Five to Follow: Interesting Brands We got to Know Better at DesignPoint
By Diana Mosher
Trade shows are the most effective way to see the most new products in the least amount of time—and also make valuable vendor connections that keep projects moving at the right pace.
Sometimes, though, it’s good to slow down for a deeper understanding of the brands we specify now or would like to in the future.
That was the thinking when FORGE/Connecting Point Marketing Group Events developed their winning formula called DesignPoint that replaces the traditional trade show with small-group, interactive boardroom presentations and one-on-one meetings with the brands. In August NKBA | KBIS hosted the inaugural DesignPoint for the kitchen and bath industry in Carlsbad, CA.
These are just five of the brands I thought I knew but got to know better.
Pfister Faucets: The Look of Luxury for Less
Pfister positions itself as the design conscious, trend forward alternative with a value-focused price point. Homebuilders and multifamily developers can choose from a full spectrum of fixtures ranging from entry-level builder grades to highly customized, mix-and-match collections. I did not know that in 2023 Pfister was acquired by ASSA ABLOY the Swedish lock and door-security group. Today Pfister operates under ASSA ABLOY’s residential hardware and plumbing portfolio alongside Kwikset and Baldwin. Pfister boasts a high-flow water filtration system that removes contaminants like lead and mercury without needing a separate filter tap. It also delivers motion-sensor, hands-free convenience at price tiers typically reserved for standard mechanical faucets.
image by Pfister
By the Yard: Climate Proof Furniture
Crafted for the outdoors and built to last, By the Yard premium furniture is made in the US from recycled materials. Approximately 93 percent is high density polyethylene which includes the highest percentage of recycled plastic milk and water jugs. The other 7 percent is color concentrate, a foaming agent and UV stabilizer. These ingredients are engineered into a proprietary poly lumber that won’t decay, rot, crack or splinter. Backed by a 35-year warranty, By the Yard furniture can withstand the extremes in any climate from the freezing cold of Minnesota to the dry desert of Arizona or the saltwater climate of the Florida Keys. And there are more than 500 different furniture designs available in 13 standard colors.
image courtesy of By The Yard
Lutron: Intelligent Lighting Made Accessible
The sun changes its brightness and color temperature based on the time of day. Lutron thinks residential lighting should do the same. That’s why Lutron Intelligent Lighting replicates the natural color of daylight, offers a broad range of color temperatures and renders objects truthfully under a rich spectrum. Now, Lutron’s Native by Design program merges Lutron Intelligent Lighting and technology with world-class design partners for a collection of fixtures. These pendants, table lamps, sconces, chandeliers and lamps all work seamlessly with Ketra bulbs, a wireless light source with over 70 patents that has been described as the biggest leap forward in lighting since the Edison carbon-filament lightbulb.
image by Lutron
Hanover Architectural Products: Seamless Surfaces
Since 1971, PA-based Hanover Architectural Products has made a name for itself with American-made concrete unit pavers, custom aggregate blending and the ability to cater to the specific requirements of each project. In fact, working with designers through the years has resulted in a vast library of over 3,800 granite-like colors, custom color collections and an assortment of finishes. Now Hanover has become a US distributor of Optimum Surfaces large-format porcelain slabs. Crafted in Italy with low silica and measuring an impressive 72.5″ × 130″, slabs create seamless surfaces for countertops, walls, flooring, outdoor living spaces and more. Optimum slabs are precision processed and tested in Italy requiring no relief cuts, and they are specifically sized to minimize waste during fabrication providing significant cost savings.
image by Hanover Architectural Products
Newport Brass: Durable Construction and 22 Finishes
Newport Brass was founded in 1989 in Newport Beach, CA and it continues to be recognized for its American craftsmanship. Design, engineering, machining, hand-finishing and assembly all happen in California ensuring quality control and consistency. The brand is known for its solid brass construction of key fixture components. Brass is durable and lends a substantial feel. Another differentiator is the finish palette—Newport Brass currently offers 22 finishes across its collections, including satin brass, polished gold, antique copper, English bronze, polished nickel and matte black. Certain living finishes develop a natural patina over time, adding character. In terms of aesthetics, Newport Brass’ collections span traditional, transitional and contemporary interiors, making the brand suitable everywhere from classic prewar apartments to modern luxury residences.
image by Newport Brass
These are just five of the many brands we met with at DesignPoint. If you’d like to talk about how these products might fit into an upcoming design project, schedule a 30-minute complimentary call here, or email diana@dianamosher.com.