2012 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show Highlights

Innovations in sinks, outlets and surface materials

for kitchens and baths highlighted at this year's show

By Ellen Wigginton

The annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) held in April in Chicago, highlighted current trend displays, up-and-coming designs and new products for the kitchen and bath. 


First up, Kohler’s new Top-Mount Self-Trimming Apron Front Sink. It can easily be retrofitted into existing cabinetry and countertops, providing an authentic farmhouse-style sink with minimal disruption. Most apron sinks require a special base cabinet built to sink specifications, so the cost savings to add this specialty sink is likely significant.

Tired of the clutter caused by AC adapters clogging up all available wall outlets? The genius U-Socket AC Receptacle with built-in USB ports solves the problem of too many chargers and not enough wall outlets.

Designed to reduce energy costs dramatically, the U-Socket has a five-star energy-efficient design that automatically senses the required wattage and outputs full power only if something is connected.

Ever wonder what happens to all that glass you painstakingly recycle? Glass Recycled, for one, converts recycled glass and porcelain bound for the landfill into elegant, sustainable and ecological hard surfaces for the kitchen and bathroom.

High-end Artisan products creating a chic collection of bathroom faucets and accessories in this modern matte black finish provides a classic and timeless look that goes with just about anything.  The faucets have SmartTouchPlus technology, allowing for hands-free and touch-sensitive operation.

 

Kohler continues to lead innovation by integrating more and more technology into the bathroom. The Numi, their most advanced toilet, combines design, technology, and engineering.  It has a very unique form, a touch-screen remote, a self-opening and closing lid, and innovative flush technology that helps with water savings and power.

 

Kohler also introduced their VibrAcoustic® technology that essentially turns your bathtub into a stereo system, simply by plugging in your iPod or other music player. The technology is incorporated in their Underscore bath line and is a technology-based sound therapy defined as hearing and feeling vibrations through the body.

Looking at sinks and faucets, there seemed to be a trend toward products appearing handmade. There were hammered copper sinks and distressed finishes that communicated the nature of how things were created. ROHL’s new line of stainless copper sinks provide a commercial-grade sink system that offers a design aesthetic fit for a show kitchen.

Laminate counters have come a long way. Witness Formica’s 180fx Collection. With exotic granite and quartzite patterns in either a softly polished or a high-gloss finish, ease of maintenance and affordability are only part of the attraction.

A new treatment that eliminates flat edges and brown seams, dubbed IdealEdge, duplicates the bullnose and ogee edges usually found in costlier options.

This display by Moen stood out as a fun option for a family bath, making a step stool unnecessary. It features the popular Weymouth faucets with porcelain inlays and “Hot” and “Cold” written in English or French script on the handles.

Ever thought about changing out your backsplash to suit your mood? Kitchen Palette has come up with an interchangeable option that fits behind a standard cooktop or range; it has a printed palette that can be changed out on a whim. Watch for new designs coming soon.

With the trends seen at this year's show, the economy continues to encourage homeowners to not only enhance the appearance and functionality of their homes, but to consider energy-saving options and long-term value.  Cabinet-S-Top is proud to offer these exciting new products.  Stop by our showroom located at 1977 Medina Road, Medina, OH (330-239-3630) to put these current trends in your kitchen or bath.