The evolution of office design takes into account many factors, none more important at this moment than the economy and workplace technology. As businesses strive to keep up with these technologies, less workspace and tighter budgets, it makes sense that making changes to the way we work should follow.

Flexibility and freedom are leading the way in some office environments, a reversal of thinking it seems. In the late sixties when Herman Miller introduced the cubicle, the goal was to provide more privacy and less distraction resulting in higher productivity. Yet today, in many work environments, collaboration is essential.

A recent article from Fast Company cites the collaborative culture of companies like Nordstrom and Zappos and their belief that cohesion, working together across many departments is the key to their success, shaping their employees behavior, focus and most importantly, efficiency.

The office furnishings industry has evolved with this mentality to meet the needs of companies that no longer focus designs on the individual worker. For these companies, the size and shape of a cubicle no longer dictate the layout of their office. Kimball Office leads the way in providing solutions—from desks and seating to elements that further customize the space such as storage components, screens, panels, mobile work surfaces and cord management.

Described by Kimball as the sound of a team working well both individually and together, the name of their Hum (above) collection was born.

For more information on Kimball Office furnishings or to speak with a member of the Working Spaces team about design solutions that can impact your company, visit our showroom Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or call 314.918.8778

The refined luxury of an American icon has arrived at KDR Designer Showrooms. The merchandising team at KDR has selected pieces from the One Fifth and Brook Street Collections that embody the signature, traditional Ralph Lauren aesthetic infused with modern sophistication. The showroom’s collection includes a handsome pair of Brook Street club chairs, a pair of nesting cocktail tables, accent tables, dining and side chairs, the One Fifth collection’s Paris Desk as well as several stunning examples of Ralph Lauren lighting and accessories.

For more information on Ralph Lauren Home furniture, lighting and accessories and to see the collection in person, visit KDR Designer Showrooms Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Saturday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. or contact Karen Thiele, showroom director at 314.993.5020, ext. 3500, or by e-mail at karent@kdrshowrooms.com.

A few things to look for as you make your way through the wide range of outdoor grill options; consider first the construction. Grills produced by these high-quality manufacturers are crafted from heavy-duty stainless steel—as DCS boasts, their grills are built to last a lifetime from 304 grade stainless (marine grade) so it will not rust. You will find even heating, radiant technology and high-output burners for a perfect sear.

Most models are available with optional stainless carts as well as built-in capabilities for outfitting your outdoor kitchen. Among these brands you are guaranteed to find every accessory imaginable for outdoor entertaining including warming drawers, refrigerators,  ice makers and ovens that are UL listed and approved for outdoor use. Additional cabinets for storage and even coordinating built-in trashcans are available.
Stop by AUTCOhome Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and let one of our knowledgeable sales associates show you our complete line of outdoor options.

Photo courtesy of Sub-Zero and Wolf.

Kohler makes doing your part simple and of course, stylish. Kohler WaterSense products help homeowners use up to thirty-five percent less water than older models–even the innovative Flipside showerhead has been tweaked since its introduction to save twenty percent more water than its original design. Visit Kohler’s Save Water America site which was created to provide a comprehensive look at their water conservation efforts including community outreach, simple suggestions on how to make your home more efficient and a list of products that proudly meet the WaterSense standards, or stop by Premier Plumbing Studio where a sales associate can show you a number of water-saving fixtures on the showroom floor. Showroom hours are Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. or call 314.872.9339 for more information.

Pictured above and at left: Cimarron Toilet and Purist Showerhead. Photos from kohler.com.

This Saturday, April 21^st don’t miss your opportunity to tour seven distinctive kitchens designed by the area’s most talented kitchen and bath firms (including our own Beck/Allen Cabinetry) at the second annual Junior League of St. Louis Kitchen Tour. The tour saw great success last year and contributed to the Junior League’s many community projects focusing on education, health, women and children’s services.
The tour is a wonderful way to gather ideas for your own kitchen remodel or new construction project. Designers and contractors will be on hand to discuss the homeowner’s objectives and how they were able to meet these objectives through the use innovative design and materials. The self-guided tour is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Once you have purchased your ticket you will receive a program and you may begin at the residence of your choice. Gourmet lunches are also available for purchase through the Junior League. CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

Raffle tickets will be sold for chances to win one of eight exciting prizes provided by each showroom on the tour. What prizes do we find exciting you may ask? How’s a new Kohler faucet or a KitchenAid Blender sound? Or a portable induction burner? Raffle tickets will be 5 for $10 and 100% of the proceeds benefit Youth in Need. The tour is presented by St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles magazine. For more information and a complete listing of showrooms and presentation topics click here.

Click Here for more information.

BBQ, Drinks, Ice Cream

Prizes

Vendor Specials

0.50 PEU credit for attending for St. Louis County Plumbers

30+ Vendor Tables

We invite all our trade customers

From kitchen & bath, to fabric & wallcoverings, the Interior Design Center of St. Louis is your one location for interior inspiration.
(Premier Plumbing, KDR Designer Showrooms, AUTCO Home, Beck/Allen Cabinetry and Accessories by Design)

And Pinterest isn’t just for individuals, business pages are popping up every day. We’re seeing furniture and fabric manufacuturers and retailers using the site as well as interior designers, including our own Ellen Kurtz, owner of Accessories by Design and Ellen Kurtz Interiors. Pinterest members click here to start following Ellen now and stay tuned, a page for KDR Designer Showrooms isn’t far behind. With yet another reason to plant yourself behind a computer screen, you might just need to head down to Working Spaces for an ergonomic office chair to support your new Pinterest habit.