Galleries: Trends & Inspirations
Product Innovator Awards Announced
KITCHEN PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
HydroTap by ZipWater
Now you can have one product that dispenses instant boiling, chilled or sparkling water. An undercounter command center powers the HydroTap, which offers PowerPulse, Direct DryChilling and ColdCore Sparking water technologies.
Each type of water is dispensed via separate lines in the tap, which allows the user to switch instantly from one water format to another without having to heat chilled water or chill hot water. The company’s research has shown that 80 percent of HydroTap users drink more water than they did before with the convenient system at their fingertips.
KITCHEN PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
HydroTap by Zipwater
To suit a variety of design preferences, the tap is available in four different styles – traditional HydroTap Arc, contemporary HydroTap Cube, original HydroTap Classic and the over-the-sink HydroTap All-in-One Celsius. Seven available finishes include classic chrome, brushed chrome, nickel, brushed nickel, rose gold, brushed gold and matte black.
BATHROOM PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
Valiryo Body Dryer by Valiryo Technologies S.L.
Health and wellness are must-haves in today’s bathrooms, which is where the hands-free Valiryo Body Dryer comes in handy. The $2,200 unit offers 27 diffusers that blow warm air across the user’s body, eliminating the need for drying off with damp towels in the bathroom and saving money on water usage for laundry needs.
This unique drying experience, which can take less than five minutes, can relax the muscles, maintain the body’s natural moisture and even dry post-workout sweat. It is a convenient drying option for customers with sensitive skin by avoiding towel friction and provides drying autonomy for customers with limited mobility.
BATHROOM PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
Valiryo Body Dryer by Valiryo Technologies S.L.
The dryer offers clean lines and a thin S-shape that blends in with most showers, and its modern design can be color customized to match any space. Antimicrobial silver ions prevent the growth of bacteria, adding to the product’s hygienic attributes.
SECOND PLACE KITCHEN PRODUCT
Elements by Tecno, by Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens
This outdoor offering is a collaboration between Dekton by Cosentino and architect and designer Daniel Germani and offers homeowners the stylish, furniture-inspired look of what they use inside with the durability to be used outside. The collection is offered in modules so it can be used in any size footprint, and it features a frameless European design with a durable powder-coated finish in a variety of solid colors and wood grains, as well as Dekton by Cosentino countertops.
SECOND PLACE KITCHEN PRODUCT
Elements by Tecno, by Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens
“Everything about customization and being able to adjust the collection to the needs of the moment is something everyone is looking for these days,” said designer Dawn Deluca, one of this year’s judges.
SECOND PLACE BATHROOM PRODUCT
Axor MY Edition, by Hansgrohe USA
Answering today’s desire for more personalization and customization is the AXOR MyEdition collection of low-profile faucets and tub fillers avail- able in six different cover plate materials: leather, wood, two types of marble, and mirrored or black glass – something for every style.
SECOND PLACE BATHROOM PRODUCT
Axor MY Edition, by Hansgrohe USA
The cover plates are easy to install and switch out, and the company’s PowderRain spray technology provides a fine mist with a powder-like feel that bounces off the skin and causes less splashing. The AXOR Signature program allows for further personalization of the fixtures, where large orders can feature custom engraving, including hot/cold symbols or initials. The judges chose this collection for its easy-to-change-out customization and the soft properties of the PowderRain technology – especially for bathers with sensitive skin.
THIRD PLACE KITCHEN PRODUCT
Natufia Kitchen Garden, by Natufia Labs
Catering to the green food movement is Natufia Kitchen Garden, which has the ability to grow most organic fruits, vegetables and herbs right in your clients’ kitchens. One unit with the starter kit is $12,000, and homeowners with more space and larger families can choose to purchase more than unit and place them next to each other with an external connector.
THIRD PLACE KITCHEN PRODUCT
Natufia Kitchen Garden, by Natufia Labs
The judges appreciated this technological concept, as it meets the strong demand of consumers becoming more concerned with eating super- fresh foods and leading healthier lifestyles.
THIRD PLACE BATHROOM PRODUCT
Silestone Et Noir, by Cosentino
The moody hue of this 90 percent natural quartz material was inspired by Sahara noir marble – a stunning black marble with gold and white veins that originated in Tunisia. The striking colors run all the way through the thickness of the slab for a more natural appearance.
THIRD PLACE BATHROOM PRODUCT
Silestone Et Noir, by Cosentino
The judges were impressed by the surface’s innovation in how it is produced, its indication of the cool and classic looks to come and its beautiful example of what true attention to detail looks like.
HONORABLE MENTION: KITCHEN
12-ft. Outdoor Living Suite with Power Burner, by Hestan
Perfect for the outdoor cooking aficionado, the Outdoor Living Suite incorporates an island, a 42-in. Hestan built-in grill, cutouts for storage, refrigeration and a beverage dispenser. The suites start out at $10,399 for the stainless-steel model and feature weatherproof outlets and single-point gas and electrical connections. The judges were impressed by this product’s plug-and-play design with seamless integration and its reasonable starting price.
HONORABLE MENTION: KITCHEN
Freedom Induction Cooktop, by Thermador
With the Freedom Induction Cooktop, by Thermador COOKTOP, the home chef can heat up to six pots anywhere on the surface – simultaneously. The $5,299 appliance
detects the presence of cookware and transfers all programmed settings to the next location whenever it’s shifted, with no need to manually adjust settings. According to Thermador, it offers the largest usable cooking surface on the market in its class, as well as 56 induction elements. The judges were impressed by the level of service this revolutionary product provides; issues can be diagnosed immediately via the smart app.
HONORABLE MENTION: KITCHEN
Biometric Secured Drawer, by Diamond Cabinetry
In this age of design for health and well-being, this product is a must- have. The Biometric Secured Drawer offers a self-locking mechanism on the inside to keep the storage contents safe from children’s hands. The drawer, which is available for less than $175 and is exclusive to Diamond Cabinetry, is accessible via a fingerprint sensor that can store up to 100 unique fingerprints. The judges appreciated this product because it adds a safety feature to one’s home without taking away from the overall aesthetic of the space.
HONORABLE MENTION: BATHROOM
fixMI Bathroom Accessories, by Mat Inter
Now you can include hooks, towel bars and shelves in bathrooms without having to drill into the wall after the renovation. The fixMI tiling trim does need to be installed during the tiling process, and once the grouting is complete, you are left with a decorative accent line that can hold a variety of accessories that can be solidly attached and moved at any time through a click-on-and-screw installation process. The judges chose this product for its creativity and because it solves a market need where space saving is key.
HONORABLE MENTION: BATHROOM
SteamLinx Module & Mobile App, by MrSteam
Everyone these days lives busy, sometimes stressful lives, and they look to their bathrooms as a beacon of peace and relaxation. SteamLynx is the first smart/connected shower system on the market that can be voice controlled by Alexa, which sets it apart from similar items on the market. This technological advancement is available with MrSteam home steam showers for $425 and also incorporates Wi-Fi connectivity so you can control your showering experience from your smartphone. The judges like the fact that you can retroactively add the technology to a MrSteam system already in place; it is an easy upgrade, allowing consumers to revolutionize their steam showering experience.
HONORABLE MENTION: BATHROOM
EpoxyElite EVO, by Litokol/Tile Doctor
Our industry as a whole is becoming more aware of health, wellness and sustainability. EpoxyÉlite EVO is a safe option for those who work with and install tile, and its mortar is made with renewable and recycled raw materials. At $94/bucket, it is also available in a flame-retardant version and is suitable for grouting ceramics and mosaics in indoor and outdoor applications. The judges appreciated the product for its amazing VOC rate as it relates to the green home – and environment – movement.