I know KBIS 2013 is already a thing of the past for most of you, especially as KBIS 2014 has already begun preparations, but we here at Qualified Remodeler are still talking about some of the products featured. So take a quick peek at a few of our favorites from the show. Cosentino: Suede Finish for Quartz Countertops , which gives natural quartz surface a softer appearance with little reflection and includes built-in antimicrobial protection. Danze: Mid-Town Bath Faucet Collection , which includes a single-handle faucet, a widespread faucet and tub/shower variations in either chrome or brushed nickel finishes. DuPont: 2013 Colors of Corian , which introduces nine new colors to the solid surface collection and all fall into...

Let’s take a “power words” quiz. Examine these two phrases:  Phrase 1: We Do The Job Right The First Time. Phrase 2: We Always Insist That Every Job Be Done Exactly Right The First Time—No Exceptions. The first one expresses a worthwhile idea in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way. Unfortunately, it’s also stated in such an expected, non-interesting, and uninspiring way that nobody will give it a second thought. The second phrase, on the other hand, has a certain level of panache to it. It’s intrepid, audacious, and borderline cocky. It’s not the kind of thing one says unless one is fairly certain they can follow through on the stated promise. It’s concrete, certain, and confident. And because of...

Welcome to my day-time home. It's a bit gray, but luckily my kids’ happy faces and lovely fluorescent light fixtures brighten the space. The bottom of the picture shows what my ideal office would look like. Hey, we can dream, right? There are five things I need in order to function. My computer–you don’t want me illustrating the magazine myself. As my husband tells my kids, “Mommy is a computer artist, not a painter.” Nice.  My headphones. I don’t know if I could function without them, it gets a little noisy here in cube land. I love having other designers close by but the headphones help me focus. I also feel the need to tap my foot while designing, which would seem odd without the headphones.  Pictures of my...

A couple months ago, I transitioned from working in an office environment with editorial director, Rob Heselbarth, and executive editor, Ken Betz, in Arlington Heights, Ill., to working out of a home office outside of Pittsburgh. Modern-day technology has made communication easy – emails, phone calls and remembering the one-hour time difference makes communicating a snap. I also invested in a large el-shaped desk and ergonomic office chair to keep comfortable. Between those and my company-supplied laptop, dual-monitor setup, telephone and printer, my home office is even more efficient than my Illinois cubicle was. Operable windows allow fresh air and daylight to infiltrate my office; I can’t remember the last time I had to turn on the...