MN Designer view for adventure became a month of learning and an endless possibility

September was a whirlwind of trips. I originally had one trip planned for the end of September to Miami Florida for ASID (American Society of Interior Designers). I planned this out back in April with another colleague/friend of mine. We participated in a variety of traditional and unconventional education and networking opportunities; there were over 50 Pop-ups classes, 21 CEU sessions, 6 workshops, 3 keynote presentations, & 1 amazing party to round out the experience. And then possibilities came knocking…. 

Picture of me at Nicki Beach Club in Miami, Florida

I was invited to the W2W (Women to Women) Mentoring Conference from NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) to Louisville, Kentucky the beginning of September. This was an exclusive conference for women to create connections, to bring NKBA women together to learn & build each other up, and to grow through mind, body, and soul programs. It was an experience that got me out of my comfort zone and gave me the courage to meet some amazing women entrepreneurs from around the country. But the fun didn’t stop there in September.

Picture of me and my NKBA Colleagues in Louisville, Kentucky

My next adventure was to the Delta/Brizo headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana.  This is the hub of my blog.  I took away so much from this trip; the trends, the experience, and the amazing people I meet in this industry. So let’s begin….Why are we here?  Why do we specify plumbing fixtures?  What’s so special about them.  Well, a lot.  We are here for design.  We want it to inspire, to support our core inter-expressions, and it plays a big part in our home.   It’s our basic human function; water.  I had the wonderful opportunity to have a tiny pin-dot water leak in the plumbing lines.  Of course, it happened on my son’s water birthday party adventure.  We had to shut-off our water line.  It was 5 hours of not using the water and only having 1 flush per toilet.  I did not realize how many times I went to the faucet to grab some water or to make lunch for the kiddos.  Yes, it’s our basic human function but at the same time it can be the star of the kitchen. 

The plumbing fixtures are the jewelry of the kitchen & bath space. We can have it become the work of art based on our personality or have it blend into the background. By making it a sub-design, you can have the cabinetry, countertops, or backsplash become the “wow factor”. It’s the piece of “jewelry” you as the homeowner/client can decide on. The best thing about it “there is no wrong selection.” Some of my clients change out their kitchen and bathroom faucets every 2 years to stay up with the trends. I think that’s an affordable way to stay on trend, if that’s your personal décor style. For this client or the Traditional/Modern Décor stylist, you are going to love the Brizo faucet Tulham. It reminds me of tulips and an English Garden. It’s so pretty and traditional with the modern finishes it brings a whole new element into this new faucet. It just came out in October ’22.

Brizo new faucet Tulham - October ‘22

Why Delta/Brizo?  That’s easy. Brizo is empowering people, being fashion forward, and fashion for the home.  While Delta means change and change, they do.  They have a technology to prevent spotting on all finishes that state Lumicoat.  It basically repels hard water spots.  You will not see this technology in your box store’s.  It will only be available to the retail only trade professionals.  It’s meeting the needs of cleanability for our everyday use.  The best way to clean your faucet is a damp rag with soapy water or a white vinegar solution.  That’s it.  Nothing fancy or outrageously expensive.

Speaking of fancy, I cannot wait to see the future trends… how color plays the trend in material, spalted wood, tinted acrylics, copper bronze, & iridescence. How would you like to have an iridescent faucet? That would be amazing. To have the sunlight catch the glimpse of the faucet and for a brief second have it look like a dark navy with glittery tones.

You are probably thinking, where can I purchase this faucet or look at the new trends that are coming out.  Well, I would recommend going to Ferguson.  They are a trade professional company for designers, plumbers, builders, & remodelers.       

Remember, by collaborating with a Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer, you will have a calm and stress-free experience when it comes to your plumbing fixtures.  That is the #1 benefit.  I will be asking you questions to select the best fixtures for your lifestyle.  This will save you countless hours shopping, figuring out what will work in your space, and/or money.  If you already started this process and are just overwhelmed, give me a call. I am here to make your dream become a reality without the stress.  

CW Design – Rising together with you