By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
SieMatic Expands Urban Collection: Premium German cabinetry maker SieMatic unveiled its SG6 line, part of its Urban Collection, in North America at the Living Luxe Show in Toronto. Features range from warm finishes and soft, warm lighting to fashion-forward staging for a chic, modern ambiance. Curved corners contrast with the linear handle-free profile. Learn more here.
KBB Editor Honored: Leslie Clagett, managing editor at Kitchen & Bath Business magazine, has won two gold Azbee Awards of Excellence for in-depth reporting on the industry’s most important design trends, including sustainability, lighting and outdoor living. The Abee Awards are bestowed by the American Society of Business Publication Editors for outstanding work in B2B media across 68 categories. More detail here.
NKBA Design Competition Now Open — Enter Today!
Chapter Updates
Grillin’ N Chillin’ in Washington State: Grab a burger with the Olympic-West Sound Chapter at its annual BBQ and Membership Drive on June 12, 5:30 to 8 pm. Sponsored by Blum, it will be hosted by Signature Design & Cabinetry, 5720 144th St. NW in Gig Harbor, WA. Earn .01 CEU in a hands-on experience with the Age Explorer Suit, used in R&D at Blum, that simulates having arthritis, reduced sight and hearing, and diminished strength. NKBA Members are $25, non-members are $35, and first-time attendees and students are free. More info and registration here.
Surfacing Seminar in Louisiana: The Louisiana/Mississippi/Arkansas Chapter is hosting an insightful CEU event, “Ultracompact Surfacing: Redefining Boundaries of Interior and Exterior Spaces,” at Cosentino Center New Orleans, 5800 Jefferson Hwy, Ste C & D, Elmwood, LA. The event takes place June 18, 5 to 7 pm, and includes drinks, light bites, and time for networking. Ultracompact surfacing is a unique material that combines the look and feel of natural stone with superior durability and design flexibility. There’s no cost to attend but registration is required. Learn more here.
Summer Design Soiree in Georgia: The Georgia Chapter’s Summer Design Soiree takes place June 19, 5:30 to 8 pm, at MSI Surfaces, 7950 Troon Circle, #7758, Austell, GA. Networking, food, drinks, an ice cream station, and presentation by Emily Holle, MSI’s Creative Director, will celebrate the season and kick off the summer. Tickets range from $25 to $45; more details and registration here.
Happy Hour in Minneapolis: Join the Minnesota State Chapter for a complimentary Summer Happy Hour, June 25 from 4 to 7 pm. Mix, mingle, and grab a brew at Bauhaus Brew Labs, 1315 Tyler St NE in Minneapolis. This is a free event with no registration required. Just show up to join the fun!
Industry News
New Home Sales Spike: Sales of new single-family homes jumped 10.9 percent in April compared to March, and were up 3.3 percent from April 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The inventory of new homes for sale at the end of April was 504,000, representing about 8.1 months of supply at the current sales rate, down marginally from 9.1 months in March. The average sales price of new houses sold in April was $518,400, 3.7 percent higher than the March average of $499,700, and 3.6 percent above the April 2024 price of $500,600. More details here.
CEDIA/CIX Registration Open: Registration for this year’s CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) is open. Conference and trade show, running Sept. 3 to 6 in Denver, is a comprehensive gathering of integrators, installers, designers, and architects in smart-home technology and professional audio/video. The show combines residential and commercial AV systems integration and includes integration of Wi-Fi-enabled home appliances. Educational sessions at the conference run Sept. 3 to 5, and the expo floor is open Sept. 4 to 6 at the Colorado Convention Center. More info here.
