By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
Monogram Series Wins Daytime Emmy: Luxury appliance brand Monogram earned a Daytime Emmy award for its digital series “My Mark” featuring acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelson. The series celebrates individuals who use their passions to “elevate experiences.” Samuelson, recorded in his home kitchen in Sag Harbor, NY, was chosen for his dedication to culinary excellence and passion for mastering cooking techniques, which he spotlights using Monogram appliances. KBB has more.
Kohler Unveils SR_A Line: Kohler Co. introduced its groundbreaking Kohler x SR_A bath faucet at the recent Design Miami expo. Formation 01 is the inaugural product collaboration between the plumbing giant and the industrial design studio of Samuel Ross. The initial launch comprises a limited edition of 299 authenticated faucets, available for sale after the expo. Visit Kohler for more.
Bertazzoni Opens Design Center in Canada: Bertazzoni, the Guastalla, Italy-based family-owned premium appliance maker, has opened a 428-square-foot design center with its exclusive Canadian distribution partner, Distinctive, at Trail Appliances in Vancouver. “Casa Bertazzoni” is modeled after the original experience and design center in Italy and designed by Vancouver-based Sarah Gallop. It is the brand’s fifth Design Center and features working kitchen vignettes that showcase the appliances through cooking demonstrations and hands-on experiences. Learn more here.
Miele To Build in Alabama: Premium appliance maker Miele has finalized the location of its first American manufacturing plant, in Opelika, AL. The facility is expected to come online by the end of 2024 and employ 150 workers in its first phase of operations, which will initially focus on ovens and ranges. Miele said delivery time will be slashed from up to 10 weeks to just a few days, with many of the parts and raw materials also being sourced locally to reduce CO2 emissions. Including the new plant, Gütersloh, the Germany-basedcompany’s international production network will include a total of 16 locations: eight in Germany and one each in Austria, China, the Czech Republic, Romania, Poland and the U.S. Read more here.
Chapter Update
Countertops in Chicago: The Chicago Mid West Chapter will host “Countertop Chronicles: Unveiling Surface Secrets,” a seminar designed to answer any question about counters and surfaces, on Jan. 23, 5 pm to 8 pm, at Starved Rock Wood Products, 1170 Milwaukee Avenue, Glenview, IL. Chapter president Denise Butchko will be joined by Mitch Gomes, sales director of MSI Surfaces, and Gina Saran, owner of Precision Stone Design, for the discussion, followed by a showroom tour, chef demo, food and drinks. Registration is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Go here for more.
Industry News
Millennials Want Houses: Despite the stereotype that Millennials prefer “experiences” to “things,” a nationwide survey found that 89.5 percent of 25-to-44 year-olds say owning a home is a part of their American dream, and fewer than 1 percent say home ownership is not important to them. Cleveland-based marketing and research firm Falls & Co. found that 76 percent prefer a single family home compared to 3.6 percent who would choose a condo. Only 16 percent are interested in a fixer-upper, while 13 percent prefer to buy new and 32 percent want a move-in-ready home. Topping the list of potential home improvements were the living room/great room, cited by 52.5 percent, and the kitchen, at 48.4 percent. Learn more here.
Gold’s Next Chapter:
Wellness design consultant and award-winning author Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC, has published a bonus chapter to her 2020 book Wellness by Design (Simon & Schuster) focused on healthy living in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and some of the worst natural disasters in history. The chapter, “Lessons for How We Live Now,” offers tips on making homes resilient against storms, wildfires and power outages, information on what new technologies and artificial intelligence can mean for our homes and much more. The chapter is available for sale online only and is free with the hardcover book, audio or e-book editions. Access the new chapter from the “Checklists & Resources” page in the original book or through national online retailers. Click for more info.
