Product Innovator Awards from KBIS 2020!
For the next few weeks, I’m going to introduce (and comment on, of course) some products that were voted as some of the most innovative products around by a panel of kitchen and bath industry professionals earlier this year at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. As this show was held earlier this year, it was an in-person and not virtual event! Here are some of my favorites:
- First Place for Kitchen Innovation is Fotile’s 3-in-1 In-Sink Dishwasher! Just take a look at how cool this is.
Not only is it a sink and dishwasher all in one place, but you can also wash produce in the dishwasher! Not while you’re washing dishes, of course. This would be fabulous for a tiny kitchen, bar area, butler’s pantry or 2nd kitchen!
- Second place for Kitchen Innovation is GE’s Café Quad Door Refrigerator. It’s a 4-door refrigerator with a convertible temperature zone that offers the flexibility to store different foods in different seasons. There’s a compartment that can double as a freezer when you need more freezer space, a wipeable glass-overlay surface for jotting your list while standing at the fridge and has a fingerprint free finish. Additionally, I like the integrated pocket handles as a space-saving feature when opening the door in tight spaces.
- Second place for Bath Innovation is Kohler’s Eir Intelligent Toilet. If you want the only the best for your tush, this is the toilet for you. It features a sleek tankless design with an optional rose gold or gold decorative ring around the lid for you design fans. It also backs up to the wall so the plumbing and electrical connections are hidden. Again, sleek design. There’s a UV sanitizing wand that delivers an electrolyzed water spray to clean the surfaces, hands-free opening and closing, adjustable and customizable water sprays, a heated seat, and night light. On the “green” side of things, it offers dual flush modes for water conservation. You can even adjust all of the cleansing properties with a remote control. A must-have for anyone who wants the ultimate in their bathroom experience!
The Fresh Designs in Freestanding Tubs
Between the hustle-bustle work world and the love-filled but hectic activities of our family lives, sometimes we just need to unplug. How many of us have staked a “no trespassing” rule around a private hour in the sanctity of our baths? Ah, the simple pleasure of a hot soak stretched out in the tub, a warm washcloth folded over your eyes, scented oils soothing both your skin and your olfactory senses – that’s a slice of paradise.
Unfortunately, anyone who has attempted to achieve that perfect soak in a traditional tub/shower combo knows it often leaves your neck at an uncomfortable angle and your legs folded up awkwardly.
Enter the freestanding tub. Large, freestanding soaking tubs are gaining popularity both for the comfort and the beauty of the designs. A gorgeous freestanding tub can be a breathtaking focal point in your bathroom design. Here are some of the best designs available in a whole range of beautiful styles and materials:
This traditional beauty from MTI Baths is gently sloped and wonderfully roomy, just right for wiling away a blissful hour gazing out the window. We just used this tub in a recent client project and it turned out heavenly. (Stay tuned for images on the finished project soon!)
Here’s a graceful Italian update to the always romantic slipper bath from Zucchettikos:
This gorgeous oval cast iron bathtub with burnished finish is from the Margaux Collection by Waterworks. You can see more views of this spa-like, European style tub in our Glenview Renovations project on Houzz.
Or sail away in the Pescadero tub from Victoria + Albert Baths, a unique “wave” design inspired by the sea.
The Papillon is a show-stopper from Studio 41 in Carrara Marble with a unique bowl shape.
Maybe the hand crafted, hammered finish of the Native Trails Antique Copper Aurora from Studio 41 is tub that calls you from the cares of the world.
The simple lines of the contemporary style, teak wrapped Petra tub from MTI Baths is a bold statement piece for a more modern spa bathroom.
With so many styles, shapes and features to choose from, there is a freestanding tub for every taste and hundreds of tiny vacations in your bathroom just waiting to happen.
