By Dianne M. Pogoda
COMPANY NEWS
LG INTRODUCES THINQ UPGRADE: LG Electronics has launched its LG ThinQ Up upgradeable home appliances, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, oven ranges, and dishwashers. These appliances enable users to upload software and add hardware to enjoy new features and functions. Launched in South Korea last year, LG ThinQ Up will roll out in the U.S. and internationally starting in March. LG will showcase its latest innovations, including the new ThinQ UP appliances, at KBIS with its sister brand, Signature Kitchen Suite, in Booth #W3045-W3445 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more details, see KBB.
HAIER EARNS TOP EUROMONITOR RANKING: Market research firm Euromonitor International has ranked Haier Smart Home the world’s leading appliance brand by sales, with annual revenue exceeding $32 billion (U.S.) This is the 14th consecutive year that the Qingdao, China-based brand has earned this designation. GE Appliances are part of the Haier family. For more info, go here.
KOHLER LAUNCHES SPRIG: Kohler Co.’s new brand of wellness products, Sprig, is designed to create at-home spa experiences, elevating daily routines into premium self-care rituals. Sprig includes innovative shower infusion systems and pods with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, premium bath bombs with shea butter and coconut oil, and versatile body and linen mists. Kohler will be at KBIS in Booth #N2205 at the LVCC. KBB has more detail.
INDUSTRY NEWS
KCMA’S SUSTAINABILITY EFFORT: The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) has partnered with Climate Positive NOW™ in an initiative to help kitchen and bath showrooms and dealers educate their customers about the sustainability advantages of using wood-based materials in kitchens and cabinets. “Many companies and industries say they are planning to be ‘climate positive’ by 2030 or 2040 — but our members are there now,” said Betsy Natz, CEO of KCMA. “Research shows 23 percent of consumers will switch to buy products from companies that share their values on environmental issues, while another 42 percent have changed their consumption habits based on their environmental beliefs.” Check out the new KCMA website content for ways to help create awareness of the environmental impact of using sustainable building materials and advancing a lower-carbon future.
AIA SURVEY CITES SUSTAINABILITY, RESILIENCE: The latest Home Design Trends Survey from the American Institute of Architects lists resilient communities and sustainable building practices as top priorities. Resilience is especially important in areas prone to wildfires and other natural disasters; sustainability enhances energy efficiency as well as the health of individuals and the planet. NKBA member Jamie Gold, CKD, reports in Forbes.
BUILDER SENTIMENT SOFTENS: Rising mortgage rates and inflated construction costs are dragging builders’ sentiment down, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Confidence in the market for new homes fell every month in 2022, and is at its lowest level since 2012 – except for a brief stretch in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when housing demand surged. NAHB expects weaker conditions throughout 2023, with recovery in 2024. KBDN has more.
CHAPTER NEWS
MANHATTAN’S VEGAS ADVENTURE: The Manhattan Chapter is holding its January meeting during KBIS in Las Vegas. The meeting will be in person for members who can attend and simulcast for those unable to join onsite. On Jan. 31, the chapter has arranged a tour of the Savant Smart Home, with a bus leaving from the Las Vegas Convention Center at 3:15 p.m. PST. The tour qualifies for 0.1 CEU and will also be simulcast. After exploring the 15,000-square-foot smart home showcasing Savant’s newest lighting, entertainment, energy production and management systems, the chapter meeting will take place at 5 p.m. (Pacific Time), 8 p.m. (Eastern Time). For more info, go here.
PHOTO CLASS WITH PUGET SOUND: Learn how to elevate the quality of your project photos and videos for marketing, to pitch publications and media, and stand out in design competitions at the Puget Sound Chapter’s presentation, “Capturing the Essence of Design With Your Photographer.” Anton Benedikt of AB Photo & Video will offer a blueprint for achieving next-level photography and videography. The event takes place Jan. 19, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the Cosentino Showroom, 19024 62nd Avenue South in Kent, Washington. Registration is $25 for members, $30 for non-members, and $15 for students. More info here.
