Loren Kessell

Creative Content Associate

United States

I am currently a social media and creative content associate for a trade association.

Portfolio

NKBA Newsfeed

NKBA
Chapter News: Columbia River on Careers - NKBA

It's easy for new design professionals to feel that working at a firm may be their only option, but what if some of them also have a love of hands-on work, or working within a specific area, like fixtures? How do they get there?

NKBA
The NKBA List: 3 Tips for Running a Successful Business - NKBA

NKBA's annual Chapter Officer Training Program to strengthen and honor a network of dedicated members provides a tremendous resource for the Association's leadership at the local level. Officers from 70 chapters across North America convene just before the start of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show to celebrate their accomplishments, learn valuable information and break out into role-specific groups to learn more about their positions.

NKBA
The NKBA List: 4 Top Engineered Surface Trends - NKBA

Sometimes, it's what's on the outside that matters. In a world of varying surface options, it's hard to pinpoint the perfect choice for every client. NKBA spoke to some experts about options and what's hot in the man-made material sphere. Here's what they had to say: 1.

NKBA
The NKBA List: Four Sizzlin' Outdoor Kitchen Trends - NKBA

Summertime means BBQing and entertaining. Outdoor kitchens serve up kitchen necessities with natural ambiance, and they're ideal for cookout season. NKBA asked experts to identify the hot trends for outdoor spaces. Here's what they had to say. 1. Durable and Sustainable Design Consumers are looking for designs that are both durable and environmentally conscious.

NKBA
The Key to Happiness - NKBA

On a sunny May Sunday in Harmony Twp., N.J., crowds of people gathered at Nicole Banfield's new home. It was a long journey, but the Warren County Habitat for Humanity dedication day finally arrived. Family, friends and volunteers took turns touring the completed home and congratulating the new homeowners.

NKBA
The NKBA List: 5 Ways to Connect - NKBA

Smart Home Tech and Design Taking the fear and mystery out of home technology. By Loren Kessell Smart home technology shows continued growth, and consumers want to include it in their kitchen and bathroom projects. An expert group discussed making integrating tech into designs more approachable to clients during a panel sponsored by Control4 and moderated by Jill Waage, editor in chief of Traditional Home.

NKBA
Building a New Future - NKBA

By Loren Kessell Las Vegas was coated with snow and abnormally chilly as wind ripped through the city, but a brigade of buses still pulled up to the Las Vegas Convention Center, bringing 150 Clark County school district students to KBIS for a special event.

NKBA
NKBA to Host Middle School Competition - NKBA

Middle school students are learning about career paths in the skilled trades and K&B-related professions as part of the NKBA NextUp initiative. By Loren Kessell The NKBA is working to generate awareness around the skilled labor shortage, and one of the best places to start is in schools.

NKBA
The NKBA List: 3 Ways Technology Elevates Wellness Design - NKBA

With smart-home technology continually on the rise, the question of how it affects wellness is on a lot of minds. People are pushing to disconnect in a fast-paced world, and, somewhat ironically, smart-home technology affords useful applications to this end. In general, there is an increase in appliances such as steam ovens and technology that can help eliminate toxins.

NKBA
The NKBA List: 5 Things That Make Events Successful - NKBA

Event planning requires careful thought and planning that is sometimes overlooked. Lauren Caselli, founder and CEO of Lauren Caselli Events in Bozeman, Montana, believes that dinner parties possess the ability to change the world.

NKBA
Small Budget, Big Design - NKBA

In this technological age, consumers can access everything with a quick web search and a click of a button. The internet has made it easy for people working within a strict budget to find cost-effective ways to design their spaces, but oftentimes, they don't realize the value of hiring a designer.

NKBA
The NKBA List: 8 Ways to Set Your Projects Apart - NKBA

There's no shortage of beautiful designs in the kitchen and bath industry, so it's important to perfect a passion and the craft. NKBA member and NKBA Design Competition Winner Lauren Levant, owner of Lauren Levant Interior, shared how to increase originality during a recent NKBA webinar entitled, "Breakthrough Kitchens and Baths - Setting Your Projects Apart."

NKBA
Smarter Kitchens on the Horizon

A few takeaways from Milan's mega trade show, EuroCucina. By Loren Kessell Imagine cooking at the touch of projected button or interacting with a robotic personal chef. Seem like a scene out of a sci-fi movie?

NKBA
The NKBA List: Cabinetry Trends and 2019 Forecast

Efficiency and beauty characterize cabinet trends heading into next year. By Loren Kessell Today's kitchen serves way more than just delicious meals. It has evolved into a space for entertaining, checking email, doing homework, paying bills, and so much more.

NKBA
The NKBA List: Top 4 Finishes for Appliances and Fixtures - NKBA

Finishes live up to their namesake and establish cohesiveness in a space. They add personality to integral appliances and fixtures. Creating a finish is a rigorous process that involves extensive research and studying current trends to forecast what could be successful. Following research is engineering and testing, and then getting the final product out to the market.

NKBA
A School District Builds Programs from the Ground Up - NKBA

As the skilled labor shortage affecting the kitchen and bath design and remodeling industry intensifies, the importance of building a foundation for skilled trades increases. On a cold Friday this month, the NKBA visited Warren Hills Regional High School in Washington, N.J., to meet with two innovative students already exploring both building and smart-home technology.

NKBA
Small Budget, Big Design

Designers discuss how they make great environments possible without breaking the bank. By Loren Kessell In this technological age, consumers can access everything with a quick web search and a click of a button.

NKBA
The NKBA List: 8 Ways to Set Your Projects Apart

Lauren Levant encourages those in the industry to find their "why." By Loren Kessell There's no shortage of beautiful designs in the kitchen and bath industry, so it's important to perfect a passion and the craft.

NKBA
Seeing Green: The Push for Sustainable Design

Some tips to implement eco-friendly practices. By Loren Kessell Imagine reducing a home's carbon footprint. With the recent shift toward greener, sustainable design, it is now more than ever an attainable goal. Homeowners are looking for more energy-efficient upgrades to cut costs and improve their quality of life while increasing the home's value.

NKBA
The Member Advantage: Adam Gibson, CMKBD

Gibson, a veteran member and local chapter officer, talks about the importance of a complete NKBA Profile - By Loren Kessell Longtime members are NKBA's backbone, and they grow with the association. Adam Gibson, CMKBD, has been a part of the association since 2003.

NKBA
The Member Advantage: Danielle Burger, CKBD

The exposure afforded by a solid NKBA profile and professional development are key to helping Danielle Burger's business grow. By Loren Kessell In an industry where beautiful designs are abundant, establishing brand visibility is important.

NKBA
Dreams All Around: Habitat Family Selects Winning Designs - NKBA

The Warren County Habitat for Humanity beneficiary family chose its kitchen and bath designs and crowned the Student Design Competition winners. By Loren Kessell On a rainy Friday night in Washington, N.J., Nicole Banfield chose her dream kitchen and bathroom with support from her daughter, Sage, and other family members who'd gathered to cheer on the winning designs.

NKBA
Cooking Up Design

By Loren Kessell As a young girl, Aimee Inouye ventured through showrooms with her mother, who was on the quest for her "dream kitchen." Now, Aimee is the one designing dream kitchens.

NKBA
Blue Chip

From start to finish, this Thirty Under 30 exudes passion. By Loren Kessell Lindsay Cerilli, one of NKBA's 2018 Thirty Under 30 honorees, knew she wanted to be in the architecture and interior design business since she was six.

NKBA
The Great Outdoors

A designer brings her award-winning style to Belize, and talks about what makes a great outdoor space. By Loren Kessell The warmer weather that's starting to blanket more of the U.S. has many homeowners turning their attention from snow shovels to barbeque tools.

NKBA
Getting to Know a Thirty Under 30

Tyler Swartzmiller of Columbus, Ohio, is one of this year's honorees. By Loren Kessell The right blend of confidence and passion is Tyler Swartzmiller's recipe for success.

NKBA
Do the Math

Designer Young Huh captures the "Essence" of geometry in a new tile collection in collaboration with AKDO. By Loren Kessell On Feb.

NKBA
"Products of the Future" Go Green and Healthy

NKBA's Thirty Under 30 Class of 2018 presented innovative kitchen ideas with an emphasis on healthy eating. By: Loren Kessell A stovetop with a built-in drain? An herb garden in the fridge? Bluetooth tracking of expiration dates?

NKBA
Kicking Back In The Backyard

By Loren Kessell Every day, designers create beautiful indoor kitchens, but more people are bringing that functionality outside, too. During KBIS in 2017, The Backyard was unveiled to highlight these outdoor kitchens.

Kitchen & Bath Business Magazine

Kitchen & Bath Business
09/13/2019
NKBA's Picks for Thirty Under 30 2020 Class | Kitchen & Bath Business

Every year, the new class is tasked with a mission to be completed during the show. The incoming honorees will scour the show floor to identify the "best of" products and innovations in categories, to select the second annual 30s Choice Awards.

Kitchen & Bath Business
05/15/2019
NKBA to Host Middle School Competition | Kitchen & Bath Business

The NKBA is working to generate awareness around the skilled labor shortage, and one of the best places to start is in schools. As part of the NKBA NextUp program, Warren Hills Regional Middle School in Washington, N.J., received a $5,000 grant to make two programs a reality.

Kitchen & Bath Business
08/16/2018
The NKBA List: Cabinetry Trends and 2019 Forecast | Kitchen & Bath Business

Today's kitchen serves way more than just delicious meals. It has evolved into a space for entertaining, checking email, doing homework, paying bills and much more. Its décor has to reflect its multifunctional duties as well as the myriad design options in the marketplace and connection to adjacent rooms in open floorplans.

Kitchen & Bath Business
07/12/2018
Member Advantages | Kitchen & Bath Business

By Loren Kessell, NKBA Sometimes the need for a career change and passion for the kitchen and bath industry meld together to ignite someone's spark. Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, and a member of KBB's Editorial Advisory Board, is one of those people. She is celebrating her 20th year in the kitchen and bath industry and as...

The Outbound

Theoutbound
11/06/2016
Explore the Great Falls of the Passaic River

Getting to the Great Falls of the Passaic River is a relatively straight shot. It is located off exit 57B on Route 80 which is also accessible from highway 287.

Only In Your State

OnlyInYourState
03/31/2016
Everyone Should Visit These 12 Great Music Venues In New Jersey

Starland Ballroom is a beloved venue that first opened in 2003. In November 2012, Hurricane Sandy damaged it, and the venue had to close for 10 months. It reopened in September 2013, and they have been getting amazing acts coming through again ever since. This venue became a part of New Jersey in 1922.

OnlyInYourState
03/23/2016
10 Breweries And Brew Pubs You Should Visit In New Jersey

There is something to be said about enjoying a brew after a long day at work or at a new spot with friends. New Jersey is home to several breweries and brew pubs with more on the way. Our small state is known for its music scene and shoreline, but now it is getting attention for its craft beer, too.

The Aquarian

The Aquarian Weekly
Made Violent: Made Violent EP

Recently, rock band Made Violent experienced rising fame. The Buffalo, New York, natives found themselves on the stage for the CMJ Music Marathon in October and South By Southwest in Austin, Texas, in March. The band propelled into the spotlight after the release of its song "Wasted Days," and the momentum's built ever since.

The Express-Times

lehighvalleylive.com
Hackettstown reveals elementary school realignment plan

By Loren Kessell | For lehighvalleylive.com In 2013, Hackettstown's school board determined the need to restructure the district. The search for a solution continued until Thursday, when the board revealed the decision: Willow Grove and Hatchery Hill elementary schools will remain neighborhood-based, with a shift in the boundary line being the only change.

Lehighvalleylive
Hackettstown school district considering reorganization plan

Special to lehighvalleylive.com Hackettstown residents currently send their children to either the Hatchery Hill or Willow Grove elementary schools, but school re-organization in the Hackettstown School District is on the horizon. Where students attend school is based on where they live in town, and the Hackettstown school board has expressed a need to equalize the spread of students in the schools.

Lehighvalleylive
Warren Hills High School senior planning humanitarian trip to Haiti

Special to lehighvalleylive.com Haiti is a nation of enduring poverty with most Haitians living in simple cement homes that sprawl up the mountainsides. And living conditions in the tiny Caribbean nation are a mystery to most, according to a Warren Hills Regional High School student who visited the island in January.

Lehighvalleylive
Hackettstown school board approves high school lacrosse program

For lehighvalleylive.com The Hackettstown school board Wednesday agreed to create a high school lacrosse program that will start playing this spring. "I'm excited for lacrosse to come to Hackettstown," Superintendent David Mango said. "It's been a long road. I'm happy it's here."

Lehighvalleylive
Hackettstown High School implements Saturday detention program

By Loren Kessell For The Express-Times Gone are the days when detention at Hackettstown High School meant missing class. Now, students will spend their weekends thinking about what they did wrong. When the new school year begins Wednesday, the district will implement a Saturday detention program at the high school as an alternative to in-school suspension.

Lehighvalleylive
Hackettstown officials trying to tame Warren Street traffic

For The Express-Times While youth football players run through drills and cheerleaders practice routines for the upcoming season, cars line nearby Warren Street in Hackettstown with motorists barely leaving enough space between bumpers and drivers making abrupt k-turns. Surrounding athletic fields and Warren Street's limited parking result in people idling in the middle of the street, blocked driveways and congestion.

Lehighvalleylive
Washington father shares Boy Scout camp memories with sons

For The Express-Times It was 1983 when Andrew Turner hiked through the mountains of New Mexico with his twin brother and uncle. "I was on my uncle's last trek," Turner said. "I finally got back there ... this place leaves a mark on you."

Lehighvalleylive
Hackettstown School District considering lacrosse program

For The Express-Times Hackettstown is teeming with sports opportunities, but it's looking to add something new -- lacrosse. With Hackettstown School District officials considering whether to establish a lacrosse program, a group of community organizers is working to create a youth program to supply players to a high school team.

Lehighvalleylive
Passport to Hackettstown Restaurant Week returns Thursday

By LOREN KESSELL For The Express-Times Hackettstown's local restaurant scene is budding with new options that will satisfy foodies' taste buds with offerings from bubble tea to Indian dishes. The Hackettstown Business Improvement District is hosting the second annual Passport to Hackettstown Restaurant Week, which starts Thursday and continues through July 28.

Lehighvalleylive
Orange Crate Derby racers take to the streets of Washington

Parents unloaded miniature cars this morning under a sky of gray clouds, but despite the promise of rain, participants in Washington's annual Orange Crate Derby still took to the borough's streets. The derby was part of Washington Celebrates America, an all-day Fourth of July event that marks the holiday and also includes a parade and fireworks.

Examiner.com

Examiner
09/23/2014
Senses Fail celebrates album's 10-year anniversary at Starland Ballroom

There are some albums that leave an impression on listeners beyond their conception, and Senses Fail's "Let It Enfold You" is a prime example. The New Jersey-based post-hardcore band is touring in honor of the album's 10-year anniversary. On Saturday, Sept. 20 they returned to home turf for a sold-out show at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey.

The Warren Reporter and The New Jersey Herald