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Feature Story

Versatile Wood Doors Allow Designers to Pull Out the Stops

When window and door dealer Jon LeHeup sits down with a client for product selection, he orders all the windows and doors in the home except for the front entry door. That selection doesn't come for another three or four months, when the homeowner and designer have had time to get the decision just right.

"The architect or the interior designer sits down with the homeowner and they decide on the final design of it," says LeHeup, chairman and CEO of Toronto-based Ridley Windows & Doors. "Usually it's something that's very personal. It's amazing the amount of discussion that goes on about that particular item."

(EBUILD Online)
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Announcements From Manufacturers

Prevent Kitchen Clutter With New Timberlake Organizational Accessories

Storage accessories for kitchen cabinets can be the perfect way to add style, organization and value to any home. With its latest interior organizational accessories, Timberlake Cabinetry , a leading supplier to the new construction market, addresses the needs of any homebuyer. Applying its market expertise in Universal Design, the latest Timberlake® organizational accessories provide point-of-use functionality for all homeowners, from Active Adults to busy families on-the-go. Available in August 2008, Timberlake storage accessories are sure to attract homebuyers from all walks of life by bringing space-saving convenience and efficiency straight into the home.

New Arch and Pekoe Faucets Bring Sleek Style and Convenient Function to the Kitchen

American Standard has combined style and convenience with its new Arch and Pekoe line of kitchen faucets. Arch is a dramatic, clean-lined collection inspired by the work of architect Eero Saarinen, designer of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Arch achieves a strong, purposeful look that brings a new definition of contemporary design to kitchen function. Single-control models include both high-arching and conventional-height spouts with and without pull-out sprays. The clean and ergonomic design of the pull-out spray incorporates a comfortable toggle button on the underside, allowing for easy adjustment from stream to spray. The spray is so well integrated that it resets the expectation of form and function. Arch faucets are available with design-matched accessories including a base plate and a soap dish mountable anywhere on the counter surface.

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Napoleon Offers New Line of See-Through Gas Fireplaces

As well as supplying two rooms with an exceptional see-thru design, Napoleon’s HD81 offers three distinct firebox options - a traditional PHAZER® log set, a contemporary crystal setting or a glowing river rock ember bed. Each unique setting radiates a glow and ambiance throughout the adjoining rooms. Perfect for bedroom/bathrooms, kitchen/dining and office/commercial spaces.

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News and Trends

LED Technology Makes New Flashlights a Bright Spot in Your Toolbox

As tools go, construction pros demand a lot from their flashlights. They must be bright enough to make working under cabinets and in crawlspaces easy, and also must stand up to being repeatedly dropped, jammed between pipes and boards for balance, and even bitten on when a third hand isn’t available. New models on the market take all these demands into consideration.“It used to be that we would need multiple LEDs to get a brightness equivalent to our brightest flashlights,” says Klein Tools product manager Chris Niklas. “LEDs are more sophisticated now, so only one is needed, and the price is more affordable.”

(REMODELING Online)

Retro Fit: Modern Building Products That Bring Back the Memories

If an autumn chill is setting in and impending gray winter skies are getting you down, try spicing things up with a hot retro vibe. For some time now, manufacturers have been resurrecting and reinventing appliances, accents, and accessories in bright shades and curvy patterns reminiscent of the mid-20th century. A splash of color here or a throwback centerpiece there could be just what your clients need to feel groovy again.

(UPSCALE REMODELING Online)