Galleries: Trends & Inspirations
2015 Product Innovator Awards
Kitchen Product of the Year: Wood Grain Powder Coat Finishes by Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens
These new wood grain finishes emulate the warmth and look of real wood without the typical maintenance issues of warping, splitting or cracking and can be used in exterior and interior applications.
Bathroom Product of the Year: Electronica Vision Wheel by Blu Bathworks
The Vision Wheel, a new addition to the company’s Electronica Collection, is a Swiss-engineered, three-outlet thermostatic digital shower control. The judges were impressed that there are no mechanical valves or thermostat involved – it is all touch-control digital – and it’s easy to navigate.
Galley Ideal Workstation by The Galley
The Galley Workstation is a functional place for prepping, serving, entertaining and clean up – indoors or out – all in one convenient place. It is available in six standard sizes, as a single- or double-bowl model, and can be specially ordered in custom sizes.
QuickDrain USA’s WallDrain
The innovative WallDrain sits flush along the shower wall of the shower – eliminating the harsh look of a traditional shower drain. Designed by Josef Erlebach, the product ranges in price from $1,390 for the 48-in. model to $1,830 for the 72-in. model.
Jenn-Air’s Obsidian Refrigerator
Chuck Wheelock is impressed by Jenn-Air being first to market with an industry-exclusive refrigerator interior in deep charcoal color versus standard white. It showcases food while making colors vivid.
Michael Berman Graceline Faucet by ROHL
Nar Bustamante says this bathroom fixture is flat-out gorgeous, elegant and edgy – and he loves it! It features a long, graceful arch, as well as lever- or dial-shaped handles reminiscent of ship cleats.
Joseph Ruefelli by Colonial Bronze
Nar Bustamante feels this kitchen hardware collection is a gem of art pieces – modern yet classic. According to the company, it is the first customizable decorative hardware available anywhere and can be vertically or horizontally oriented.
KOHLER’s Choreograph System
Pam Goldstein appreciates that this is a DIY product to install in an existing shower to refresh, organize and add safety features, including shower wall panels, accent panels, organizing solutions, stability products and seating (universal design features).
Poetto Culinary Kitchen Faucet by California Faucets
Miriam Lissak feels this product is unrivaled; it is not only great looking but has useful features and coordinating accessories. Being able to customize this elegant and functional semi-professional faucet is unique and otherwise unavailable.
Cascara by MTI Baths
Pam Goldstein loves the tub’s functional wide ledge (universal design feature) as a seat for entry and exit, and she says the company will install curved grab bars on opposite inner walls to allow for stabile movement inside and out.
Reality Sink by RCKsinks
Miriam Lissak experienced an a-ha moment with this sink and marvels that it has not yet been introduced. She appreciates being able to conceal the dish drainer below the counter line with an integrated, low-profile rack while still maintaining a nice, useable kitchen sink.
P`7350 Design by Poggenpohl & Porsche Design Studio
Nar Bustamante chose this because he says mitered frameless cabinetry is such a rare, fine, elegant touch. According to Poggenpohl, it is the first kitchen manufacturer to produce this finish with the aid of leading edge, high-precision manufacturing techniques.
Spice Rack Storage System by Dropout Cabinet Fixtures
Pam Goldstein appreciates that the hardware of this shelf-filled wall pullout column comes out and down to the user, allowing counter storage to stay in place. It is great for universal design applications because it brings high items down for easy and safe access.
Perlick’s Signature Series Sottile Wine Reserve
According to Chuck Wheelock, this is the only 18-in. undercounter unit that includes a refrigerator, beverage center and a wine reserve. It is ideal for slim islands, credenzas and cabinetry and provides flexibility without sacrificing storage capacity.
KOHLER’s DTV+ Digital Showering System
Miriam Lissak appreciates this all-in-one unit with so much flexibility; it is completely digital, aesthetically pleasing and functional. It adds technology to plumbing for everyday use.
Lincoln Top Plate by Federal Brace
Pam Goldstein says this product is a game changer for countertop installation, giving clean aesthetics with hidden safety and structural integrity. She feels it can replace steel rods and corbels.
Victoria + Albert’s Ionian
Chuck Wheelock likes this freestanding tub’s compact footprint for smaller spaces. Its subtle oval silhouette and clean lines give it an understated, modern edge. Cast in volcanic limestone, he says it speaks to him on a spiritual, island level.
Broan’s Sensonic Speaker Fan
Judge Nar Bustamante: A Bluetooth speaker devise in the bathroom? YES! You all know we all like to rock out here! This affordable fan also provides powerful but quiet ventilation in a sleek, minimal design.
INOX Stainless Steel Shower System by Blu Bathworks
Chuck Wheelock appreciates this shower system’s sleek Italian style with stacking diverter valves for vertical or horizontal installations and its modern, minimal look. Its modular design allows for a personalized showering experience.