High Style At Low Cost
by Pat Lenius
May 2, 2009
|
|
| Created to reduce water consumption, the Geberit
dual-flush systems meet HET volume requirements. Dual flush can be an easy and
simple way to practice and reinforce conservation in your bathroom designs. |
|
The economic downturn affects how homeowners go upscale in
their baths and kitchens.
Sometimes you just have to dial it down a notch. Or find a
different focus. These recessionary times are affecting how luxury is defined
and how it can be achieved in a bathroom or kitchen. The good news is, there
are still sales to be had in this market, but the dollars are being spent on
remodeling vs. new construction.
“In a down economy people are still
trying to add value to their home by spending on upgrading the kitchen and
bathroom and home entertainment centers,” says Martha Orellana, vice president
at Mr. Steam.
“Consumers are looking for value more
than ever in their purchases,” says Sam Rose, showroom manager for Wolseley
North America, Newport News,
VA. “It is extremely important
that we continue to articulate the value proposition our showrooms provide. We
believe our showrooms offer consumers tremendous value by simplifying the
selection process and making sure the right product is delivered at the right
time.”
 |
|
The look of fine furniture in the bathroom — such as
vanities — is a trend that makes a big design impact. Danze introduced several
unique bath vanities as part of its Powder Room Collections last summer.
|
|
Now
when people update or remodel their kitchen or bath they are more focused on
making a long-term investment, notes Ed Detgen, vice president of
marketing for Danze. “More than ever, they’re seeking ways to echo their
personalities and personal style tastes because they’ll be in the home
long-term.”
If
circumstances allow, people are still going ahead with “must” projects, says
Dan Reinert, also a Mr. Steam vice president. They are evaluating each
situation to see if it merits the green light. You don't see the carelessness
of the past — no flipping of houses for a quick buck. Designers or showroom
consultants can provide input on what pieces to splurge on and which ones can
be replaced with more economical options.
“Customers
are searching out boutique manufacturers that are able to provide a high design
at a reasonable price,” says Rob Perkins, sales associate at The Bath and
Beyond in San Francisco.
“There are not a lot of these boutique manufacturers, but many of the bigger
showrooms are aware of them. We search them out for our customers.”
Luxury And Value
 |
|
Staron Tempest says its surface option has the look
and depth of natural stone, such as granite or quartz, but the hygienic
attributes and design flexibility of solid surface, at a price that often falls
between the two.
|
|
“People
in today’s market are value engineering, whereby they are taking known brands
out of the project and substituting for affordable alternative products, like
Gerber,” says Kevin McJoynt, director of marketing for Gerber Plumbing
Fixtures. “People still seek the style and performance of kitchen and bath
products, but with lower price points.”
Luxury,
defined by the homeowner, can range from a cabinet upgrade on a remodel to a
completely new bathroom suite, says John Fitzgerald, director of marketing at
Chicago Faucets/Geberit North America. “Less is more in today’s economy,”
Fitzgerald says. “One element that is certainly not diminishing is being
environmentally friendly. Incorporating a dual-flush-enabled wall-hung toilet
not only provides an entirely new look in a bathroom, but a family of four can
conservatively save 11,000 gallons of water every year, as compared to a 1.6
gallon per flush toilet — 200 full bathtubs!”
Another
option: A new bath, waste and overflow drain, he says. “Update your existing
tub with a cableoperated drain in a finish to match either existing or new
fixtures.”
Invest
in one item that will be the focal point of the room, such as a high-end
minimalist toilet, a sink with artistic styling or a high-tech fixture, one
showroom operator says.
Accessories Make The Difference
 |
|
Moen suggests investing in a decorative faucet to
enhance the luxury feel of a kitchen or bath as an affordable option vs. a more
extensive remodel. Its Colonnade pullout kitchen faucet adds classic styling
without sacrificing convenience or functionality, the company says.
|
|
Detgen
compares creating a luxury bath or kitchen on a budget to how to dress on a
budget. “You can start with a core, basic dress, but the accessories can make a
world of difference,” he notes. “You don’t need Tiffany or Cartier to get the
effect you’re looking for. Bath
and kitchen products are similar. A simple faucet change can really impact a
room. In the bathroom, matching the accessories carries a design through to the
smallest detail and is very noticeable.”
Matching
finishes on the accessories — drawer pulls, towel bars, light fixtures and
light switch covers — with the other fixtures in the room can create a high-end
look at a relatively low price, the showroom operator adds.
“Showrooms
and dealers tell us that customers are choosing ‘wow’ factor items like a
Victoria & Albert freestanding tub, because it makes an immediate impact
and is a longterm design investment in their homes,” says Karl Schuele, sales
and marketing manager for Victoria & Albert Bath.
“Freestanding
tubs save money because they don’t require decking or expensive surrounds.
We're also hearing that customers are saving by spending on the master bath
while cutting back on second and third bathrooms.”
It
still comes down to perception and to value, Reinert notes. “If people perceive
that they are getting a good value for their money, then they will still spend
it. It’s an investment in their future.”
|
Pat Lenius
leniusp@bnpmedia.com
Pat Lenius
is the managing editor of Supply House Times and Bath & Kitchen Pro, and
editor of Bath & Kitchen Pro eNews. She can be reached at 630/694-4335 or
e-mail her at leniusp@bnpmedia.com.
|
|
|
Delivered twice-monthly, Bath & Kitchen Pro e-Newsletter (formerly Bath & Kitchen e-News) now has more than 10,000 opt-in subscribers.
|
|
 Radiant & Hydronics e-News is a twice-monthly newsletter compiled by the editorial staff of PM, Supply House Times and PMEngineer magazines.
|
|
 A monthly eNewsletter brought to you by the editor's of Environmental Design + Construction magazine on the latest green building news, products and events.
|
|
 Stone World remains the leading publication in the stone industry and continues to stay on the cutting edge of technology by bringing this eNewsletter to its readers.
|
|
 TILE eNewsletters deliver up-to-the-minute information on industry news, market conditions, product developments and best industry practices monthly.
|
|
 Expert plumbing and piping industry news and information from our magazines and eNewsletters.
|
|
 Plumbing & Mechanical is the undisputed leading trade magazine for reaching contractors on the "wet" side (plumbing-piping-hydronic heating) of the plumbing and mechanical market.
|
|
 Supply House Times magazine serves the Plumbing, PVF, HVAC and Hydronics distributors and provides?cutting edge features, news and technology information that's needed to advance the industry and succeed in the 21st-century PHCP business.
|
|
 PM Engineer is the core magazine for reaching design and specification engineers on the wet side of the industry (plumbing-piping-hydronic heating and fire protection).
|
|
 Reeves Journal, the oldest publication in the plumbing industry, addresses the regional opportunities and challenges facing p-h-c contractors, wholesalers and engineers in the 14 western United States.
|
| |
