Friday, April 28, 2017

GRAFF Introduces Their "Evolution of the Bathroom" CEU Course

GRAFF® is now offering a continuing education unit course that focuses on the many facets of bathroom design for architecture and design professionals. Titled "The Evolution of the Bathroom," the course is directed by four core objectives: to explore the bathroom's new position of importance in a residential or hospitality setting; to observe the bathroom's gradual evolution into a luxurious, spa-like oasis; to inform of the various features found in the contemporary bath; and to forecast the plumbing industry's emerging trends. The goal is to help professionals develop a broader understanding of the social and environmental influences that have continued to impact bathroom innovation. Through interactive programming, staff and attendees will have the opportunity to gain education credits while networking with other industry professionals communicating opportunities for industry growth. GRAFF's course provides CEU credits in conjunction with the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) and will be presented throughout the United States to interior designers and architects.

California Faucets' New Corsano Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet

California Faucets now offers the Corsano Series Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet. The pull-out faucet is a more petite version of the series' larger professionally styled pull-down faucet, making it perfect for kitchens where space between overhead cabinets and countertops may be limited. The Corsano Pull-Out model offers handle options, coordinated accessories, and 100-percent brass construction. Choose from stick or blade handle options. Coordinating accessories include a soap dispenser, air activation switch for disposer, and air gap. Plus, the faucet and accessories are all made of solid brass, including the Pull-Out spray head-an often cheapened element by many manufacturers. Additionally, the spray head allows for seamless toggling between single stream and spray modes-a feature only seen in a few other brands. Like all faucets and accessories in the Kitchen Collection, the Corsano Pull-Out comes in a selection of more than 30 artisan finishes, including 15 PVD finishes with a lifetime guarantee against tarnishing. For those looking to coordinate with popular stainless steel appliances, the newly introduced Ultra Stainless Steel™ (PVD) finish is a perfect match. And because it's a physical vapor deposition (PVD) finish, it offers unrivaled durability. And for designers and homeowners seeking a departure from shiny stainless steel and chrome finishes, California Faucets introduces carbon (PVD). A unique take on matte black, the carbon (PVD) finish has the color of a number-two pencil. It features a slightly lighter ray nuance and more depth of color.

Franke Kitchen Systems Revises Their MAP Policy

Franke Kitchen Systems
continues to focus on supporting their core distribution partners.  In order to drive value in supporting the Franke and KWC brands, they have made revisions to the MAP policy which was implemented in 2016.  As part of the implementation feedback received from their core distribution partners, Franke provide unilateral compliance monitoring and enforcement Friday, April 28th, 2017.  In addition to the MAP Policy update, Franke Kitchen Systems has launched an Authorized Online Reseller Policy.  Under this policy:

  • Resellers are required to submit all websites and seller names for authorization.
  • Distributors are required to submit all websites, seller names and resale partners for authorization.
  • Distribution partners should not provide support to online resellers who have not registered and received authorization to sell Franke / KWC products (contact Franke for the list).
  • If a distributor or supported resellers have not registered via the Franke registration portal for authorization review, please do so or contact Franke for more information.

Hansgrohe Ranked Top Ten in World by iF Design

In 2017, the Hansgrohe Group once again ranks among the ten best companies in the world in the field of design. In the current "company" design rankings published by the renowned International Forum Design (iF), the taps and showers specialist based in Schiltach, Germany, ranks sixth among some 2,000 listed companies. With 1,040 points, Hansgrohe improved on its 2016 position, moving up four places and surpassing Audi to become the top-listed German company. The iF "company" ranking combines the overall results of the iF awards received by a company over the past three years. In 2017, eight AXOR and Hansgrohe products were awarded, and moreover, the international jury of 58 experts distinguished the AXOR Uno taps with a Gold Award. This year, a total of 5,575 products from 59 countries were submitted for consideration.

Infinity Drain Announces a New Partnership with USG Durock

Infinity Drain recently announced a new partnership with USG Corporation (NYSE:USG), and unveiled the USG Durock™ Brand Infinity Drain™ Shower System. This completely waterproofed, linear drain shower system is easier and faster to install than traditional shower construction. Together, the USG Durock™ Brand Infinity Drain™ Shower System pairs high-performance USG Durock™ Brand Shower System components with decorative linear drains from Infinity Drain. This innovative system offers architects, designers and contractors one complete waterproof shower installation made easy.  The USG Durock™ Brand Infinity Drain™ Shower System offers a bonded waterproofing system made for tiled shower installations that eliminates many traditional application challenges. The USG Durock™ Brand Infinity Drain™ Shower System is comprised of:
  • USG Durock™ Brand Infinity Drain™ Linear Drain Kit
  • USG Durock™ Brand Infinity Drain™ Shower Floor
  • USG Durock™ Brand UltraLight Foam Tile Backerboard (Wall)
  • USG Durock™ Brand Waterproofing Membrane and Accessories

Friday, April 21, 2017

Victoria + Albert Introduces Their Rossendale Collection

Victoria + Albert introduces the Rossendale Collection, a beautiful duo of trough basins that bring a spacious luxury to the bathroom. The clever rim design of the Rossendale basins means the installer can choose between a drop-in or undermount application. Long popular in kitchens and mud rooms, trough sinks are becoming increasingly in demand for the bathroom as consumers and designers appreciate their sense of spaciousness and industrial simplicity. In contrast to sinks with traditional round or oval shapes, the trough basin combines generously sized double-width sinks to form a single sleek rectangle. Trough sinks are a smart choice in bathrooms where tight quarters prohibit a double vanity. And because their depth from front to back is fairly narrow, the Rossendale basins offer even greater design flexibility. The Rossendale 122 measures 47-7/8" long by 15" wide and 5-5/8" deep. It is long enough to easily accommodate two faucets if desired, giving a modern twist to the idea of a double vanity. Its sister basin, the Rossendale 91 (pictured), is slightly smaller at 36-1/8" long and is ideal for spaces with less countertop area. Both basins feature gently sloped sides and a stylish modern edge on the drop-in design. As with all Victoria + Albert designs, the Rossendale basins are crafted from their signature ENGLISHCAST® material and hand-finished to a glossy shine that is both durable and easy to maintain.

Elkay's New Vandal-Resistant Water Filter Kits

The new Elkay vandal-resistant water filter kits are an ideal retrofit solution to add a lead filtration system on existing non-filtered water coolers, fountains and bottle filling stations, and can be applied to Elkay or non-Elkay manufactured products. Kits are available with or without a filter status monitor and alert. Key features include:
  • WaterSentry VII Filter: 1,500-gallon capacity filter certified for reduction of lead, chlorine, taste, odor and Class 1 particulate. 
  • Filter Status Monitor and Alert: LED filter status monitor and audio alert indicate when replacement is necessary.
  • Vandal-Resistant Box: Made from 20-gauge stainless steel to protect filter and discourage tampering.
  • Versatile Mounting: Box can be mounted virtually anywhere near an accessible water line.
  • NSF 42/53 Certified: Filters are certified to reduce Lead, Chlorine, and Class I Particulate.
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 16-3/8'' x 1-1/4'' x 4-5/8''
  • Models:
    • #EF1500VRBMC (includes filter status monitor and alert)
    • #EF1500VRBC
  • Availability: Q2 2017

ICERA's New Malibu II 10" Rough-in Toilet

ICERA introduced the Malibu II 10" Rough-in Toilet, offering an elegant design for remodels and compact bathrooms. Most toilets are designed to fit a standard 12" rough-in, but smaller bathrooms require something different.  ICERA created this chic space-saving solution with a smart blend of form and function. Featuring simple, clean lines and EcoQuattro flushing technology, the Malibu II is a reminder that form and function can occupy the same space quite harmoniously. This newly redesigned model features a compact-elongated bowl - all the comfort of an elongated toilet with space-saving in mind. The bolt cover tiles provide a sleek, fully skirted look that is easy to maintain. The Malibu uses only 1.28 gallons per flush and is capable of clearing over 1,000 grams of solid material in independent MaP testing (as compared to an industry average of only 350 grams), and with an oversized 2-1/8" trapway (larger than industry standard), clogging is virtually eliminated. Best of all, the flush mechanism is quiet and a premium soft-close, quick-release toilet seat is included.

BLANCO Joins DIFFA for 4h Year as "Specify with Care" Partner

BLANCO joins DIFFA for a fourth year as a Specify with Care partner. Each time BLANCO's new LIVEN™ Laundry Sink is specified, BLANCO will make a donation to DIFFA. The LIVEN Laundry Sink comes in 8 trending SILGRANIT® colors with a deep, functional bowl that resists heat, stains and chips. The LIVEN Laundry Sink is made of BLANCO's patented SILGRANIT® material and features a generous radius on each of its corners; making it as easy to clean as it is durable. This innovative laundry sink is 25x22 inches - a perfect fit for compact laundry areas. An extra-deep 12" bowl, perfect for soaking, and space saving basket designed to fit on top of the sink make any dirty job a breeze. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has granted more than $41 million to support hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the country combating HIV/AIDS through preventive education, treatment, direct care and advocacy.

Louis Steed Named AD Waters Western Regional Sales Manager

AD Waters USA announced the appointment of Louis Steed as its Western Regional Sales Manager, handling most states west of the Mississippi, effective March 27th, 2017. Louis comes to AD Waters with over 30 years of experience in both retail and project sales. Based in Houston, Texas, he will be traveling on a regular basis throughout his territory, visiting showrooms, architects and designers. Louis can be reached at "lsteed@ad-waters.com".

Saturday, April 15, 2017

Hansgrohe's "Shower Like a Pro" Sweepstakes

A sprinter, all-rounder or leisure cyclist, Hansgrohe USA is inviting its social following to engage in a new campaign that explores cycling and shower styles. Named "Shower Like A Pro," the sweepstakes celebrates the brand's international title sponsorship of the BORA-Hansgrohe team. Running from March 27 - April 22, it serves as a fun countdown to the Tour de France style Amgen Tour of California race in May. Enter through Hansgrohe USA's Facebook page. Five winners will receive a stylish Hansgrohe showerhead, and one grand prize recipient will win a special VIP trip to Stage One of the Amgen Tour of California, Sacramento, May 13-15. To enter, visit the Hansgrohe USA Facebook page and access the "Shower Like A Pro" tab, which features a fun quiz through which users can find out what kind of "cyclist" describes them and what shower product best suits their needs. Each of five winners will receive a Hansgrohe Croma Select E 180 Showerhead. The grand prize winner will receive a Croma Select E 180 Showerhead and a trip to Stage One of the Amgen Tour of California in Sacramento, May 13-15, 2017, consisting of the following:
  • Round-trip coach flight for winner and one guest to Sacramento, CA
  • Ground transportation to and from the airport and hotel
  • 2-night accommodation (standard room) at a hotel selected by Hansgrohe
  • Wine tour at Stag's Leap Winery (dinner included) on May 13, 2017
  • All day access to the Hansgrohe VIP Hospitality tent at the Stage 1 Amgen Tour of California on May 14, 2017
  • A $100 Visa Gift Card for meals and entertainment

Kim Frechette Joins Infinity Drain Sales' Team

Infinity Drain announced Kimberly Frechette has been added to its sales team She will be spearheading efforts in multi-unit sales as Commercial Sales Director. Kim has been in the decorative plumbing industry for more than 25 years and brings a great deal of experience in both the U.S. and Canada with many types of plumbing products and different areas of market sales. Her responsibilities include fostering relationships with developers, architects, hospitality designers, and mechanical contractors. She will work with specialty markets such as healthcare facilities and custom pool installers, among other specification driven activities. Kim will also be focusing on ongoing education efforts highlighting decorative shower drains and their many applications. Kim has a deep affection for the plumbing world and especially the decorative segment. She has been closely involved in the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association (DPHA) in education and marketing for the past 10 years, and she enjoys talking about the importance of plumbing in our everyday lives and highlighting how "pretty plumbing that functions smoothly can change your life".

Friday, April 14, 2017

DXV's New Pearlescent White Finish Available for Pop Vessel Sink Collection

Taking inspiration from the natural iridescence of Mother of Pearl, a gleaming new Pearlescent White finish lends an opulent and luminous beauty to the Pop collection of vessel sinks from luxury brand DXV. Mother of Pearl, the traditional name for the blend of minerals that creates a delicate glimmer on the interior of oyster shells, has been used since ancient times to beautify home decor. This same opalescent sheen now adds an exquisite allure to DXV lavatories in the high-style bathroom environment. This gleaming finish is showcased in the rectangle, round and square DXV Pop collection of vessel sinks, which are also available in canvas white, black, matte black, and chenille gray finishes. These refined lavatories can be complemented with the sophisticated styling of DXV vessel bath faucets; selections are available in polished chrome, brushed nickel, platinum nickel and matte black finishes.

Americh's New Sawyer Copper 7131 Tubs

Americh recently introduced their new Sawyer Smooth Bright Copper 7131 (pictured) and Sawyer Smooth Dark Copper 7131 bathtubs.  These new extraordinary, modern and simply remarkable designs have beauty along with perfection stamped all over them.  The Sawyer tubs are part of the Americh freestanding collection, include an integral waste and overflow, and are compliant with both UL and cUL standards.

Nantucket Sinks Launches a New Collection of Fireclay Sinks

Nantucket Sinks is launching a new series of designer collection hand finished fireclay sinks from Italy. This is from the same factory that offers the exclusive designer collection of Regatta fire clay lavatories and vessels!  In this new series, there are three different finishes, which are available on all three different size sinks.  If you have a chance to look closely at the finishes, you will be amazed at the work that the artisans of Italy can do!
  • Sink types and sizes are:
    • 30" x 20" single bowl (pictured)
    • 33" x 20" single bowl
    • 33" x 18" double equal
  • The hand applied finishes that are then re-fired for durability are:
    • Unique crackle pattern
    • Faux stone look like concrete
    • A shabby, chick vintage distressed look (pictured)

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Chris Kulig Promoted to GRAFF's Director, Business Strategy and Development

GRAFF® promoted Chris Kulig to Director, Business Strategy and Development. Previously holding the title of National Sales Manager, Kulig has more than a decade of experience managing sales initiatives across North America and promoting new business developments for GRAFF. In his new role, Kulig will be focusing on product development and identifying new business strategies and opportunities worldwide. He will continue to work closely with numerous GRAFF departments to set corporate and business-unit strategies, develop cross-functional operational plans, identify critical success metrics for the business and lay the groundwork for their implementation. As director of business strategy and development, Kulig will oversee engineering, technical support, inside sales, outside sales and merchandising at GRAFF.

Franke's New and Improved Waste Disposers

Franke's new and improved waste disposers are energy efficient and environmentally friendly, offering superior pricing and performance.  They range in size from 1/3 horse power to 1-1/4 horse power. Because these disposers will be replacing Franke's current line, the company is preparing a package to retrofit any Franke disposer displays you may have in your showroom. Please watch for an email that explains that process, and for more information, please reach out to the Franke representative in your territory. Some new features include:
  • Bio Shield Antimicrobial agents molded into the internal components of the disposer to inhibit the growth of bacteria which helps to reduce odors
  • A removable splash guard for ease of cleaning
  • All disposers grind to septic system compatible levels of fineness while using less energy
  • Silver Guard, which is a magnetic rim that keeps metal objects from falling into the disposer

Ronbow's Arden Vanity Selected for 2017 AD Great Design Award

Ronbow® announced that its Arden vanity was selected for Architectural Digest's AD Great Design 2017 award. This new annual award selects products throughout the year that represent best-in-class design and offer a unique curation for AD's audience of tastemakers, influencers and design enthusiasts. The Arden vanity is one of five exceptional vanities chosen from hundreds of products as the perfect twin vanity addition for the bathroom to maximize space and style, and the vanity is featured on architecturaldigest.com in "AD's Guide to the Perfect Bath." The simple design of the Arden vanity is enhanced with modern features like soft-close wood doors, soft-close, easy-to-access, full-extension drawers and striking dovetail construction. As a final touch, this eco-friendly masterpiece is sealed with a detailed black finish. Made of durable, water resistant, and renewable strawboard material, the Arden vanity naturally brings together function and style to create a peaceful and serene bathroom. An optional drawer bank and drawer organizer are also available and Arden is also offered in glossy white.

BLANCO Launches Their LIVEN Laundry Sink

BLANCO launches its innovative dual mount LIVEN Laundry Sink - the perfect sink for a design-inspired laundry room. LIVEN comes in 8 trending SILGRANIT® colors with a deep, functional bowl that resists heat, stains and chips. The LIVEN Laundry Sink features a generous radius on each of its corners, making it easy to clean. This innovative laundry sink is 25x22 inches - a perfect fit for compact laundry areas. An extra-deep 12" bowl, perfect for soaking, and space-saving basket designed to fit on top of the sink make any dirty job a breeze. With multi-purpose installation, the dual mount LIVEN can be installed under or over the countertop for added convenience. LIVEN Laundry Sink details:
  • Dual Mount
  • Open Radius
  • Rectangular Shape
  • Bowl Depth 12", Dimensions 22x25 inches
  • Available in all 8 SILGRANIT colors:White, CafĂ© Brown, Anthracite, Metallic Gray, Cinder, Truffle, Biscuit and Biscotti

AD Waters to Open New Florida Warehouse

AD Waters will open a new Florida warehouse this month (April) that will exclusively serve AD Waters clients on the East Coast as well as the expanding Florida market. The opening of the Florida warehouse reaffirms the company's dedication to logistic optimization and commitment to providing efficient order processing for clients. Notably, AD Waters' primary Distribution Center, located in Phoenix, AZ, will continue to manage all orders, customer service and technical support for the United States. Orders will continue to be processed in Phoenix, while East Coast orders will ship out of their Florida warehouse. This new platform will allow AD Waters to reduce transit lead times for all East Coast clients.