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PATIO & HEARTH PRODUCTS REPORT IndustryNews
Hearth & Home Technologies Stays Hot With Cool Technology
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Hearth&HomeTechnologies(HHT)continuesto gainmomentumwithitspatent-pendingPowerFlow technology.Thetechnologycanbefoundonthe Lakeville,Minnesota-basedcompany’sPrimogas fireplacewherePowerFlowredirectstheflowofheat, sendingwarmthtotheroomwhilemaintainingsafe outerglassandacoolwallforTVsorheat-sensitive materials above the fireplace.
With the flip of a switch, users can quickly adjust heat distribution—inside or out of the home. PowerFlow requires one of the following heat management solutions. A combination of two may also be used for maximum heat control. • Passive Heat: Allows heat to disperse naturally in the room, reducing surface temperatures. • Heat Zone: Allows users to heat the same room or move the heat to an adjacent room. • Heat Out: Allows users to redirect heat to the outside of the home.
HHT offers passive and fan options to get the right solution for each install. Heat & Glo Fireplaces, Heatilator Fireplaces, and Majestic Fireplaces all incorporatethecooltechnology.
“A gas fireplace is safe for your room’s interior walls and paint, with or without heat management,” explains Kathy Rogers, category director. “Wallpaper is a bit of a different story. Typically, you cannot install wallpaper next to the opening of a gas fireplace; however, with the PowerFlow system on the Primo, you’re able to bring wallpaper and other wall coverings you can’t typically use that close to the fireplace.”
Most of HHT’s heat management options use fans to pull heat from the fireplace and move them into the room or into an adjacent room. A passive heat kit naturally disperses the heat without a fan. This type of “Heat Out” system works in any home, allowing people to increase comfort and use fireplaces year-round. “Heat management helps to disperse the heat in the areas you use the most,” Rogers says. “This allows you turn the temperature down in the other places and keep the temperature perfect in the room with the fireplace.”
Rogers points out that dealers can stress the advantages of heat management to close more gas fireplace sales. For example, these technologies allow buyers to enjoy their fire in comfort and, at the same time, expand interior design flexibility.
“Hearth & Home Technologies has training available for our trade partners to help them learn more about all of our options,” Rogers adds. “The best way to promote heat management to customers is to help them understand the benefits—TV closer to the fireplace equals lower on the wall. They can also heat the owner’s suite at the same time as their living room or move heat outside the home to avoid over-heating their guests while still enjoying the fireplace.”
Heat & Glo’s Primo Gas Fireplace
HPC Fire Inspired Ignites Success Through Expansion, Technology
HPCFireInspiredrecentlymovedtoalargerbuilding outfitted with state-of-the-art manufacturing, racking, and logistic systems. “Not only is the space bigger for manufacturing and inventory opportunities, it allowed us to build an innovation center for our R&D team,” says Sean Steimle, CEO. “We are very excited for our game-changing technologies and product launches in 2021 and 2022.”
The first of three new tech launches in 2021 began in early February with a new augmented reality smart app, the result of customers asking how they could visualize HPC’s fire features in their space. The app allows users to select options, scan their area, and virtually place the products in the space— allowing clients to see in real-time how the fire feature will look.
Thanks to the recent acquisition of Forno de Pizza last year, HPC recently relaunched its niche for handcrafted gas/wood hybrid ovens. “Honoring timeless styling cues from centuries-old cooking history isn’t antithetical to modern engineering and performance,” Steimle says. “These ovens were designed for the ones who understand it’s not just for pizzas, it’s for everyone. We started preselling the ovens in March and we are experiencing significant demand. One of the hottest glass tile colors is the ocean blue.”
In May, HPC Fire Inspired introduced HPC Fire Inspired Torpedo burner, built with commercialgrade stainless steel and patented nozzle technology to provide the biggest flame available. The Torpedo’s nozzle design uses patented Penta burner technology to provide customers with the warmest fire available, and the reliability they’ve come to appreciate from HPC Fire Inspired. The acquisition strategy continues to bear fruit with a new marketing category of outdoor dining. Steimle reveals that plans are in the works to build out the category with other outdoor dining appliances and accessories.
Steimle credits many of these changes and improvements to an R&D team that “is passionate and loves what they do.” The passion combined with considerable experience in electrical, mechanical, and other engineering disciplines allow for elite brainstorming and collaboration. “HPC’s Fire Inspired promise is that our fire features light every
Forno de Pizza Hybrid Gas/Wood Oven Torpedo burner
The Outdoor GreatRoom Company (Burnsville, Minnesota) recently launched its first-ever VirtualShowroom Experience. Powered by virtual software 3DVista, the new Virtual Showroom is TheOutdoorGreatRoomCompany’sVirtualShowroom an immersive way for guests to discover new and popular travels around the country to visit outdoor living products manufac- dealers and attend trade shows, tured by The Outdoor GreatRoom such as Casual Market and Company (OGC). HPBExpo,” says David Shimek, sales
The Brooks Fire Table and 30- manager. “The Virtual Showroom inch Cove Bowl are a few popular allows even more dealers, sales repproducts featured in the tour. The resentatives, and distributors to see Virtual Showroom incorporates our new products and interact with lifestyle videos, informational hand- them in an innovative way.” outs, and product page links to OGC dealers and distributors deliver a personalized interaction can now utilize the Virtual between sales representatives, part- Showroom to share product infornered businesses, and consumers. mation with eager homeowners in a Easy-to-use buttons and an engag- safe and comfortable manner. “The ing visual interface are included to ability for customers to browse the create a seamless experience. The OGC’s line of gas fire pit tables from creation of the OGC’s Virtual Tour is the convenience of their homes, largely in response to trade shows especially in a time when physical and in-person events canceled due showrooms may have limited hours to the pandemic. It now serves as an or occupancy, is invaluable,” says impactful tool for educating cus- Marc Hardesty, Eastern sales repretomers on OGC product offerings. sentative. Contact sales@outdoor-
“In any ordinary year, the OGC rooms.com for a guided tour.
timeandweguaranteethiswithour no-nonsense, hassle-free lifetime warranty on our burners and pans,” Steimle says. “Our products are crafted with care using high quality commercial grade stainless steel and certified designs that’s proven to light every time.”
HPC Fire Inspired offers appealing educational kiosks for retailers’ storefronts. Specifically, the kiosk explainshowtoselectandconstruct the style, shape, and technology of their fire pit with the help of the dealer, all while using HPC fire pit inserts. In addition, the company offers education and training via weekly blogs, webinars, and seminars on a variety of technical topics. All of these new products, technologies, and initiatives are expected to continue the company’s considerable momentum, adding up to a strong 2021.
InsideOut PerformanceFabrics Continues to Redefine Performance
InsideOutPerformanceFabrics,a brandofValdeseWeavers,continues to make advancements to enhance overall performance. InsideOut is the first all-in-one performance fabric in the marketplace and by utilizing the latest textile technology,theyareabletocontinually refine the features that allow it to be easily cleaned, used indoors or outdoors, and have a high-end decorative aesthetic. By working closely with partners throughout their supply chain, InsideOut successfully improved durability by reengineering their fibers and optimizing the technology used in the yarn production process.
Valdese Weavers offers industryleading dyeing capabilities due to having their own on-site dye house where they can test and utilize the latest dyeing technology. InsideOut’s performance yarns offer UV protection to make it fade resistant and are also bleach cleanable and engineered to meet the standards for residential, hospitality, and commercial settings. Continuous investments in new state-of-the-art equipment have provided technical advancements that improve the look and soften the hand of InsideOut.
Using sustainable manufacturing practices and engineering InsideOut to be an eco-friendly fabric choice remains a strong focus. InsideOut is Greenguard Gold certified and is proud to be a residential PFC-free performance fabric that does not sacrifice luxury or design.
Elmira Stove Works Pays Homage to the Iconic Desert Oasis
Palm Springs Collection
Tocelebratethearrivalofspring, Elmira Stove Works (Elmira, Ontario), the leading manufacturer of premium vintage-styled kitchen appliances, debuted a colorful new curated collection for its Northstar Line of appliances. The Palm Springs Collection includes four welcoming hues inspired by the diverse color palette found in the iconic desert town located in Southern California’s Coachella Valley.
Cerulean Blue is a rich shade reminiscent of the vast sky on a clear sunlit day. Perfectly Pink is a cheerful and playful hue that brings a sense of fun and carefree adventures. Palm Green encapsulates the unexpected vitality of a hidden oasis. Desert Sand is a creamy, versatile neutral that perfectly complements bright pops of color. “As we look forward to better days ahead, color has assumed an even more important role in kitchen design,” says Tony Dowling, vice president of sales & marketing for Elmira Stove Works. “Once known as the ‘Playground of the Stars,’ Palm Springs is a sought-after destination for its Mid-Century Modern architecture, luxury resorts and spas, lush golf courses, sweeping mountain views, and wide range of inviting hues. Our newest curated collection honors the hope for a brighter, more color-rich future and a much-needed dose of rest and relaxation.”
In addition to the Palm Springs Collection, Elmira’s Northstar line is available in nine standard colors and more than 1,200 custom hues, including RAL and Axalta SpectraMaster Solid Colors.
Designers and consumers can view Elmira’s appliances in standard colors, trims, and cabinet finishes via the “Create Your Dream Kitchen” visualizer tool on the company’s website. Designers can also access the North star and Heritage lines on the 2020 Design cloud’s 3D CAD catalog. For more information, visit www.elmirastoveworks.com or call (800) 295-8498.
InsideOut Performance Fabrics collection
2021 Trend Report: Outdoor Living Space is “More Valuable Than Ever Before”
Volumesofscientificresearchprove the physical and mental health bene-
fitsofspendingtimeinnature.And,whileCOVID19haskeptthemajorityofusathomeforthepast year,90%ofAmericanswithoutdoorlivingspaces havebeentakinggreateradvantageoftheirdecks, porches,andpatios,andconsidertheiroutdoorlivingspaceasmorevaluablethaneverbefore.
According to an exclusive 2021 survey conducted for the International Casual Furnishings Association, people are doing more relaxing, grilling, gardening, exercising, dining, playing with pets and children, and entertaining outside. “In normal times, outdoor spaces are areas of recreation for ourselves and our families, yet today we need them for restoration for our bodies and minds,” says Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the American Home Furnishings Alliance and executive director of its outdoor division, the International Casual Furnishings Association.
The survey also revealed that nearly 6 in 10 Americans (58%) plan to buy at least one new piece of furniture or accessories for their outdoor living spaces this year. This significant and increasing percentage of planned purchases is likely due, at least in part, to the amount of time we are spending at home due to the pandemic, as well as the proven health benefits of exposure to nature. Atop the list of planned purchases are grills, fire pits, lounge chairs, lighting, dining table and chairs, umbrellas, and sofas.
TOP2021TRENDSFOROUTDOORS NewGenerationofBuyers:Millennialsarereachingthe perfectagetoentertain.OverhalfofMillennials(53%) willbebuyingmultiplepiecesofoutdoorfurniturenext year,comparedto29%ofBoomers.
UpgradesWanted: Withaclearmajorityof Americanswithoutdoorspacessayingthey’redissatisfied with these spaces (88%), it stands to reason they’ll wanttoupgradein2021.Ofthose,66%arenotcompletelysatisfiedwithitsstyle,56%arenotcompletely satisfiedwithitsfunction,and45%arenotcompletely satisfiedwithitscomfort.
TakingIndoorsOutside: Millennialsareselecting traditionally“indoor”piecesfortheiroutdoorspaces. Millennials are more likely to have a sofa or a sectional (40% vs. 17% Boomers), a bar (37% vs. 17% Boomers), and décor such as rugs (25% vs. 17% Boomers) on their shopping lists.
Party First, Earn Later: Judging by their wish lists, it is no surprise that Millennials are more likely to upgrade their outdoor oases out of a desire to entertain than their older counterparts (43% vs. 28% Boomers). What is surprising, however, is the pragmatism. Nearly a third of Millennials (32%) want to renovate their outdoor spaces to add value to their homes, compared to just 20% of Boomers.
Renovation Nation: Those who plan to give their outdoor spaces a makeover know what they want. Outdoor lighting (52%), lounge chairs or chaises (51%), a fire pit (49%), and a dining table with chairs (42%) top the list.
Make Functional Fun: Americans do not just want their outdoor spaces to be aesthetically pleasing, they want to get real use out of them. Over half of Americans (53%) want to create enjoyable and functional space. Other top reasons include the ability to entertain (36%) and to create a private retreat (34%). Only a quarter want to upgrade their outdoor spaces to add value to their homes (25%).
Put Your Feet Up: Three-quarters (74%) of Americans use their patios for relaxation, while 58% use them for socializing with family and friends. Over half (51%) use their outdoor spaces for cooking.
“At the beginning of 2020, we were focused on creating outdoor spaces that complement our homes and lifestyles,” says Hirschhaut, “and today, we are creating outdoorspacesthatsupplementoursenseofwell-being and transform an outdoor area into an outdoor room.”
The research was conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of the American Home Furnishings Alliance and International Casual Furnishings Association among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18 and older between January 4 and 8, 2021.
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Dometic MoBar Earns Two Prestigious Design Awards
Daysafterwinning the esteemed Red Dot Award: Product Design 2021, the MoBar series from Dometic (Stockholm, Dometic Sweden) was MoBar honored as a recipient of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2021. The unique design of the MoBar is now recognized by two of the world’s most renowned internal design awards.
Professionallygradedwithatimeless state-of-the-artpatenteddesign,the DometicMoBaristheultimatemobile barforentertaininginanyoutdoor space.Itispraisedfornotcompromising style for functionality or convenience, allowing hosts and their guests to socialize outdoors without ever missing a moment.
The Red Dot Award: Product Design dates back as far as 1955 and recognizes the best products for a given year. The jurors were once again true to the motto “In search of good design and innovation” in the 2021 competition. The international panel of experts scrutinized the products entered in the competition and were guided by assessment criteria such as the product’s quality, ergonomics, and longevity.
The Dometic MoBar can be seen in the online exhibition on the Red Dot website, starting on June 21. From June 22, the Dometic MoBar will also be included in the exhibition “Design on Stage” in the Red Dot Design Museum Essen, where the award-winning products are showcased. Also, the Red Dot Design Yearbook 2021/2022 comes out in August. The publication provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art and trends in product design.
Each year, the world’s oldest independent design organization, Hannover, Germany-based iF International Forum Design GmbH, organizes the iF DESIGN AWARD program. This year, Dometic MoBar received a product design award in the garden category. It won over the 98-member jury with its uniqueness and functionality supported by stylish design. Almost 10,000 entries were submitted from 52 countries.
“We’re pleased to see MoBar recognized by the world’s leading design authorities,” says Peter Kjellberg, CMO and head of other verticals at Dometic. “We are convinced it is going to change the way people entertain outdoors. Poolside and garden parties or gathering on an apartment terrace will be stylish and professional with the Dometic MoBar.”
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Sunset West Wins People’s Choice Award, Unveils New Products
Coastal Teak and Bazaar Collections
SunsetWestreceivedthePeople’sChoiceAwardattheLasVegasWinter Marketonceagain.Inboth2020and2021,thecompanyearnedthe awardinthefurniturecategory.
This year’s winning design included a curated look with the Coastal Teak and Bazaar Collections. Sunset West’s design approach includes keeping the uniquely coordinated color stories in mind, with mixing and matching furniture from Coastal Teak and Faux Bois Concrete Occasional Tables from The Bazaar, while remaining within a specific colorandstylegrouping.
Sunset West’s new Huntington Collection also received strong positive feedback from Market attendees. Featuring distinctive angles and handsanded curves hewn from solid teak wood, this collection fits many different outdoor settings. Sunset West also displayed its expansion of swivel club chairs, sling double adjustable chaises, round dining tables, and armless curved sofas from the Redondo, Laguna, and Newport collections. Other new product additions introduced at the Market included bar height seating, coffee tables, wicker and rope daybeds, fire tables, and accent pillows. These new products can be found at www.sunsetwestusa.com.
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