The Latest For Kitchens And Baths
Las Vegas this week is the place for the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, where manufacturers, designers and other industry professionals from around the world show off their new products.
The Early Show contributor and host of "Today's Homeowner," Danny Lipford, walked the aisles and viewed hundreds of products. Now he has a sneak preview of the newest trends and innovations that will soon be available for your home.
More than 900 kitchen and bath companies and at least 40,000 national and international industry professionals were expected to attend the show this week. It is organized and owned by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, sponsored by Kitchen & Bath Business Magazine; and produced by VNU Expositions. It is the world's largest international trade event dedicated to the kitchen and bath industry.
So what are the trends this year?
"People are spending more on certain fixtures in their home and feeling like they can step out on the normal look of things, like the waterfall sink," Lipford says, "More than anything, we saw the furniture-style cabinetry and the European influence on a lot of the designs."
The following are the products featured on The Early Show:
Stor-ganize Bypass Bath & Shower Storage Doors
By Sterling®, a brand of Kohler Co.
The Stor-ganize bypass bath and shower storage system is the very first bath and shower door in the industry with built-in storage shelves to provide a neater, clutter-free bathroom. The five removable shelves can hold nine to 15 bottles, plus other bathing accessories. Hooks are also included for washcloths, mesh sponges or scrub brushes. One of the greatest benefits is that the shelves and hooks are removable and dishwasher safe.
Available: Now - can be special ordered
August - The Home Depot
MSRP: $250 SterlingPlumbing.com
Glass Waterfall Sink
By Contemporary Bath Design
This 30-inch glass Waterfall Sink captures the allure of a waterfall. This sink is the centerpiece for a luxurious bathroom because of its quality, style and design. It is also available in 40-inch and 60-inch widths.
Available: Now MSRP: $2,995, for the 30-inch-wide sink contemporary contemporarybathdesign.com
EZ FaucetTM
By iTouchless Housewares & Products Inc.
The Infrared Sensor EZ Adaptor helps protect you and your family against the spreading of germs and bacteria. Simply attach the sensor to your kitchen or bathroom sink faucet. The water will be turned on when movement is detected in its infrared field. You can change the water temperature and flow any time by adjusting the faucet handles.
Available: Beginning next week at The Home Depot MSRP: $69.95 ezfaucet.com
ThermiqueTM Hot Glass TechnologyTM Towel Warmer
By Engineered Glass Products
Warming your linens is as simple as draping a towel (or any other linen) over the heated glass. This glass heating method is more efficient and attractive than traditional radiator-style towel warmers. The metal frame is available in chrome, bright brass, satin nickel, brush nickel, and oiled bronze.
Available: Next two months MSRP: $2,000 - $3,000, depending on towel warmer options broan.com
Kitchen and Bath Cabinets
As always, cabinet companies have updated finishes and appearances each year. One of the newest trends is cabinets that are made to look like furniture. Since kitchens are used as a gathering place in many homes, the "furniture feel" of these cabinets lends itself to comfort. The most popular cabinets include those made from cherry and maple.
Available: armstrong.com;
masterbrand.com; merillat.com
MSRP: Varies
Brew Express
By Lance-Larkin LLC
The Brew Express is the first built-in-the-wall, space-saving coffee maker that is fully plumbed and self-filling. This 12-cup coffee maker installs into the walls of existing homes or new construction to save scarce counter space. It is certified to brew to the highest industry standards and maintains temperature in the carafe for hours without continuing to use power or burn coffee.
Available: Now MSRP: $649 brewexpress.com
Decorative Tile Backsplashes
By Broan
This pre-assembled backsplash is made from natural stone or ceramic tile. It's possible for it to go from the box to your wall in 10 minutes with no mess. The backsplashes are designed to fit the most popular 30-inch and 36-inch ranges, cooktops and over-the-range microwaves. Available in three styles: Tuscany, Cape and Florence, all of which are scratch- and stain-resistant.
Available: Early June, at kitchen and bath showrooms and retail appliance outlets MSRP: $140 - $285 broan.com
Gold Refrigerator with Fast-Fill Dispensing System
By Whirlpool
This side-by-side refrigerator is much more convenient to use than previous refrigerator water dispensers. The Measured Fill feature and pull-out shelf allow you to leave virtually any container to be filled with the perfect amount of filtered water and walk away. The Fast Fill dispensing system fills containers twice as fast as previous Whirlpool dispensers, which saves time. Plus, the faucet rotates 180 degrees to fill large, awkward containers. Danny will demonstrate how this works.
Available: June 1, Black or White
January 2005, Stainless
MSRP: $1,899, Black or White
$2,199, Stainless
whirlpool.com