Galleries: Trends & Inspirations
Announcing KBB’s 2016 Product Innovator Award Winners
Bathroom Product of the Year
Axor ShowerSelect Trims from Hansgrohe
These trims allow users to switch easily between functions via a “select” button. Our judges feel the trims are affordable and easy to install.
“Pushing a button; this is a simple yet elegant action we all perform multiple times a day by using keyless automobile ignitions and checking email on our smartphones,” said Derek Taylor, product manager for the ShowerSelect Trims. “Pushing a button is just as intuitive for your morning shower.”
Axor ShowerSelect technology uses a mechanical valve instead of an electronic valve, the buttons are intuitive and not at risk for electronic malfunctioning, and the trim icons are clear. The trims range in price from $990 to $1,397.
Kitchen Product of the Year
Tecnogas SUPERIORE TriFuel Range
The TriFuel Range features gas burners, an induction cooktop, an electric griddle and large-capacity main and auxiliary gas ovens in one 48-in. freestanding unit. It offers three cooking styles from three heat sources and ranges in price from $8,000 to $10,000. It was developed exclusively for the North American market.
Fun Facts:
- The cooktop features four efficient induction zones with turbo boost.
- Interior telescopic glide shelves are extractable.
- Choose between window styling or the wide-screen Panorama version.
- Triple-layer glass provides maximum thermal insulation and remains cool to the touch even when set at 500 degrees.
2nd Place Bathroom
Linear SteamHead by MrSteam
The judges were most impressed by the quiet, almost-invisible nature of this Linear SteamHead, which was designed to deliver an even amount of steam smoothly. Its slender profile doesn’t extend into the shower space, and its opening is three times the area of a single-point steam head, making it a quieter option.
Fun Facts:
- Its profile is enclosed almost entirely within the shower walls.
- It matches the streamlined look of linear drains.
- Its interior is comprised of intersecting lines that expand, slow down and change direction of the incoming steam before it is released into the shower.
2nd Place Kitchen
Waste System Combo Pack by Dropout Cabinet Fixtures
According to our judges, it’s been tough to find an attractive, functional product that really works for composting. The Waste System Combo Pack uses the front part of a kitchen cabinet and a small section of the countertop to conceal and toss compost hygienically. This $375 system helps limit the waste placed in landfills.
Fun Facts:
- The pack can be used with any type of cabinetry, as long as there is a ¾-in.-minimum lip above the opening for the tilt-out receptacle.
- A rail can be inserted into the opening of cabinets without top rails and can be covered by the top portion of the door to maintain the cabinet style.
- The smooth, hinged lid is opened via a touch spring.
3rd Place Bathroom
C-Bonded Furniture Washbasin by Duravit
C-Bonded Washbasins connect seamlessly to their vanity units, creating a single, unified piece. Their durable DuraCeram material, which was originally developed for kitchen sinks, is wear and impact resistant. The washbasin’s thickness is hidden from view, and the judges appreciate the chunky countertop look that is easy to install for sleek, modern bathroom designs. C-bonded ranges in price from $2,325 to $4,665 and is available with Duravit collections – namely the Darling New Collection by Sieger Design and the L-Cube series by Christian Werner.
3rd Place Kitchen
SocialCorner Sink by Julien
The SocialCorner sink does just that: encourages interaction between the users of its two distinct work areas at the corner of a kitchen island. It was designed by kitchen and bath designer Matthew Quinn, who was inspired by family life and how people socialize in the kitchen. The sink is ideal for families with children who want to be a part of the kitchen action, and its apron-front installation is easily accessible. It is available in six sizes, ranges in price from $2,750 to $2,900 and is optimal for kitchens with a central island.
Honorable Mention Bathroom
Square Plate Coat Hook – Doug Mockett & Co.
Versatility is the beauty of this product. The multi-level coat hook design has a bold, gently curved face for heavier items and an additional hook below for smaller pieces. The judges found this design unique because of the merge of contemporary abstract design and traditional styling. The Square Plate Coat Hook ranges in price from $15.60 to $18.36, depending on finish, and those options include satin nickel, metallic silver and polished chrome.
Honorable Mention Kitchens
Anthem Corner Countertop Support by Federal Brace
In working with L-shaped counters, the span of overhang at the corner is more than the overhang on the straight counter area. Since the brackets used along the straight edge are never enough, the Anthem Corner Countertop Support fits into the corner of the cabinet frame to extend the arm out into that span. According to the judges, this simple but unique innovation is convenient and makes a hard task easier. This support runs $55.05.
Honorable Mention Bathroom
Marmite S.A.’s Silvia Tub
The Silvia bathtub was inspired by the first terracotta model from 1700 B.C. discovered in the palace of Knossos in Crete. Its much newer, ergonomic design corresponds to the human shape and helps reduce water consumption – a feature that greatly impressed the judges. The tub is offered at $2,000 and was designed and constructed by the in-house team of Marta Gebska and Zbigniew Piasecki.
Honorable Mention Kitchen
NativeStone Farmhouse Quartet by Native Trails
The NativeStone Farmhouse Quartet is made of NativeStone, which offers the look of concrete but is stronger, lighter and more sustainable, as the material replaces a portion of cement with the jute fiber.
Fun facts:
- Quartet can be installed four ways: apron front, standard undermount, curved or straight front.
- The jute fiber from which it is made is 100 percent biodegradable and recyclable.
- Each sink is $1,795 and is light enough to be shipped.
Honorable Mention Bathroom
MTI Baths: Stream Bath
While soaking baths and jet baths are common, our judges found the technology in this Stream Bath truly unique. This new form of hydrotherapy uses vents instead of jets to replicate the feeling, sensation and sound of sitting in a forest stream. The rotating vents can be rotated so that bathers can control the streams of water and create unique flow patterns. The $1,695 tub’s gentle current is ideal for all ages, including the very young and seniors.
Honorable Mention Kitchen
Liebherr’s Undercounter Pull-Out Refrigerator (UPR 503)
This universally designed, flexible product can be adjusted in height and depth to match the measurements of the counter space. The $2,499 refrigerator is a great option for smaller kitchen.
Fun Facts:
- SoftTelescopic drawers are fully extendable and provide self retraction and soft closing.
- Space-saving GlassLine shelves are scratch resistant, easy to clean and completely adjustable.
- The unit offers one pullout drawer, requiring just one door panel.