DesignNews - Summer 2015

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DESIGNNEWS

summer 2015

Smart Lock. Unlocking The Mysteries of Smart Home Technology What’s Trending in Kitchens?

At Home with Health & Wellness Design News © 2014 - 2015 Miller’s Fine Decorative Hardware 1

Smart Lock Unlocking the mysteries of smart home technology Smart technology for homes has been around for decades. But outside of the industry, few people understand how smart systems operate or the full benefits for their homes. A good example is the Houzz nationwide survey of homeowners who recently remodeled their homes or are considering remodeling in 2015.

Not surprisingly, people’s top consideration was to live more comfortably. According to the report, 91 percent of renovating homeowners said, “improving the look and feel of their home was extremely important.” On the contrary, out of the 170,000 respondents, only 25 percent ranked integrating smart

technology as an important factor of remodeling. Technology ranks higher than in recent years, but the numbers reflect that homeowners are still in the dark.

To simplify the mystery, ask yourself: Would you want to be able to send a digital key to your mom’s phone so she can safely enter the house when she visits?

Would you want to deter intruders by eliminating key systems and allowing only three passwords per attempt before the alarm sounded?

Most would answer “yes” to both scenarios. And that’s when smart technology gets far more important.

Smart Lock is available at Miller’s Fine Decorative Hardware in Jupiter and West Palm Beach. To schedule a personal consultation and demonstration, please call 561.746.4800.

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Smart Lock by Linnea® provides those capabilities and more. Made of marine grade stainless steel, the door lock system withstands harsh Florida weather elements. Smart Lock features include: • Slim design and illuminated key pad • Key pad and remote control unlocking • Up to 8 remotes can be used per lock (remote included) • Up to 8 password setting options per lock • Easy switch from passage to entry and vice versa • Easy emergency access by using key or 9V battery • Works with 4 AAA batteries • Low-battery warning • 3000-turn battery life or 6 months on standby • Panic alarm for over 3 consecutive password attempts • Quick password setting and resetting option

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What’s Trending in Kitchens?

A kitchen remodel is one of the largest projects homeowners ponder when considering remodeling their home. It’s no wonder – the kitchen is the heart of the home and one of the most important rooms for homebuyers. At Miller’s, we work every day with design professionals who make it their mission to create kitchen designs that are functional, stylish and meet the homeowner’s lifestyle demands.

We recently caught up with an interior design professional and asked her to provide insight into this year’s kitchen trends. Page Franzel, owner of Page 2 Design, answered questions we frequently hear from clients visiting Miller’s Fine Decorative Hardware showrooms.

What are kitchen trends your designers are noticing this year?

We’re getting more requests from clients for a multi-purpose kitchen sink. One such concept is a 6-foot sink with the drain to one side that transforms from a sink to an entertainment bar.

Complete with ice bucket, colander, cutting board, and condiment tray, the sink quickly becomes an extension of the countertop and serving area.

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What is the first advice you offer a homeowner who is contemplating new kitchen plumbing, tile and/or hardware?

Consider durability when selecting new hardware and plumbing. If water spots on plumbing fixtures annoy you and you don’t want to clean them frequently, consider stainless steel over polished nickel. And satin stainless steel shows even fewer spots. Polished backsplashes show cooking oil and vinegar stains more easily. Working with a professional designer and a K&B showroom will help save you money, time and peace-of-mind.

How does working with a professional designer and a decorative plumbing and hardware showroom benefit homeowners?

Many homeowners have difficulty visualizing the end result of a kitchen remodel. For example, selecting beautiful hardware and plumbing seems simple enough.

However, making selections that are appropriately scaled with the new kitchen plan requires experience.

Working with a design professional, builder and knowledgeable showroom associate helps narrow the selections and avoid costly mistakes. Our designers work

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directly with the showroom to determine the best fit within the budget and design specifications.

We then send the final concept and specifications to the showroom, where the associate prepares materials and has them ready to share when the client arrives. It takes the guesswork and frustration out of the process for our clients.

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At Home with

Health&Wellness Bathing is a natural part of our daily routine. It can also be an essential part of our health and wellness practices. Jason Hydrotherapy tubs create a rewarding experience for mind, body and spirit. Founded by the Jacuzzi family, it has improved the health of thousands of people since 1982.

How can a home tub provide proven wellness benefits?

Natural cleansing, oxygenrich microbubbles improve the skin’s metabolism, while lightly exfoliating and improving hydration for dry skin and common skin ailments. The microbubbles actually remove impurities and carry much-needed oxygen through the skin’s pores.

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In addition to the soothing effects, heat energy provides you with consistent warmth and creates a sauna effect that improves circulation, opens pores to release toxins, and increases cardiovascular activity. MicroSilk® hydrotherapy even reduces fine lines and wrinkles, promotes natural healing and reduction of scar tissue.

Where can you find MicroSilk tubs?

Visit our Jupiter showroom for a working display of hydrotherapy tubs. Our knowledgeable sales associates will be happy to share the health and wellness benefits as well as details for installing the tub in your home.

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Join the Conversation Miller’s Fine Decorative Hardware is active on Facebook and Houzz. We invite you to join our conversations, which include helpful kitchen and bath design tips, beautiful project and product images, design dilemma solutions, and more.

Engaging with us is also a great way to meet other professionals.

MAY 1ST - OCTOBER 31ST

We welcome your visit. Private consultations are available.

JUPITER showroom hours Mon. – Fri. 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Saturdays & Evenings

By Appointment Only WEST PALM BEACH showroom hours Mon. – Fri. 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Saturdays & Evenings

By Appointment Only

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226 Center Street, Jupiter, FL 33458 Phone: 561.746.4800 Fax: 561.743.0233 501 South Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone: 561.837.9090 Fax 561.743.0233

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