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MyPlanet Living Center Opens Chicago Showroom

CHICAGO — Mayan Metzler, founder and CEO of German Kitchen Center, a multi-brand chain of showrooms for European-style kitchen designs in the U.S., has unveiled the newest branch of the “MyPlanet Living Center” chain of showrooms, the company announced.

The new site features 14,000 sq. ft. at the 900 North Michigan Shops in Chicago’s “Magnificent Mile,” an upscale shopping district known for its high-end retail outlets.

MyPlanet Living Centers are designed as showrooms aimed at exposing homeowners and trade professionals to high-end products for the kitchen and bath, among other areas of the home. MyPlanet, a nonprofit organization focused on housing and medical support for vulnerable populations, donates proceeds from the centers to community groups that assist the needy, according to the company. Partners include German Kitchen Center and MyPlanet Construction system, an energy-efficient home building system.

Each MPLC partner within the MPLC Chicago site will operate their own space, similar to that of a permanent trade show booth, with MPLC staff available for customer service, the company said.

“MPLC showrooms are fulfilling various needs currently lacking in the home renovation market for both customers and suppliers,” said Metzler. “Most importantly, however, this is an opportunity to also improve our communities.

“As the for-profit arm of MyPlanet, we can help rebuild communities affected by the recent pandemic, as well as communities that have seen a decline in residents due to lack of employment opportunities,” Metzler added, noting that the company will soon be announcing several locations in midsized cities, as well.

“I hope that this venture will serve as a blueprint for other companies to pitch in and help revitalize our cities,” Metzler said. “We’re only as strong as our communities are.”

 

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Kwikset, Baldwin Parent Company Acquired by Swedish Firm

STOCKHOLM — ASSA ABLOY, the Stockholm-based manufacturer of access solutions, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Hardware and Home Improvement (HHI) division of Spectrum Brands, a major supplier of security, plumbing and hardware products to the North American residential construction market, the companies announced.

HHI, headquartered in Lake Forest, CA, manufactures a product line that includes locksets, faucets and builders’ hardware, supplied through home improvement centers, wholesale distributors, home builders, online retail channels and home-automation providers. Brands include Kwikset, Baldwin Hardware, Weiser, Pfister and National Hardware.

“HHI is an excellent addition to the ASSA ABLOY Group and constitutes an important strategic step in developing our residential business in North America,” said Nico Delvaux, president and CEO of ASSA ABLOY. “This acquisition advances our strategy to strengthen our position by adding complementary products to the core business and it will further accelerate the transformation from mechanical to digital solutions.”

The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2021, corporate officials said, adding that HHI will become part of the ASSA ABLOY’s Opening Solutions Americas Division.

 

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Sustainability Seen Shaping Housing, Remodeling Markets

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — A trio of emerging trends in neighborhood design and sustainable living practices should continue to shape the market for new housing and residential remodeling as the “mindset of consumers continues to shift in a dynamic social climate,” according to a new report from the Home Improvement Research Institute.

According to HIRI’s recently issued Future of Housing Trend Report, new and remodeled homes will likely be shaped by a growing homeowner passion regarding issues such as climate change, sustainability and minimalism, resulting “in an increased emergence of eco-friendly materials and 3D-printed technology to designs focused on cultural inspiration and reversible architecture.”

Among the key trends identified by HIRI researchers are the following:

n “Hyper-local neighborhoods”: Architects, developers and local governments are proposing neighborhoods centered on community building and local businesses. These spaces are intended to be car-free, with all necessities reachable via a short walk or bicycle ride.

n Flight from the cities: “As urban centers expand in size and population, consumers are recognizing that their quality of life is suffering — whether that be due to alienation, affordability issues, lengthy commutes or pollution,” HIRI said. As a result, many are moving away from city centers and turning to community-based neighborhoods that provide a sense of belonging while also satisfying the need for convenience and cleaner air.

n Sustainable Housing: With sustainability as a top priority, architects and designers are embracing different eco-friendly concepts, among them “reversible design” (the architecture of structures that can be easily deconstructed, that can be reused or with parts that can be removed and added easily) and 3D-printed housing (homes that offer sustainable and protective construction that avoids structural issues in the case of extreme weather).

“Contemporary consumers are wary of the impending consequences of climate change, and a large number are becoming increasingly aware that simply shifting their lifestyle and practicing ecological mindfulness are likely not enough,” HIRI said. “As a result, many are demanding that brands and creators take the environment into consideration.

n Simplified Living: Building off of the desire for more sustainable living, the emergence of simple, more minimalist design emphasizes homeowners’ functions and needs.

“Contemporary consumers in fast-paced urban centers are looking to balance the demands of their daily lifestyle with a comfortable home environment,” HIRI said. “Many are prioritizing minimalist designs and additional spaces that can optimize and elevate their living situation without compromising aesthetic appeal.”

 

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Sharp Growth Forecast for Green Building Materials Market

DUBLIN The global green building materials market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 12% over the next four years, due largely to “a growing awareness about environmental sustainability” that is driving demand, a leading market research firm said this month.

According to Dublin, Ireland-based Research and Markets, the global green building materials market is expected to increase from $238.9 billion in 2021 to $383.9 billion in 2025.

The green building materials market consists of sales of eco-friendly, durable structural, exterior and interior products that use less water, are easier to maintain than traditional building materials, and improve the sustainability and efficiency of a building because of a lower carbon footprint. The products are used in framing, insulation, roofing, exterior siding and interior finishing for both residential and non-residential structures.

“The introduction to environment-friendly products is gaining significant popularity in the green building materials market,” Research and Markets officials said. “Major participants in the green building materials industry are concentrating on launching new product lines that minimize the global warming potential (GWP) without compromising product quality.”

North America was the largest region in the green building materials market in 2021. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest region in the forecast period, researchers said.

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Cabinet Sales Post Gains Through August, KCMA Reports

RESTON, VA — Major domestic kitchen cabinet and vanity manufacturers continued to post sales gains through the first eight months of 2021, according to the latest in a series of monthly surveys by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.

The KCMA’s latest “Trend of Business Survey” reflected a year-to-date sales increase of 16.9% through August, compared to the same eight-month period in 2020. Custom cabinet sales through the first eight months were reported up 20.4% over the same period last year, while semi-custom sales rose 14.9% and sales of stock cabinets gained 17.6%, the Reston, VA-based KCMA said. August sales were up 8.0% compared to the same month the prior year, the association added.

Survey participants include stock, semi-custom and custom companies whose combined sales represent approximately 75% of the U.S. kitchen cabinet and bath vanity market, according to the KCMA.

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EPA Ruling Caps Production of HFCs in Refrigeration

WASHINGTON, DC — In what officials are calling a major step in combating global climate change, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final rule establishing a program to cap and phase down domestic production and consumption of climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners.

The landmark program, announced today, will phase down the U.S. production and consumption of HFCs by 85% over the next 15 years, as mandated by the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, enacted in December 2020 as part of an effort designed to slow global warming, EPA officials said. HFCs are potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, as well as foams and other applications.

The bipartisan AIM Act, backed by a coalition of industry and environmental groups, not only phases down HFCs, but also ushers in the use of more climate friendly and energy-efficient alternatives aimed at saving consumers money while protecting the environment, according to the EPA.

“Today, EPA is taking a significant step forward to tackle the climate crisis,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “Cutting these climate ‘super pollutants’ protects our environment, strengthens our economy, and demonstrates that America is back when it comes to leading the world in addressing climate change and curbing global warming in the years ahead.”

“American companies are at the forefront of developing HFC alternatives and the technologies that use them, and the AIM Act provides these companies additional opportunities to continue to innovate,” Regan added.

EPA estimates that the cumulative net benefit of its action will amount to more than $272 billion from 2022 through 2050, and that the rule will yield cumulative compliance savings for industry. In 2036 alone, the year the final reduction step is made, the rule is expected to prevent emissions of the equivalent of 171 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) – roughly equal to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from one out of every seven passenger vehicles registered in the U.S., the EPA said. The total emission reductions of the rule from 2022 to 2050 are projected to amount to the equivalent of 4.6 billion metric tons of CO2 – nearly equal to three years of U.S. power sector emissions at 2019 levels.

EPA officials said the agency will work with the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security to prevent the illegal import and trade of HFCs through an interagency task force led by personnel from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and EPA.

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The Pros and Cons of Wood Cabinetry

Wooden cabinetry has always been a beloved favorite amongst homeowners. However, throughout the years many other cabinet materials have tried to take the front runner position for household favorite. The growing amount of cabinetry options can be overwhelming when undergoing a remodel of any size. The use of wood in cabinetry is a timeless classic and sure to make a statement in your kitchen. If you are seriously contemplating wood for your cabinets, here are the pros and cons of implementing it in your home.  

Pros 

There are many pros to installing wood cabinets hence it’s widespread popularity amongst homeowners. Wood is easily re-stained and easy to repair. If you get a scratch on your cabinets, it’s an easy fix by using filler wax sticks to smooth over the damage. Yes, wood is considered a classic appearance and can enhance a luxurious ambience in your kitchen. Although it provides a timeless look, wood cabinetry can also be customized into a wide array of styles and patterns. Its versatility is what makes this material a fan favorite. Wooden cabinetry has a long lifetime. Although it seems like a lot of money upfront, wood cabinets are worth the money in the long run. 

Cons 

There are many pros to installing wood cabinets. Like most things in life, there are also some facts to note before going through with the entire process. Wood is submissible to humidity. It expands and contracts with changing weather patterns. Wood can also be more high maintenance than other materials. It requires special wood products to clean. Although it can be a pain to acquire these specific cleaning materials, it’s worth it in the long run to upkeep your beautiful kitchen. The highly durability, quality, and versatility of wood comes at a little bit of a higher price than other materials. The last thing to take into consideration is the long installation process because wooden cabinetry requires each piece to be measured so it fits together perfectly and then built, it can take more time to produce and install.  

Kitchen Solvers

There always seems to be an abundance of options when choosing your new cabinetry. This abundance of options means the kitchen of your dreams can become a reality. But it can also mean feeling a little overwhelmed with your choices. When you’re in the process of a remodel, overwhelmed is the last thing we want you to feel like when upgrading your kitchen. At Kitchen Solvers, part of our core belief is providing each homeowner with the most Peasant Remodeling Experience. From the moment you call, we will meet you where you are at in the buying process. Call your nearest kitchen solvers for your consultation! If you’re looking to gain a greater insight on what a kitchen remodel entails make sure to visit our blog articles like Looking for a Financially Savvy Cabinet Restoration? Cabinet Refacing could be your Solution! And What are the Steps in a Kitchen Remodel? 

 

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Flexible Design in the Kitchen

Today’s kitchens are delivering more multi-tasking than ever, as islands and niches now act as places to do homework, bill-paying and game playing in addition to eating breakfast and entertaining. Function remains vital to the way a kitchen is designed, and as lifestyles change, so do the elements of the overall space.

In addition to multifunctionality, trends impacting kitchen design include advancing technology and wellness. Aesthetically, color is upping its presence in appliances, tile and countertops, so cabinets need to provide the right complement – whether that means a striking, bold selection or calm, neutral backdrop.

Key trends impacting the kitchen cabinet segment include:

–The selection of flexible and specialized storage features continues to expand as homeowners try to make use of every inch of space in the kitchen.

–Wood tones are making a comeback, with finishes ranging from pale, natural wood looks to rich, dark grayed browns.

–Texture continues to trend, with weathered woods and soft-touch options among the most popular.

–The interest in color is skyrocketing, with painted and powder-coated finishes now available in an almost endless selection.

–Among the most popular colors trending for cabinets are blues and greens with a hint of gray, as well as black and, of course, white.

–Creative storage for cabinets includes pullouts, peg systems, pull-downs and blind-corner options, while drawers feature dividers and elegant organization for utensils and other items.

 

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Builder Confidence Steadies as Material, Labor Woes Persist

WASHINGTON, DC — Builder confidence inched up this month on lower lumber prices and strong housing demand, even as the housing sector continues to grapple with building material supply chain issues and labor challenges, the National Association of Home Builders reported.

According to the latest in a series of monthly NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Indexes, released yesterday, builder sentiment in the market for newly built single-family homes edged up one point, to 76, in September, ending a three-month decline, the NAHB said.

“Builder sentiment has been gradually cooling since the HMI hit an all-time high reading of 90 last November,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. “The September data show stability as some building material cost challenges ease, particularly for softwood lumber. “However, delivery times remain extended, and the chronic construction labor shortage is expected to persist as the overall labor market recovers.”

“The single-family building market has moved off the unsustainably hot pace of construction of last fall and has reached a still hot but more stable level of activity,” added Robert Dietz, chief economist for the Washington, DC-based NAHB. “While building material challenges persist, the rate of cost growth has eased for some products, but the job openings rate in construction is trending higher.”

The NAHB said it expects housing affordability will be a key demand-side challenge in the coming quarters, given the rapid rate of growth for home prices and construction costs over the last year.

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Various Ways to Improve Your Kitchen Cabinets

kitchen cabinet doorsKitchen cabinet doors are available in a wide variety of styles. You can select traditional, contemporary, or unique designs to suit your taste. The type of cabinet you buy is an integral part of the room’s overall design since it determines the overall impression people will have. Although there is considerable debate over which cabinet style is most suitable for your kitchen, there are some facts that remain unproven. The following discussion outlines different types of cabinet doors and their benefits.

A 5-piece drawer door has either a front or back panel and a top or bottom rail. A top board is usually the heavier of the two and is used for high-end kitchen cabinets. A back panel is lighter than a top panel and designed for lower-end kitchen cabinets or for those with limited counter space. A bottom and left or right panel is considered a combination model and is commonly found in modern kitchen cabinets. A right and left panel is considered a specialty design and is usually seen in modern kitchen cabinets only.

A rolling or sliding cabinet is made up of two pieces: the cabinet frame and the drawer or appliance door. The frame is usually constructed from particleboard or other light-weight materials. The drawer or other appliance doors are typically constructed from stronger materials such as Formica or Laminate. These kitchen cabinet doors are also available in different styles. The sliding mechanism generally involves a roller or a cam that rolls up and down the cabinet drawers or doors.

Louvered cabinet doors are similar to rolling doors in that the cabinet frames are typically constructed from heavier materials. However, the louvers are typically made from thin pieces of wood to provide more emphasis on the design aspect. Louvered panels are generally used for sliding doors. Some manufacturers make cabinet doors with two or more panels. The extra panels allow more room for movement.

There are many custom cabinet manufacturers who can help customers select the proper cabinet door styles for their kitchen. Some manufacturers sell customized doors but many do not. Some custom cabinet manufacturers can mold doors to match specific dimensions of particular cabinets.

Most manufacturers can offer standard cabinet doors constructed in one of several different styles. These include wood veneer, solid wood, panel, solid plywood and MDF (medium-density fiberboard). Most manufacturers offer at least a few solid wood options. MDF has a realistic grain but does not have the same type of appearance as real wood. It is typically used in cabinetry that will be installed over a wall. Other styles are available, including European and contemporary.

When it comes to the actual hardware, there are several options available. Hinges are typically nickel, brass or iron. Doors usually come with a variety of side-hinged and center-hinged drawer styles. Additional options include decorative knobs, handles and latches. Some manufacturers customize cabinet doors by adding a front panel containing the company logo and/or a name or symbol. This may include writing or artwork.

Cabinet hardware can be customized to match existing kitchen cabinet door styles. For instance, some manufacturers sell doors with ornate brass pulls. Other manufacturers can offer customers the option of adding a brass finial or a wooden finial. These additional touches can help customers create a one-of-a-kind look for their kitchens.

Another way to give a kitchen a customized look is through the selection of cabinet finishes. There are several different styles to choose from including unfinished, pre-finished and custom. Many cabinet doors are sold with unfinished finishes. Unfinished finishes are easy to install because they only require the simple cleaning of the wood surface. The main drawback to choosing an unfinished finish is that it will not adhere well to staining. Stained finishes can be a good choice if you want to take the hassle of applying different kinds of stains.

Pre-finished and custom finishes provide customers with a variety of styles and designs to choose from. These finishes are usually made of high-quality materials, such as hardwood veneer and MDF. Customers have the option of picking stain color, drawer layout, hardware style and door hardware. While pre-finished kitchen cabinets are more popular, they can also be more expensive than custom finished models.

Kitchen cabinet doors can also be overlaid. Oftentimes, overlay cabinetry consists of two or more pieces of cabinetry. With an overlay, one piece of cabinetry is installed over another piece. Overlays can add extra depth to cabinets or even create an illusion of more space by making the cabinets seem to extend indefinitely into the room. There are many reasons why people install new cabinetry over older, outdated ones in their kitchen.