Kohler, founded in 1873 and one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies, with more than 40,000 associates and in excess of 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, is celebrating 150 years of innovation, superior design, quality workmanship, and unmatched customer service, all aimed at customers whose unabashed creativity means that they are unafraid of bold encounters. This is a community of creators serving a community of creators.
In 2023 Kohler has been unveiling many collaborations with creators such as its association with Index Design Talks and Power Panels with Commercial Interior Design. Q4 will be even more impactful with an association with Index Saudi Arabia on its Design Talks followed by the Middle East Design Awards with CID and downtown design collaboration with NADA DEBS. These are coupled with an enhanced footprint in the Kingdom, with multiple showroom openings throughout the year. These collaborations fit organically with Kohler’s philosophy and its endeavor to champion creators throughout the Middle East and the world.
Kohler at Index Design
Kohler is all set to enthrall its audience once again at the Index Design Week in Riyadh, while continuing to celebrate 150 years of innovation and design excellence. Following the resounding success of the 2022 edition of Index in Saudi Arabia, this three-day event captivated attendees with inspirational and thought-provoking design.
Mr. Olivier Lefebvre, President – EMEA at Kohler Co., explained: “From innovative smart products to luxury hospitality, Kohler has been at the forefront of design and technology for 150 years. ‘Believing in better’ is our guiding philosophy. We continuously push the envelope, striving to champion creators that will shape the next 150 years. As one of the prime partners in the Index Design Talks, as well as being an exhibitor at the show, we forged connections and inspired and were inspired by the community of creators, developers, designers, and architects.”
Guided by its unwavering dedication to expertise and innovative approaches, Kohler is proud to co-sponsor the Index Design Talks, which align seamlessly with its mission to provide a platform where diverse voices are heard, new ideas are embraced, and innovative concepts take root.
The company was also pleased to collaborate with its ‘surfaces’ partner Cosentino to create its installation at Index Saudi using Dekton – the advanced ultra-compact stone. The vanity countertop clad in elegant marble-inspired Dekton Rem and shower display constructed using travertine like Dekton Marmorio from the Pietra Kode collection are functionally aesthetic elements of the Kohler mini universe created for this fair.
Kohler Arts/Industry Program
2023 and 2024 are exciting years for Kohler as it is launching collections in its now iconic Artist Editions, reliving heritage products in The Bold Colors of Kohler, in additionto expanding with new design languages in faucets and fixtures while introducing new finishes and integrating technology seamlessly into its products. For example, the Salute Artist Edition is a round glass vessel that takes cues from a Champagne coupe glass. Meanwhile, The Yepsen Glass Sink is reminiscent of the carved textures on marble and architectural facades, while the Aureus Artist Edition Sink features bold veins and subtle hints of gold, finding inspiration in both the natural veining pattern of marble and Kintsukuroi, the process of fixing pottery with gold, silver, or platinum.
Since its inception 150 years ago, the company has operated on the belief that artistry – provocative and meaningful – is as essential to its success as innovative design and quality materials. Working to create a connection between these worlds of art and industry, Kohler launched the Arts/Industry artist residency program in 1974. Unparalleled in reputation, the international residency has hosted over 500 artists from over 25 countries. The artists work side-by-side with Kohler Associates and actively engage the factory’s pottery, foundry, enamel, and plating facilities.
“Kohler is dedicated to creating a space for the cross-section of artistry and craftsmanship in our industry,” says Laura Kohler, Chief Sustainability and Diversity Officer for Kohler Co. “This new Artist Editions collection celebrates women of exceptional talent and diverse backgrounds.”
Kohler’s Artist Editions products date back nearly four decades and bring beauty to everyday rituals, pushing boundaries of decorative processes and material sets, and helping consumers express personal style in their spaces. Inspired by marrying visual art with manufacturing craftsmanship, Artist Editions sinks, bathtubs, and toilets are adorned with beautiful textures, intricate patterns, abstract illustrations, and picturesque landscapes. The offering also showcases Kohler’s innovative use of specialty glazes and refined materials.
Believing in Better: Better Planet, Better Communities, Better Lives
Believing in Better is Kohler’s sustainability and social impact strategy and is based on the company’s operating philosophy that its best can always be better – for the planet, people, communities, and business. Believing in Better has three pillars: Better Planet, Better Communities, and Better Lives. Through each of these pillars, Kohler works to develop products and programs that will have a meaningful impact, not only for its business, but for the communities it serves, and for the lives of the people who use its products.