Dallas’ Plumberati Flock to Kohler’s New Knox-Henderson Showroom Soirée

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Kohler Exterior 1

Last night, my head was filled to capacity at the Kohler showroom grand opening do — invite-only ‘natch. Our own Leah Shafer scored me tix after she alerted us of the impending opening.

First, the Kohler companies — Kohler, Ann Sacks, Kallista, and Roburn — filled my eyes and brain with ideas galore.  Then La Duni filled my taste buds with treats as I walked around the joint. Thankfully, I ran into Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate gal pal Sharon Quist or I’d have been faucet-fondling all on my own, and probably on a watch-list by now. As it was I got to meet design power couple Sherry Hayslip and architect-husband Cole Smith.

Kohler and I go way back to my Chicago days when I’d made the trek to Kohler, Wisconsin. No surprise, but the town houses their factory, headquarters showroom with its Great Wall of China, along with the Kohler-designed American Club Resort.  It was, and remains, a big deal.

American Club: Former Workers' Quarters Turned Hotel.

American Club: Former Workers’ Quarters Turned Hotel.

The original structure was built by Kohler to house workers in 1918. Eventually workers had moved into homes, many of which Kohler built and sold to employees at cost (my, how the business world has changed). In 1978, the run-down structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.  After extensive restoration in 1981, the workers quarters had been transformed into the American Club boutique hotel and showplace for Kohler.  It’s grown over the years to include other structures, golf courses and a neighboring 800-acre wilderness preserve called River Wildlife.

MJS Kohler23, nws, sears, 1-7 Kohler23

One of the most photographed parts of the HQ store is “The Great Wall of China” that showcases the company’s wares. As you can see above, it’s literally a floor-to-ceiling stacked display.  While everyone loves the toilets, sections of the wall have sinks, bathtubs and the like. And yes, the last time I was there it was a real store. Buy something and toss it in the trunk.

Great Hall of China 1

While the Dallas store doesn’t have a Great Wall of China, it does have a Great Hallway of Toilets. Water conservation policies put in place in 1990 saw a revolution in toilet design as manufacturers had to figure out how to do the job with much less water. We all remember their first attempts that took 10 flushes to get ‘er done.  Today, the Japanese obsession with toilet rituals has shaped every maker’s lines. Now there’s everything from the standard flusheroo model all the way to the fold ‘n fluff bidet models that cause some people’s eyes to roll back as they press-press-press the “start” button.  Regardless of your toilet relationship, I always wonder why anyone still makes a two-piece toilet.  I know they’re cheaper, but still … I’ve been a one-piecer since my first renovation.

Kohler President and CEO David Kohler (Speaking)

Kohler President and CEO David Kohler (speaking)

But this was a party, not a walk down my memory hole.  In between noshing, we got to hear about how hot Dallas is for renovation and construction … and Kohler’s plans to goose Dallasites with their showpieces and everyday wear.  Because that’s the thing, you can spend $200 on a faucet or you can spend $1,000-plus and it’s still the same Kohler. Now the $200 one isn’t going to have Carrara marble handles, but you weren’t expecting it to either … Momma needs different price points.

Bartender Tile 1

This is a two-fer picture. We get to see the La Duni bartenders splashing around but also see some of the fab Ann Sacks tile they’ve driven across town for this all-line showroom (you won’t find Kohler in the Ann Sacks/Kallista shop in the Design District). Of course I’m crap at framing a picture.  My favorite tile is behind the bartender’s head. It’s a snow white stone punctuated with curvy metal inserts. But, one thing — you have to buzz over and see the blue grout.  Yes, some of the white tile designs are separated by bright blue grout.  It’s so very, very fresh and unexpected.  Vibrantly-colored grout is the new black … who knew?

Vibrant Brushed Bronze Sink 1

In addition to the grout, check out the new finishes.  This here sink and faucet combo is called Vibrant Brushed Bronze and it’s waaaay spiff.  Some goldy finishes attract fingerprints from miles away. Not this one. Water spots may be another thing, but everything does that.  And since it’s Kohler, it’ll stand up to a good cleaning.

Crowd 1

As I said, the house was rockin’ with tons of Dallas’ finest kitchen and bathroom fans (me, me, me!). And as you’d expect there are probably 20-plus vignettes of sample bathrooms to compete for your interest.  I spoke to a photographer (a real paid one … shoots naked people internationally and everything) who likes to design his own spaces too, and as he searches for a new combo live-work studio space, he’s freaking out at all the choices.  Seeing this Kohler showroom, you’ll nod and think, “I get that.”

Crowd 2

Of course you can count on me to be a bit of a boob. Sooooo, I’m in the kitchen sink area and got to chatting with some rando badgeless guy from Kohler (I asked if he worked there). I figure some shmoe, maybe a product manager or sales guy — no biggie.  And there’s me blabbering on about which sinks I like and which don’t work for me.  Turns out, before CEO Kohler is done talking, he introduces a few people on his team — yup, I was prattling to the head of global design.

Swave and de-boner … that’s me!

Remember:  High-rises, HOAs and renovation are my beat. But I also appreciate modern and historical architecture balanced against the YIMBY movement.  If you’re interested in hosting a Candysdirt.com Staff Meeting event, I’m your guy. In 2016, my writing was recognized with Bronze and Silver awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors.  Have a story to tell or a marriage proposal to make?  Shoot me an email [email protected].

Jon Anderson is CandysDirt.com's condo/HOA and developer columnist, but also covers second home trends on SecondShelters.com. An award-winning columnist, Jon has earned silver and bronze awards for his columns from the National Association of Real Estate Editors in both 2016, 2017 and 2018. When he isn't in Hawaii, Jon enjoys life in the sky in Dallas.

1 Comment

  1. Joy on April 24, 2017 at 3:31 pm

    Jon, you’re too funny. Sounds like a fun and interesting event. Bravo to Dallas for landing this showroom.

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