BLOG: KB Showcases Three New Collections at KBIS and NHS

In a one month span, Kingston Brass traveled across the U.S. to showcase their three new kitchen/bath collections–their first stop at New Orleans on April 19-21 for the 2013 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and then westward in Las Vegas on May 7-9 for the National Hardware Show.

For this year’s shows, Kingston Brass displayed the new Aqua Eden bathtub collection (first non-faucet collection), as well as products from the Water Onyx, Millennium, Tudor, Green Eden, and Vintage collections.

The Aqua Eden collection consists of 10 different Vintage tubs (a few contemporary tubs included), each providing its own tub feet style in polished chrome, polished brass, oil rubbed bronze and satin nickel.

Along with the other faucet collections, Aqua Eden was a success among the visitors, said Louis Wong, Product Manager.

“The bathtub was very well received with the visitors–some came and actually got in the tub to try it out. The Water Onyx collection also did very well with its unique black nickel finish,” he said.

To represent Aqua Eden, a large 72” cast iron double slipper pedestal tub was displayed as the centerpiece of both shows.

With the recent high demand of cast iron and acrylic tubs, Kingston Brass has acquired large product offerings.

“We’re proud to showcase one of our tubs from Aqua Eden,” said Gary Lu, Aqua Eden brand manager. “This tub mixes both vintage and a little contemporary styling in a beautiful pedestal tub. The cast iron construction of the tub is durable and sturdy–good for long lasting use.”

For 2014, both shows will be held at Las Vegas in the Las Vegas Convention center. KBIS will be held together in conjunction with the International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas in February. The NHS will take place May 6-8.

“We love taking part of these trade shows,” said marketing executive Raul de Paz. “It’s exciting bringing out these great new collections, networking with people and having them tell us how well our products are doing for them.”

Kingston Brass will unveil more new collections at the upcoming shows. To keep up with the latest news on Kingston Brass and product releases, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/kingstonbrass or follow us @kingstonbrass on Twitter. You can visit our website at http://www.kingstonbrass.com.

The Manhattan Collection: Combining styles for a unique design approach

The Manhattan faucet is developed to portray transitional style in faucet design.

With the usual options of choosing modern or traditional arrangements, the whimsical flair for blending new and old will give people a moment to visualize the Manhattan look.

The idea of this particular collection was to think rich, smooth, elegant and comfortable. Its contemporary appearance and graceful curves equates to a pleasant washing experience with its standard 2.2 GPM / 8.3 LPM (60 PSI) water flow.

The T-shaped double handle levers are sleek and admirably designed; the handles easy to grip and turn for water control. The small but wide escutcheons harmonizes with the different array of traditional style spouts (C-spout, J-spout) in various lavatory faucets.

The kitchen faucets have a common feature with the high goose neck spout design for ample reach and washing experience. Some of the faucets come with a non-metallic side sprayer (available in different colors).

The lavatory and bathroom faucets also function using a ¼-turn hardisc ceramic cartridge.

With four different finishes provided (polished chrome, polished brass, oil-rubbed bronze and satin nickel), the use of color enables people to engage deeper on color coordinating with their surroundings.

“By adding the choice of colors with the Manhattan’s handsome architecture is the primary element in a good collection,” said James Choy, Marketing Manager. “We’ve received positive comments on all of our contemporary collections but we feel the Manhattan offers a transitional blend of old style and new. The layout of this particular design is different. We feel it will allow people to take a second and think how their surroundings will appear with its versatile look.”

The tub and shower faucets feature an array of uniquely-designed shower heads each possessing multiple water spray modes to allow you more than one way in enjoying your wash. The wall plates come in the traditional-styled circular pattern while the square-shaped plate expresses a modernistic discrete design (especially with T-shaped handle complementing it).

The tub and shower faucets are equipped with a safebath type washerless cartridge and delivers a maximum of 2.5 GPM / 9.5 LPM (80 PSI).
The KB4651CML is available only in polished chrome and satin nickel.

The Nuvofusion Collection: New-age style with a lot to choose from

The look inside a home defines everything a homeowner makes it to be.

By acquiring a certain look and feel using different patterns and styles, there are certain elements that help centralize the overall design in the home from top to bottom.

The NuvoFusion collection fills that void as the perfect centerpiece solution.

Providing different ways in decorating the home is important for the homeowner. By offering various design options, it allows homeowners to choose which products work best for the surrounding furnishings.

The Nuvousion line is a new-fashioned construction that aims for those looking to jazz up their home with a modernized mentality.

The collection is arranged in three divisions: kitchen faucets, lavatory faucets and tub and shower faucets.

One would notice the Nuvofusion look by the flat-surfaced rectangular lever handles and round cylindrical escutcheons on each of the faucets.
To offer multiple stylings, each faucet consists of various spout shapes: C-spouts, J-spouts and goose neck spouts.

The faucets also come in different setups. Whether centerset, widespread or mini-widespread, you have a number of choices to choose from.

For a more distinctive look – the Euro high rise spout accentuates a state-of-the-art flat, rectangular anatomy with smooth wide curves —a kind of futuristic feel that makes your home surreal and beyond advanced.

The tub and shower faucets feature the same flat handle lever design with the option of regular tub spouts and tub spouts with diverter.

The tub and shower faucets’ most apparent feature is its immensely large 7-1/8” shower head. This shower head appears as a smoothly designed, thick and very wide cylindrical 2-1/4” headpiece that delivers two different spray functions: a saturating shower spray flow and a pulsating massage spray flow.

The massage spray flow is a strong concentrated flow of water only surging from the jets at the central most part of the shower head. On the other hand, the saturating shower spray flow expels a rainfall-like stream flow. This flow is also the standard spray setting for most shower heads. The tub and shower faucet have a maximum water flow rate of 2.5 GPM/9.5 LPM at 80 PSI.

The lavatory and kitchen faucets are measured to save water with a 2.2 GPM/8.3 LPM at 60 PSI. All of the faucets come with a ¼-turn washerless cartridge (including tub and shower faucets which feature a pressure-balanced washerless cartridge).

Available in four different finishes (polished chrome, polished brass, oil-rubbed bronze and satin nickel), the color of the NuvoFusion faucets will definitely enhance the senses with its new-age dazzle and cutting edge features.

The appeal of NuvoFusion equates to its functionality offering homeowners with countless possibilities in personalizing their kitchen and bathroom.

Water Onyx brings the black back

One of the most ambitious projects of this past year was the successful launch of our Water Onyx series, which was received with accolades at KBIS and the National Hardware Show last year in Las Vegas.

Because of its depth of color and its versatility, the collection has generated interest among kitchen and bath designers looking for something different; and the initial product offering has grown steadily.

The design team at Kingston Brass made a bold move in introducing both traditional and contemporary designs in a finish (black nickel) that historically has been associated with strictly modern styles. We can safely say that this boldness has paid off.

Bathroom

The collection includes a selection of single-hole, 4-inch centerset and widespread faucets.

The centersets include a selection of both low spout and J-spout models, all of them possessing traditional lever and cross handles.

Water Onyx NB1970AL - 8"-16" Widespread Double Handle Lavatory Faucet

The single-hole faucets are mainly sleek tubular models designed to be used with a vessel type lavatory sink. The widespread offering gives us a few more options; from a Victorian style faucet with traditional lever handles as in the NB1970AL, or the clean tubular lines of the NS2960DKL.

The NS2960DKL features a J-spout and cylindrical handle bases and levers accented with neoprene handle inserts. The classical elegance of the NS4460 with its faceted spout is reminiscent of 1930s Chicago with its matching lever and cross handles.

To complement your faucet, Kingston Brass has also included a full line of matching tub and shower sets, Roman tub sets and bath accessories.

Kitchen

Kingston Brass’ selection of faucets for the kitchen is no less impressive.

Water Onyx NS8790DKLSP - 8" Centerset Double Handle Kitchen Faucet with Matching Sprayer

It consists of a traditional hi-reach, a traditional gooseneck and a very contemporary sleek tubular gooseneck faucet, all with side sprays.

You will also find both traditional and contemporary glass fillers used for your filtered water source.

The secret to the success of the Water Onyx series lies not only in the obvious aesthetic appeal, but also because this product line is backed up by Kingston Brass’ quality standards including its-triple plated finish process.

Gourmetier unveils a series of kitchen faucets

Every new year brings new and exciting things for Kingston Brass, and this year we are starting off with a bang.

Due to the increasing popularity of pull-down faucets, Kingston Brass has added three new models. These three models are a welcomed addition to the Gourmetier Collection. Each one has its own unique character and their addition is instrumental in making this line one of the most versatile kitchen faucet product offerings.

Gourmetier GS7771ACL - American Classic Single Handle Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Spout

The GS7771ACL is a perfect combination of old style charm with new world functionality.

At first sight, you will realize that this is no ordinary faucet, and that is exactly what our designers were aiming for; a faucet that will provide enough aesthetic appeal to be the focal point of your kitchen. Its understated design is exactly what gives this faucet its air of sophistication.

A more transitional option, the GS7721DL combines the ergonomically designed spray head with the sleek tubular base and handle of the Concord series, a faucet that could easily feel at home in just about any kitchen.

Gourmetier GS8781CTL - Continental Single Handle Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Spout

For the more contemporary kitchen, Kingston Brass has released the GS8781CTL with a sleek tubular body and a minimalist flat handle. It truly evokes Modern European style; the tubular spray head completes the look.

The new additions do not end there. Kingston Brass is showcasing their new naples bronze finish, which is a very exciting spin on the oil-rubbed bronze.

In naples bronze, the product is further enhanced by showing highlights of the base material, in this case bronze, which gives the faucet a more rustic appearance.

All in all, the Gourmetier brand provides a full offering of kitchen products, with the mentality of bringing functionality and design to you. In particular, our wide range of kitchen faucets are offered to accommodate you more than one way in making your home looking better than before.

KB is now on Twitter!

For all you tweeters, you can follow us on http://twitter.com/#!/KingstonBrass.

Stay with us for all breaking news and updates!!

The Vilbosch series: Contemporary furnishings for your kitchen and bathroom

Click HERE to see the interactive Vilbosch Catalog.

Kingston Brass, in its tradition of staying at the forefront of plumbing innovation, has brought out their Vilbosch series, the emporium of contemporary style faucets.

Comprised of eight different collections, The Vilbosch series is positioned to be Kingston Brass’ answer to affordable contemporary Euro styling: (1) The Concord collection’s cylindrical tubular lines, (2) The Kaiser collection, a spin off of the Concord collection, features similar lines upgraded by black accents on the handle that break the monotony and add a little splash of style, (3) The Claremont collection features distinctive square-shaped angles, (4) The Clearwater collection, one of many fusion offerings, is a collection that manages to successfully blend contemporary escutcheons with more traditional wave lever handles. The collection achieves a look that only our team of designers could have envisioned and successfully brought to life.

Like these, there are others: (5) The Manhattan, with its tubular lever handles and (6) the Nuvo Fusion that blends cylindrical escutcheons with rectangular sleek lever handles.

There is no question that modern bathroom décor has been evolving from its beginnings in the early 19th Century. Kingston Brass proves that boldness and elegance can go hand-in-hand towards the evolution of bathroom design for 2011.

The most common mistakes when remodeling your kitchen

The time you invest in doing your homework will pay off big dividends in the long run. Visit kitchen showrooms.

Get an idea of the price of cabinets, granite, appliances, faucets, etc., and set a budget within your means. Then subtract 20 percent and make that your target.

One of the sad realities of any construction project is that it will always cost at least 20% higher than your estimated cost. This will give you the room to upgrade on some of the final touches should the budget allow it.

If you are trying to remodel your kitchen on a budget, here are some things to consider:

1. REFACING – You will be surprised at the cost savings of just doing a refacing job on the cabinets, countertops, pulls and faucets—assuming your cabinets are structurally sound.

Refacing will give you the look and feel of a new kitchen. It may include changing the hinges and drawer slides and with all the new technologies available, you can splurge on items such as full overlay hinges, self-closing drawer slides, as well as an array of accessories that will make your kitchen more functional.

2. PREFABRICATED GRANITE – With the influx of imported prefabricated granite comes an incredible bargain price on real natural granite.

This is not imitation granite, but granite that was mined from a quarry in one of these locations:  Brazil, India, Italy or China.

The granite was transported to China where it was polished, cut to the standard depth of a kitchen cabinet and finished with a bull-nosed edge. When you see how much you will be saving, you won’t even remember what an Ogee edge looks like.

3. PRIORITIZE – Analyze what is really important to your present lifestyle and cooking habits.

Buying a $10,000 48-inch viking range may not be the best investment-especially if you do not really do the type of cooking that merits a semi-professional range.

On the other hand, investing in a good range hood or adding a cabinet to maximize storage may be a better investment.

4. BE REALISTIC – Colors are awesome, but an orange kitchen may not be a good long-range plan for your kitchen.

A safer option will be to stay with neutral colors and go wild with the knobs and pulls. If you get tired of them in a month or a year, it will be only a nominal investment to change them as long as you stay with standard pull sizes (3” 3.5” or 4”) or knobs.

5. CONSIDER LIGHTING – You will be amazed at how much difference the proper lighting will make. Recessed lighting is one of those things that will add a touch of class to any kitchen.

If you are tight on budget, consider looking into track lighting. If you can imagine those hideous off-white track lights that you remember in Grandma’s house back in the 70s, you will be surprised at the selection available nowadays.

6. SELECT YOUR FAUCET VERY CAREFULLY – Go for function first—aesthetics second. With the selection available, you won’t have to compromise form for function.

7. BE CONSISTENT WITH THE REST OF THE HOUSE – Look at your home design and make sure there is some continuity.

8. MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE – Make all the changes you want on paper at the planning stage. Changing your mind and making changes once the project is underway may prove to be a costly proposition.

And one final point—Unless you are planning on making this your retirement home and don’t plan to ever sell it, it would be wise to consider your ROI (return on investment).

Corbels and cool gadgets may add enjoyment to your kitchen but it may not give you a good return. That is unless you are in a price range where the market demands an upscale look and is at par with the other homes in the neighborhood.

What’s in store for 2011 at Kingston Brass?

Kingston Brass will unveil their three new brands this year -- Fauceture, Gourmetier and Designer Trimscape.

2010 was an exceptional year for Kingston Brass.

The company underwent a series of changes during the past year but progressed despite the current problem with today’s economic climate.

Since its existence, KB has steadily grown selling their wide line of kitchen and bathroom products.  In 2010, three notable changes were made that helped KB to grow further economically:

• Last January, KB successfully began integrating a large number of their products to be compliant with the California Health and Safety code section 116875 (AB1953). AB1953 is the code signifying that plumbing fixtures must have lead content no higher than 0.25% in weighted average to classify it as being “lead free.” With KB providing a series of lead-free products to the public, the company promotes in being a greenhouse builder and continues to obtain items with AB1953 compliance.
• During the course of last year, KB also had focused on the aspects of design and the supply chain to fulfill the varieties of product demands from the U.S. market.
• With KB’s expansion, the move to increase in personnel was also made in 2010. The additional help was necessary in fulfilling the extra work that emerged from the company’s growth. The move was also an effort to better accommodate customers.

Kingston Brass CEO Erik Chen has introduced various ideas in diversifying KB products by offering quantity with quality to the public.

“We have prepared to introduce 15 new collections of new product lines that have been worked on in the past three to four years,” he said.

To better accommodate the public, the collections will provide a better of way of marketing as a designer brand, Chen said.

Along with the new collections, Chen has altered KB’s large volume of items by creating three divisions (brands)—Fauceture, Gourmetier and Designer Trimscape. Each of these brands will host a particular group of products presented to give the public more of what KB has.

“We have set these brands up as a strategic business unit to cover the small niche market,” said Chen. “With more up-to-date products coming soon we also have a new structure pending to enhance the performance of these three brands.”

As a different sales strategy, the three divisions of KB will create a better infrastructure and also to provide convenience for the customers, he said.

For more information on the three brands, log on to www.fauceture.com,www.designertrimscape.com, and www.gourmetiersink.com.