Category Archives: kbtribechat questions

June 21, 2018 · 6:15 am

#KBTribeChat Travels to #PCBC2018 on June 27th

We’re packing our bags and taking the tribe to San Francisco for a live chat from the annual PCBC conference, the largest homebuilding trade show for the West Coast! Each year, PCBC draws more than 10,000 attendees and exhibitors, serving as the nexus for the homebuilding industry.

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Our chat from PCBC will be sponsored and hosted by Whirlpool Corporation . Whether you’re at the show or at home, make plans to join us on Wednesday, June 27 at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET to discuss the ever-evolving design preferences of today’s consumers and how building industry professionals can keep up.

Whirlpool Corporation focuses on innovations that benefit consumers and address their evolving needs. For 107 years, Whirlpool Corporation and its family of brands — Amana, Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid and JennAir — have been synonymous with breakthrough products created for builders and designers who want to offer their clients innovative appliances that meet the highest standards of performance and design.

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In today’s market, homeowner preferences change quickly. Formerly popular upgrades, like stainless steel appliances or granite countertops, are now seen as standard issue. As Millennials dominate the home buying market, their desire for personalization will influence others to do the same, creating a catalyst for change in the industry.

We’re eager to discuss today’s design trends and determine how we as industry professionals adjust to changing homeowner needs. If you’re attending the show, come chat with us live at the Whirlpool Corporation booth #927.

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Questions for discussion:
• What new home design trends are the most prevalent today? How do you keep up with the latest trends?
• How are ever-evolving consumer preferences influencing home building and design?
• What colors and finishes do today’s homeowners want the most? What has been your favorite color sighting at #PCBC2018?
• How are connected home technologies influencing home building and design? How might this change in the future?
• In your opinion, what will be the next big thing in home design?
• Live Tweeters: Snap a picture and share your favorite products and innovations from #PCBC2018!

 

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June 14, 2018 · 6:15 am

June 20 at #KBtribechat – Reducing Our Personal Environmental Impact

Hosted by Paula Kennedy, CKD

After 20 years in this business working with kitchens, clients, cooking, food, appliances, even in my own home and life, I became increasingly aware and aghast at how much food we waste and how much energy and water these spaces consume. I’ve learned that every single action and effort builds and grows. I have a responsibility in my own life and in my business to help promote reducing our personal environmental impact.

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Personally my diet has been changing to a more organic, healthy, clean, local lifestyle. But I was tired of throwing away spoiled food! How was I supposed to eat healthy if the spinach was spoiled by the time I wanted to enjoy it, or the bananas, I like them on the green side. One day I heard someone say to separate your bananas from your apples!? What! No one told me this! Why didn’t I know this? Thus began my research. It saddened me how quickly we’ve forgotten practices that only a generation or two ago practiced on a daily basis. Since that time I created a CEU class for NKBA called “Spoiler Alert: Kitchens waste food.”

Our kitchens today are great at storing food but not that great at helping to preserve it. The biggest impact we can have on our planet is to reduce food waste. A typical family will throw out 470lbs of food each year. Globally 4 Billion tons of food is wasted each year. Throwing away one egg wastes 55 gallons of water. Food waste in landfills creates Methane which is the largest contributor to Greenhouse Gas Emissions!

I’ve started having Imperfect Produce delivered to my home, less expensive than at the store and saves these items from the landfill. I use an app to track my inventory at home so when I’m at the store I’m not purchasing more bananas than I need just incase. I use special bags to store my produce to reduce the ethylene from affecting other produce that is sensitive to it. I’ve stopped storing my bananas next to my apples! And, just say no to the fruit bowl on the sunny countertop please! What current appliances can help us, or future appliances and smart features?

We’ll also talk about electricity and water usage in kitchens as well; lighting, appliances and plumbing fixtures. It’s all connected.

Everything is changing with our relationship to our kitchens, to our food and our environment. Pantries may soon not even be necessary as consumables are delivered on a daily or weekly basis in the future.

Everything starts with us, one change at a time, then, I believe we have a responsibility in our industry to help educate our clients and help them reduce their impact as well, sometimes even without them knowing it. Just like we may put extra backing in the walls for future grab bars in homes for aging in place, why not recommend an insulated pantry keeping items slightly cooler than room temperature, or carefully designing it on an exterior wall for coolness, depending on your region. Let’s bring back the cellar, recommend a second freezer in the garage.

Let’s keep it focused in the Kitchen today:

Q1. What appliances and storage solutions can we utilize today to reduce food waste?
Q2. How will food storage change in the future? What “old school” practices can we re-learn today?
Q3. How can we reduce Electricity usage in the kitchen? Lighting, appliances, processes?
Q4. How can window design and window treatments help us with heat and electrical management?
Q5. How can we reduce Water usage in the Kitchen?
Q6. What “smart” features can help us in these efforts?
Q7. What other ways can we reduce our impact in our homes and our client’s homes?

Saving one banana at time!
Paula Kennedy CMKBD, CLIPP, Seattle Washington
#KBTribeChat #TimelessKitchenDesign #ReduceWaste

**If you would like this CEU brought to your chapters just email me at paulakennedyckd@hotmail.com

https://www.pinterest.com/paulakennedyckd/environmental/
https://www.pinterest.com/paulakennedyckd/food-fresh-storage/
https://www.pinterest.com/paulakennedyckd/preserveiq/
https://www.eomega.org/article/3-biggest-ways-to-reduce-your-environmental-impact
http://www.instructables.com/id/100-Ways-to-Reduce-Your-Impact/

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on Wednesday, June 20

from 2 to 3pm eastern

by adding #KBtribechat to your tweets! 

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

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June 7, 2018 · 6:15 am

June 13 at #KBtribechat – Bathroom Design Trends

A mid-year review

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This week we’re pinning to our KBtribechat group board – Bathroom Design Ideas.  Let us know if you would like to be added to that Pinterest board.

Our KBtribechat Questions: 

1. Bathroom cabinetry is evolving! What bathroom furniture styles are becoming popular?

We want to see pictures!

2. Decorative hardware is becoming an essential design component on cabinetry. What finishes and types are you specifying or want to use?

3. What countertop and sink styles are you specifying for today’s bathroom?

4. What faucet and shower valve handle styles and finishes are you excited about? Do you have a go to selection or does it vary by project? Are you specifying fancy drain covers and linear drains? So many choices!

5. Tile for bathroom flooring and showers has become very popular. Why do you see this trend continuing? Share beautiful images of bathroom tile inspiration!

6. Many lighting options are available for the bathroom! What are your favorites?

7. What features are you integrating into today’s bathroom designs?

Join this Twitter chat conversation 

on Wednesday, June 13

from 2 to 3pm eastern time

by adding #KBtribechat to your tweets!

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

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May 31, 2018 · 6:15 am

June 6 at #KBtribechat – The Evolution of Laundry

A design discussion

Sponsored and Hosted by GE Appliances

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As laundry moves from the basement to the first floor, we’re seeing new innovations in design and technology. Join GE Appliances for a chat on how laundry is evolving on June 6 at 2 pm.

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Our KBtribechat questions: 

  • Laundry is moving up from the basement. What trends in laundry room design do you see because of it?

  • How have the clothes you wash changed over the last ten years?

  • Who does laundry most often in your house?

  • What are your pain points around laundry? What features do you wish you had?

  • Laundry machines are operating with less water and shorter cycles. Has this impacted the way you do laundry?

  • The latest in laundry tech. What innovations have you seen in laundry?

  • Top load or front load? Debate.

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Join this Twitter chat conversation

on Wednesday, June 6

from 2 to 3pm eastern

by adding #KBtribechat to your tweets!

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May 24, 2018 · 6:15 am

May 30 at #KBtribechat – Kitchen Islands

A design discussion

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Our KBtribechat questions:

1.) What materials, finishes and details are currently popular for kitchen island cabinetry and hardware?

2.) Do you like to match the kitchen island to the perimeter? Why or why not?

3.)  Are waterfall counters still popular?  What is trending for island countertop materials and edge details?

4.) Island countertops with an overhang for seating are popular. What design solutions do you like to add style to the eating bar side of an island?

5.) What are the pros and cons on designing in a sink and dishwasher or cooktop on the island?

6.) What features are nice to have or useful on a kitchen island? Share pictures!

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on Wednesday, May 30

from 2 to 3pm eastern time

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May 17, 2018 · 6:15 am

May 23rd at #KBtribechat – The Kitchen Hidden in Plain Sight

Hosted by Toni Sabatino
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I have noticed kitchen design that becomes interior design with a kitchen happening in it. Open floor plan living with the full integration of appliances, storage, prep space and seating into the larger living environment is not new, but technology and innovative design are taking it to a new level. Sleek tall walls with pocket or sliding doors are hiding appliances like never before. Appliance manufacturers are creating more options for personalizing with modular refrigeration and cooking appliances.

 

My recent visit to Euro Cucina at Salone Del Mobile with Designhounds, Digital Community Network of Design Experts, a platform by MODENUS Media, was a real eye opener as display after display featured this integrated arrangement. Tall walls and large islands dominated with integrated closets, storage, even laundry. It seems this new luxury environment is high performance and understated. I am interested to see what our design community thinks of this concept. Will the integration of simple high performance goods and technology move from the Tesla and into the home?

 Our KBtribechat questions:

1. The open floor plan is a popular living solution. Do you think clients would embrace hiding the kitchen in the space? Explain!

2. Appliance integration with furniture styling like the refrigeration armoire has been popular. Are you familiar with modular appliances on furniture with legs? How would you use this design?

3. Are you familiar with the use of induction hidden below porcelain slab counters hiding the “cooktop” elements from view? What other design ideas do you have to hide kitchen appliances from view?

4. Do you see solutions that could hide the kitchen in a space oozing old school elegance but still having ultra modern hidden conveniences? Please share!

5. Besides the main kitchen, what rooms/areas are particularly good for a hidden design?

6. Do you find yourself desiring / or designing hidden spaces for electronics and integration hardware in the home? How do you hide them?

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on Wednesday, May 23

from 2 to 3pm eastern

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May 10, 2018 · 6:15 am

May 16 at #KBtribechat – Selling Kitchens and Baths

an industry discussion

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1.) How do you generate leads and differentiate yourself from the competition? Is being active on social media part of the mix?

2.) Do you offer free price quotes or do you charge for the initial consultation? What is your thinking on this?

3.) At what point do you execute plans? Is this part of generating a quote or done only after you have been awarded the project?

4.) Do you use Computer-aided Design (CAD) for your drawings? What program(s) do you use? Are there improvements or additional features you’d like to have available to you?

5.) Do you use Augmented Reality (AR) as a sales tool? Why or why not? If so, let us know what you have found to be helpful!

6.) Have you used any Virtual Reality (VR) tools to help your clients visualize your design? What hardware to you like?

7.) How can our brand partners help you? Please share your ideas and success stories.

 

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on Wednesday, May 16

from 2 to 3pm eastern

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