Trend Talk: What’s New For Kitchens And Bathrooms In 2018

November may have just begun, but designers, retailers, and homeowners are already looking ahead to the new year and what it may bring in terms of decorating trends. The fact is that what may have been popular in 2016 or 2017 may not keep its popularity in 2018. To that end, we’re sharing some of our top kitchen and bathroom design trends for next year and giving you an exclusive sneak peek of what you can expect. Quartz, Of Course A recent National Association of Home Builders survey shows that 69% of requested remodeling jobs centered around the kitchen. That’s…

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Beyond White And Gray: 3 Colorful Countertops To Consider For The...

The average U.S. kitchen has approximately 25 feet of counter space. While that may not sound like a lot, the truth is that a client’s choice in countertop materials and colors can make a huge difference. In recent years, neutrals have been the go-to for quartz and laminate countertops alike, due to their universal appeal. But even though these hues won’t be likely to offend, they can be a bit boring to some. If you’re working with a client who wants something bolder, these three suggestions may hold the key to an exciting design concept they’ll love. Bright laminate countertops…

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Interested In The Trades Or Manufacturing? Check Out These...

Here at LE Smith, we want the manufacturing and skilled trades to experience continued growth. Since homeowners spend an average of $2,912 on installing countertops alone, we know how important it is that laminate countertop manufacturers across the country have qualified employees within their ranks. Whether you’re interested in working with countertop builders in the future or see yourself involved in some other type of manufacturing or skilled trade, here are some scholarships you may want to know more about. mikeroweWORKS Foundation Scholarships Dirty Jobs host Mike Rowe founded his 501(c)(3) public charity to give back to those who pursue training…

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3 Amazing Apps And Tools Every Kitchen Designer Should Be Using

Most homeowners understand how important a functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen is to their daily lives and to the overall value of their home. After all, even a minor kitchen remodel has an average ROI of 82.7%. When homeowners want to conduct a remodel but aren’t sure where to start, they’ll often rely on their contractor or interior designer to create a concept they’ll love. But even professionals who work with the best countertop manufacturers and other industry leaders often need a bit of assistance to bring their ideas to life. In the digital age, most people will rely on…

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Commercial Construction Starts And How They Might Impact Your...

When the average person thinks about construction trends, they’ll likely picture the most popular methods for building a new home during a given period. But commercial construction trends are just as important to the average person’s daily experience. For instance, office buildings, hospitals, schools, hotels, and retail stores are all subject to different building trends and methods. Knowing more about how these buildings are constructed and what they contain can inform builders, contractors, and designers, and help them manage their businesses. Overall, nonresidential building construction rates did slip slightly over the past couple of months throughout the United States. And…

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Residential Construction Starts In 2017: What Midwestern Builders...

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regularly release data on housing construction starts throughout the country. These numbers can be an extremely helpful indicator of both residential housing trends and the health of the economy overall. That’s because housing crises and economic recessions are often closely linked. When housing starts decline over sustained periods of time, the nation’s economy can suffer as a result. For builders, in particular, it’s imperative to stay up-to-date on these trends. Having a thorough understanding of residential construction starts in your region can help inform your entire business.…

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Multifamily Home Design Trends in 2017: What You Need To Know

Many design trends will endure the test of time, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important to stay on top of current trends. Quartz countertop manufacturers were overjoyed when quartz took the top countertop material spot from granite in 2014, but will that preference last or will it be merely a passing phase? If you’re a quartz countertop manufacturer or designer who does a lot of work with multifamily dwellings (like apartment buildings, condos, or properties with the potential for multi-generational living), you’ll want to pay close attention to this year’s top design trends. Sustainability is in Eco-friendly living is…

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What’s Hot In The Kitchen: Sink Trends In 2017

Even a minor kitchen remodel has an average ROI of 82.7%, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the first areas homeowners look to when they want to give their house a little facelift. And although there will always be clients who gravitate more towards the traditional, most want to choose countertops, cabinets, and appliances that are currently on-trend, rather than ones that were “in” five years ago. Quartz countertop companies and contractors need to be aware of what’s new and exciting in the industry, as this will help customers weigh their options. To that end, here are a…

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How Will Lower Trade School Enrollment Affect Millwork?

As high schools around the country continue to push four-year higher education on their students, the country is experiencing a notable shift: more schools are pushing expensive university educations while dropping vocational education programs. So, what does this mean for vocational careers? They may become short staffed. Katherine Martinko writes in Tree Hugger that this shift toward higher education is detrimental for students who are more apt to have careers as countertop builders, quartz countertop distributors, welders, and mill workers. “While it may sound good, it’s a shortsighted and overly generalized goal to have for every young person, as they…

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Quartz vs Laminate: Which Should You Use In Your Next Commercial...

When it comes to commercial projects, one of the most important things to consider when remodeling a kitchen area is the type of countertop you’ll be using. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, 89% of those jobs that were requested were for kitchen remodels. Therefore, the type of material you use for your commercial project’s countertop can influence potential buyers greatly. But what kind of material is best for your project’s kitchen area? Laminate or quartz? The answer may seem obvious: quartz. After all, quartz is considered a cultured stone and is particularly beautiful…

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