Delta is the alpha and omega of plumbing – Lowell Sun

This week was a whirlwind of product plumbing-fixture overload — in a good way.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to Ferguson Enterprises Customer Experience at the Delta Faucet Headquarters in Indianapolis. From day one — meeting other industry professionals at the airport to Delta’s hospitality — 180 attendees from around the country were given the royal treatment and sought after to provide their opinions on new development for the company’s product.

Day one was full of presenters, including Rachel Weise of Delta and Courtney Scharf of Trend Hunter. Delta’s design inspiration comes from travel through world cities. Everything from architecture inspiration to napkin sketches to hitting the shelf is considered.

Design trends for 2020 were forecast. All types of styles were noted.

“Cozy Modern,” described as an edited eclectic, would be polished and casual and explained as a lux shed painted black. One would see a symmetry, with no flat facades on homes.

It was interesting to hear of the “Mood Makers,” described as baby boomers who listen to their grandchildren’s style and trends as they want to be hip and cool. In this style, there is no perfection. They want natural materials, not sterilization. Colors seen making a comeback include terra-cotta, and pattern imperfection, such as geometric but rustic, and gold-brushed and blurred.

The ranch house is coming back, but in a modern way, with multiple facades, and will be described as hill country modern or modern ranch. This was called the “Cultural Anthropologist.”

Another style trend discussed is “Eclectic Lavish,” described as self-indulging, with a retro ’70s look and feel, but portrayed in fun ways — warm gold tones, animal prints, glazed shine and more masculine.

There are the “Conscious Mixers.” Taking time for yourself and finding a disconnect from the 24/7 trend of technology. This is described as the millennials in the future. Home style is modern farmhouse or simple craftsman cottage.

The “Energized Historian” trend is finding truth in materials that have a history — finding that traditions are fun and tell a story. This will be seen in wallpapers, mixing of metals, new finishes and moody metals.

All these styles are trends taken back from world travel. With this information, the engineers at Delta begin to develop product for the future.

Day two began with an impressive trip to the Delta Faucet Headquarters, a beautiful and grand white facility with clean lines that impressed all visitors. As 180 guests entered the building and gathered at the atrium waterfall, employees clapped in appreciation. It was announced that everyone would be given a free BRIZO, a Delta touch faucet, to select as a gift four our participation. The tour included Delta and BRIZO showrooms, where guests could physically test the products, from faucets to rain showers.

Day three provided another wealth of information. Delta’s research-and-development team presented options for new products and features for feedback from the group. From touch to voice features on their faucets to bottle washers and programmable showers that coordinate the start with your alarm clock, the creative minds at Delta never stop.
Having experienced the Delta Customer Experience with the Ferguson Enterprises Customer Experience was amazing, and to see and hear how their products come to life was intriguing.

Delta Faucet Company’s generosity, hospitality and appreciation were incredible.

Ferguson Enterprises has 1,500 locations and more than 270 showrooms at which to view product for the home. It also stocks 3 million SKUs and stocks the most Delta product in the world.

Debbe Daley is owner and principal of Debbe Daley Designs with offices in Lowell, Boston and Portsmouth, N.H. Debbe can be reached at www.daleydesigns.com.

www.vigafaucet.com