Friday, November 20, 2009

NKBA ROCKS!

Hello to my industry friends. What an Amazing Night!
The Columbia River Chapter of the NKBA rocks. Not only did I get a chance to see some great friends, but the professionalism and friendliness of the group is incredible. Award winners told their secrets to getting projects submitted correctly, helping them to be considered in competition. Marketing secrets were shared by those who have spent considerable time researching and learning how to be more effective. Potential new members were welcomed and offered a place in the group. Tips were shared on getting projects published. Encouragement and help was offered to everyone to improve their skills and knowledge through study groups. Acknowledgement was given to those who have received their credentials, reminding us all how important it is that we continue to grow in our chosen professions.I must express my gratitude to all who serve on the Board, giving a great amount of time, creativity, and energy. Thanks also to the companies who support this industry by sponsoring meetings. Thanks to Pental for a beautiful meeting location, great food, nice door prizes, and lots of fun. --Kaye Powell (Chown Hardware)

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Kaldewei




Chown Hardware is pleased to announced that we are the exclusive distributor for the Kaldewei bath line.

Kaldewei was founded in 1918, flourishing over multiple generations becoming today Europe's largest manufacturer of steel enamel baths and shower trays. Made of 3.5mm steel enamel, baked at more than 1472 degrees allows this premier tub line to offer an unheard of 30 year warranty on the tub!

Because every bathroom is unique, Kaldewei offers more than 130 different baths and shower trays to choose from in a wide variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Both drop in baths and freestanding tubs are available. Shower trays with shapes ranging from square, rectangular, corner and round the design possibilities are limitless and with a low threshold, will also enable the shower to be used where easy access is required.

Kaldewei is offered in the standard colors of White, Pergamon (biscuit) and Black. Custom finishes are available but extended lead times are required.

Kaldewei has carried out its own research and development work, and has already contributed to many developments in materials and processes. Its easy-clean finish, for instance, not only provides more comfort during bathing, but afterwards, too. Dirt and water simply roll down the permanently burnt-on surface finish, which makes these steel enamel bathtubs - which are extremely easy to look after anyway - even more comfortable. And since all you need is a soft damp cloth instead of aggressive cleaners, the easy-clean finish is good for the environment as well.
Speaking of Green, with its ecofriendly manufacturing, packaging, transport and disposal processes, Kaldewei is the first German bathroom fixture company to be certified for sustainability. Kaldewei has dedicated itself to environmental sustainability for over 90 years now.

After all, Kaldewei manufactures its high quality enamel products exclusively from natural materials.

And a consistent materials philosophy also includes the fact that all baths and shower trays made of Kaldewei steel enamel 3.5 mm can be recycled completely at the end of their lifespan, meaning they can be used directly as raw materials to make steel. A 30-year guarantee along with environmentally sound manufacturing, packaging, transport and disposal procedures – these qualities make Kaldewei products ideal for eco-friendly construction projects.

Award wining designs, 30 year warranty and green production processes makes Chown Hardware proud to distribute this high quality bathing fixtures. Take a minute to stop by and take a look at the displays only at Chown Hardware.

To learn more, click on the following link - Kaldewei

Aging in Place Remodeling Seminar

Saturday, December 5th - 10:00 - 11:00
Thursday, December 10th - 10:00 - 11:00

Chown Hardware would also like to invite you to the free "Aging in Place" remodeling seminar. Learn about planning your remodel for future or current special needs. Speakers for this seminar will be Kaye Powell, Chown Hardware VP and Randi Reed, Neil Kelly CMKBD Certified.

If you have ideas for future seminars and would like to be a guest speaker, please contact Kaye Powell to discuss dates and topic openings.


Product Knowledge Meetings

Portland Location Schedule
Meetings times are 8:00am-9:00am and a second meeting from 9:00am-10:00am. Please RSVP to jt@chown.com if you would like to attend any of the meetings.

November 24 - Jado / Porcher - Factory representatives introducting new releases and product changes for the coming year

December 9th - Zucchetti - New faucet and fixture line from Italy. Cutting edge designs and some twists on traditional looks

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Flu Season!!

What does this have to do with hardware? Well let me tell you!

Colonial Bronze has added Saniguard as an option on their cabinet hardware. With the saniguard impregnated into the brass the virus has no place to grow and thrive. Saniguard suffocates the microbes, inhibits transport of the microb and prevents multiplication.

Not only is Colonaial Bronze with Saniguard perfect for public locations, it works great in residental homes and will help stop the spreading of viruses. Order Colonial Bronze with Saniguard on your cabinet hardware for your home or business today!

New on display!

Robern's new "Uplift" has just been installed on the showroom floor!

So whats the big deal you ask? Well let me tell you. The mirrored front lifts up as opposed to swinging out toward you like a standard mirrored cabinet. What this allows you to do is mount this mirror behind a tall lavatory spout like a vessel faucet but not make it so high that the entire family cannot see into the mirror! Another benefit is in front of a make-up counter, you no longer have to move all of your make-up out of the way just to get into the cabinet, and you can put the mirror directly on top of the counter so you get a complete view. Available options are electrical outlets for razors or electric toothbrush, electric mirror defoger, integrated interior lighting, adjustable storage shelving and a nightlight for late night bathroom usage. Optional pieces are TV mount for a flat screen television, extendable 3X make-up mirror and an organizer shelf for keeping brushes, fingernail polish, toothbrushes or any other items in perfect arangements.

This Robern "Uplift" has it all! Come in and take a look at all the features of this great mirrored cabinet. Click on the following link to read more about the new "Uplift" cabinet - Uplift


Product Knowledge Meetings

Portland Location Schedule
Meetings times are 8:30am-9:30am and a second meeting from 9:30am-10:30am. Please RSVP to jt@chown.com if you would like to attend any of the meetings.

October 14th - Lighting 101 - Hinkley Lighting & Access Lighting - Learn how to specify lighting and different usage of lightes in all locations of the home.

October 21st - Duravit - Factory trained representative will be on hand introducing the newest and hottest lines from the leader in German plumbing manufacturing.

Monday, August 10, 2009


Colonial Bronze Tanner's Craft

Colonial Bronze, in partnership with Edelman Leather announces its new line of fine hand made leather accessories, know as The Tanner's Craft

Tanner's Craft comes from the family of products made by Colonial Bronze, America's leading manufacturer of fine brass hardware since 1927.

For over 80 years, Colonial has led the industry in quality, design and finish. Every one of the thirty-nine different metal finishes and 16 different Edelman leather options offered by the Tanner's Craft comes with the Colonial's exclusive Finishes for Life lifetime guarantee against tarnishing - the only written finish guaranty in the business.

Owned and operated by the third generation descendant of the two Swiss toolmakers, Colonial remains committed to creating decorative accessories of the finest quality. Every piece is hand finished by American craftsmen and women, dedicated to their art, in Colonial's factory n the Northwest Hills of Connecticut.

Chown Hardware is proud to support both Colonial Bronze and Edelman Leather both great American made products brought together in a great customizable line of hardware for your home.

Product Knowledge Meetings

Portland Location Schedule
Meetings times are 8:30am-9:30am and a second meeting from 9:30am-10:30am. Please RSVP to jt@chown.com if you would like to attend any of the meetings.

8/12 - Laufen - European design brought to your home in the states. Sinks, tubs and cabinets
8/19 - Baldwin - Door, cabinet & bath hardware for your home
8/26 - Waterstone - Decorative kitchen and bar faucets from one of the very few made in the USA
9/2 - Americh & Zuma - Full line of air and soaking tubs to fit all sizes and styles
9/9 - Hardware Renaissance - Custom Bronze hardware for you entire home
9/16 - Duravit - Factory representative will be on hand to answer all your questions regarding the German plumbing line

Thursday, June 25, 2009

June New Products


Burgbad

Solitaire Selection is the premium brand for the bathroom.

Here, something special is created as an expression of

personal individuality.

Bathroom furniture by Solitaire Selection combines form

and function at the highest level. Possessing the utmost

of quality, the pieces fascinate by meeting the highest of aesthetic demands. Perfect bathroom furniture with a maximum of durability, solidity and reliability, resulting from the best materials and highest degree of processing and finishing precision. Bathroom furniture by Solitaire Selection represents fixed points in daily life; it lends an

air of serenity and stylish comfort; it forms a supreme focal point. Bathroom furniture by Solitaire Selection makes more out of your bath. It turns your bathroom into a place to live and thrive.


To see the full collection from Burgbad, just click on the link provided - Burgbad


Hinkley Lighting


Chown Hardware is proud to announce its newest line of lighting from Hinkley Lighting. Hinkley Lighting brings lights for all areas of the home like dining rooms, bathrooms, entries and even landscape lighting. Unlike most brands, Hinkley provides matching sets that can be carried throughout the home and out to the front yard. Contemporary to traditional, Hinkley Lighting has it.


Chown Hardware has just installed a working display for you and your clients to come in and see a small piece of what Hinkley has to offer.


To learn more, click on the link provided - Hinkley








Product Knowledge Meetings


Portland Location Schedule
Meetings times are 8:30am-9:30am and a second meeting from 9:30am-10:30am. Please RSVP to jt@chown.com if you would like to attend any of the meetings.

7/8 - Schaub - Decorative cabinet and appliance hardware for your home or office

7/15 - Mr. Steam - Bring the steam luxury to your home, learn how to size and sell steam

7/22 - Burgbad - New bathroom product line for Chown, come and learn with the staff

Friday, April 10, 2009

4/10

All of the sudden the new displays are arriving! So without further adieu introducing a couple of new additions to Chown Hardware.

Steel Crest Registers & Grills

Air supply registers, air return grilles, access panels, ornamental grilles & plates. Available in standard sizes but can be custom sizes can be made.

Not content with just air registers, Steel Crest has also expanded their line to include cabinet and door panel inserts and also window pane inserts. 15 standard colors and 6 premium choices to chose from. Any size opening, Any design, Any color.

To learn more about Steel Crest just click on the following link - Steel Crest


Atlas Homewares

Adding to our already impressive display of cabinet hardware, Atlas has added three new boards to the bath accessory lines. Complete suites include bath hardware, cabinet hardware and also switch plates to round out the room decor, just choose a design and specifying becomes even easier with one stop shopping.




Most designs are available in a full line of colors including polished nickel.



To learn more about Atlas Homewares, just click on the following link - Atlas Homewares




Product Knowledge Meetings




Portland Product Knowledge Meeting Schedule


Meetings are held Wednesdays 8:30-9:30am & 9:30-10:30am - Please RSVP to jt@chown.com to reserve your seat


5/6 - Franke - Gourmet quality stainless steel sinks and faucets


5/13 - Cifial - Full service hardware company - plumbing, cabinet hardware, door hardware & bath accessories


5/20 - Safety Bath - ADA accessible bathtubs, easy roll in entry. Be ready to specify the Baby Boomer Baths


5/27 - Julien - Commerical grade stainless steel sinks now for residential use.



Bellevue Location Schedule


Meetings at the Bellevue location are held at 8:30-9:30am Tuesdays. Please RSVP to carolynt@chown.com to reserve your seat


5/19 - Dornbracht - You have used the line in your top projects, been thrilled with the quality it's provided, now learn what is new and exciting in this leader in faucet designs


6/2 - Sonia - European bath hardware that is specifically made for the wet environment of the bathroom


6/30 - Water Decor - One of the few remaining USA made products, especially in the plumbing industry. Innovative designs not seen in every other line.





Friday, March 27, 2009

Introducing New Lines

Keeping with the ever changing market, Chown Hardware is continuing to bring in the new products you are wanting and asking for. Products to make your designs and projects just as individual as you. So with that we are please to introduce the following new lines and additions to some favorites!

Danze -

Affordable faucets, great quality with beautiful lines has been the norm for this once only faucet company. But times have changed and now the offering has expanded to fixtures also. Cabinets, sinks, toilets, pedestals and bidets.

Introducing the "Ziga Zaga", "Orrington" & "Cirtangular"



























One stop bathroom designs make specification easy with this new edition from Danze. All three designs are currently on the showroom floor and ready for viewing!



Concrete Intelligence -

Brand new to the floor is a creation by Oregon's own Stephan Sedler. Stephan is a concrete craftsman from Brownsville, OR. Counters, sinks and tiles are all available in custom designs and sizes. Bring your own design or take your choice of pre-designed units. Color options are also available so take a look where concrete design can take your next project!!






























On the Horizon!
Chown Harware has just been informed we will be the exclusive dealer for the new Colonial Bronze line of hardware which features Edelman Leather by Tanner Craft. New displays should be arriving this month, so as soon as it arrives, we will send out the announcement.

Don't forget! Bain Ultra is still running there "Spa Design Contest" - Rules: Design and install a project dedicated to relaxation, health, and well-being to include a Vedana and any BainUltra Thermo Masseur tub. Purchase the products from Chown Hardware. Projects nust be completed by Oct. 15, 2009. Winner will take home a new BainUltra "Tekura" tub for their own home or next project!! Multiple entries from one designer are allowed.

Product Knowledge Meetings

Portland Product Knowledge Meeting Schedule

Meetings are held Wednesdays 8:30-9:30am & 9:30-10:30am - Please RSVP to jt@chown.com to reserve your seat

April 8th - Colonial Bronze & MGS Kitchen Faucets - Be the first to learn about the new leather pulls and only manufacturer to offer an antimicrobial feature to there cabinet hardware, USA Made.

April 15th - Blanco - Quality kitchen sinks from Germany. Learn the features and benefits of these fantastic kitchen sinks

April 22nd - Baci Mirrors - Luxury for your bathroom - optical glass, custom mountings and colors to put the wow in any bathroom

Product Knowledge Meetings - Bellevue

Meetings at the Bellevue location are held at 8:30-9:30am Tuesdays. Please RSVP to carolynt@chown.com to reserve your seat

April 7th - Valli & Valli - Italian designed door hardware and bath accessories. Well thought out designs that will add a touch of Europe to any home.

April 14th - Hoppe - Multi-point hardware for both interior and exterior doors

April 21st - Baci Mirrors - Luxury for your bathroom - optical glass, custom mountings and colors to put the wow in any bathroom



Wednesday, February 18, 2009

FSB / Porcher

FSB - like Chown Hardware, FSB was formed over 120 years ago supplying furniture fittings to multiple manufacturers. Over the years, FSB has added to the line to where they currently produce over 10,000 products in aluminum, stainless steel and brass.

Locally we have seen an influx of sales for the residential sector, but designs and competitive pricing has also opened up the commercial sector also. Condo buildings, businesses and residential construction can all use the FSB lines with confidence.

"Designed for the hand," FSB has designed handles and pulls with ergonomics in mind; oval cross cuts, curved arches and indents to guide your fingers to comfort.

Over 120 door hardware design options, your choices are quite impressive, adding to the design choices all of the options are available in both base metals of aluminum and stainless steel and many available in brass. Brass levers are able to be plated in multiple finishes adding to the many options in designs.

Commercial doors and high traffic doors will also be a perfect match for FSB. Currently in many condo projects and specified in many upcoming jobs you will see more and more uses in coming months. Tubular and mortise locks are available for every lever and rose option.

FSB also adds bathroom, window and cabinet hardware to round out the product line. Lead times run 1-2 weeks for standard products and 4-6 on custom designs.

New to FSB - Flush pulls for pocket doors, sliding door track systems for wood or glass doors and new lever designs to expand the overall line of FSB

To learn more about FSB, just click on the following Link - FSB


Jado / Porcher

Jado and Porcher have combined companies to provide a one stop source for faucets and fixtures for your home.

Jado - Introducing a new line of shower heads to match their already full line of faucet lines. 6", 8" and 10" diameter sizes in both contemporary and traditional designs are available. So whats the big deal, everyone has shower heads? Jado has innovated a large shower head that will work with either thermostatic or the lower flow pressure balanced shower valve. When a typical rain shower is used and is not pointed straight down the spray nozzles from bottom of the head to the top get progressively less and less pressure making the shower head not perform to full potential. Jado has introduced technology to make all of the jets spray at the same pressure making sure the head provides a full pressure and coverage in all installations.



Porcher - Many new designs this quarter and it is even before K-BIS! New release is Slate Basins, natural volcanic slate which is transformed into five possible basins. The Italian slate material has a rich, deep black color due to its very fine graphite pigment. Unlike other slate materials, this slate can be split into thin layers that will not flake. All are hand honed to a smooth finish that is velvety to the touch. Each piece is custom numbered adding to its unique design. All basins can be installed as above-counter vessels and two of those can be mounted in a drop in option.

New furniture is also added to complement the simple styling of the slate basins and the brushed stainless steel accents will easily coordinate with stainless and brushed nickel faucets and fixtures.

To learn more about the Porcher & Jado lines, just click on the following link - Porcher/Jado



Portland Product Knowledge Meeting Schedule

Meetings are held Wednesdays 8:30-9:30am & 9:30-10:30am - Please RSVP to jt@chown.com to reserve your seat

3/4 - Sun Valley Bronze - You read about it on the Blog, now is your chance to see it first hand. Hand made forged hardware in both rustic and contemporary looks.

3/11 - Dornbracht - You have used the line in your top projects, been thrilled with the quality it's provided, now learn what is new and exciting in this leader in faucet designs

3/18 - Nobilus - Hand made bronze door and bath hardware.

3/25 - KWC / Hansa - Swiss quality kitchen and bath faucets.



Product Knowledge Meetings - Bellevue

Meetings at the Bellevue location are held at 8:30-9:30am Tuesdays. Please RSVP to carolynt@chown.com to reserve your seat

3/10 - Julien - Quality kitchen sink manufacturing company out of Canada. 16 gauge sinks will add quality to any home

4/7 - Valli & Valli - Italian designed door hardware and bath accessories. Well thought out designs that will add a touch of Europe to any home.

4/14 - Hoppe - Multi-point hardware for both interior and exterior doors

4/21 - Baci Mirrors - Magnified vanity mirrors with and without lights. Make getting ready for the day a breeze.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Steamist

Long day at the office, the rain is coming down in sheets, temperature is dropping and you would love to go to the gym to sit in the steam shower to relax but would rather not deal with small talk with someone you do not know. So what do you do? How about a nice steam shower in your own home. Steamist is the in home steam bath. No more trudging to the spa to get a little relaxation when you can have your own at home. Just press the button and the day's stresses start to melt away.

Steambaths rid the body of impurities and toxins, resulting in improved circulation, a stronger immune system and a healthier complexion. Allergies, arthritis, asthma and other respiratory problems can be helped with steam.

No special rooms are needed to add a steambath either. The steam generator itself is compact enough to fit inside a typical vanity cabinet and take simple plumbing and electrical work to install. Requirements for a steam shower are a fully enclosed shower that is waterproof even the ceiling, a shower door that has a steam seal that will lock in the moisture and a ceiling that is only 8' tall or less with a slight slope to keep the condensation from building. A seat of some sort is also highly recommended so you can sit and relax for a longer period of time.

Optional features for the Steamist units are "Instamist" which accelerates the production of steam so that you can turn on the system and begin generating steam in less than a minute. Heating the showering space before stepping inside will provide a more comfortable and relaxing steam bath.

New additions to the Steamist steam bath systems
  • Total Sense Collection steam generator - gives a consistent, controlled steam output which cuts energy costs and minimizes temperature spikes
  • Total Control - TSC Series control which allows control of the optional AromaSence, ChromaSence & AudioSense packages
  • AromaSence - Adds Essential oils into steam to "relax, restore, renew or energize." Two different fragrance options at the touch of a button and refillable canisters allow personal fragrances to be utilized
  • ChromaSense - Light therapy that can cycle through 6 different color combinations to set the mood of a steambath
  • AudioSense - Control music in the steambath, from your steambath. Enjoy your iPod or any other audio source from your shower with your choice of classic exposed speakers or invisible speakers that mount in the wall and transmit sound.
Health benefits, improved home value and ease of instillation are all reasons to add steam in your next bath remodel or addition. For an easy sizing chart and to learn more about the Steamist brand steam generator, just take a look at the following link - Steamist

Product Knowledge Meeting Schedule - Portland

Meetings are held Wednesdays 8:30-9:30am & 9:30-10:30am - Please RSVP to jt@chown.com to reserve your seat

2/18 - Jado / Porcher - The manufacturer of fine fixtures has merged with a leader in elegant plumbing supply. Learn about new product designs, along with timeless classics

2/25 - FSB - German quality door hardware that has taken the residential and commerical construction by storm. Function and design, learn how it is brought togeather in one handle

3/4 - Sun Valley Bronze - You read about it on the Blog, now is your chance to see it first hand. Hand made forged hardware in both rustic and contemporary looks.

3/11 - Dornbracht - You have used the line in your top projects, been thrilled with the quality it's provided, now learn what is new and exciting in this leader in faucet designs


Product Knowledge Meetings - Bellevue

Meetings at the Bellevue location are held at 8:30-9:30am Tuesdays. Please RSVP to carolynt@chown.com to reserve your seat

2/24 - FSB - German quality door hardware that has taken the residential and commercial construction by storm. Function and design, lean how it is brought together in one handle

3/10 - Julien - Quality kitchen sink manufacturing company out of Canada. 16 gauge sinks will add quality to any home

4/7 - Valli & Valli - Italian designed door hardware and bath accessories. Well thought out designs that will add a touch of Europe to any home.

5/19 - Dornbracht - You have used the line in your top projects, been thrilled with the qualtiy it's provided, now learn what is new and exciting in this leader in faucet designs



Friday, January 23, 2009

Sonoma Cast Stone


For the past several years Chown Hardware has partnered with Sonoma Cast Stone to provide you with the finest collection of concrete kitchen and bath sinks, tiles, tubs and countertops. Sonoma Cast Stone provides unique top quality products for you and your clients homes.

Before we let you know what's "new and hot", I would like to give a little background to those who aren't familiar with Sonoma Cast Stone. Started by Steve Rosenblatt to replicate tiles he found in Europe, for his own residence, he was urged by friends to produce the products for consumers also.

Over the years with trial and error Sonoma has became a leader in the concrete industry by introducing such things as NuCrete, the worlds only "stainless" concrete. This is as the name states, a truly stainless product that will hold up the the daily rigors of kitchen and bath use. From red wine to catsup, nothing will mar the beauty of these concrete products. And being a proprietary design, you will not find anyone else producing this amazing quality!

Versatility is the best word to describe Somoma Casts 24 standard colors and color matching service. Tiles, countertops, sinks, fireplace surrounds, vent hoods, bathtubs, landscape and furniture are all available to complete the package.

So how does one expand on an already impressive product line? Let me tell you, we are proud to announce the launch of two new lines for Sonoma Cast Stone, "EarthCrete" and "MetalCrete".

EarthCrete is the next generation of concrete products for the home. Still offering the full line of colors and styles as before, it is now even more environmentally friendly. Environmentally sustainable with 44.75% recycled content, less Portland cement than standard thickness wet-cast concrete. Countertops weighing up to 75% less means less carbon output on both manufacturing and shipping. Greater strength eliminates steel re-bar construction and longer sections without seams. With the EarthCrete also comes quicker ship times as the curing process has been sped up with less material to cure. But the biggest news is lower cost to you and your clients.

The next new innovation which I am personally excited to announce is MetalCrete. A blend of concrete and metal into one final product. Nickel, pewter and copper can be added to your sinks and tubs to add another layer of design. Concrete is still available in the full line of colors adding to the versatility. Metals can be either used on interior or exterior of the piece adding a warm, unique design to any home.

Delivery takes 5-7 weeks on standard products and 9-10 weeks on custom pieces. 30 year warranty on NuCrete products.

Product Knowledge Meeting Schedules -

Portland Location Schedule

Chown would like to invite you to our weekly product training meetings. Factory trained represenitives explain new products of the lines and introduce you to new products. Bellevue location meetings are listed below.

Meetings at the Portland are every Wednesday from 8:30-9:30am and a second meeting 9:30-10:30am. Please RSVP to reserve your seat to jt@chown.com


2/4 - Baldwin Hardware - See the new products Baldwin has to offer and what makes Baldwin one of the best hardware manufacturers available

2/11 - Steamist - Bringing the luxury of steam to your home. Specifyng and sizing tips, health benefits and adding value to your home

2/18 - Jado & Porcher - Porcher & Jado, the manufacturer of fine fixtures has merged with a leader in elegant plumbing supply. Learn about new product designs, along with timeless classics

2/25 - FSB - German quality door hardware that has taken the residential and commerical construction by storm. Function and design, learn how it is brought togeather in one handle


Bellevue Location Schedule -

Meetings at the Bellevue location are held at 8:30-9:30am Tuesdays. Please RSVP to carolynt@chown.com to reserve your seat

2/24 - FSB - German quality door hardware that has taken the residential and commercial construction by storm. Function and design, lean how it is brought together in one handle

3/10 - KWC / Hansa - Swiss qualtiy for your kitchen and bathrooms, See cutting edge designs along with the classics that has made KWC and Hansa a lifetime quality faucet

4/7 - Valli & Valli - Italian designed door hardware and bath accessories. Well thought out designs that will add a touch of Europe to any home.

5/19 - Dornbracht - You have used the line in your top projects, been thrilled with the qualtiy it's provided, now learn what is new and exciting in this leader in faucet designs





Monday, January 12, 2009

Neo Metro

Stainless Steels is not just for your kitchen or laundry room any more, functional bathroom designs are now made for your residential bathroom.

Neo-Metro was born in 1998 after a Wall Street Journal article covering a residence in San Diego, CA, that installed prison toilets in their bathroom, was published, and again re-energized when Howard Stern went on the air and stated he also had stainless steel toilets installed after a party got out of hand and fixtures were "broken". The buzz from the design community demanded more options and has led Neo-Metro to where they are today.

Complete vanities including base, counter, sink and mirrors are available along with the option of using any of the components like sinks to be used alone and installed in your own counter top personalizing the design.

Neo-Metro does not stop at sinks and mirrors, but also has toilets available. Wall mounted, floor mounted or combination sink and toilet combination for those tight areas.

New resin designs also have the ability to match any color from Pantone Color Matching Systems for its resin deck and mirrors. Back lighted or non lighted counters along with mirrors are available in the multiple colors and sizes also. Available in frosted finishes adding different looks to the colors and styles.

Why stainless steel? Non porous material makes a less bacteria friendly material especially in a bathroom setting. Metal fabrication for custom sizes and shapes are easily developed. Lifetime durability you don't have to worry about chipping or breaking the fixtures. Most of all, it is a green product, the stainless steel is recyclable and will be used in other projects in the future.

Neo-Metro also has a full line of commercial products available from hand wash stations and urinals along with a new series of sensor faucets.

Stainless steel, resin, wood, leather and now powder coating options along with the ability to make custom sizes and designs give the designer and architect an unlimited amount of design options.

Product line includes the following


  • Sinks

  • Counters

  • Mirrors

  • Bath Accessories

  • Vanity Bases

  • Toilets

  • Bathtubs

  • Urinals

  • Tiles

  • Faucets

  • Commercial fixtures

  • Custom works on request

To learn more and see the full line of options from Neo-Metro, just click the link below to explore the complete site.

Neo-Metro


Product Knowledge Meetings


Remember, everyone is invited to our Wednesday training meetings which are held from 8:30-9:30am and 9:30-10:30am. Please RSVP to jt@chown.com to reserve your seat.

The current schedule is as follows and is updated regularly so check back often -

1/21 - Sonoma Cast - Custom concrete kitchen and bath sinks along with tiles. Custom shapes, sizes and colors. Learn how it is made, durability and different uses throughout the home

1/28 - How to Specify door hardware - Residential Door Hardware - measurements, differences between mortise and tubular locks, also how to hand doors. Hands on training will help you understand the workings of a lock.

2/4 - Baldwin Hardware - See the new products Baldwin has to offer and what makes Baldwin one of the best hardware manufacturers available

2/11 - Steamist - Bring the luxury of steam to your home. Specifying and sizing tips, health benefits and adding value to your home

2/18 - Jado / Porcher - Porcher and Jado, the manufacturer of fine fixtures has merged with a leader in elegant plumbing supply. Learn about new product designs, along with timeless classics

2/25 - FSB - German quality door hardware that has taken the residential and commercial construction by storm. Function and design , learn how it is brought togeather in one handle

3/4 - Sun Valley Bronze - You read about it on the Blog, now is your chance to see it first hand. Hand made forged hardware in both rustic and contemporary looks.

3/11 - Dornbracht - You have used the line in your top projects, been thrilled with the quality it's provided, now learn what is new and exciting in this leader in faucet designs

3/18 - Nobilus - Hand worked bronze, timeless designs. Nobilus provides products for your whole home. From door and cabinet hardware to bath accessories this is your one stop to outfit your home.

3/25 - KWC / Hansa - Swiss quality for your kitchen and bathrooms. See cutting edge designs along with the classics that has made KWC and Hansa a lifetime qualtiy faucet

Monday, January 5, 2009

Knobworks Vermont

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

The first full week of the New Year, no snow (currently) and all the ice has melted and with it comes a new hot line to Chown Hardware!

Introducing Knobworks Vermont -

Knobworks Vermont is a four year old company started by designer Justin Metcalfe. Designs featuring hand-blown glass, hand turned wood and milled brass give the line some stunning designs you will not see elsewhere.

Milled brass knobs are made from solid brass barstock that alows seamless hardware that has an amazingly solid feel that you lose with the hollow handled companies. Milling the billets of solid brass eliminates irregularities in the metals that will often spoil the look or finish of a hardware piece. Offered in three primary finishes of brass, patinaed brass & nickel. Polished and brushed nickel are standard on some of the lines. Along with the standard colors, Knobworks also offers custom color matching to make the line "just right".

Hand-turned and finished wood starts with kiln-dried hardwoods that is turned and finished by hand with multiple layers of polyurethane. Offered in multiple exotic hardwoods and and hardwood burls. Either inlayed wood or solid wood handles are available.


Hand-blown glass offers you and your client a touch of artistry for every door. Each piece is made by hand so no two knobs are exactly alike.


Knobworks utilizes Baldwin hardware tubular latches and Accurate Lock mortise locks to make functions and designs for every door in your home

Cabinet hardware in milled brass is also available from the Knobworks company. Currently limited designs, with new designs in the works.

To see a full line of the Knobworks line, just click on the following link - Knobworks




Chown Cache

Chown Hardware would also like to introduce the "Chown Cache." Throughout the month we will be adding hot sale items to the site that will be sold on a first come first serve basis. Limited stock will make these quick movers, so bookmark the site to check in from time to time. Currently we are showcasing Blanco sinks and Robern cabinets to name a few - Chown Cache

Product Knowledge Meetings

Throughout the month Chown Hardware has product knowledge meetings that we would like to invite everyone interested to attend. Meetings are scheduled for twice each Wednesday morning, at 8:30 - 9:30am and 9:30-10:30am. This months schedule is as follows -

1/7 - Neo Metro - Stainless steel plumbing products for residential use
1/14 - Hoppe - Multi-point hardware for both interior and exterior doors
1/21 - Somoma Cast Stone - Custom concrete sinks and tiles for kitchen and bath designs

Please RSVP to jt@chown.com to save your spot!!