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Brandy Souza has been promoted to General Manager of Kitchen Views

Published March 3, 2014 Designer Spotlight , News , press release , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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NATIONAL LUMBER PROMOTES FROM WITHIN

Brandy Souza has been promoted to General Manager of Kitchen Views

Brandy Souza

Mansfield, MA – March 3, 2014 – Continuing a tradition of promoting from within the company, National Lumber has proudly announced the promotion of Brandy Souza to General Manager of Kitchen Views, their cabinetry and design division. Souza will report directly to company President Manny Pina. 

Brandy began her career interning for Paul Brent, a world renowned seaside architect and artist. After her internship she went to school and worked for a general contractor, Rex Spencer, where she drew plans and managed residential projects. She loves working with materials that remind her of beach vacations, both Miami exciting and Cape Cod relaxing. She draws from her ability to design a kitchen to meet specific needs of her clients and bring their dream kitchen to life. She combines her technical expertise with a fine eye for design and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Brandy Souza has been with Kitchen Views since 2005, starting as a designer in National Lumber’s New Bedford location. She has consistently shown strong leadership and a determined attitude to improve every situation with tact and graciousness. Her amazing design acumen is demonstrated in her work creating Kitchen Views’ lovely and comprehensive Warwick showroom. Most recently Brandy designed stunning updates for the flagship Kitchen Views showroom at the Mansfield headquarters. Brandy is expected to continue Kitchen Views’ promise of exceptional customer service, leading by example.  Attending Design and Construction Week, the combined 2014 IBS and KBIS show in Las Vegas, Brandy was recently commended by clients for her delightful hospitality and expert guidance through the KBIS portion of the show.

A sought after expert for her design and materials expertise, Brandy has been interviewed and quoted in articles for Boston Home Magazine, New England Home Magazine, Rhode Island Monthly’s Annual Home Design issue and others. Brandy enjoys sharing her expertise through articles posted on the Kitchen Views blog.  With readers from around the United States, and many followers in England, homeowners are drawn to Kitchen Views for the product knowledge and design insight provided. Her posting on design trends for 2014 was picked up on Twitter by several industry sources.

The Ultimate Open Concept Shower Enclosure

Published March 3, 2014 Bathroom Remodeling , Guest Blog , News , Remodeling , Shower enclosures , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Glass clarity impacts the ambiance of open concept bathroom design, and Kitchen Views strives to bring you the best advice for selecting the materials that make our designs a reality. Kitchen Views only deals with vendors that are the best in the business. For kitchen or bath glass solutions, we recommend Allstate Glass for their quality products and friendly staff. They are available to answer any questions regarding your project.

Ultra-Clear Shower & Steam Enclosures from Allstate Glass

Allstate Glass low-iron "Ultra-Clear" glass close-up

Allstate Glass low-iron “Ultra-Clear” glass close-up

Just when you thought ALL glass was clear — compare the standard “clear” glass you see almost every day to this low-iron, “Ultra-Clear” glass and you’re in for an ultra-clear surprise. Growing more and more popular, particularly in high-end homes, ultra-clear glass is fabricated by reducing the iron to increase light transmission and reduce the greenish tint in clear glass that is visible when viewed from the edges.

Allstate Glass low-iron "Ultra-Clear" glass shower enclosure

Allstate Glass low-iron “Ultra-Clear” glass shower enclosure

This Canton homeowner loved the idea of maximizing the natural light in his new bathroom with an ultra-clear glass shower enclosure and chrome hardware. Contact Allstate Glass to learn how you can bring more light and clarity into your bathroom with an ultra-clear glass shower or steam enclosure!

Click here to see our brochure that is available through the Kitchen Views website.

Brittany Shellington
britt@allstateglassco.com
781-248-4683 cell

AllstateGlassShowers.com

LinkedIn  |  Houzz  |  Twitter

ALLSTATE GLASS
1385 Washington Street
Weymouth, MA 02189
781-331-3344

KBIS 2014 Items of Note from Brandy Souza

Published February 26, 2014 cabinetry , cabinets , Designer Blog , Designer Spotlight , Kitchen Design Trends , Kitchen Products , kitchens , Masterbrands , Masterbrands , News , Omega , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Brandy Souza of Kitchen Views

I enjoyed attending Design and Construction Week February 3–6, the combined 2014 IBS and KBIS show in Las Vegas, with some of our top customers. It was a terrific opportunity to show them the latest products and trends, plus enjoy the fine food and hospitality of Las Vegas.

Style trend to note – most of the displays show flat or recessed panel doors. Raised panel is no longer in demand.

Omega display at 2014 KBIS of TURILLA cabinetry

Omega display at 2014 KBIS of TURILLA cabinetry

I want to mention that Omega now has stainless steel inset doors. They are inset into a wood frame which would prevent the doors from sticking during high humidity levels like wood doors.

Omega display at 2014 KBIS of CALDERA cabinetry with some flip-up doors.

Omega display at 2014 KBIS of CALDERA cabinetry with some flip-up doors.

We also checked out the flip-up door. It has a mechanical device so that when a button is pressed, the flip-up door automatically closes. This is great for shorter people who can’t close the flip-up door once it is open as the handle is too high.

Masterbrands SOHO Thermofoil Woodgrain Silt and Custom Aluminum Framed Doors

Masterbrands SOHO Thermofoil Woodgrain Silt and Custom Aluminum Framed Doors

Our time at the show flew by quickly. Since there is so much to see, it helps to have a plan or at least a list of top things to see. If you’re a builder interested in attending next year, you may want to consider going for an entire week so that you can enjoy all that Las Vegas has to offer, and spend maximum time on the show floor.  Until then, or for homeowners looking for inspiration, we hope that you’ll visit one of our Kitchen Views showrooms to see our cabinetry vignettes that display a wide range of styles.

Contact Kitchen Views at 1-508-DESIGNS (337-4467) to arrange a personal consultation with a designer who will guide your design journey to a new kitchen you will enjoy for years to come.

Brandy L. Souza
Assistant General Manager
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
120 Welby Rd, New Bedford, MA 02745
Office: 508-990-8020 x3163
Fax: 508-742-1498
bsouza@kitchenviews.com

Nature’s Harmony Inspires Benjamin Moore’s 2014 Color Trends Palette

Published November 19, 2013 Bathroom Remodeling , Color , Kitchen Remodeling Advice , News , Paint , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Benjamin Moore Color of the year 2014 Breath of Fresh Air

© Benjamin Moore

Recently, Benjamin Moore released its latest color of the year for 2014, “Breath of Fresh Air,” a light, tranquil blue used as a neutral base. The conceptual thought process for their new palette is based on the idea of looking to nature for neutral colors, such as this case of blue shades of water and the sky. Take a look around outside and you may find combinations of not only colors, but of various elements that inspire a sense of calm and harmony within you. Now imagine bringing that zenful feeling into your home through the use of color, textiles and accents.

Breath of Fresh Air 806 is a color that can be used throughout your entire home to help create that sense of flowing harmony. The color reacts well with natural light and creates a feeling of being light and clean, a welcome outlook in kitchen design. When used in a bathroom, the feeling may be closer to that of being at a spa resort; a luxurious calm. Whether your decorating style is masculine or feminine, Benjamin Moore’s 2014 Color Trends palette has 23 color hues that have been created to harmonize and complement one another.

Some of the other colors in the new palette include:

  • Peach Parfait 2175-70
  • Lavender Mist 2070-60
  • Nightingale AF-670

Click here to view the full color palette. Please note, colors onscreen may not be a true representation of the actual color and are for visual reference only. Visit one of our locations in person to see swatches. 

Color has such an impact on daily life that it makes perfect sense to transform your living space into one that allows the energy of your home to flow freely and harmoniously for you.

Our professional designers are experts in designing with color and are here to help assist you in your design journey, from beginning to end.

Kitchen Views, where the designers are pros, and the views are yours!

National Lumber is a Benjamin Moore Paints dealer with showrooms in six (6) locations. Visit our experts for advice and all your painting supplies. See BenjaminMooreExperts.com for more ideas and product information.

Kitchen Design & Home Improvement Go Hand in Hand. Survey results show 55% of consumers plan to do a kitchen remodel.

Published November 6, 2013 Kitchen Remodeling Advice , kitchens , News , Remodeling , Uncategorized 3 Comments
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Amy Mood of Kitchen Views works with a client and her daughter on a kitchen remodeling project

A recent online survey done by remodelormove.com shows that American consumers are feeling more confident in spending money toward home improvement projects.  The survey had 5,000 participants who answered a range of approximately 70 questions to determine if the majority would rather move or remodel. Every participant showed interest in making some sort of improvement to their current home.  The results show consumers are willing to spend around 30% of their home’s value for the home improvements.

With long-term value being a factor in remodeling, homeowners are willing to use more expensive materials in their projects. A majority, 74% responded that they plan to hire a general contractor to do the work, rather than undertaking projects themselves. Along with hiring construction professionals, more than half of the respondents plan to hire an architect. Homeowners are planning their projects on a larger scale and are including multiple rooms, and will be better served having professionals to oversee the project.

The percentage of homeowners planning to do a kitchen remodel is right above the halfway mark at 55%. Kitchen remodels are taking precedence over baths, according to the survey, and this is where consumers are willing to invest more of their budget. Since the contemporary kitchen is the hub of family activities, this is really an investment in improving family life.

Kitchen Views at National Lumber has experienced designers to serve you through every phase of your remodeling projects. We can supply you with the building supplies you need and the services you deserve. Those services include getting to know the unique needs of your family. Your particular tastes and lifestyle are factored into the design. We strive to exceed your expectations. One of our designers will follow the project from concept to completion. Kitchen Views at National Lumber, where the designers are pros and the views are yours!

Resource: Americans Willing to Spend More to Remodel, Survey Says

By Boat, RV or Expo – Kitchen Views Goes The Distance For You

Published September 27, 2013 Bathroom Remodeling , Bathroom Vanities , cabinetry , Countertops , Decorative Hardware , Design Guides , Green Products , Kitchen Design Trends , Kitchen Products , kitchens , News , Remodeling , Storage Solutions , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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NKBA Boston Harbor Dinner Cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston ship September 10, 2013

“Where the designers are pros, and the views are yours.” That is our motto here at Kitchen Views. We are here to design for you with integrity and the highest quality products possible.

This summer, we hosted an open house style RV showroom displaying counter materials from Cosentino. They drove to Mansfield and parked their RV in our lot and were there to meet with designers, builders, and homeowners about their different product lines. Most recently, the KV designers met with various vendors to see what is trending for 2014. Here are a couple of examples from the evening.

Kitchen Views Assistant GM scheduling a meeting with a cabinetry vendor.

Cabinets – The designers at KV joined cabinet dealers to take a look at new product on the NKBA‘s Boston Harbor Cruise. Cabinet vendors showed the designers the new textured doors and rich grays that are available cabinetry swatch showing textured veneer finishfor 2014.  Kitchen Views stays ahead of the curve by making sure new product is available to customers right away. Contractors that work with KV enjoy the fact that their customers are getting the most current products on the market.

Counters – Countertop material has changed dramatically in the marketplace. New finish processes prevent staining more than ever. The designers tested the new SileStone Suede finish by attempting to scratch and stain it.

Kitchen Views designers speak to Cosentino vendor about new line of counter top materials and quality

Each designer took a different approach to test the material to make sure customers were going to be satisfied with overall durability. Some attempted to scratch it with glass, knifes and tile. Others tried to stain it with cherries, red wine and soda. The product performed exceptionally well and KV will be displaying the new product in the Newton store next month. These types of meetings give the designers a real trial of how these products will perform in the field.

20130910_allen-turner-cosentino

KV Designers John Allen and Lee Turner converse with Jim and Merry from Cosentino about the quality of their new product line.

It is our duty to those we service to research various products and find those that consistently match the quality we expect to deliver to our customers.

If you would like more information on how our designers can assist you, or if you have questions on the products we carry, feel free to visit or call a Kitchen Views showroom closest to you, or visit our website at kitchenviews.com.

Brandy Souza | Kitchen Views Assistant General Manager
Kitchen Views  | 120 Welby Rd., New Bedford, MA 02745
View Brandy’s portfolio

Schrock Cabinetry Announces 2013 New Product Features

Published December 27, 2012 cabinets , News , Schrock Cabinets Leave a Comment
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Kitchen Views, Mansfield, MA Showroom - Schrock Kitchen with Silestone Countertops

Schrock Kitchen with Silestone Countertops at our Kitchen Views, Mansfield, MA Showroom

Schrock Cabinetry has announced that they will be adding quite a few new cabinet features to their February 2013 product line. The list is quite long, so here are a few of the highlights:

  • New Full Overlay Veneer Flat Panel Shaker Door Style
  • New Opaque Finishes
  • Contemporary Linear Wood Hood
  • Base Message Center Cabinet
  • Smart Stop Guides Standard on Pullouts
  • Pull Down Spice Rack Cabinet
  • Sink Base Cleaning Caddy Cabinet
  • New Moulding Collections
  • New Light Rail Insert Mouldings
  • New Embellishments (legs, feet, and corbels)

We look forward to sharing more about these new features when they are rolled out in February 2013! If you’d like to learn more about Schrock Cabinets, contact a Kitchen Views showroom near you!

Kitchen Views
www.kitchenviews.com

Woodgrain Finished Closet System Upgrade from Closet Factory – December 2012 Only

Published November 29, 2012 News Leave a Comment
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Due to the great demand for closet design, Kitchen Views is proud of our partnership with Closet Factory. They are an industry leader in closet design and wall beds.

Special for December 2012 – Free upgrade to any woodgrain finish for the price of Classic White. This amazing offer has potential savings of 20% to 30%! This offer is good on all orders made between December 1st to December 31st, 2012.

Contact Debbie Anastos, Senior Designer at Closet Factory – Call 617-620-8963 or email debbie.anastos@closetfactory.com. To receive this special discount, mention that you are a customer or an employee of Kitchen Views and/or National Lumber. Offer expires 12/31/2012.

Closet Factory will custom design, manufacture and install closets for any room in your home. So whether you have a small wardrobe closet or a large walk-in, their closet storage design experts can create the ultimate custom closet design for you. They build custom closet organizers in a variety of woods and materials ensuring that the closets you choose match your personal style. They can also custom design, manufacture and install garages and wall beds.

Closet Factory’s free consultation begins with an initial in-home presentation and needs assessment by an experienced and professionally trained design expert. The designer will assess your needs on every level, take a detailed inventory of every item to be stored, and show you a range of solutions. Whether it’s a closet, garage, or wall bed, you have a lifetime guarantee against defects in workmanship and materials.

To make an appointment to meet with a Closet Factory designer, contact us or stop in at your nearest Kitchen Views showroom.

Kitchen Views & Closet Factory
www.kitchenviews.com/closets

Grand Reopening of Mansfield, MA Design Showroom!

Published October 2, 2012 Designer Blog , News Leave a Comment
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Brandy Souza, Kitchen Views at National Lumber

Kitchen Views in Mansfield, MA is celebrating their grand re-opening on October 25th from 5pm-7pm. Can’t wait until then to see the new showroom? Then take a trip to 71 Maple St and check out our new displays (map & directions). We are now the largest kitchen showroom in the area. Check out our new Schrock vanity displays, our new finishes in Dynasty, our fabulous white inset Greenfield cabinets, and schedule some time with our designers to make your dream kitchen a reality.

Kitchen Views, Mansfield, MA Showroom - Schrock Vanity with Chandelier

Mansfield, MA Showroom – Schrock Vanity with Chandelier

We are also offering extended hours on Thursday nights (until 7PM) starting October 11th to accommodate everyone’s schedule. Visit us on the web at www.kitchenviews.com to view our designers’ portfolios. Be the first to see 2013 trends now! From new paint colors to countertop materials to cabinet hardware, you will be ahead of the trends and still meet your budget. The kitchen is where everyone is during the holidays; why not make it a place you love to be?

Kitchen Views, Mansfield, MA Showroom - Schrock Kitchen with Silestone Countertops

Kitchen Views, Mansfield, MA Showroom – Schrock Kitchen with Silestone Countertops

Click here to sign up for our email list to get an invitation to this event.

Brandy L. Souza
Assistant General Manager
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
120 Welby Rd, New Bedford, MA 02745
Office: 508-990-8020 x3163
Fax: 508-742-1498
bsouza@kitchenviews.com

NKBA’s New Free Virtual Planning Tool for Kitchens & Baths

Published May 15, 2012 Kitchen Remodeling Advice , kitchens , News 3 Comments
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Virtual Design Tool Screenshot

You may have heard about new home design apps for the iPad and iPhone that allow you to visualize your new kitchen or bath in the early planning stages so that you can take a good plan to a designer when you’re ready. But for those who don’t have an Apple device with which to use these apps, you now have another great option: NKBA’s new free Virtual Planning Tool.

Powered by 20-20 Technologies, the same technology driving the software that our own designers use, you can start visualizing your dream kitchen, bath, or even laundry room. This tool allows you to look through potential colors, layouts, and even appliance options. This tool is an excellent way to gather ideas for your new room and have a visual guide to see what you like or don’t like so that you have a very good idea of what you’d like to include in your new space.

As said before, this tool is completely free. You can create an account to save and load your designs, but it isn’t required. Click here to download the Virtual Planning Tool from NKBA.

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