KBB - January 2014 - (Page 35)

I N D U S T RY P E R S P E C T I V E S Q : What kind of trends do you see on the horizon in the kitchen and bath? And what part do you foresee Kraus playing in this? In order to maintain a process of careful design and development, Kraus conducts meticulous trend research to best address consumer needs with our products. We strive to stay at the forefront of quality and style; as such, we have identiﬁed several trends that are gaining momentum in kitchen and bath design. Multifunctional products with universal applicability are a signiﬁcant trend. Universality creates a ﬂuid design style that is applicable to many settings, making it easier to create a uniﬁed look and simplify the purchasing process. With growing demand for maximizing home resale value, it is crucial to have durable, high-quality ﬁxtures with a timeless, easily coordinated style. The ideal is a balance of personal preference and universality, since a universally appealing décor increases selling opportunities. Kraus addresses this with simple, clean designs that can integrate with modern and transitional spaces. Kraus also offers a range of ﬁnishes to personalize the kitchen or bath while maintaining cohesion. Even our more unique products suit a range of styles and can be customized for any setting with the desired ﬁnish. Transitional kitchens and bathrooms are increasingly popular because of the increased ﬂexibility of choice this style provides. Kraus products range from classic to contemporary, but can be modiﬁed with changes in ﬁnish and product combinations. The more modern, minimalist ﬁxtures are transitional in a ﬁnish like brushed nickel, and warmer traditional ﬁnishes can be used as a counterpoint to sleek, contemporary designs. Demand for new, unusual ﬁnishes is growing in both kitchen and bath trends. Oil-rubbed Advertorial bronze has hugely increased in popularity; Kraus' ORB is a rich, matte black in direct response to this trend and is distinct from the glossier, streaky industry standard. We are also transitioning to a more solid ORB color for our range of kitchen faucets. Additionally, Kraus is developing a series of two-tone kitchen faucets in stainless steel ﬁnish with black granite insets, which complements our selection of granite and stainless steel kitchen sinks. The idea of the bathroom as a personal oasis is another rapidly growing trend. The demand is for a spa-like look and a soothing nature-inspired atmosphere. Natural color schemes, materials such as glass and stone and unusual textures are also popular as part of this aesthetic. Kraus plays a major role in this trend with our timely new Nature Series Collection of glass vessel sinks, featuring layered patterns and textures as well as colors inspired by earth's elemental beauty. Q : What do you expect to see in new technology offerings for the kitchen and bath industry in 2014? Technology is playing an increasing role in the industry, from design to manufacturing to the distribution process. We expect to see technology used not only in the product (e.g. water-saving technology), but in improved methods of production. Products that have many technological features require expensive maintenance and do not always function in user-friendly fashion, so Kraus' technology efforts are concentrated on improving the user-friendly aspects of our products, such as an optimized installation process that is easy and worry-free. Since our mission has traditionally been to make beautiful, accessible, high-quality kitchen and bath products, technology is an invaluable tool for product development and streamlining production while keeping costs down. Q : Do you feel the demand for kitchen and bath products is less, more or as relevant as it was in 2013? Based on our research, customers are very concerned with simple and elegant kitchen and bath updates, easily maintained style and maximizing home value. With that in mind, we expect a greater demand for Kraus products because we offer reasonable solutions without compromising quality or design. Kitchen and bath ﬁxtures are a relatively inexpensive way to create an overall style update; Kraus products are easy to coordinate, install and use, which also addresses the consumer need for economical DIY installation and products that can easily transcend between styles. Q : Where do you see the market heading in 2014 based on the current offerings for kitchen and bath products? The market is deﬁnitely trending toward more variety in customization, such as providing options to change or combine ﬁnishes. Additionally, market demand is growing for products of industrial-grade quality with a residential look and feel. An emphasis on universality will continue to grow in popularity among homeowners, particularly because of concerns with maximizing home value. Q : What exciting things can we expect to see from Kraus in 2014? We are increasing customization with products such as two-tone faucets, which combine a stainless steel ﬁnish with granite insets. We are continuing our development of whole-room solutions and working on introducing showers to complement our bath faucets and accessories. You can also expect an expansion of our ceramic sink collection, with a fresh take on this classic product involving new styles and unique shapes. In the bathroom category, we are expanding our faucet ranges into more transitional styles and working with a variety of new designs. There will also be an increased emphasis on our nature-inspired offerings, such as the newly introduced Nature Series of glass vessel sinks. www.kbbonline.com / January 2014 + K BB 35 http://www.kbbonline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - January 2014

KBB - January 2014
Contents
Online Contents
Editor’s Note
Show Director’s Note
Celebrity Design with...Taniya Nayak
All Abroad
Trends
Industry Outlook
Tech Savvy
KBIS Countdown to Design & Construction Week
Products
Design
Cover story: Historic kitchen revisits its roots in major update
Learning Corner

KBB - January 2014