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Waterstone Faucets pasadena showcase
Community, Company News, Designer Showcase

A Look at Waterstone in the Annual Pasadena Showcase House

The Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts is an all-volunteer non-profit organization founded in 1948 and known for producing one of the biggest showcase houses in the country each year. The 2020 Pasadena Showcase House of Design is a Federal Country estate in Arcadia, California, built in 1937 and designed by Gerard R. Colcord, an esteemed Hollywood Society architect. Each room in the Federal-Revival home was designed by 17 different interior designers, including Jake Galang of Ilustracion by Jake, Corp, who transformed the former sewing room into a beautiful and highly functional laundry room. Check out our discussion with her here: Is this your first time participating in the Pasadena Showcase House?Yes, this is my first time participating on my own and I loved the whole experience. It gave me a chance to be myself and self express. Years ago when I was working for my mentor and her partners, they were part of it and although I had a taste of what it is to be involved in a showhouse, it is different when you are at the forefront and the driving force on the creative side. How did you come up with the design vision for the upstairs laundry room? Did the owners have specific requests for that space?Walking through the house, I was immediately drawn to the symmetry of this room. The dormer window was perfectly centered within the space and that was part of the architectural detail. The existing cabinetry was so charming, but we needed to make it more functional. I kept the footprint of the Millwork and further enhanced the window by adding a built-in bench. We were given an option to either convert the former sewing room/nursery to a craft room or a second laundry. I gave conceptual and detailed drawings for both but at the back of my mind I was thinking it would be good if [the owners] picked laundry, as my design and palette would be unexpected and not a typical one. The owners opted for the latter. How would you describe your design aesthetic in general? How does it compare to the style of the showcase home?My design aesthetic is a juxtaposition of period styles with new trends. [Pasadena] Showcase 2020 is a 1937 Federal Country estate. As you wander around the house, the details on cased openings, stringer on stairs, hardwood floor patterns, dormer windows, full wallpaper on walls and ceilings gives a vintage vibe. To give it a fresh look and a nod to sustainability, I added Bohemian geometric patterns and Satin Brass accents. I merged it with a classic palette, millwork and hardware. What drew you to Waterstone’s Contemporary PLP Faucet? Which finish was used and why?I am completely taken by Waterstone’s PLP faucet as it has a sleek base and the spout has a continuous, smooth line that ends with an industrial look, pulldown spray. Vintage + modern, right?! Another plus is the height. I purposely placed the farm sink near the window for natural light but I had to deal with the sloped ceiling. I am very familiar with Waterstone as I use it a lot for my custom projects. I know they have different faucet heights and types from the same collection. I used the 16” high Contemporary PLP in Satin Brass finish as it works with my cabinet hardware and lighting. Sustainability is another reason I chose Waterstone. It is made in USA which lessens the carbon footprint, and I have been to the factory and have seen each part being made, finished and put together painstakingly. The door to the laundry room is very unique, having built in shelves and a hidden pullout hamper. What are some of the other organizational features that you included in the room’s design?With roughly only 140 square feet of space, I added a recessed ironing board on the wall, stacked the compact size washer and dryer, pullout storage at sink and lots of open shelves, pigeon holes and full height cabinets. Did you encounter any obstacles or challenges when designing the space? If so, how did you work through them?We have a limited space and there was no existing plumbing, venting for appliances as it was a Sewing Room. But working with the right team and having good resources helped me develop the design. I stacked a compact size washer and ventless dryer. For plumbing I used the Contemporary PLP prep size faucet which gave me space to add a floating shelf above the sloped ceiling. I made use of every inch and did vertical storage. Do you have advice for others who might be renovating a laundry room? Are there any specific details (like a faucet) that shouldn’t be missed?Selection of appliances and plumbing is a significant phase in renovation. Make sure you know the story behind the brand and check for reviews and reputation. Specifically with a faucet, this is the most abused fixture in a laundry. It has to withstand constant handling, can quickly change the temperature from hot to cold or vice versa. You need to consider the size, style, finish and what functions you need. Not only does it have to look good but it needs to feel good.

Community, Company News, Made in the USA

Waterstone Celebrates the Enduring American Craftsmanship Tradition

We’re proud of the American ingenuity behind every Waterstone faucet. For 21 years, Waterstone has completed every step of the manufacturing process from our headquarters in Southern California where we design, engineer, manufacture, finish, assemble, test and package under a single roof – a truly unique feat that we wouldn’t have any other way. We love that American ingenuity is at the heart of Waterstone and has been since our inception. In honor of Independence Day, we’re sharing the ways we celebrate our American roots by producing every product with that spirit in mind. Inspired Designs Waterstone’s most recognizable products were inspired by American history and our founder Chris Kuran’s time in the Naval Academy and Marine Corps. Our traditional Annapolis faucet was inspired by the namesake historical city where the U.S. Naval Academy is located. The Yorktown faucet and its transitional design was inspired by the site of the last major land battle of the Revolutionary War. And of course, the iconic Wheel Pulldown faucet, inspired by the wheel of a ship and the American spirit. These are just a few of Waterstone’s creative designs that are testaments to the enduring nature of American ingenuity. American Built Our true commitment to American manufacturing begins by sourcing all of our raw materials like solid brass and 316 marine grade stainless steel from U.S. foundries. The faucets are engineered and then finished in-house with any of our 32 finishes. They are then carefully assembled by hand, water tested and shipped in one complete piece to streamline the installation process. The mindfulness in each step in the process is reflected in our employees who work each day to define the American ingenuity at Waterstone. We thank our hardworking employees who are invested in every step of the process, ensuring the highest quality products that are built to last. This is why we are proud to be Made in the USA! We at Waterstone wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday.

Community, Company News, Kitchen Design, Made in the USA

Four Kitchen Design Trends for 2020

Ushering in a whole new decade with a fresh kitchen redesign sounds like the most fun we’ve had in, well… a decade! The kitchen, when stripped of its old decor, hardware, and utilities, can be a blank canvas. It’s an opportunity to see what is possible for the most often used gathering place in the home. Before you dive headfirst into a redesign, let’s look at some kitchen design trends for 2020. Blue In The Kitchen While white is versatile and bright, we tend to think that more color will be incorporated into kitchens this year. Why not consider the Pantone color of the year: Classic Blue (PANTONE 19-4052)? Pantone chose the color because it highlights dependability, trustworthiness, credibility, and constancy, all traits that are valued in the fast-paced, high-stress situations of the current world. Couldn’t we all use a little more zen at the end of a long day, while we are preparing a meal, or enjoying a glass of sauvignon blanc in the kitchen? If you doubt that blue could work for a kitchen without being reminiscent of the 1908’s era country blue and mauve trend, take a look at this kitchen designed by Anna Rae Design. The hardware and PLP PULLDOWN FAUCET – EXTENDED REACH in a satin brass finish complement the blue cabinetry and marble countertops perfectly. There are so many shades of blue that could work with other materials and colors in your kitchen. Try a combination of Charcoal Blue (a deep, smokey shade) walls or cabinets, paired with light-colored countertops. Don’t shy away from blue this year in the kitchen. It could be just the color you need to set the right mood. Faucets For Furry Friends If you have four-legged family members running around, you may want to consider a space for them in the kitchen. Blackband Design does a stellar job incorporating a built-in refreshment station for the family’s golden retrievers in their Newport Coast design project. The station boasts gorgeous marble, two water bowls, and our Contemporary Wall Mounted Potfiller for easy refilling.  This kitchen trend makes caring for pets much more time-efficient on a daily basis, especially during summer months when the weather is warmer and pets need more frequent hydration. If you’re traveling and have hired a sitter for the dogs, you can store everything needed in adjacent cabinets to make the job easier on them. Having a water station makes so much logistical sense, we tend to believe that this is not a fleeting trend, but a design element that will become a mainstay in most luxury kitchens, more frequently requested by those who treat their indoor pets with the utmost consideration and care. Brass Accents This year, designers will bring brass back into the kitchen with an eclectic flair. Interior designer, Becki Owens, incorporates brass elements into the Herber House Project (shown below), mixing and matching it with other metals in the lighting fixtures. We especially love how the industrial design elements, such as the barstools, blend so well with the soft blue cabinetry, giving it a rustic yet modern feel. The warmth of the wood flooring, doors, and support beams keep the space from feeling sterile and add balance to the white marble counters and subway tile. The pot filler, PLP Pulldown faucet, and Hampton Prep Faucet add a touch of luxury and further brighten up the kitchen. Shaker Kitchen Cabinets Traditionally, Shaker-style cabinets are units that are uniquely simple yet attractive, featuring recessed panel doors, light finishes, and basic hardware. These cabinets mirror the furniture designed by the Shakers, who were extremely skilled craftsmen and carpenters. Shaker style cabinets have doors with recessed panels and minimal adornments. However, some designers are trading out the lighter finishes for colors, adding glass panels or omitting the hardware all together, and it works well. The hardware on the cabinets matches perfectly with the Extended Reach PLP Pulldown Faucet and Annapolis Bar Faucet, shown here. This kitchen, designed by Waterleaf Interiors in Manhattan Beach, California, is a beautiful example of glass-paneled Shaker cabinetry. The transparency of the doors allows the homeowner to display glassware and china, lending itself to the overall bright and cheery, yet elegant and clean aesthetic of the room. Design predictions are being published daily and we’ve seen so many that we are excited for. House Beautiful features some great kitchen design trend predictions for 2020 from designers here as well. Which ones are you loving and how do you plan to implement them in your projects this year? Let us know in the comments, share your project photos with us on Instagram and drop us a note at creative@waterstoneco.com if you want to collaborate on a project in 2020.

Community, Company News, Made in the USA, Waterstone In the Wild

Happy Holidays From The Waterstone Team

With the holiday season in full swing, it can get absolutely chaotic. Despite that, Chris, Darcy and our whole team feel it is important to take a moment to reflect on our blessings this year and express our gratitude. 2019 marked our 20th year in business and we could not be more grateful for every single day that we get to come to the office and do what we do, with people who share our passion for creating the finest luxury kitchen faucets. We do not say that to brag, but to recognize every single person on our team who gives everything that they have to superior craftsmanship. From the sales team and engineers, to the quality assurance team and shipping department, every member of the Waterstone family holds a special place in our hearts. We would not be here twenty years later if it weren’t for a passionate team of innovative and driven individuals who are loyal to our company’s mission and share our vision.  We are utterly blessed to have experienced our most successful year yet, and that is due largely to our customers, designers, and distributors. Thank you all for valuing our dedication to uncompromised quality, appreciating our fiercely unique design and supporting our devotion to keeping everything fully American made. We believe that with you behind us, 2020 will see continued growth, expansion into new territories and maybe even a few new products!  Thank you for being on this journey with us. Words cannot possibly do our feelings of deep gratitude justice, but it is important to express them anyway.  We wish all of you and yours a joy-filled holiday season, a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! 

Chris Kuran SBA Exporter of the Year
Community, Company News, Manufacturing

Waterstone Faucets is Awarded SBA Exporter of the Year

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in recognition of the 53rd annual National Small Business Week, has awarded Waterstone Faucets as the 2016 Region IX Small Business Exporter of the Year. Waterstone President Chris Kuran accepted the award on May 3rd in a ceremony was hosted by the SBA Santa Ana District Office and the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The event was held in the Disneyland Hotel Grand Ballroom. Congratulations Chris and the Waterstone team! Other awardees include: Martha Daniel, President, Information Management Resources, Inc. – 2016 Small Business Person of the Year (Aliso Viejo) Tuan Van Nguyen, President, Quoc Viet Foods – Finalist, 2016 Small Business Person of the Year (Orange) Ali Youssef, Owner/President, USOC Medical, Inc. – Finalist, 2016 Small Business Person of the Year (Irvine) David K. Hanson, Jr., President, Hands on Bicycles DBA Jax Bicycle Center – Finalist, 2016 Small Business Person of the Year (Various locations) Taylor Hale, Chief Executive Officer, Crown Paper Converting – 2016 Family Owned Small Business of the Year (Ontario) Venu Sarakki, Chief Executive Officer, Sarakki Associates, Inc. – 2016 8(a) Business Development Program Graduate of the Year (Santa Ana) Jay Goth, Executive Director, InSoCalConnect – 2016 Small Business Champion of the Year (Temecula) Bekele Demissie, Senior Community & Business Relations Specialist, Orange County Transportation Authority – 2016 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year (Santa Ana) Robert V. “Bobby” McDonald, President & Executive Director, Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County and Member, Orange County Veterans Advisory Council – 2016 Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year (Santa Ana) Desiree Patno, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Women in Real Estate Businesses – 2016 Women in Business Champion of the Year (Irvine) Paul Symczak, Executive Director, LaunchPad Small Business Development Center – 2016 Small Business Development Center Excellence & Innovation Award (Aliso Viejo) About Small Business Week Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. As part of National Small Business Week, the agency takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and champions at local events around the country. Every day, these individuals are working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness. For more information, please visit www.sba.gov/nsbw.

Tunnel to Towers Waterstone
Community, Company News

Waterstone Faucets Helps Disabled Vets

Tunnel to Tower Foundation Murrieta, California, November 20, 2012 – Chris Kuran, Founder and President of Waterstone Faucets, announced that the Murrieta based company will be donating kitchen faucets and accessories to each new home built by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The Foundation, in partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation, Building for America’s Bravest, donates smart homes for America’s most disabled veterans. Going forward, each new home built, will feature Waterstone kitchen faucet suites and accessories. The Building for America’s bravest project is dear to Waterstone’s President Chris Kuran’s heart. As a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former US Marine Corps officer, Mr. Kuran continues to serve his country through Waterstone’s donation to wounded veterans. Since Mr. Kuran founded Waterstone in 1999, the company has grown into one of the leading high end kitchen faucet manufacturers. Each faucet is designed, engineered and made in America. “Waterstone is fueled by the faith that we are building a lasting company that truly cares about its customers,” said Mr. Kuran. “Our employees are redefining pride in American Ingenuity every day. We are proud that our donation will honor our countries most disabled veterans, and will help ease their difficulties as they return to civilian life.” The first home to feature Waterstone Faucets was dedicated on Veteran’s Day this year in Jefferson City, Missouri. Marine Corps CPL Tyler Huffman was paralyzed after being shot in Afghanistan by a sniper in December 2010. He, and his wife and young son, were excited to move into the new smart home which was custom designed to CPL Huffman’s needs. Currently, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Tower Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation have partnered to build fifteen homes to be built, with three having been completed to date. A Waterstone Kitchen faucet ‘suite’ has been provided to each of the three homes and will be donated to each of the remaining projects. About Waterstone Faucets Waterstone Faucets was started in 1999 by its founder and president Chris Kuran. All of Waterstone faucets are designed, engineered and made in America. Waterstone specializes in blending artistry and technology into designs made tough enough to endure a lifetime of use. Waterstone Faucets continues its unprecedented growth and has recently moved into their new 42,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Murrieta, California. Their faucet ‘suites’ have been featured in Kitchen & Bath Design News and California Homes Magazine. Waterstone Faucet is redefining pride in American ingenuity every day – one faucet at a time. Nobody does what Waterstone does…Nobody! About the Gary Sinise Foundation: The Gary Sinise Foundation is dedicated to serving the Nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities. For more information, go to www.GarySiniseFoundation.org. About The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation: The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, named after fallen NY firefighter Stephen Siller, is best known for its annual Tunnel to Towers Run which follows Siller’s heroic run from a blocked-off Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center in a desperate bid to save lives. The Run, held the last Sunday of each September, attracts 30,000 participants from around the world. Since the beginning in 2011, cities all across America, including some of the largest have held their versions of the Tunnel to Towers Run and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Foundation’s “Building for America’s Bravest” program. For more information, go to www.TunneltoTowers.org.

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