Introducing KBDi President of the Board: Peter Sveinsson

Introducing KBDi President of the Board: Peter Sveinsson

by | Jun 18, 2021 | Industry News, Meet our Members, Video Conferences

Tuesday | 29 June 2021 | 4 pm AEST

In this week’s ‘Touch-base Tuesday’ session, we’ll be speaking with KBDi Board President, Peter Sveinsson CBD Au. Peter has 35 years’ experience in the building industry as tradesman, Certified Bathroom Designer and Business Manager. He is a founder and CEO of Brilliant SA, a successful home renovation company in Adelaide, specialising in renovation of bathrooms, kitchens and associated interior spaces. As the principal designer, Peter has also mentored several designers to award-winning success. In this conversation with Royston, you’ll hear more about Peter’s interesting career path, and learn what he hopes to achieve with his position on the KBDi Board.

Places are limited (with priority allocation going to KBDi Designer Members). Register TODAY and we’ll confirm your spot via email.

Register

How can cabinet making software help streamline your workflow?

How can cabinet making software help streamline your workflow?

by | Jun 15, 2021 | Business, Design Software

A message from our Corporate Partner, Cabinets by Computer

Digital integration has been fast-tracked thanks to COVID, and the need to look for alternatives to continue to trade while reducing overheads and still remaining profitable has never been stronger. The joinery industry is a case in point; with such large overheads – e.g. machinery, factory and utility costs and payroll – it can be very costly to keep a joinery business operating. Accordingly, it’s imperative to have the best-suited cabinet making software to help streamline your business and stay agile.

Let’s go through some of the benefits of cabinet making software below:

Better Time Management

Business managers and staff need to spend their time wisely. By streamlining repetitive tasks, smart business owners can eliminate wait time between interdependent processes.

With the right cabinet making software, repetitive tasks carried out every day – like reviewing cut-lists, providing quotes to customers, making changes to quotes and any variations that may come up before a job is cut through to the CNC Machine – can be effectively systemised.

The result is fewer errors, uniformity in processing, fast results and – most importantly – a higher profit margin. Moreover, employees can concentrate on critical areas of business growth.

Less Paperwork

Streamlining reduces the need to print hard copies. An automated system can generate reports which you can share electronically. A good cabinet making software saves you money by eliminating paper.

The cabinet manufacturing software also shrinks your workforce requirements through automatic data entry and processing. Furthermore, digitally processed documents are usually more accurate than manually filled papers.

Reduced Wastage

Using cabinet making software can improve material usage and reduce waste.  Effective use of nesting software does a lot more than create nests and generate g-code.  Effective nesting software cuts material costs, improves programming efficiency and productivity and overall enables better production control.

Flexibility

One limitation of old-fashioned business processing models is that stakeholders must follow a set of stringent processes without room for customisation. The problem is that projects have varying requirements while clients can have different needs.

Streamlining in a business overcomes this challenge. The processes are flexible, and you can change them to suit various circumstances.

Labor Cost

Having better cabinet making software reduces the number of staff members you need onboard in the factory at the same time. Smart cabinet software will enable you to streamline your process from the customer’s orders through to the production while reducing the double handling by requiring more input from the customer to ensure the job specifications submitted are correct.

Learn more about Cabinets by Computer and their suite of software solutions here.

Dark and moody bathrooms

Dark and moody bathrooms

by | Jun 9, 2021 | Bathroom Design, Inspiration

While ‘light and bright’ is often the brief given to bathroom designers, dark and moody bathrooms are becoming increasingly popular. In this feature, we’re sharing four of our favourites from the 2020 KBDi Designer Awards.

Sydney’s Gavin Hepper (Concepts by Gavin Hepper) conquered challenging site and building restraints to design this elegant ensuite for his clients. With a practical floor plan in place, Gavin dressed the room for drama. Deep Nero tones create a cocooning ambience, and exquisite lighting selections bring warmth and moodiness to the space.

The original leadlight window in this beautiful bathroom was the design inspiration for Tasmania’s Lydia Maskiell (Lydia Maskiell Interiors). Deep green fish scale mosaics reflect the window hues, while bevelled black subway tiles are a nod to the federation style of the home. With almost-black painted plasterboard wrapping around the room, the light thrown from the window is a literal highlight, creating a magical retreat for the homeowners.

ACT designer Sonja McAuliffe (Archertec Interiors) used thoughtful space planning and a striking combination of materials in this luxurious master suite. Graphite and charcoal tones create an intimate feel to the generously sized bathroom, while bronze fittings and timber veneer joinery add warmth. The gorgeous herringbone marble tiles offer texture underfoot and visual interest, while carefully selected luminaires spill light in all the right places.

With abundant natural light flooding this family bathroom, Perth designer Andrew Daly (Lux Interiors) went to town with contrasting tones and textures. Black and charcoal chevron tiles wrap from floor to ceiling, and the walnut-toned cabinetry fits right in. Reddish brickwork adds even more interest, while brushed copper fittings bring an industrial edge.

Have a favourite from the above? Share your vote below.

Introducing KBDi Board Member: Matt Michel

Introducing KBDi Board Member: Matt Michel

by | Jun 7, 2021 | Meet our Members, Video Conferences

Tuesday | 15 June 2021 | 4 pm AEST

In this week’s ‘Touch-base Tuesday’ session, we’ll be getting to know one of our new KBDi Board Members a little better. Matt Michel is the owner and principal designer of Matt Michel Design. This successful kitchen, bathroom and interior design business has operated in Castlecrag on Sydney’s North Shore – and more recently in Sydney’s Northern Beaches – for over 15 years. Matt’s career began with the attainment of a Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design UTS), and has taken him in many interesting directions. In his conversation with Royston, you’ll learn more about Matt’s journey, and discover what he hopes to achieve with his position on the KBDi Board.

Places are limited (with priority allocation going to KBDi Designer Members). Register TODAY and we’ll confirm your spot via email.

Register

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Transform your interiors with Terrazzo by Staron® Solid Surfaces

Transform your interiors with Terrazzo by Staron® Solid Surfaces

by | Jun 7, 2021 | New Bathroom Products, New Kitchen Products

A message from our Corporate Partner, Austaron Surfaces.

Bring texture to designs and transform interiors with the latest Terrazzo range from Staron® Solid Surfaces.

Enjoy the benefits of Staron Solid Surface combined with the visual texture of Terrazzo. Inspired by the beautiful Italian city of Venice, dating back to the 15th century, Staron® gives a new modern edge to working with Terrazzo.

From the success of the Terrazzo Venezia and Terrazzo Como, Staron® has added two more designs to its range – welcome Terrazzo Bologna and Terrazzo Torino.

Staron Terrazzo Bologna

A soft, barely-there pink, Terrazzo Bologna will add an elegant touch and complement designs looking for a soft neutral palette.

Staron Terrazzo Torino

A true classic irrespective of time, Terrazzo Torino will complement any contemporary modest designs. 

Staron Terrazzo Venezia

An eye-catching, versatile colour, Terrazzo Venezia allows for creativity with a multitude of colourways. 

Staron Terrazzo Como

Bold and timeless, Terrazzo Como will add impact and be a standout feature in any project. 

In a busy home, benchtop surfaces are often ground zero for a multitude of activities. Finding the right product that will withstand the many years of hustle and bustle is key to the longevity and success of your project. Staron Solid Surface will not only give great opportunity for adding a stand-out feature to a design. It will also provide the whole family with a durable surface. Everyday dirt and grim are easily cleaned due to Staron’s non-porous nature and the unique joining capabilities of solid surface, eliminating joins and silicon. In addition, you can seamlessly integrate Staron sinks and tile coves or fully integrate the bench and splashback to flow as one. Staron Solid Surface is repairable, renewable, UV Stable and Silica free for peace of mind.  

Staron Solid Surfaces are exclusively available from Austaron Surfaces. For more information, visit www.austaron.com.au

Welcome to the new KBDi Board 2021

Welcome to the new KBDi Board 2021

by | Jun 4, 2021 | Industry News

The KBDi Annual General Meeting was held via Zoom on Thursday, 27 May.

Two nominees – Peter Sveinsson of South Australia and Matt Michel of New South Wales – applied for the two open positions and were duly elected to the KBDi Board.

Melbourne’s Garrett Hebden ended his term with the KBDi Board and welcomed some fresh faces to the table. Garrett has served the organisation for several years – most recently in the role of Treasurer – and we thank him sincerely for his time, commitment and positive contributions to the growth of KBDi.

When they convened the day after the AGM, the new Board nominated South Australian member, Ellen Wundersitz. You’ll see the new Board in its entirety here, but please join us in thanking, congratulating and welcoming your representatives in their new positions.

Peter Sveinsson (South Australia)
With his re-election to the Board, Adelaide’s Peter Sveinsson will continue his role as President. Peter’s vast industry experience, professionalism and planning proficiency are hugely appreciated at the helm, and we extend our warmest thanks for his continued participation.

Matt Michel (New South Wales)
KBDi welcomes our newest elected Board Member, Matt Michel.

Matt is the owner and principal designer of Matt Michel Design. This successful kitchen, bathroom and interior design business has operated in Castlecrag on Sydney’s North Shore – and more recently in Sydney’s Northern Beaches – for over 15 years.

His 30-year career began with the attainment of a Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design UTS) in 1992 and a subsequent position with a multinational decorative glass manufacturer. He later became an in-house designer for a bathroom vanity manufacturer before moving on to a prominent Sydney kitchen company. Having developed comprehensive product knowledge and extensive design skills in these roles, Matt took the leap to working independently as a ‘Cabinetry Consultant’ and has been happily designing beautiful, award-winning residential spaces since.

Before joining the KBDi in 2016, Matt’s solo enterprise left him feeling somewhat isolated. The organisation brought him industry insight, education and the support of fellow peers, and he looks forward to providing the same reassurance and fellowship to others in the industry through his Board position.

Ellen Wundersitz (South Australia)
At the first meeting of the new KBDi Board, Adelaide’s Ellen Wundersitz was appointed the position of Treasurer.

Ellen is the Managing Director of Adelaide-based design and manufacturing company, SpaceCraft Joinery. She works closely with a team of talented designers and highly skilled craftspeople to deliver ultra-efficient services and premium joinery solutions to South Australia’s metro and regional areas.

With a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and decades of experience across all facets of small business management, she has an excellent appreciation for the challenges faced by many KBDi members. Ellen was active in the SA Chapter Committee that delivered the very successful KBDi Design Symposium in Adelaide in 2017, and looks forward to further contributing to the industry with her position on the KBDi Board.

As indicated above, you will find the entire Board and Executive here. On behalf of all KBDi Members and Partners, we extend our sincerest thanks for the time and contributions of all.

K & B Designers deliver in 2021

K & B Designers deliver in 2021

by | Jun 4, 2021 | KBDi Awards

Australia’s finest designers have done it again!

With the year that was, we weren’t sure what to expect with the 2021 KBDi Designer Awards program. With lockdowns, supply issues and a grant-fuelled building boom, we didn’t expect to beat our best year (2020), but boy – did we come close!

We’re very proud to say that we have a healthy competition in most states and a bundle of beautiful projects to prepare for our judges. We’re now busy batching and badging the entries for distribution to the panel and are itching to see which projects come out the other side.

In the meantime, here’s a summary of our top three Awards stats:

The State Race
Long-time members will know that Victoria has led the nation with the highest number of entries for many years. New South Wales made a serious play last year, tying for first spot, and in 2021 they’ve taken the lead, accounting for 37% of all submissions! Despite a year filled with challenges, our Victorian cohort still delivered, submitting 24% of all entries. And the Wildflower State must be flourishing – our Western Australia crew have taken third place this year with 19% of all entries.

The Category Clean Ups
In 2020, the Small Bathroom category was our biggest field. The challenge of small spaces continues this year, with 18% of entries slotting into the Small Kitchens zone. The always-popular Large Kitchens category was an equal tie, and Small Bathrooms came in at number three with 17%.

The New Faces
Almost one third of entrants (30%, to be precise) are new to the KBDi Designer Awards arena, and our First Time Entrant Award will be a must-watch.

Huge congratulations to each and every entrant for taking the plunge. Entering an Awards program can be time-consuming and almost overwhelming, but by putting yourself in the race, you’re already a winner.

We’ll be announcing finalists towards the end of July. Keep an eye on your inbox (make sure we’re in your trusted list), and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, too.

Pattern Play

Pattern Play

by | May 28, 2021 | Inspiration, KBDi Awards

From simple gingham-style checks to complex motif repeats, patterns have been a feature of design and decoration for centuries. New technologies in tile manufacturing, combined with the practical attributes of this decorative finish, make tiles an exciting choice for designers and homeowners. In this feature, we’re sharing five of our favourite tile applications, as seen in the KBDi Designer Awards of 2020.

A pretty patterned tile takes pride of place in this vibrant kitchen (below) designed by Perth’s Shelley Fynn (Kitchen Capital WA). The lively repeat is balanced by the soothing colour of Dulux Lakelike and White on White cabinetry, and makes a delightful contribution to this joyful space.

The magnificent marble tiles are the hero of this bathroom (below) designed by Melbourne’s Frank Iaria (Mint Kitchens). The oval shape and natural stone composition create a striking backdrop to the shower recess, and the copper-coloured tapware adds just the right amount of bling.

Sydney designer, Dean Welsh (Thinkdzine), went all out with these vintage decor patterned tiles. The striking design makes a big impact in this small bathroom, and the traditional patterning complements the Mediterranean styling of the home.

This timeless black and white kitchen was given a burst of colour and a geometric twist by designers Garrett Hebden and Matthew James of Better Bathrooms & Kitchens (Melbourne). The tiled splashback adds a sense of energy and movement to the space, balanced by the lovely teal tones.

Brisbane designer Estelle Cameron (Designtank) paid tribute to the architecture of this 1930s cottage, selecting a sweet little floor tile to suit the bones of the home. The diamond patterning of the finished lay mirrors the original leadlight window, creating a timeless result.