At the International Builder’s Show this year, our editorial team was able to sit down with Jerry Howard, CEO of the National Association of Home Builders, to ask him some industry questions. Jerry Howard has over 25 years of experience in the housing industry. He has worked with the NAHB since 1988, and has served as CEO since 2001. Prior to working with the NAHB, Mr Howard served as a Chief Lobbyist for the National Council of State Housing Agencies, working to develop the low-income housing tax credit as part of the 1986 Tax Reform Act.
MILAN – the 59th consecutive edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano has officially been postponed until June 16-21, 2020. Amid growing concerns over the coronavirus outbreak in Italy, show officials have confirmed that the event – which was originally scheduled for April 21-26, 2020 – will be rescheduled for the June dates. The show will still be held at Rho Fiera Milano.
“Following an extraordinary meeting today of the Board of Federlegno Arredo Eventi, and in view of the ongoing public health emergency, the decision has been taken to postpone the upcoming edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milan to 16th – 21st June,” noted the official statement.
“Confirmation of the change of date for the trade fair – strongly supported by the Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala – means that the manufacturers, in a major show of responsibility, will be able to present their finalized work to an international public that sees the annual appointment with the Salone del Mobile.Milano as a benchmark for creativity and design.”
Salone del Mobile.Milano, also known as the Milan Furniture Fair, is the largest furniture fair in the world, acting as an international showcase for industry professionals. This year’s event includes the International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition, EuroCucina, Workplace 3.0, S.Project, the International Bathroom Exhibition and SaloneSatellite. The show draws more than 370,000 attendees – including designers, architects, journalists, collectors and design enthusiasts – each year, from approximately 188 different nations.
Video transcript: “Good evening to you all from the offices of the Salone del Mobile, where we have had to discuss a very live and much debated issue. The Salone was due to open on 21st April, but we have decided to postpone it by a couple of months. The new date is therefore 16th June. I am calling on our colleagues in the furnishing sector and the Salone del Mobile to pull together to make sure Milan doesn’t grind to a halt. We need to work objectively to stop this virus spreading, but we must also take care not to spread the virus of distrust. Milan has to carry on. So I would like to thank them all for this proof of confidence, because it’s not easy right now to try and appeal to visitors and convince professionals from all over the world, but I believe this is the right decision. Nevertheless, as I am fond of saying, it is crucial for everyone to do their bit. Therefore I call on the government to intervene and provide some help for a fundamental sector for our economy. I am also making a special appeal to our hoteliers. This year we need to be especially careful about how we pitch the price of hotel rooms, because this year will be no ordinary one. Thank you, Milan will be by your side, so it will be a very particular Salone, a Salone in a different month but a great Salone to all!”
At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show this year, Moen product manager Suzy Street demoed their new smart faucet. No only is it touchless, but it is also voice activated, working in tandem with Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Assistant to create convenience in the kitchen. The faucet can be controlled with a mobile phone app, with the ability to set unlimited personalized presets or stop and start water.
At the end of 2019, KOHLER Konnect brought Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Assistant to the bathroom with its smart mirror. At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in January 2020, KOHLER demoed their complete smart line with voice activated mirror, able to control lighting, water fixtures, music and more. Associate product manager for Smart Home Jonathan Bradley was the KOHLER presenter.
At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in January, KOHLER unveiled its new line lighting fixtures, with six new collections offering a range of applications. With looks from from contemporary to industrial and traditional, the new line of lighting products is intended for bathrooms and kitchens and are capable of being used through a house. Dennis Snyder, general manager of lighting and decorative hardware for KOHLER, took us on a tour.
This year at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, designer Richard Anuszkiewicz took our team on a tour of his award-winning ‘Best of Show’ Monogram booth. Highlighting industry trends, Anuszkiewicz’ design was lauded for its attention to detail and modern takes on traditional features.
In 2020, kitchen backsplashes are as varied and ranging as the homeowners who select them. They can be anything you want them to be, and you can select what best suits you and your unique preferences. What's more, they can help make your kitchen a reflection of your personal style. The backsplash is one of the more visually-prominent details in a kitchen, and House Beautiful magazine says that newer trends include statement-making backsplashes that serve as focal points. Whether homeowners are choosing 4-inch or full-length styles, they are finding backsplashes can contribute greatly to their new kitchen designs.
