KBIS 2010 - kitchen pros share their product picks

Since I didn't get to attend this year's Kitchen/Bath Industry Show, I asked the pros who did to share their favorite new products with Gold Notes readers. I greatly appreciate their taking the time to let us know what they loved.

Here are some KBIS 2010 finds that I particularly enjoyed learning about from these friends and colleagues. What do you think? Please share your thoughts in our comments section below.


"The item I most wanted to throw in my bag and take home was Barbara Barry's Crystal Wall Sconces. They were just stunning. They are not really a kitchen and bath product but lighting is part of making a room look finished."

Barbara Barry's Counterpoint Crystal Sconce for Kallista

Ann Porter, CKD
Kitchen Designer and Blogger
KitchAnn Style
Kitchen Studio of Naples


"One of my favorite new products from the show was Kingston's Air Elegance Body Dryer Systems. The user has total control over the air's heat and intensity and can dry off without a towel in a minute or so."

Air Elegance Body Dryer by Kingston

Steve Kleber, Design Industry Marketer and Blogger
Marketing Home Products
Kleber & Associates


"Hard to pick one favorite. Maybe the LED backlit shelf by EFI."

Backlit shelves by EFI

Mike Springer, Kitchen Designer and Blogger
Kitchen Perspective
St. Louis Kitchen and Bath


"I can answer all of your questions with two words: Jenn-Air. I think they stole the show with their new premium products. Subzero/Wolf and Viking better move over. Highlights: intuitive double ovens (won most innovative product by KBB for 2009) and built-in refrigeration[that] can meet the demands of buyers of other premium brands, not to mention, the new duct-free downdraft cooktop."

Double Wall Ovens by Jenn-Air

Morton Block, CMKBD, IIDA, Kitchen Designer and Industry Trainer
Morton Block Associates


"Out of all the wonderful things I saw in Chicago, what stands out for me is the new PuraVida collection from Hansgrohe. It's a study in serenity and the cool white and chrome exteriors hide a wealth of innovations and efficiencies. By far, my favorite component in this collection and my hands-down favorite new [KBIS 2010] product is the hand-held shower. I'm around new kitchen and bath stuff all the time and rarely do I come down with a case of I must have this. This is one of those rare occasions."

PuraVida series by Hansgrohe

Paul Anater, Kitchen Designer and Blogger
Kitchen and Residential Design


"One find that I thought was great was a Bamboo farm sink from Lenova Sinks. It's a great look to be incorporated into a transitional or contemporary kitchen while being earth friendly."

Bamboo Farmhouse Sink from Lenova Sinks

Diane Bohstedt, Kitchen Designer and Blogger
The Kitchen and Bath Project
Cabinets at Danada


Check back next week for more KBIS coverage! And take a look at the KBIS 2010 Best of Show winner, covered on Gold Notes last week.

TOP BATH PRODUCTS FROM KBIS 2008

Every year, the leading companies in the kitchen and bath industry gather for the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show, the largest gathering of manufacturers, dealers and designers in North America. This year, the National Kitchen & Bath Association, which produces KBIS, decided to feature official bloggers to cover the show as it occurred. I was one of those bloggers. My beat was "luxury products," and I reported the show as it happened on Glam.com.

I’m looking beyond the luxury market for my own blog to products that could benefit any of our homes. Last week, I brought you the best of KBIS kitchens. Here's the scoop on KBIS bath products.


TOUCH-FREE FAUCETS

When I covered the International Builders Show in 2007, I spotted the same types of touch-free sensor faucets that one often uses in public restrooms showing up there for the residential market. They make great sense for home use, both from the avoidance of germ spread and for their potential water savings. They’re also great for those with arthritis, Parkinsons and other ailments that impact hand flexibility.

The problem was, the styles shown at IBS looked like they belonged in public restrooms, not in someone’s home. That deficit was clearly overcome at KBIS this year, and fashionable sensor faucets showed up in almost every plumbing booth. Shown here: Axor Starck X Electronic Faucet with Temp Control from Hansgrohe.

DUAL FLUSH TOILETS

Again, these are not new introductions this year, but very much in keeping with one of the dominant trends of KBIS 2008: environmentally-friendly products. If you’re not familiar with the dual flush concept, here’s a brief explanation: Standard flushing uses a lower water ration than our current standard, and is suitable for liquid/paper flushes. The alternate flushing mode uses a higher water allotment, comparable to our current standard, for bulk needs. Dual flush toilets may become code mandated in future years as fresh water supplies dwindle further and droughts threaten even more areas. The good news is, you don’t need to sacrifice style while saving water. More manufacturers are introducing dual flush models into their designer suites. Shown here: Kohler’s Saile Dual Flush Toilet.

NATIVE TRAILS BASINS

I love the hammered metal looks of the Native Trails product line. They evoke both contemporary and classic elegance and come in copper or silver finishes. I can definitely see myself incorporating one of their lavs in upcoming client projects. (They also make a line of tubs, bar and kitchen sinks.) Shown here: Tatra Basin in Antique Finish.

KOHLER BELAY

One of my design specialties is Aging-in-Place, which seeks to make spaces more accessible, comfortable and safer for older residents wanting to remain in their own homes. The image that comes to mind when you mention Aging-in-Place or Universal Design is a nursing home with white plastic grab bars. Not for my clients! I go more for Resort Spa than Rehab Hospital, and Kohler’s new integrated Belay grab rail system fits right into that plan. The front can be tiled to match the rest of the shower, tub or toilet area. The top edge is made to match the most popular Kohler finishes. It’s the grab bar system for clients who don’t like the look of grab bars. Shown here: Kohler 30” Belay with Brushed Silver edge.

HANSA COLOURSHOWER

If bath time in your family is a daily struggle, maybe adding some color to the experience will speed things along. The Hansa Colourshower lets your kids–or your spouse!–choose their favorite colors to shower with, as well as choose from variable pressure settings. The handheld body sprayer is super-convenient, as is the soap dispenser. You might want one of these for the kids’ bath and your own.

CAESARSTONE CONCETTO QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know that I’m a quartz countertops enthusiast. One of my favorite versions of the product literally stopped me in my tracks at KBIS 2008. It’s a jeweled version from Caesarstone, one of the leading manufacturers of engineered stone tops and the only one I know of that offers a limited lifetime warranty on its countertop material. Called Concetto, this gorgeous stone would enhance any master bath or powder room. Best of all: while giving a high-powered impression, it's a low-maintenance beauty. Take a look for yourself! Shown Here: Blue Agate.

BAMBOO BASINS

I love the natural beauty of bamboo, and enjoyed seeing it in lavatories at KBIS 2008, rather than in its more common flooring application. Pair it with a soapstone, concrete or honed granite countertop for a knock-out powder room! Shown here: Solid Bamboo Vessel Sink from Totally Bamboo.

GRAFF LUNA FAUCETS

Tying into KBIS 2008's other major trend - modern style - is Graff's Luna faucet series. I featured it in the Bathing Beauties' Style File this summer, include it in my Amazon Gold list (so you can buy it easily for your own home!), and mention it here again. I can definitely see a Luna lav faucet in a show-stopping powder room. Can't you?

BATHROOM BONUS!

You probably don't think about washers and dryers when the word 'bathroom' is mentioned. Imagine for a moment, though, how incredibly convenient it would be to have a washer and dryer located where the pool towels pile up, or where the kids' hamper sits, or where your own clothes hang for convenient laundry day handling. Asko's new washer/dryer set can be installed virtually anywhere you have a water hook-up and power, as it doesn't need to be vented and has "shock absorbers" built in for second-floor placement. If you're planning a bathroom remodel, you might want to consider whether a second washer/dryer in your home would save your back and legs from lugging laundry baskets around the house. Many of the new home projects I've been involved with in the past couple of years have second/upstairs laundry rooms. This panel-ready set allows you to have that convenience, cleverly camouflaged in your bathroom or walk-in closet. (There are some nifty add-ons -- like a built-in ironing board -- available, too in its HiddenHelpers line.) If you're concerned that adding a second washer/dryer pair will hike your utility bills too high, Asko is known for its water and energy efficiency. Given that fact, and its more convenient location closer to the laundry source, you might find yourself using these more than your older set and actually lowering your costs! (Hmm, what alternate uses might that laundry room serve...)

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you're interested in more information about any of these products not furnished here or on the company's web sites, please let me know. I may be able to get your questions answered through my manufacturers' contacts.

Also, if you live in the Tampa, Florida area, feel free to contact me to run some local comparison pricing for you. I do long-distance consulting on fixture planning, too, but not price comparisons out of area. Feel free to contact me at (813) 810-0467 or jamie@jgkitchens.com.

TOP KITCHEN PRODUCTS FROM KBIS 2008

Every year, the leading companies in the kitchen and bath industry gather for the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show, the largest gathering of manufacturers, dealers and designers in North America. This year, the National Kitchen & Bath Association, which produces KBIS, decided to feature official bloggers to cover the show as it occurred. I was one of those bloggers. My beat was "luxury products."

This posting extends beyond the luxury market, though, to products that could benefit any of our kitchens. Here are those I feel are the most helpful, and fill the greatest need.

THERMADOR'S RECIRCULATING DOWNDRAFT

The first is Thermador's recirculating unit for its downdraft ventilation system. While downdrafts and recirculating models are less powerful than a conventional hood vented outdoors, this is a good solution for condo kitchens with island cooktops where outside venting isn't an option. I had one of those projects earlier this year and was delighted to find this solution at the show. Sister company, Bosch, is also offering a recirculating unit for its downdrafts. They're expected to be available by the end of August 2008.


MIELE RETRACTABLE HOOD

Here's another innovation in cooking ventilation systems from Miele. This one elevates when not in use. It is ideal for open plan kitchens with killer views, that would be partially obstructed by a standard hood. Shown here: Model DA424 is scheduled for October or November 2008 release.



COUNTERTOP-MOUNTED POT FILLER

These are not a new introduction, but nonetheless merit a mention as they've more than proved their value, and showed up at most of the fixture companies' booths. They are ideal for an island-based cooktop or range, where a wall-mounted pot-filler won't work. Shown: Hansgrohe's Talis S Pot Filler, Deck-Mounted.

VIKING'S INDUCTION RANGE

Just about every appliance manufacturer was showing an induction cooktop at KBIS. Viking was the only one I spotted with an induction range in the works. This is ideal for homeowners who want to replace appliances, not cabinets. The new induction range, expected at the end of this year or early 2009, can fit in the same spot as a 30-inch gas or electric range, and save you money on your utility bills. For more induction advantages, please see my earlier posting on this topic. If you'd like a sneak peak at the KBIS-displayed range prototype, you can click here at my KBIS Blog - Day One entry and scroll down three snapshots to see the photograph I took at the Viking booth.


KUPPERBUSCH'S INDUCTION WOK

While on the subject of induction cooking which, by now, you know I heartily endorse, this induction wok from German manufacturer, Kuppersbusch, is a great kitchen addition for those who enjoy stir-fry.



GE PROFILE'S SINGLE/DOUBLE WALL OVEN

If you'd love to have a double oven, but have a space-challenged kitchen, you'll love this innovation from GE Profile. It allows you to cook in two ovens while only using the space requirements of one. The larger, lower oven can accommodate a 22-pound turkey, while the upper one cooks side dishes. This is the perfect holiday helper, and is expected to debut October 2008.

DISHWASHER INNOVATIONS

Asko introduced two dishwasher innovations: a third rack for low-profile items like bowls and a special rack for extra glasses. Electrolux added a light to the interior of their dishwasher, which is handy if you drop something in the bottom after a late-night snack attack.


FISHER & PAYKEL'S COOLDRAWER

Fisher & Paykel, the folks who energized the dishwasher category with their double drawer model several years ago, have come up with something new, unique and very convenient. It’s a refrigerator. It’s a freezer. You set the temperature for your current need, then change it in the future if those needs changed. This versatile, single drawer-based appliance can live in your cooking zone under a cooktop, so no more carrying a slab of ribs across the kitchen. I can see this chiller also working well in a catering kitchen, a Kosher kitchen, (which frowns on dairy fraternizing with meat), a wheelchair-user’s kitchen, given its upper drawer placement, and my next kitchen, too.



MIELE'S REMOTEVISION TECHNOLOGY REFRIGERATORS

Imagine if your refrigerator alerted you if one of its doors was left open, (or if there was a malfunction threatening your perishables). You don't have to imagine any longer. Miele's new RemoteVision technology will do that for you. It won't tell you which son or daughter left the fridge open, but at least you'll know to phone home and get someone to close it! Shown below: One of Miele's refrigerator/freezer models with RemoteVision -- KF 1901 SF.

COMING SOON

Look for an upcoming "Top Bathroom Products from KBIS 2008" posting.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you're interested in more information about any of these appliances not furnished here or on the company's web sites, please let me know. I may be able to get your questions answered through my manufacturers' contacts.

Also, if you live in the Tampa, Florida area, feel free to contact me to run some local comparison pricing for you. I do long-distance consulting on appliance planning, too, but not price comparisons out of area. Feel free to contact me at (813) 810-0467 or jamie@jgkitchens.com.