in classic design training mixed with a fashionforward design approach.

RON WOODSON | LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

With more than 15 years in the design industry, Ron is ever-exploring new materials, furniture forms, colors and fixtures always with a nod to the past. He attended the UCLA School of Interior Design and was recently named one of the Top 20 Black Designers in America.

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Design Influence from Overseas HONING IN ON SOME OF THE TOP EUROPEAN BATHROOM DESIGN TRENDS

E

uropean influence plays a huge factor when it comes to bathroom design and several companies are leading the way with their own techniques. Blending elegance and functionality and bringing more attention to space optimization are just a few of the growing trends that are worth taking note of.

President and principal designer Nar Bustamante of Nar Design Group explained how his extensive travels throughout Europe have played a huge influential role in his appreciation for art, culture and architecture, paying close attention to specific design trends and innovations. One thing he noticed is the resurgence back to wood. “People love the look of wood and as the traditional all white trend starts to die down, we’re going to see more demand for it again.”

Salice is also taking note of the surge in wood design while combining it with another growing trend— dark, bold finishes. The company’s Titanium furniture hinge integrates perfectly with most applications and is ideal both for darker interiors and the numerous wood tones that are featured in current trends right now. In addition to delivering better corrosion resistance, the hinge’s unique finish blends warm tones with technological and futuristic finishes.

The latest trends in furniture aim to maximize aesthetic appeal by featuring accessories and components that can blend elegance and functionality, whilst delivering the highest levels of performance. That includes hardware that integrates well with design (without composing functionality) and space optimization. Things like secret compartments, pocket doors and utilizing small spaces for storage are all being incorporated in bathroom design.

Hettich is a company that’s been featuring unique organizational elements within its product offerings as the demand for more storage solutions, especially in small spaces, is becoming more apparent. Several of the company’s products, such as hinges and cabinets, have features that cater to space optimization. A good

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HETTICH 'S AVDANTECH YOU DRAWER SYSTEM VOGUE UK, MANUFACTURER OF BATHROOM HEATING EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN FEATURING MORE ELEMENTS OF BRONZE AND COPPER INTO ITS PRODUCT DESIGNS.

example is its Avdantech YOU drawer system that’s designed to make it incredibly easy to create storage space based on the homeowner’s specific needs. The system comes with a variety of fittings for all sorts of different functions, including drawer box systems, slides, hinges as well as sliding and folding door systems.

While space optimization and functionality is leading the way for some companies, other companies are honing in on the demand for more vintage, rustic looking finishes.

Richelieu recently introduced its Nature Plus Panel in Maya Bronze. The thermal structured surfaces offer an impressive range of options to create stunning custom interior spaces. Meanwhile, Vogue UK, manufacturer of bathroom heating equipment has

SALICE PAYS HOMAGE TO THE GROWING TREND OF DARK, BOLD FINISHES. THE COMPANY’S TITANIUM FURNITURE HINGE INTEGRATES PERFECTLY WITH MOST APPLICATIONS AND IS IDEAL FOR DARKER INTERIORS.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 58 ›

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been featuring more elements of bronze and copper into its product designs thanks to the growing trend of such finishes.

“Elegant, antique finishes instantly add character and charm. When you add this growing trend with new technologically-advanced features, you’re now delivering practical luxury and setting the tone for a bathroom that is timeless and high functioning,” said Dave Amorello, president North American Market, Vogue UK. Renowned kitchen and bath designer Richard Anuszkiewicz agreed that the vintage look is here to stay, adding that he’s been incorporating more of the rustic finishes for his clients as well. “Though subtle, people are integrating more flash into their living spaces. Brass, gold and even rose gold finishes are not uncommon in design and we will see more of it.”

When it comes to bathrooms, design and functionality are of the utmost importance. “Bathrooms can be tough,” said European designer Maya Koroveshi. “It needs to be a health-conscious space, where the homeowner can easily access all their needs, but it’s also probably one of the most visited rooms in the house for guests. And homeowners want to make it aesthetically pleasing. They still want it to reflect who they are. There’s a lot going on in such a small area of a home.” And that’s why—for bathroom design—functionality, elegance and space optimization are taking the forefront. s&p ELEMENTS SUCH AS SECRET COMPARTMENTS AND POCKET DOORS BRING HIGH FUNCTIONALITY TO TODAY'S BATHROOM DESIGN.

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JOHN AUFDERHAAR PUBLISHER SURFACE & PANEL MAGAZINE JOHN@BEDFORDFALLSMEDIA.COM 920-206-1766

Invest in Innovation “I believe that we will see a return to American manufacturing, producing quickly and servicing customers locally.”

Automation is having a powerful effect on the panel processing industry and the makers of furniture cabinets and fixtures. And it’s not just for the big boys anymore. Small companies with less than 10 employees are investing in the best processing technology, design and production software and material handling systems they can find. After a recent plant visit to a cabinet producer, I was shocked to find out that they had over $5,000,000 in equipment in their 18,000 square foot facility. The productive capacity was breathtaking (the owner said I could talk about what they do, but not about who they are or how many kitchens they produce each day). To boost production even further, the owner said, “I’m about to spend even more on machinery,” to which I said, you’ve only got 10 employees, how can you spend so much with such a small labor force? “I’m investing so I can stay at 10 employees,” was his matter of fact answer.

Small, flexible producers are the future in the panel processing business. And it isn’t just processing technology that will take them there. Order entry, design and production software continue to get better and better…and easier to use. (See Canary, page 30 in this issue). Automating the front end has become just as important as the automation in the plant.

Some have likened the rise of these smaller, flexible producers to Tesla. The big three automakers will have a tough time competing due to massive facilities with vast production expense and legacy pension benefits. They also tend to be bloated at the top. Tesla is producing high quality cars at a lower cost because of simplified, yet highly automated…and flexible facilities. The facility in China was

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built in record time, beginning in early 2019 and already ramping up production.

While our furniture and cabinet producers are obviously smaller than the likes of Tesla, the same characteristics hold true, particularly when “new money” and modern new facilities emerge.

The best way to combat imported product is to level the playing field. Automation does exactly that. Closeness to, and speed to market is everyone’s goal. I believe that we will see a return to American manufacturing, producing quickly and servicing customers locally.

There is one other factor which highlights the importance of closeness to market. Surfaced composites tend to be heavy and expensive to ship long distances. Regardless if the final products are shipped assembled or RTA (ready-to-assemble), shipping costs should be kept in check when you are close to your market.

Tomorrow’s custom cabinet maker will be an automated panel processor, even in the middle of America, in fly over country (where I live).

Because even here, young and old alike are presenting photos from Houzz to their local cabinet maker, asking, “can you make this?” The photo is one of a modern panel processed kitchen. We’ve waited long enough for this trend to materialize. The train is entering the station.

John Aufderhaar, Assistant coach, Team 526

SU BSCRIBE A T S URFAC EAN DPANEL.COM

Work You Want To Take Home

Resource ONP Modern Farmhouse Collection Omega National Products manufactures an extensive array of wood range hood styles that are completely turnkey, including a steel liner and all hardware needed for its uniquely-simple hanging system.

The hood shown here is from our new Modern Farmhouse collection, that includes both tapered (shown) and straight mantel-style designs. All are available in many wood species.

ONP also offers ventilation systems for these wood hoods.

OMEGANATIONALPRODUCTS.COM

ProPanel: Giant Caliper ProPanel-HD E is a precision hand-held measuring tool built and used like a caliper to make inside, outside, diagonal, hole-edge and hole-hole dimensional measurements. This is a rugged linear measuring tool and is designed to make “on the manufacturing floor� measurements by one or two operators. It is based on the ProScale Model 590 and is robust enough to span up to 120 inches of measuring range.

PROSCALE.COM

Melaminetex: Melamine Solutions Designed to provide a mixture of warm colors of wood and solid colors, to dress warmly and design the environments according to the taste of each client. All our traditional line can be applied to any of our textures, obtaining a wide variety of melanin models.

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2020 —

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Cut-to-Size Decorative Grille Take advantage of Designs of Distinction’s cut-to-size decorative grille & fine wire mesh program! Our beautiful steel grilles are hand woven in 8 styles and available in 7 finishes. Builders, designers and manufacturers can now specify the exact opening size of their door panels and receive the pre-cut panels and pre-cut installation gaskets ready to install. No minimums and quick-ship!

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IMEAS Full Control System (FCS) IMEAS Full Control System (FCS) is a recipe-driven sander setup control package allowing fine positioning (1/100 mm) of the sanding heads to precisely control their working set-point, individual stock removal and final board thickness. The Full Control System can store and recall “recipes” (such as unit position, panel thickness, production speeds etc.) for different panel types for a quick setup of the sanding line.

IMEAS.IT

Impress: Pitch Pine Pitch Pine is as individual and unique as the wooden floor planks that originally inspired our global designers. Layers of stain, softly worn away with years of use, expose cracks, watermarks and vintage wood-working details that add an expressive type character to any surface. Both rustic and elegant, this decor brings a high quality feeling of belonging and home.

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STEPHANIE ORNELAS EDITOR SURFACE & PANEL MAGAZINE SORNELAS@525MEDIAGROUP.COM 714-486-2735

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Less is More.

When I began working on Surface & Panel, I was ready to be wowed by fascinating products and some crazy design techniques. From gold flake resin panels, to kitchen cabinets with built-in rising coffee makers, the design and panel processing industry is full of innovation and it’s showing no sign of slowing down. And yet, I was still astonished at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show this year as I walked through booths like Häfele and Salice where I saw the epitome of innovative design. Something that really stood out to me was Häfele’s micro-apartment display.

I was born and raised in Orange County, California, so micro-apartments aren’t something I’m used to seeing. I wasn’t surprised when Becky Carico told me that right after the show, the display was going to be shipped to the company’s showroom in New York. Now when I think of a 250 square foot apartment, comfort is not the first word that comes to mind. Convenience is another word that would definitely not come to mind, but those were the first two things I thought of when I saw this display, which featured a transformable bed, automated drop-down closets, and a cozy dinner table that extended out of the TV stand.

The display changed the way I see micro-living and it made me think twice about my 750 square foot apartment here in Newport Beach.

Sometimes less really is more. I have a good friend who lives in a microapartment in New York, and while it’s the perfect situation for her, I used to think I could never see myself living in that kind of space. But maybe it’s because I never had a chance to see such a space up-close, in person.

That’s what certain design techniques can do to a person. Häfele was able to take 250 square feet and create a realistic space, placing attendees inside a real-life micro-apartment straight from New York— and change the perspective of a SoCal girl—with a small booth at a

“There’s no rule book, no limit to what you can do.

You can have 200 square feet or 2,000 and still be astounded by each project in a different way.”

tradeshow. Now that’s design. There’s no rule book, no limit to what you can do. You can have 200 square feet or 2,000 and still be astounded by each project in a different way. That’s the beauty of when you unite design and technology. There are endless possibilities and it’s up to us to turn that into reality.

Stephanie Ornelas, Editor

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Arauco 43 770.350.1636

www.arauco-na.com

Milesi +39 0384 2544.1 www.milesi.com

Bainbridge Manufacturing 509.745.9555 www.bainbridgemfg.com

Blum 704.827.1345 www.blum.com

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NuTek Machinery 216.904.0215 www.nutekmachinery.com 58

Olon 800.387.2319 www.olon.com 21

Cartiere di Guarcino 508.878.8881 www.cdgspa.com

Omnova Solutions 866.332.5226 www.omnova.com

ClosetPro Software 866.418.1328 www.closetprosoftware.com

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Pinnacle Systems 412.262.3950 www.pinnaclesystems.com

Collins 800.329.1219 www.collinsco.com

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Riken 248.513.3511 www.riken-usa.com

Columbia Forest Products 800.637.1609 www.cfpwood.com

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Salice 800.222.9652 www.saliceamerica.com

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C.R. Onsrud 704.508.7000 www.cronsrud.com

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Daubert Chemical Company, Inc. 866.368.3983 www.daubertchemical.com

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DVUV 216.741.5511 www.dvuv.com

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Shopbot 888.680.4466 www.shopbottools.com Stevens Industries 217.857.7100 www.stevens-wood.com Surface & Panel Podcast www.surfaceandpanel.com/podcast Tafisa Canada 877.882.3472 www.tafisa.ca

Evergreen Engineering 888.484.4771 www.evergreenengineering.com

Franklin International 55 800.877.4583 www.franklinadhesivesandpolymers.com

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Genesis Products 877.266.8292 www.genesisproductsinc.com

Ultrapan 59 754.702.2632 www.ultrapan.net

Grass 336.996.4041 www.grassusa.com

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Hexion 888.443.9466 www.hexion.com

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IMA Schelling 919.544.0430 www.imaschelling.us

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InterGlobal Forest 800.214.4551 www.interglobalforest.com

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Timber Products Company 800.547.9520 www.timberproducts.com

Uniboard 800.263.5240 www.uniboard.com

Union Tool Corporation 574.267.3211 www.uniontoolcorp.com 33

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Venjakob Nutro 905.951.9966 www.venjakob-nutro.com Vortex 800.355.7708 www.vortextool.com

King Plastic 800.780.5502 www.kingplastic.com

Kings Mountain International 704.739.4227 www.kmiinc.net

Wilsonart 11 800.433.3222

www.wilsonart.com/aligned-texture

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Laminate Works 877.940.9040 www.laminateworks.com

Woodgrain 39 888.264.7372

www.woodgrain.com

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68 www.materialicious.com

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Wagner Meters 888.266.8073 www.wagnermeters.com 29

WPR/TAKA +1.923.6503232 www.wpr.it 53

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