JSI Raves: Metrie Decorative Moldings and Architectural Elements
At the 2018 International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida, I had the opportunity to visit with Metrie, the largest supplier and manufacturer of decorative trim moldings in North America. I am excited to present their newest collections, Option M and the Then & Now Finishing Collections. Find out how to easily create architectural interest in your home.
A good percentage of our clients lately are either building a new home or undertaking a major or whole house renovation. The one thing I hear the most is that they do not want a "cookie-cutter" production build house. They want a truly custom experience with a unique result that is tailored precisely to their aesthetic. We work with architects and builders from the blueprint stage to create a space that is not only functional but also unique. One way to create a unique space is to look for opportunities to introduce decorative moldings that go beyond the expected crown, base or window trim. Here are a few examples of our own projects where we've included some unique trim details.
I recently traveled to the International Builders' Show in Orlando, Florida as a member of the Modenus Blog Tour. We had the good fortune to spend some time in the Metrie showroom getting to know their products and capabilities. Metrie's story has been developing for over 90 years since they began in 1926 as a family owned and operated manufacturer of hemlock trim in Vancouver, B.C. Now, they are North America’s largest manufacturer and distributor of solid wood and MDF moldings, operating eight manufacturing facilities, plus 26 distribution centers in the U.S. and Canada.
Our firm is based in Richmond, Virginia which has some pretty traditional historic roots. But, it is a vibrant growing community with a lot of businesses and people moving in to enjoy our booming economy, wonderful art scene, and mild weather. Therefore, over recent years, our business is starting to work with design clients with a wide range of styles and tastes and we need to be able to create design solutions for every aesthetic. Metrie has introduced the Option M collection of curated molding and interior door combinations that make it easy to select baseboards, casings, crown molding and doors to achieve popular home décor trends.
Option {M} styles are curated molding and interior door combinations that make it easy to select baseboards, casings, crown molding and doors to achieve popular home décor trends. “We’ve researched the pain points of builders, designers and homeowners in our product category,” said Kenton Low, Vice President of Marketing. “Option {M} addresses many of these pain points by streamlining the selection process to attain desirable, stylish combinations that will bring any room to life.”
During the development process of Option {M}, Metrie closely researched current in-demand and projected future trends in the building and remodeling space to provide attainable look solutions in six different styles. Each Option {M} style features product groupings that work well with each other as well as with other home décor items such as furniture, artwork, and other to express the homeowners’ personal style. Click on the images below to explore each design style further.
Each Option {M} style features product groupings that work well with each other as well as with other home décor items such as furniture, artwork, and other to express the homeowners’ personal style. Not sure what your style is? Metrie has developed a Find Your Style quiz to help you determine which style best suits your tastes.
Looking for even more inspiration? Check out Metrie's Then & Now Finishing Collections which feature professionally designed and coordinated trim and interior doors inspired by different architectural styles. Blending modern and classic design, the elements in each of the five Collections are perfectly proportioned to create a custom and professional look—every time.
Metrie's industry position has allowed them the resources, strength and leadership to dramatically change the molding category for the better. They're not just introducing new products to the mix, but creating solutions for consumers, design pros and our builders to make it easier to select, purchase and design with interior moldings and doors.
I've already been talking with my clients, builders and architects about incorporating some of Metrie's inspiring ideas and products into our current projects and I can't wait to see the finished results. Have you incorporated some unique trim designs in your own home? Send us some photos in the comments to share some inspiration. And be sure to check out Metrie's blog, The Finished Space, for more inspiration and fun ideas. It's a great read!
Please note: According to FTC rules, I need to disclose that my trip to KBIS was sponsored. While I did not get paid for my time at KBIS, my hotel, airfare and some meals were covered. As I write about our sponsors I wish for you to know that I do not receive any additional monetary compensation for doing so. And please note, the views expressed in this blog are totally mine!
JSI Raves: Thermador Ushers In A New Era Of Luxury at KBIS 2018!
The iconic appliance brand, Thermador, announced the unprecedented launch of 300 new products and unveiled it's impressive Home Connect technology. After touring the Thermador showroom at KBIS, I've highlighted just a few impressive new entries into the field.
Last week at the 2018 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, Florida, Thermador, the iconic American luxury home appliance brand, announced the launch of more than 300 groundbreaking new products, the most significant launch in the brand’s 102-year history. As a member of the Modenus Blogtour team, I was there to see the unveiling of several exciting new additions to Thermador's repertoire.
Completely redesigned, the sleek new Masterpiece and Professional Collections deliver the seamless culinary experience consumers expect from Thermador. Both collections offer a seamless inset integration without a bulky frame and they're beautifully styled with metallic gray glass and sleek contemporary handles.
Thermador Masterpiece Series Oven
The new Freedom® Induction Cooktop offers the largest fully usable cooking surface on the market within its class. The entire surface can be used! This new cooktop offers more responsiveness, more flexibility and the first full-color touch-screen interface on an induction cooktop.
In the dishwashing arena, Thermador introduced their newest dishwashers featuring StarDry™ with Zeolite for a superior drying process without the use of chemicals, as well as the Star Speed® cycle which is the fastest hot water cycle in the industry at 20 minutes. One of Thermador's newest dishwashers is called "The Entertainers' Dishwasher". This dishwasher features a gentle cycle that won’t break or damage glasses, with a no-slip, soft rubber lower rack and adjustable stands specifically designed to keep stems secure. The rack stands are fully adjustable at multiple levels to accommodate different heights and sizes of your glasses. It can accommodate up to 26 large wine glasses. What a great addition to a butler's pantry!
Thermador Freedom Induction Cooktop
In the dishwashing arena, Thermador introduced a suite of luxury dishwashers including the New Star-Sapphire™ Dishwasher. It's features include Push to Open, allowing you to either push or pull open the unit, as well as Thermador exclusive Star Glow, which illuminates the inside of the dishwasher in a variety of colors, so you can set the mood that matches the occasion. And, with the two-step StarDry™, Thermador delivers the only program that provides the ultimate drying, so all your place settings are ready for use after each cycle and you can get back to serving your guests. It also boasts the fastest hot water cycle in the industry with the Star Speed® 20 minute cycle.
Thermador's "Entertainers' Dishwasher" features a gentle cycle that won’t break or damage glasses, with a no-slip, soft rubber lower rack and adjustable stands specifically designed to keep stems secure. The rack stands are fully adjustable at multiple levels to accommodate different heights and sizes of your glasses. It can accommodate up to 26 large wine glasses. What a great addition to a butler's pantry!
Entertainer's Dishwasher
One of the most eye catching displays in all of KBIS was the section of custom paneled Freedom Refrigerators which come in a variety of sizes and configerations. These units accept any custom panel and for the show, Thermador outfitted their refrigerators with large panels wrapped in custom abstract art canvas.
Thermador Paneled Freedom Refrigerators
While I'm not sure I have a client bold enough for this look, the features of these units are the real story. You have the option of handle-less units with push latch openers that automatically close if left ajar. Inside, you have soft-close bins, including bins with Thermal Fresh humidity and temperature control. And no more dark corners, these refrigerators feature "theater lighting" in the form of LED panels from top to bottom.
Continuing to redefine the possibilities in the kitchen and beyond, Thermador also introduces the Thermador Connected Experience by Home Connect, an industry-exclusive app. Home Connect provides culinary assistance by partnering with Kitchen Stories, the unique app that provides you with recipes, wine pairing suggestions and video tutorials. It will allow you to remotely control your Thermador appliances through brand partners like Amazon Alexa or EVE, Tesla's connected vehicle software. Cut down on trips to the grocery store by letting Thermador's Home Connect and Amazon Dash inventory and replenish groceries as needed.
With this new launch, Thermador will be able to empower consumers to perfect recipes, enhance their experience with smart tools and provide expert knowledge that helps them reach their culinary goals. With the comprehensive collection of products, exceptional cooks can now choose from more options than ever before to perfect even the most adventurous recipes and elevate their culinary lifestyle.
If you're building a home or considering a kitchen remodel or update, I would strongly suggest that you spend some time getting to know Thermador. Personally, I want to pull out all of my appliances after seeing that exciting showroom!
Please note: According to FTC rules, I need to disclose that my trip to KBIS was sponsored. While I did not get paid for my time at KBIS, my hotel, airfare and some meals were covered. As I write about our sponsors I wish for you to know that I do not receive any additional monetary compensation for doing so. And please note, the views expressed in this blog are totally mine!
JSI Raves: Romo's Black Edition Spring Launch
Explore one of our favorite fabric and wallpaper collections to launch this season from Romo's Black Edition. It's a poetic blend of romantic prints, luxurious textures and contemporary weaves.
The new Spring launch from Romo of their Black Edition collection is breath taking and so in line with the current fashion trends. Our last blog highlighted the latest bohemian trend that has been popular in fashion and now in interior design. As we come out of years of economic stagnation, fashion and interior design are embracing bolder and more optimistic design directions. This Black Edition collection blends historic and romantic influences with contemporary moments. It's a poetic blend of brilliant colors, imaginative patterns and lush textures! There are three fabric collections - Herbaria, Zkara and Kaleido which include boldly colored patterns and stripes, luxurious textures and contemporary weaves.
The collection also includes Herbaria Wallcoverings. Romo describes this collection as "modern design with a sense of history". I'm dying to find a great project to use one of these beautiful papers!
If you just want to infuse a small pop of this bold look into your space, consider one of their ready-made pillows from the collection. There are multiple patterns and sizes available by special order. They're all down filled with solid backs and they can be ordered through us.
Romo has long been one of my favorite fabric and wallpaper lines, but this season they've really outdone themselves. I'll be sure to share photos if I can find the perfect project to incorporate one (or several) of these beautiful patterns!
JSI Raves: Sarah Rowland Custom Wallpaper and Textiles
Jennifer Stoner Interiors is raving about Sarah Rowland's custom wallpaper and textiles! Sarah has melded her graphic design talent with her love of art and design and created a line of wallpaper and textiles that are unique yet classic with a funky vintage bent.
This week, I'm happy to introduce you to my very talented friend, Sarah Rowland. We're raving about her line of custom wallpapers and textiles!
Sarah graduated with a BFA in Communication Arts & Design from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. From Richmond, she headed to Tokyo to work under Tsuneo Taniuchi on the design of a paper sculpture book for a year.
Once back in the states, Sarah worked in-house and freelance as a graphic designer for agencies in Boston, Los Angeles, New York and Richmond. Sarah’s graphic design portfolio includes work for some of the largest companies in the world such as Architectural Digest, Walmart, UPS, PetSmart, Hanes, SAAB, Pacific Bell and Reynolds Metals Company. She also helped launch the magazine 64, a regional arts and culture publication.
Sarah studied Textile Design and Printmaking at the Royal College of Art in London. Today, she designs textiles from a mid-century ranch house on the banks of the James River in Richmond - a place of river rocks, antebellum architecture, and rich natural beauty that are a constant inspiration to her work.
Sarah has melded her graphic design talent with her love of art and design and created a line of wallpaper and textiles that are unique yet classic with a funky vintage bent.
Sarah has also been experimenting with printing her designs on some unique textural substrates which creates an entirely different vibe.
Pattern: Graham
A perk of working with Sarah ... her ability to customize her patterns to your installation needs! She can change the scale of the pattern, the colors and the substrate to create a paper that is uniquely yours! We worked with her to customize her Graham pattern in the home we designed for the 2016 Richmond Homearama. We changed the background color and printed the pattern in metallic gold. The result was an elegantly subtle ceiling that perfectly complemented our master bedroom.
Sarah lives and breathes pattern, color, and the natural world. “I love mother nature and get most of my design ideas from her. She really is the best designer and colorist out there. She also happens to be very generous with her advice!"
Most of all, Sarah loves beauty: Seeing it, experiencing it, creating it, and sharing it with others. So, we're happy to share Sarah's gift with all of you! You can visit her online at www.sarahrowland.com or you can purchase her papers and textiles through the Bradley design showrooms.
