The Galvanized Metal Tub

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Q.  I want to use a metal tub in our mudroom but my husband doesn't.  He likes the look but says it isn't practical and will eventually leak.  I think he just doesn't want to do the work.  Any insight?
- Janice

A.  Interior design is all about being creative yet function is equally important. In this case, using a metal washtub as a sink in the mudroom or laundry is a wonderful idea. Actually, galvanized metal buckets were used as far back as the early 19th century replacing buckets made of wood and leather.  (source)

For those of you who don't know what galvanization means, it is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron to prevent rusting. Not only is galvanized metal durable, but it will also add character to your space. And the best part is that it's inexpensive!  

There are numerous ways you could design with a metal tub. There are no strict rules. Try retrofitting the tub on a countertop or support a metal bucket on sturdy legs with wall mount plumbing.  I would only advise that you hire a licensed plumber for the installation. This will offer a better guarantee against the leaks your husband is concerned about.

I applaud your desire to think out of the box and use objects in new and unusual ways.
- Danielle

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PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Danielle Burger, AKBD, named 2016 NKBA U Professional of the Year

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (JANUARY 25, 2016) — NKBA University, a leader in continuing education and professional development for professionals in the design, building/remodeling and architecture industries, announces that Chicago-based designer, Danielle Burger, AKBD, won NKBA U Professional of the Year. The four-month contest culminated live at KBIS 2016, where Burger and three other Finalists took to the NKBA Center Stage before a panel of judges and full audience of KBIS attendees to share the importance of professional development, and how NKBA University has contributed to their growth and success.

“Throughout the contest and in the Finals at KBIS, Danielle has demonstrated how NKBA University’s Focus on the Customer Learning Path fueled her growth, and how continuing education has not only shaped her career goals but helped her to fulfill her clients’ dreams as well,” says National Kitchen & Bath Association Director of Learning Nancy Barnes. “Continuing education is deeply woven into the fabric of NKBA and this contest. We’re thrilled to celebrate Danielle and the commitment that she, our finalists’ and NKBA U embody.”

In the spirit of continuing education, the following prizes have been awarded:

• Grand Prize Winner Danielle Burger, AKBD, received an all-expenses-paid trip for two from Platinum Sponsor Kohler Co. to tour its global headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Kohler, Wis. and a $500 gift card.

• Each of the remaining finalists, Alena Capra, CKD, CBD; Patricia Davis Brown, CKD, CBD, ASID, NCIDQ; and Matt Plaskoff received one all-expenses-paid trip to visit the headquarters and manufacturing facilities of one of the contest’s Gold Sponsors, Franke, Rev-A-Shelf and DuPont.

“While I had the passion and perseverance to start my own business two years ago, I lacked direction,” Burger says. “Continuing my education through NKBA University and applying what I had learned in real life situations enabled me to take my business to the next level. I am currently pursuing my CKD and CBD through NKBA and am honored to be named the 2016 NKBA U Professional of the Year.”

 NKBA U Professional of the Year Runners-up

Patricia Davis Brown,
CKD, CBD, ASID, NCIDQPatricia Davis Brown Designs, LLC
Vero Beach, FL

Alena Capra, CKD, CBD
Alena Capra Designs
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Matt Plaskoff
Plaskoff Construction One Week Bath
Van Nuys, CA 

Join the Conversation

Follow the latest news for the NKBA U Professional of the Year Award on Facebook and Twitter with #NKBAUpro or visit the NKBA U Professional of the Year Website.

About NKBA University
NKBA University (NKBA U), part of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, is a leader in continuing education and professional development for the kitchen and bath industry. NKBA U provides an innovative approach through eight different competency areas created for industry professionals, from novices to veterans, looking to further develop their design and business skills. Each path provides an individualized, step-by-step approach through innovative, virtual instructor-led training and on-demand webinars available 24/7—all led online by seasoned industry veterans.

About the National Kitchen & Bath Association
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS®). With nearly 60,000 members, the NKBA has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry since the association’s founding in 1963. The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry worldwide. For more information, visit the NKBA Press Room or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).

KBIS® and NKBA® are registered trademarks of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

Professional of the Year Finalist!

Yeah!  I'm going to KBIS in Las Vegas to compete!

Please Cast Your VOTE for NKBA U Professional of the Year

Voting until November 23, 2015 for the NKBA U 2016 Professional of the Year!

You’ve been hearing all about our NKBA University Professional of the Year contest, and now we are pleased to announce the ten contenders who have moved on to our Semifinal round! Each of these exceptional applicants have done a great job of detailing the effect professional development has had on their careers, as well as their long-term goals and why they deserve to be named our Professional of the Year award.

For the Semifinal round, these individuals were asked to create a video explaining how their coursework will impact their career and why professional development is important to them. Two of our four Finalists will be chosen by popular vote, so vote here. 

The 2016 Professional of the Year

The 2016 Professional of the Year will receive $500 and an all-expenses-paid trip for two courtesy of our Platinum Sponsor to tour the headquarters and factory in Kohler, Wisconsin.

Runners Up
Our runners up will each receive one of the following all expenses paid trips courtesy of our Gold Sponsors:

Franke USA Headquarters, located in Smyrna, Tennessee
Rev-A-Shelf's World Headquarters, located in Louisville, Kentucky
DuPont Corian® site, located in Buffalo, New York

The Colorful Outdoor Kitchen

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Q.  My husband and I are planning an outdoor kitchen and are looking for some ideas to make it fun.  While we like natural stone and wood, we would prefer NOT to have our decor coordinate with the surroundings.  We want it to stand out!  Any suggestions? 
- Marcy

A.  There are many examples of outdoor spaces that beautifully blend in with the warmer wood and cooler gray tones of stone but it's all been seen before. It sounds like you and your husband are up for some creativity.

Using bright colors will certainly stand out against the muted green foliage and sky blues. A way to achieve this easily is by adding furniture and other accessories. Take a trip to Pier 1 Imports, Cost Plus World Market, or Target to select chairs, an outdoor rug, or pillows and plates with color and pattern.

You could go a step further by painting or tiling a wall. Try a subway tile but don't settle for white...go turquoise or fuchsia. A big step further is investing in appliances that are colorful such as a refrigerator from Big Chill available in 8 colors (and over 200 custom colors) or a Weber Q 1200 grill available now in six colors.

Lastly, make a statement literally (see image at bottom) with some artwork. Have fun!
- Danielle

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Open Shelving

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Q.  
Lately I see open kitchen shelving featured in every magazine and shown on every home improvement show.  It is a nice look that I want to incorporate into my renovation.  I wonder, though, is this just a trend that will fade away in the next decade?  
- Ruth

A. 
There have been some noticeable home decor trends in the past few years - coastal paint colors, wood paneled walls, brushed gold finishes, oversized geometric lighting, faux animal heads, and brightly patterned wallpaper.  Some of these will be on the way out in the near future but open shelving has been around since the dawn of the modern kitchen and is most definitely here to stay.  And there is a reason for that - it's highly functional and visually interesting! 

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The origins of the modern kitchen began with the hearth (fireplace) which was the main source of heat and light.  Most living and family activities took place in that one room since it was the warmest place in the home.  Tables were used for food preparation and horizontal boards placed above a table provided storage.  Pots and kitchenware were stored on the open shelves.  Eventually architecture of the home changed, the stove replaced the fireplace, water and electricity were made available, and storage elements developed into display dressers and cupboards.  These changes were brought about by industrialization of the 19th century and standardization of the 20th century.

Newly developed products and the rising of the middle class brought forth a change in family life and the role of women.  This led to the work of pioneers such as Catharine Beecher and her sister Harriet Beecher Stowe in the field of kitchen design as early as the mid-1800s.  Together they published a book that made recommendations on how to plan an efficient kitchen and propagated their ideas for the "model kitchen" using a systematic design based on early ergonomics.  They recognized that kitchens were not very functional and that families had to prepare their own food since the availability of household servants was reduced.  The design included windows for light, ample countertop work space, dedicated bins for food items, and consistent, clearly-delineated shelves for storage that were shallow to allow one row of items for easy access. 

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Today's modern kitchen uses open shelving not only for practical purposes but also for aesthetic.  Design comes into play with variation in shape, material, and color.  Shelves can be wood or metal, floating or a fixed inside a cabinet with no doors, white on white or set against a brightly painted back panel.  Wallpaper, tile, or a window can add some visual interest behind a stack of plates.  Shelving isn't just confined to the area above your head.  An entire wall from floor to ceiling can have open shelving too.

Whether a minimal or a crowded look is prefered, shelves offer a place to store items as well as display them.  Character is immediately added to a kitchen as a trove of treasures adorns the walls.  Tidy can be accomplished by grouping items together.  The uniformity of white pitchers, stacked dishes, and bowls is simple yet stunning.  For the bold and adventurous, kitchenware can rest next to picture frames, colorful cookbooks, unique mementos, and bottles of San Pellegrino.  There are no rules, limitations, or expectations.

So, to answer your question: open shelving is no fleeting trend.  Go ahead and add it into your kitchen in a way that makes sense and feels right for you!
- Danielle

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Sources:  Beamish, PhD, CKE, Julia, JoAnn Emmel, PhD, Kathleen Parrott, PhD, CKE, and Mary Jo Peterson, CKD, CBD, CAPS, CAASH.  "Kitchen History, Research, and Trends."  Kitchen Planning: Guidelines, Codes, Standards.  Second Edition.  Ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey, 2013. 1-45. Print.

Impressive Kitchen Backsplashes

Sorry, folks.  I have been keeping busy with design and install projects for the past few months so I have not had time to answer questions on the blog.  Instead of the regular Q&A, I have posted some pictures of awesome ideas for the kitchen backsplash.  Enjoy!

Ceramic Tile

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Reclaimed Wood

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Stoneware Clay Tile 

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Cobblestone

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Bookmatched Marble

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Metallic Mosaic Tile

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Backpainted Glass

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Image Print on Glass

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Mirrored Glass Tile

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Wallpaper

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