Marketing Home Products

idéobain 2010 just wrapped up, and if its traffic and interest is any indication, 2010 will be a much better year for the Kitchen and Bath industry in France, if not Northern Europe as a whole. This leading bathroom trade show occurs every other year in Paris, drawing attention from bath manufacturers and designers as well as the general public.

Even in Europe, conversion from tub to shower in the master bath (often the only full bath in the older home) is now a hot project.  Plumbing manufacturers are introducing a host of solutions to allow for low profile drain fittings with anti siphon functions all in one.  If introduced in the U.S., they would replace the “drain-P trap combo.”  Others focus on the more stylish grill drains as they become more popular than conventional round drains.

Traditional plumbing suppliers showed model after model of either modern or highly functional faucets: hands free, waterfall, high capacity and water savings to name a few.

Ninety percent of the tubs at idéobain were of the “stand alone” type, manufactured out of solid materials, sporting oval, slipper and rectangular shapes.  While the majority was white (some featured a metallic tint on the outside), we also saw composite stone tubs with a true granite appeal.

Vanity tops closely followed cabinet design.  Most cabinets in European bathrooms are suspended, finished with a high-gloss lacquer and have matching vanity tops. The 2010 color range included orange, fuchsia, pink, purple and … concrete grey.  Most tops and bowls are smaller than what we are used to in the states, but so are typical European bathrooms.

There was a host of manufacturers introducing the “slow releasing” commode seat (a spring mechanism inside the hinge slows down the closing of the seat), as well as the“Japanese-style commode” where a well-placed stream of warm water followed by warm drying air replaces toilet paper.

As for “Aging in Place,” we saw a remarkable product from three manufacturers that took a different approach to the challenges of bathing with limited mobility.  Instead of the walk-in tub as we know it (seated bathing in a high tub with door), standard tubs in acrylic offered cutouts for easy step in.  A shower height glass panel would close off the opening, lock in place and allow for either traditional bathing or showering.  One model even had an acrylic seat built in across the top.

Shower glass manufacturers showed stylish slider and door designs, all in a frameless setup.  To make up for the loss of stability that the frame would supply, glass was noticeably thicker than usual.

Last but not least, we saw many attempts to introduce “La Douche Italienne” or the California-style Walk-In Shower.  Standard sized composite shower bases fitting into the tub opening would have a shower area with a drain and a step out area for drying off, sloped so water would drain into the shower area.  A sturdy piece of glass extending just past the shower base would keep the water inside the “wet area.”

In short, exhibitors at idéobain in Paris showed off the latest in shapes for smaller bathrooms, trendy color schemes and attention to easy showering.

Report by: Dirk De Vuyst

Modern appliances and futuristic home goods offer an interactive and precise user experience that promises to be both efficient and mind blowing. Despite recent trends that put a strong emphasis on vintage, consumers continue to mix both contemporary and modern, resulting in strong pieces juxtaposed with vintage and repurposed materials. With most futuristic items boasting functionality over look, homeowners are drawn to a personalized and simple experience that promises consumers cheaper bills and more time in their day. This sleek combination is unlike any other, and many designers are catching on, creating products that are beyond imaginable. From a mirror that keeps track of water consumption to a digital interface for your shower, modern technology is moving fast. The question is: Can consumers keep up?

In today’s world of green, natural products, and eco-everything, the biggest trend in product design continues to be keeping the earth in tiptop shape. Consumers still want efficiency, and companies and designers are giving it to them with appliances, natural products and devices that promise to make life easier. Many products focus on water consumption. Now, consumers can do more than taking a fast shower or turning off the water while brushing their teeth. With many products saving thousands of gallons per year, it’s possible to take water saving to a new level.

By now, we think we have seen it all. A recent innovation, however, is really turning heads. The Earth Mirror by Jim Kim is a mirror that tracks your water consumption on a daily, monthly and yearly basis using LED lights. Warm and cool colors show how much water has been used based on the water that runs through the sink to which the mirror is attached. It can even limit how much water you are allowed to use. Now that’s a product that will make you think.

Gerber Plumbing Fixtures is a big advocate of water conservation with many of its products offering WaterSense™ certified products, the Environmental Protection Agency’s partnership program that promotes water-efficient programs and practices throughout the United States. Their newest product, the Avalanche 1.28™, is a high efficiency toilet that promises to deliver outstanding performance and beautiful design while also saving big bucks. Compared to the industry standard 1.6 model, the Avalanche uses only 1.28 gallons of water per flush (gpf), saving an average of 20 percent or more in annual water usage. An average family of four can save up to 8,760 gallons of water each year. What’s more, the Avalanche is manufactured with Gerber’s XP3 flushing system, making it the most efficient unit on the market.

The idea of efficiency is in full swing with green’s end nowhere near. Technology will continue to evolve, spitting out new products that will only get better. Saving water at home will not only cut the water bill in half, but will more importantly make living feel inspiring. Plus, it can’t get much better than helping the earth.

Surfaces Expo continues to exhibit a broad view of flooring trends, flooring technology advancements and refreshing flooring ideas.  This year the industry rallied, with traffic up approximately 15% over last year.  Perhaps we are beginning to see, ever so slightly, the very edge of the bright side.  With these subtle signs of optimism, Surfaces exceeded the expectations of many exhibitors.

Hard surface was the more dominant product category this year, with bamboo coming in all shapes and forms.  From NW Bamboo Trim, a wonderfully elegant use of bamboo mosaics was presented, perfect for the hospitality market.  Using grout similar to installing tile, this format for bamboo can be used for walls and floors.  Coconut palm wood, another product gaining popularity, from Green Choice Flooring and Frisch was shown in a variety of different textures and finishes making this an excellent design and eco solution for residential and commercial interiors.

Cork reached new levels of elegance.  APC Cork presented ‘The Plank’ format using new cork finishes in a beautiful range of colors and polished surfaces, some of which resembled stone.  Also featured, their Kid’s Collection using subtle primary colors perfect for schools, libraries, playgrounds and the home play area.

Ceramic and stone products continue a strong, solid presence, many of which were presented in natural, down-to-earth colors.  Gone are the less flashy metallic-trend finishes as we’ve seen in recent years. Crossville made a strong statement with their “Made in the USA” theme, which was well thought out and beautifully executed.  Stone Peak focused on their glazed and unglazed collections that combine elegant colors with subtle natural beauty.

Radiant floor technology has made big strides.  New options include sheets, webbing and wires – all of which are excellent radiant flooring alternatives to hot water tubing.  These provide more flexible installations and use less energy without water.

Eco everything. Environmentally friendly products continue to make a statement across many product categories.  New materials and more efficient flooring technology continue to pave the way and build awareness around environmentally friendly products for our industry and – even more importantly – for the consumer.

The Wool Project, an exciting concept launched by the Prince of Wales the week prior to Surfaces, made a strong statement for the wool industry.  The Wool Project is a campaign for real wool, promoting the natural, sustainable and globally available resource.  With the explosion of eco-friendly products, it’s important as ever to educate the consumer on the qualities of sustainable products.

Finally, carpet. Carpet continues to present a wide variety of options and styles for the market including new textures, interesting twists and natural fibers.  Beautifully crafted woven looks in tufted construction, new expanded wool collections and natural soft colors and textures move the trend to simple and elegant.  Wools of New Zealand made a big splash across many companies.  Natural fiber collections, such as those from The Natural Carpet Company, included a variety of sisal collections using interesting basket weave combinations in bold and subtle colors.  J. Mish presented a unique woven look in a tufted construction while Shaw featured stylish woven looks in their Visions Line.

Its last year at the Sands Expo, Surfaces was buzzing and vendors’ spirits were uplifted – a great way to end an era at Sands as Surfaces 2011 moves to Mandalay Bay.

Reported by
Catherine Minervini