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I must say that going to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show can be well, overwhelming, if you are a “newbie” like I was. The convention was held in Chicago, Illinois which has to be one of my favorite cities. When Matty asked if I wanted to go how could I say no! We had one day to conquer the “floor” and Matty had a very wise plan to tackle the massive task, take in row by row!
Where to begin?
Cambria is one product that we all cannot stop talking about. Cambria is a family based company that manufactures quartz countertops in northern Minnesota. Quartz countertops are made of engineered stones that are uniform in appearance. The mineral quartz is mixed with resins and binders. Color is added to achieve the desired look. A sample that you see in a showroom should be similar to what is installed. Cambria has taken quartz countertops to a new level with their unsurpassed color innovation. They are producing new slabs that do not compare to what other companies produce.
Ladies watch out! The glitter and sparkle will make you think that there are diamonds in the slab. Some of our favorite colors were: New Quay, Praa Sands and Waterford. For more information about Cambria and there selection of awesome selection check out their website www.cambriausa.com.
Lustrolite is another product that we are supper stoked about! Lustrolite is a unique blend of polymer manufactured to deliver a high gloss decorative panel for bathrooms and showers. It can be used as a floor, tub surround, shower walls just about anywhere you can use tile. This company offers unique color options that can jazz up any bathroom from the walls to the floors. It is easy to clean and will not scratch or lose its color over time. It can also be installed onsite with typical wood cutting tools. Colors can vary from neutral beige to a vibrant red and a glacier teal. This unique product is something that we are excited to use in the right space! For more information and pictures check out their website at www.lustrolite.com.
In the plumbing this year we noticed a trend in Matte Black finishes. Kohler, Brizo, Moen, Delta and American Standard all provide the Matte Black finish in just about every style. From modern to traditional, if you want a Matte Black plumbing fixture there is one out there for you!
Laminate has always been a more affordable option for countertops and surfaces. One problem manufactures have had in the past is in the edging where the laminate crates a seam. Well this year we noticed more than one manufacture showed a new style of edging to help reduce this seam. Formica is calling it the Ideal Edging, offering two styles an ogee and bluenose edge.
There was a lot to see at KBIS this year. From plumbing to solid surfaces and I cannot wait to see what the industry comes up with next.
Sometimes we like to take Porter other places around town that we can enjoy him “off leash”. One place that we found that is completely gated is the Little League Fields, off Holland Glade Road. Not all dogs can go off leash and come back on command. The Little League Fields allow Porter and his friends to play off leash, in a safe enclosed environment for them. If you do go to the fields just make sure to clean up after your dogs. There is more than one field there, so we try to stay on the back field that is not used as much as the front two. We also try not to use the fields when there is a game going on. We try to get there early in the morning when the fields are not in use.
