Galleries: Trends & Inspirations
KBIS Virtual 2021: Chelsie’s Choices
No one wants to see clutter in their homes, as that brings on more stress. The Maxx Drawer System from Rev-A-Shelf that launched at KBIS Virtual is a perfect solution for the person who wants everything in its place. The drawer system, which was designed in collaboration with Cabinetworks Group, features two upper sections that pull away to reveal a bottom section. Adjustable dividers allow you to customize your arrangements, and the organizer is perfect for kitchen items, tools and/or all that stuff that eventually ends up in a crowded junk drawer. The 4WTMD Maxx Drawer is designed for 24-in. base face-frame cabinets.
Wellborn Cabinet has come up with several smart cabinet and storage solutions for the way people are living their lives these days – all designed to make things easier on the homeowner. The brand calls their 2021 theme “Reflective Modern,” which means products that reflect busy lifestyles, including this closet that was converted into a home office space. Who wouldn’t love to work there?
Flo by Moen is all about instilling peace of mind in today’s homeowners. The system runs daily tests with Microleak technology to make sure your home is not leaking anywhere, and a smart shutoff will turn off the water supply in the event of an emergency. FloSense technology allows the user to view water usage by fixture and/or appliance, and the data is stored on the device in case of a Wi-Fi outage.
BlueStar by Design is another foray into color customization for kitchen appliances that we saw at KBIS Virtual. The program offers a variety of more than 1,000 colors, as well as custom colors, knob colors and 10 metal trims. The brand now offers the ability to apply any image, graphic, text, print, pattern or artwork to a range of refrigerator through a cutting-edge printing process.
If it wasn’t before, lighting is a HUGE deal these days – and Task Lighting is paying close attention with its TandemLED tunable illumination technology. Depending on your mood, the time of day, and the amount of light you need, you can adjust LED lights from warm white at 2700K to daylight white at 5000K. The two-wire system is easy to install, and it can be operated via a wireless remote or a smartphone app and/or voice controlled through the Task Lighting WAV Smart Control system.
True Residential’s new Juniper hue is a deep and calming shade of blue that is part of the company’s Build Your True program that allows you to customize finishes and hardware for your clients’ appliances. The program offers a choice of 60 color combinations, and other new shades include the yellow Saffron and Ultra Matte Black.
Samsung has redesigned some of its core products, as a way to provide offerings for all budget levels – for builders and consumers. The brand is offering its premium range features more accessible with the new 2021 Freestanding Range. The features include Wi-Fi connectivity and an Air Fry mode, and the ranges have a more premium look with stainless steel across the cooktop, a slimmer control panel and a fingerprint-resistant finish. The lineup will launch this spring.
With everyone staying at home during the pandemic, bar areas and wine storage have been more popular than ever. Signature Kitchen Suite has been paying attention and has expanded its line of wine column refrigerators to include a 24-in., panel-ready undercounter model that holds 41 bottles. This unit that we saw at KBIS Virtual also offers the company’s Wine Cave Technology, precise preservation with minimum vibration, light and humidity control, independent temperature zones and the Signature Sommelier app and Wi-Fi connectivity.
I absolutely love the brushed-gold finish on this Montay Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet from Pfister. Sometimes people want more than chrome! Although this faucet is also available in polished chrome, stainless steel and matte black – a finish that really seems to be gaining in popularity. The Montay offers Pfister’s MagneFit magnetic technology in the spout and features delicate knurling at the bottom.
Cosentino is playing the color game with its new Sunlit Days Collection, which was inspired by the views and hues of the Mediterranean. Shown is Posidonia Green, which picks up darker colors of the sea floor. I am also impressed that the company’s production processes run on 99% recycled water and 100% renewable energy. Two hits for Cosentino!
The Dart Canyon stainless-steel, farmhouse sink from Elkay is designed to meet the needs of everyone in the home – all ages and needs. This is important in multi-generational households that include young ones and the elderly – as well as those just looking to age in place. The sink complies with ADA Accessibility Guidelines and features a work shelf for kitchen tools, an extra-deep 9-in. bowl for larger items, accessories like a reversable grid and an ADA offset drain that allows for a barrier-free space under the sink for wheelchair accessibility.
I loved this lighting design as soon as I saw it! The Vorleigh Collection from Kohler has pivoting metal shades and offers so much variety. You can use it as a single sconce, a two-light sconce, a three-light sconce, a four-light chandelier, an eight-light chandelier or an eight-light linear chandelier. Its design channels Streamline Moderne – a popular 1930s style – as well as a vintage French Art Deco table lamp from a private shade collection. It features domed metal shades. The Vorleigh is available in polished chrome, polished nickel, gunmetal, polished brass and moderne brushed brass.
Chili is a new vibrant hue for outdoor living spaces that was introduced at KBIS Virtual. Danver, Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens and Trex Outdoor Kitchenshave introduced this powder coated color for its cabinetry, along with Mint and Cotton Candy (pink!) – among many others. The company’s creative director, Daniel Germani, curated these new shades for a total of 59 finishes – and he says this bold red could be the next “it” color.
James Martin Vanities is featuring a variety of awesome vanity collections, including those that are great for smaller spaces. The Boston Collection offers five sizes, depending on your clients’ bathroom square footage. The stainless-steel consoles are available in brushed nickel, matte black and radiant gold – with coordinating mirrors and include a glass shelf for more storage. The optional undercounter cabinets are available in glossy white, mid-century walnut or ash gray.
The IQ Digital Lock Box from Robern from KBIS Virtual is scaled to fit most of the brand’s medicine cabinets and offers a secure location for things like prescriptions, passports and expensive toiletries. The box is battery powered and can be accessed via a digital touch keypad, a smart phone app or a back-up key. The PL Portray Medicine Cabinet – also pictured – if offered in two designs, a variety of sizes and a customizable interior. It includes a phone holder, a sliding magnification mirror and USB outlets.
Whirlpool‘s Fingerprint-Resistant Quiet Dishwasher with a third rack had me wondering how the items up there actually get clean. Well, there is a water source up there to ensure that everything is covered. It also has a larger capacity and is the brand’s quietest dishwasher at 41 dBA.