Kitchen & Bath

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Could there be more important spaces than the bath and the kitchen?

The kitchen is the heart of the home. A far cry from the compartmentalized rooms of a century ago, today’s kitchens bask in the warmth that comes from being the hub of home activities. Cooking, eating, entertaining, family time—it all happens here. The open floor plans in today’s homes embrace this concept: The kitchen blends into adjacent spaces seamlessly for comfortable living and gathering space.

The bath is our abodes’ hardest working room. This is where we begin and end the day—and where we rejuvenate. These needs are reflected in some of the latest home bath trends: customization to the nines and spectacular spa-like features.

Remember the guiding principle of kitchens and baths: No matter how good the room looks, it has to function well to feel good, so plan deliberately, use square-footage effectively, and don’t be afraid to indulge yourself.

The average major kitchen remodel in Minnesota costs $111,300. The average large bath makeover rings up at $52,100. And they’re both good investments, with recouped costs of 60-70 percent.
– Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, 2007

Every home needs…

“A unique personalized spa, with products such as the Steamist shower system, where one can sit, relax, and enjoy the health benefits of steam—open pores, increased metabolism, and increased circulation
and heart rate.” –Minnesota Standard Showplace

Trend Talk

“Kitchen trends include kitchens with hidden storage in exchange for more windows...and mudrooms that can actually handle mud.” –Rehkamp Larson Architects

Photo Courtesy of Belle Kitchen
NATIONAL KITCHEN AND BATH ASSOCIATION

Minnesota Chapter

612-604-0034
www.mnstatenkba.org

About us…

The Minnesota Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association specializing in the kitchen and bath industry. Our members include builders, remodelers, cabinet shops, dealers, designers, and manufacturer representatives. With more than 40,000 members nationwide, the NKBA has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for 45 years.

What is your mission?

The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethnical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry.

Find a professional and helpful advice

Choosing the right design professional is an important decision for your project’s success. Consumers can find NKBA professionals by visiting the NKBA website at www.nkba.org. Here, they will also find the latest in kitchen and bath trends, as well as helpful advice, and can order a Kitchen and Bath Consumer Workbook. This workbook will take you through every stage of creating that perfect space, whether it’s new construction or a remodeling project. From selecting a designer to collecting ideas and establishing a budget, this workbook will help turn your dreams into reality.

Insider Insight “With more than 40,000 members nationwide, the NKBA has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for 45 years..”–NKBA, Minnesota Chapter

Photo by Pipeline Supply
PIPELINE SUPPLY, INC

Hopkins, MN

952-988-5550
www.pipeline-showroom.com

Our specialty…

Pipeline’s owners work alongside the employees in all facets of the business. After 31 years of business, the owners are still here every day. We have seven locations, 140 employees, and an amazing showroom. We distribute plumbing, heating, well, and pump supplies. Our broad selection of showroom displays includes plumbing and hardware, storage cabinetry, bath furniture, and more.

World-class service

We take pride in offering unbeatable service and the very best products at competitive prices. We do whatever it takes to make our customers happy; we want every customer to feel that when they’re dealing with Pipeline, they’re getting a world-class experience.

Why Pipeline Supply?

No job is too large for us to handle. We have done everything from remodeling homes to new construction, as well as large loft and hotel projects. There is no product that we cannot install for our customers.

INSIDER INSIGHT “We want every customer to feel that when they’re dealing with Pipeline, they’re getting a world class experience.” — Pipeline Supply

Photo Courtesy of Innovative
Surfaces, Inc.
INNOVATIVE SURFACES, INC.

Hastings, MN

651-437-1004
www.innovativesurfaces.com

How are you unique?

We offer our customers an expansive palette of premium countertop surfacing options, making us unique in the industry. We have built our business by offering our customers the products they desire, ranging from solid surface to natural stone, quartz surface, paper composite, re-purposed glass, and concrete.

Market pioneer in green surfaces

We have been one of the first to adopt many of the up-and-coming “green” surfacing products currently available in our market. Some of the products generating excitement include Richlite, Paperstone, Vetrazzo, and IceStone.

You may not know…

We have the ability to handle projects ranging from basic countertop applications to more technical highly customized applications.

Why Innovative Surfaces? …

The consistency in, and predictability and quality of our products; our flexibility in responding to customers needs; our ability to provide any necessary product engineering assistance; an open, honest working relationship committed to quality and service; and a solid history of standing behind our products and services.

TREND TALK “The push toward sustainability and ‘green’ surfacing options continues to be the leading trend in countertop materials. We are also seeing a stark contrast in aesthetic trends; interest in exotic materials and ornate surfaces is high, while designs from Europe are trending toward warmer aesthetics and clean lines.” –Innovative Surfaces, Inc.

Trend Talk

“Current tile trends are large format tiles, 18-by-18 inches or even larger, and dark colors with clean finishes. Simplicity is key.” –Dawn Marie Peterson, Kate-Lo Tile

EVERY HOME NEEDS…

“A ‘gathering’ space. People like to congregate and experience family, friendship and fellowship. Every home needs a space where homeowners and guests alike can ‘settle in’ and enjoy themselves as well as company they’re in.” –Lori Jo Krengel, Kitchens By Krengel

Photo Courtsey of Minnesota
Standard Showplace
MINNESOTA STANDARD SHOWPLACE

St. Louis Park, MN

952-920-1460
www.minnesotastandardshowplace.com

How did you get here?

We originated in 1991 to help plumbers assist their clients. We’ve evolved and expanded into an impressive 5,000-square-foot interactive showplace offering over 50 manufacturers. We have an extensive variety of high-end products ranging from unique petrified wood and travertine vessel sinks to vitreous china country apron-front kitchen sinks, and everything in between.

You may not know…

We’re a high-end, interactive showroom. Customers can experience the BainUltra ThermoMasseur in all of its glory; test handheld showers, showerheads, and body sprays in our interactive shower tower; and visualize vignettes that show product offerings ranging from traditional to contemporary.

Premiere TOTO showroom

Visit our showroom to see our impressive display of products—including TOTO. We are the premiere TOTO showroom in the Twin Cities, where we display TOTO’s Neorest luxury toilet and striking shower tower, Washlet, and faucets. We specially design each showroom vignette in a variety of styles, so it’s easy to picture it in your home.

Why Minnesota Standard Showplace?

Our customers have confidence in us. When they return, they know they’ll be greeted in our non-intimidating showroom by friendly, competent personal consultants in a genuinely helpful atmosphere.

TREND TALK “More and more manufacturers are designing stylish water-efficient or ‘green’ products like lavatory faucets, showerheads, and handsome toilets.” –Minnesota Standard Showplace

Photo courtesy of RBC Tile & Stone
RBC TILE & STONE

Plymouth, MN

763-559-5531
www.rbctile.com

What is your specialty?

RBC Tile & Stone is well known for specializing in the most current design trends in the tile industry, and representing those trends through superior products and a knowledgeable staff. RBC is proud to be celebrating its 50 year anniversary in 2009 and has remained the only independent wholesale distributor exclusively serving the Midwest. We are proud to serve Minneapolis, St. Paul, Milwaukee, Des Moines, Omaha, Kansas City, and St. Louis.

Our key to success…

We offer the most innovative products along with impeccable service, an informed staff, and showrooms that display products in a beautiful setting.

We recommend…

Large format tile (24-by-48 inch) and tiles that sparkle. Glam-looking tile is definitely the hot new product. We are also seeing interest in Quatrefoil shapes, metal tiles, and metallic-looking tile.

What is your definition of a beautiful home?

A beautiful home is one that reflects the character of the family that resides there, or a place that feels good to come home to.

Shelter Savvy “I look at the colors that my customer is wearing or in his or her closet. This is a good starting point for design, because people tend to be drawn to colors they look good in.” –Katy Zurnieden, RBC Tile & Stone

Photo by Greg Page
KITCHENS BY KRENGEL

St. Paul, MN

651-698-0844
www.kitchensbykrengel.com

How did you get here?

Kitchens By Krengel has 50 years experience in designing and building kitchens. We are committed to consistency, craftsmanship, and using the highest quality products in our work.

Our motto…

Experience makes the difference.

You may not know…

Our portfolio of experience includes much more than just kitchens—we also do bath design, whole house remodeling, and offer full interior design services. We are truly able to take our clients from concept to completion with their project.

What defines a beautiful home?

A beautiful home is one that is a reflection of its own inherent integrity—all the parts work together as a whole to create a space that is unique but cohesive. It is also a space that lives and breathes an accurate portrayal of the people living in it—a place that reflects the character and tastes of the homeowner, and in turn inspires the lifestyle of the individuals in the space..

SHELTER SAVVY “It is important to establish a sense of continuity and flow within your home. Small improvements like a well-chosen color scheme or the same type of flooring throughout can have a huge impact in creating balance and flow without seeming redundant.”–Lori Jo Krengel, Kitchens By Krengel

Photo by Thoen Associates
CRYSTAL CABINET WORKS, INC.

Princeton, MN

763-389-4187
www.crystalcabinets.com

Our history…

Since 1947, Crystal Cabinet Works has been owned and operated by the same family. We are celebrating more than 60 years of being a family-owned manufacturer of fine custom cabinetry for the kitchen, bath, and every room in your home.

Our key to success…

We are known for the flexible detail and finish quality of the custom cabinetry we build. We have built a long-term relationship with our network of highly trained, independent dealers and designers. We have a reputation, in the industry, for having one of the most friendly and reliable customer services.

What is your philosophy?

We pride ourselves on craftsmanship, service, and our dedication to bringing you the finest materials, the latest styles, and the very best in custom cabinetry for the entire home.

We recommend…

We have long had a strong commitment to being an exceptional steward of the environment. GreenQuest is our latest cabinet construction, offering no-added urea formaldehyde box construction, water-based stains and topcoats, and FSC-certified woods.

Insider Insight “If you can draw it, we can build it.” –Crystal Cabinet Works, Inc