November 8, 2018 · 7:15 am

How to Plan for Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining

Sponsored and Hosted by Whirlpool Corporation 

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There’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than with an appropriately themed KBTribeChat! On Wednesday, November 14, join Whirlpool Corporation as they host our KBTribeChat on Holiday Entertaining. 

Family Together Christmas Celebration Concept

The holidays are a busy time of the year and if you are hosting your own get together it can get even more stressful. But with the right appliances, your holiday cooking and entertaining can be a breeze. Whirlpool Corporation provides in-home appliance solutions that help homeowners make cooking and cleaning more intuitive. 

Whether you’re whipping up holiday brunch, preparing Thanksgiving dinner, baking a pie or just heating up leftovers, you need reliable appliance technology. Whirlpool Corporation offers a differentiated portfolio of brands, each designed to integrate into your kitchen design to provide the best experience no matter what you’re tackling.

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The holidays are right around the corner and if you are planning on hosting a party, it’s time to get prepared! Here are our chat questions:

1. What kitchen appliance do you depend on the most during the holiday season?  

 

2. What are some ways to streamline grocery shopping and meal prep?  

 

3. How do you manage cooking and/or baking multiple dishes at once?  

 

4. What tips do you have for handling post-entertaining clean-up?

 

5. Share your favorite recipe search tool! 

Join this Twitter conversation

on Wednesday, November 14

from 2 to 3pm eastern

by adding #KBtribechat to your tweets! 

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November 3, 2018 · 4:05 am

Let’s Talk #KBIS2019!

This KBtribechat is sponsored and Hosted by The NKBA.

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Join us on November 7th as the NKBA jumps in to share what’s cooking for KBIS 2019! 

Design & Construction Week is only 104 days away and we’re kicking KBIS 2019 into high gear with our biggest show yet. Literally. We’ll also be pulling back the association curtains to reveal some exciting news, covering insight from the latest industry research, exclusive education opportunities, and announcing a MAJOR game-changer. 

You won’t want to miss it!

Our KBtribechat Questions:

1.) How is technology impacting your day-to-day professional life?

2.) When our Insiders travel far and wide to bring you coverage on design, what do you like to see? Interviews with design minds? Trends? Product picks? Please tell us!

3.) Do you segment your marketing my demographic? Do you think product choices from the #NKBA30_30’s will help you market to millennials?

4.) Are you pursuing any extra education certification? Example: CLIPP? Any other courses you are taking to further your career?  Any areas you WANT to develop?

5.) Have you ever attended a VFTI session before? Have you presented a #VFTI session before? What’s your main focus of your professional development?

6.) We want to make sure we’re lining up the guests you want to hear from. Who would YOU like to listen to on our KBTalks podcast?

Join this Twitter conversation 

on Wednesday, November 7

from 2 to 3pm eastern 

by adding #KBtribechat to your tweets! 

Here’s a link to view the transcript for this KBtribechat.

 

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October 25, 2018 · 6:15 am

October 31st at #KBtribechat – Augmented Reality Applications for K+B

Hosted by Scott Koehler

 

Scott’s KBtribechat Questions: 

1.) What is Augmented Reality? What is an AR experience?

2.) In what ways can the use of AR benefit our business? Can it help with sales? How?

3.)  How do you direct clients use of apps and online inspiration?

4.) Have you tried any AR apps that help visualize interiors? Which ones? IKEA app? Share your AR experiences.

5.) Can you recommend any Kitchen Design AR apps? Countertop visualizer? Paint/Color apps? Others? Please share!

6.) Have you tried any apps that measure a room and create a floor plan? The Measure App by Apple? Magicplan? PLNAR? Are they accurate enough for site measuring?

7.) How can AR be used in showrooms?

8.) Do you use AR on your social media shares? What apps do you use? Snapchat? Show us your Augmented images and Snaps.

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Join this Twitter conversation 

on Wednesday, October 31 🎃

from 2 to 3pm eastern

by adding #KBtribechat to your tweets!
Here’s a link to view the transcript for this KBtribechat.

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October 18, 2018 · 6:15 am

October 24 at #KBtribechat – Adding Character + Style to the Kitchen

A design discussion! 

Sponsored and Hosted by Elmira Stove Works

Designing the perfect kitchen is always a challenge. With so many options, it can be tough to settle on a specific look. So, how do you create a kitchen that’s not only stylish and functional but that will be relevant five, 10 – or even 15 – years from now? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular trends in kitchen spaces. 

While white and neutral hued cabinetry are still popular, there is a move toward incorporating more colorful cabinetry in the kitchen, particularly rich blues and greens. This infusion of color feels fresh and can create a sense of desired contrast. For those who still lean toward a more neutral look, dark gray cabinetry provides a subtle, yet sophisticated touch. 

In regard to surfaces, natural stone and quartz remain solid choices. However, materials like concrete, wood and stainless steel are gaining traction, as are countertops made of recycled materials. Integrated sinks, in which there is no visible seam between the sink and countertop, are also popular and offer a clean, streamlined look, making them a great option for more minimalist kitchens. 

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When it comes to appliances, matte black stainless steel continues to be on trend and provides a dramatic counterpoint to lighter colored cabinetry and accents. On the other hand, many designers and homeowners are opting to forgo stainless and instead are choosing colorful mid-century style appliances. These appliances combine nostalgic style with modern features, making them well-suited for a wide range of decor styles and kitchen spaces.

Antique-inspired appliances are also getting the attention of both designers and homeowners. These timeless appliances can be paired with elements such as a farmhouse sink, exposed wood beams and vintage accents to bring classic style and authentic character to Victorian homes and cottages and cabins.

One thing is clear – no single kitchen style rules the day. In fact, there are virtually limitless ways to add character and style to kitchen spaces. Let’s get the design conversation started!

Our KBtribechat discussion questions:

Q1:  A recent study reported that homeowners are moving away from all white kitchens toward more colorful cabinetry and wood finishes. Are you seeing more colorful looks in the kitchen? Show us!

Q2:  With ‘aging in place’ and more people choosing to stay in their existing homes, many homeowners are opting to remodel their kitchens. What’s trending now in kitchen remodels? Share images.

Q3:  Many homeowners are moving into older neighborhoods and restoring Victorian and other period homes. Share photos of your favorite Victorian or farmhouse kitchens.

Q4:  What interesting ways have you seen antique and retro style appliances incorporated into kitchens? Images, please!

Q5:  Cabin and cottage style kitchens encourage a range of styles – from rustic to contemporary. What design trends are you seeing in these types of kitchens?

Q6:  What are some creative ways to add character to a kitchen – e.g., accessories, appliances, cabinetry, countertops, etc.? Photos, please!

Here’s a link to view the transcript for this KBtribechat.

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October 11, 2018 · 6:15 am

October 17 at #KBtribechat – Bathroom Talk

Sponsored and Hosted by American Standard, DXV and GROHE, part of LIXIL Americas

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Creating the perfect bathroom is an exciting and thoughtful process. There are lots of upgrades and design choices that can be made to take a simple bathroom and turn it into an oasis. Join American Standard, DXV and GROHE, part of LIXIL Americas, for a chat on all things about the bathroom on October 17 at 2 pm. Make sure to post lots of pictures. 

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Our KBTribeChat questions:

  1. What are some of your favorite upcoming bathroom trends? Why?
  2. Which tech features do you see will become more and more relevant in the bathroom?
  3. Which style is more relevant in your area of the country for the bathroom– Classic, Modern or Contemporary? Share pics of examples
  4. Where do you spend most of your time/energy when it comes to designing, the shower/bath or the sink/vanity area?
  5. What are some of the most popular wellness features for the master bath?
  6. Tell us the top bathroom upgrade on your wish list. 
  7. What are some items/design choices you can add to the bathroom to immediately make it feel more luxurious?

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ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD

American Standard makes life healthier, safer and more beautiful at home, at work and in our communities. For more than 140 years, the brand has innovated and created products that improve daily living in and around the bathroom and kitchen for residential and commercial customers. It has been recognized with 83 product innovation and design awards in the past five years. American Standard is part of LIXIL, a global leader in housing and building materials products and services. 

ABOUT DXV 

DXV is a portfolio of luxury bath and kitchen products that reimagines the most influential design movements during the past 150 years: Classic (1890-1920), Golden Era (1920-1950), Modern (1950-1990), and Contemporary (1990-Present). The brand has been recognized with 23 product innovation and design awards in the past four years. DXV is part of LIXIL, a global leader in housing and building materials products and services.

ABOUT GROHE

GROHE is the world’s leading provider of sanitary fittings and a global brand, dedicated to providing innovative water products. For many decades, GROHE has been committed to the brand values of technology, quality, design and sustainability that all illustrate GROHE’s commitment to creating exceptional experiences and to delivering “Pure Freude an Wasser” (Pure Enjoyment of Water). With its engineering, innovation and design activities firmly anchored in Germany, GROHE products bear the badge of quality “Made in Germany”, ultimately strengthening the customers’ confidence in the brand. The success of GROHE has been recognized with around 300 design and innovation awards in the past 10 years alone. GROHE is part of LIXIL, a global leader in housing and building materials products and services. GROHE America has an office located in the heart of the Flatiron district that houses the GROHELIVE! Center, an interactive showroom created for inspiration and collaboration. 

ABOUT LIXIL
LIXIL makes pioneering water and housing products that solve everyday, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we create world-leading technology and innovate to make high quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how we do this; through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all, and responsible business growth. Our approach comes to life through industry leading brands, including LIXIL, GROHE, American Standard, INAX, and TOSTEM, as well as specialty brands such as DXV. Over 70,000 colleagues operating in 150 countries are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day.

Learn more about us on our websites:

www.americanstandard.com

www.dxv.com

www.grohe.us

Here’s a link to view the transcript for this KBtribechat.

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October 4, 2018 · 6:15 am

October 10 at #KBtribechat – Let’s Talk Kitchen + Bath Surfaces

A design discussion!

Sponsored and Hosted by Use Natural Stone

Today’s kitchen and bath spaces encourage more creativity in surface selection than ever before. From natural stone and wood to concrete and recycled glass to manmade composites and laminates, an array of stylish options are available for every design preference and budget. In fact, with so many options from which to choose, a growing trend is to mix several types of surfaces within a space to provide contrast and visual interest.

So, what factors are most important when choosing surfaces for the kitchen and bath?

Durability. Kitchens and baths are typically some of the busiest spaces in the home. As such, it’s important to consider what type of wear-and-tear a space will be subjected to before making a decision on surfaces. Selecting a material that is durable while requiring minimal maintenance will help to ensure that the surface can be enjoyed for years to come. For example, natural stone surfaces such as granite and quartzite are both hard wearing and heat resistant, making them particularly well-suited for countertops, islands and backsplashes.

Aesthetic Appeal. Because kitchen and bath surfaces aren’t likely to be changed frequently, it’s best to choose surfaces that won’t wear out their welcome. While neutral color schemes remain popular, there is a growing trend toward incorporating surfaces with interesting patterns and colorations for a more dramatic look. The choice ultimately comes down to personal taste, although – if a homeowner doesn’t plan to stay in the home for more than a few years – resale value should be considered in the final decision. More neutral hues and designs can be a safer bet for resale.

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Images – clockwise from top left: Aria Stone Gallery, Lundhs, Stoneshop, Artistic Tile

Our KBtribechat discussion questions:
Q1) What about a surface usually “grabs” you first – color, pattern, texture? Share photos of your favorite kitchen & bath surfaces. #KBtribechat

Q2) Are you seeing the use of several types of surfaces within a single space? What combinations work best for the kitchen & bath? #KBtribechat

Q3) Feature walls and full backsplashes are gaining traction. Do you think this trend is here to stay? Share examples. #KBtribechat

Q4) How about cabinetry? What cabinet colors, styles and finishes are most popular right now? Photos please. #KBtribechat

Q5) While it’s important that flooring look great, it also needs to stand up to wear and tear. What flooring types are best for the kitchen & bath? #KBtribechat

Q6) Surfaces made from natural materials never go out of style. What are your favorite natural surfaces? Share images. #KBtribechat

Here’s a link to read the transcript for this KBtribechat.

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September 27, 2018 · 6:15 am

Thinking Ahead to the Future Kitchen

A design discussion Sponsored and Hosted by Whirlpool Corporation KBT2 What will the kitchen of the future look like? The best people to answer that question are building and designing the kitchens of today, and Whirlpool Corporation will bring them together to discuss what’s possible! On October 3, the world’s leading manufacturer of major home appliances will host our KBTribeChat and stir up conversations about the kitchen of the future — how it will function, what it will look like, and the technological advances it will include. Whirlpool Corporation has evolved its conceptual smart kitchen to make sure the environment and appliances can anticipate a family’s unique needs and adapt to unforeseen changes. Through new advancements like Scan-to-Cook and the upcoming ingredient recognition technology, Whirlpool Corporation is introducing innovations in the kitchen that are expertly personalizing the cooking, cleaning and entertaining experience.  KBT3 To prepare for the discussion, here are our chat questions:
  1. What features will the kitchen of the future include?
  2. What will future kitchen design look like?  
  3. How will connectivity play a role in the future kitchen?
  4. Do you anticipate sustainability to become more prevalent in the future kitchen? Explain.
  5. How will new products and innovations impact the future of cooking and cleaning? 

Join this Twitter conversation 

on Wednesday, October 3

from 2 to 3pm eastern

by adding #KBtribechat to your tweets! 

Here’s a link to view the transcript for this KBtribechat.

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