Showplace Introduces Universal Design Cabinetry

Harrisburg, SD — Employee-owned cabinet maker, Showplace Wood Products, Inc. (www.ShowplaceWood.com) based in Harrisburg, SD introduces a broad offering of universal design cabinetry in response to increasing demand for accessible kitchens and baths. This new cabinet offering fits both new construction and home remodeling sectors and is ideally suited for homeowners whose mobility is limited by advancing age or for those who have family members with disabilities.

In one of its major findings, the American Institute of Architects’ 2012 Home Design Trends Survey (HDTS) identified adaptability and universal design as one of the leading trends in kitchen design; the results of this survey mirror interest demonstrated by the Showplace nationwide network of independent kitchen and bath dealers, which supports the idea of increasing demand for aging in place functionality.

“Many people want to improve the function of their home in ways that allow aging in place,” reports Scott Korsten, director of marketing at Showplace Wood Products. “Baby boomers are the latest wave of homeowners with an interest in staying in their homes as long as possible; they’ve learned that making a few changes to necessary areas, like kitchens and baths, can help them gain many more years of independent living.”

The newly developed universal design offering from Showplace allows homeowners the ability to create accessible living space using cabinet designs that are loaded with adjustable and easily accessed storage features. These features include increased use of adjustable shelving and roll-out trays, which are commonly designed into most kitchens. The designs also include things that are much less common, like gas-assisted pull-down shelving and drawers that have been adapted with a unique, removable top in order to provide an as-needed work-surface at seated height.

When developing the Showplace universal design cabinet offering, style was determined to be just as important as function; this resulted in the entire offering being made available in any of the company’s broad offering of wood species, styles and finishes. This marriage of style and function was demonstrated clearly at the national Kitchen and Bath Industry Show; Showplace was selected by business partner Hafele America to demonstrate its new products at the annual industry show held recently in New Orleans, LA. Showplace took advantage of this national stage to unveil its newest style of cabinets, a contemporary door design called Duet, introduced on the same display with its universal design cabinets.

“Although interested homeowners might have a primary focus on building or remodeling their home with increased accessibility – improved storage and convenience features -- it is also clear they have a strong interest in updating the visual appeal of their space to a cabinet style that is more current,” says Korsten. “The new offering from Showplace was designed to create accessible living that is also beautiful and provide space that will appeal visually to people of all ages and abilities.”

Employee-owned Showplace manufactures fine all-wood cabinetry for the home, sold through independent kitchen and bath dealers in all 50 states and parts of Canada. Every cabinet is made-to-order to fit the individual homeowner's specific style and space requirements. Mid-priced Showplace is among the largest American-made cabinet manufacturers in the country.

Source: Showplace Wood Products

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