While at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference in San Francisco a couple weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to sit down with my favorite radio hosts, James and Morris Carey. They asked me to fill them in on new and innovative products from the show, many of which focused on energy saving and sustainability. Below is a little bit about the products and companies that stood out above the rest, as well as the audio clip of my time on On the House.

One really great thing I saw was a new lighting technology by Halo. Halo has introduced LED luminaries that save both energy and money by conserving electricity and having a longer life.

Eternal makes a hybrid water heater that conserves energy, and can save you money on your monthly water bill.

Several companies explored the great outdoors with products perfect for outdoor living:

Danver Stainless Steel Cabinetry introduced its Wood-Fired Pizza Oven, charcoal fire grill and smoker, and infrared grill, all made for outdoor cooking.

Belgard exhibited a ready-made outdoor fireplace that can literally be dropped on a patio with a forklift.

Fire Rock also makes a line of outdoor fire places that can be easily installed using a simple kit.

You can “build green” with Nichiha’s fiber cement. This cement is both water and insect resistant, and the factory even recycles its water when making their products.

I found these products to be quite impressive and revolutionary, and expect their popularity to rise  in home building.

“On the House” with the Carey Brothers

A report from the 2010 Hospitality Design Expo

Both Dorothy Gale and the hospitality industry know there is no place like home.  The furniture, lighting, carpeting, wall décor and other furnishings for hotels, restaurants, clubs and yachts exhibited at last month’s Hospitality Design Expo would not look out of place in your own home. (And heaven knows that Dorothy needs to refurbish her Kansas abode after what the tornado did to it.)

Exhibitors at HD Expo don’t try to be fashion forward, as they do at the High Point furniture market. Unlike the residential furniture shows, where makers introduce new styles every six months, HD Expo manufacturers admit their hotel lines are followers of (residential) trends, not leaders.

At High Point, exhibitors introduce lines, furniture buyers place orders and goods are delivered six months hence. At HD Expo, exhibitors are not writing orders. Rather, they are showing off their capabilities. They all offer custom programs to the big hotel chains and independent operators.

If not leading the trend, exhibitors do at least try to stay on trend. They find their design inspiration from the world around them, including New Orleans cemeteries, the Sistine Chapel, menswear and nature itself.

“Maintenance” and “durability” are words heard frequently at the show. The products will be replaced long before they wear out. A typical carpet installation lasts five to seven years; when property owners replace it, it’s because it looks dated, not because it’s worn out.

Durability continues to make even bigger strides in the textile category, especially with products such as Sta Kleen used in CF Stinson, Kravet Contract and Scott Fabrics.

Printed carpets were highly touted at the show. Manufacturers take any image or pattern and essentially inkjet it on a background. This is a more economical solution for them because they don’t have to invest in yarns and keep inventory.

Textiles, rugs, carpet and wallcoverings have all been inspired by color and high-contrast concepts.  Splashes of color, graphic patterns and color details are popping up in both small- and large-scale patterns.  Patterns are bolder yet modern while remaining quite sophisticated.

Vendors of residential-grade furniture make their goods ready for heavy use in hotels and restaurants by reinforcing joints and using commercial-rated foam in the seat cushions.  Similarly, companies such as Baker have done an exquisite job of taking the inside outside with outdoor furniture.  Styles from their garden chair category are well-made and use rich, warm and bold colors.

The hospitality industry is following its residential brethren by licensing famous designers. Thom Filicia created a line of carpeting for Shaw, Jamie Drake does faucets for THG and Stacy Garcia’s name is attached to wallcoverings, carpeting and other goods. I’m not sure this has value for hotel guests unless property owners tout those names.

Besides home furnishings, HD Expo exhibitors showed personal-care amenities; faucets and showerheads; in-room room safes; bathrobes; and everything else a hotelier needs.

Of course, “Eco-friendly,” “Green” and “Recycled” are becoming more commonly-used words in the hospitality market. From green countertops made from 75 percent recycled material or furniture made with wood harvested from sustainable forests, this category is become more chic than ever.

Finally, guests just might feel at home if their hotel participates in one of the contract programs offered by national retailers. At this show, Design Within Reach launched a contract program, something Restoration Hardware has been offering for several years. A third chain, Bed Bath & Beyond, also has a hospitality program.

From 9:30 a.m .to 4 p.m. exhibitors were all business. But at 4 o’clock, they set up bars and happy hour began, continuing until the hall closed at 5 p.m. The final 60 minutes of the day were about networking over a cool cocktail. And why not? This is, after all, a hospitality show.

Coverings, the tile and stone exhibition and conference, took place in Orlando from April 27–30. By all measures it was a successful show. Coverings reported a 7 percent increase in attendance over 2009’s 22,000 attendees. Zoe Voigt, tile writer and author of Tile Style said “Last year, I thought Coverings was not only very small, but also a bit funereal. This year, there seemed to be more people in the aisles, busier exhibitors and overall the mood was more optimistic.” Her observation was shared by most everyone.

photo credit: Coverings

Exhibitors from around the world welcomed attendees with new products that spoke to a rising optimism. “I think the industry is poised for a resurgence” added Voigt. The products on offer confirmed her observation. For every expected ceramic floor tile there were two innovations or bold risks taken. Whether it was Karim Rashid’s No-Stalgia series for Porcellanato or the graffiti-inspired series from Peronda, the mood was indeed lighter and at times bordered on exuberant.

There were no fewer than four cement tile manufacturers present and that pack was led by Mosaic del Sur from Cadiz, in Spain. Mosaic del Sur took this older, somewhat arcane material and brought it into the 21st century by adding a series of modern patterns and colors. Get ready for a Mosaic del Sur-led revival of cement tile.

There were some truly new and novel uses for porcelain tile in ample evidence at the show. Arpi Nalbandian, editor of TILE Magazine, said “I now feel I can envision tile use beyond the usual floor or wall application. It can be used as a floating ceiling, cabinet and countertop façade, and also as ‘drapery,’ as was displayed in the Inalco exhibit.” It didn’t stop with unexpected uses. Inalco’s SlimmKer series of porcelain tile is 8mm thick. In addition to being beautiful and lightweight, such thin tile weighs 45 percent less and uses half the resources to manufacture as traditional porcelain.

If new and unexpected were half of the message at Coverings, using fewer resources was the other half. Green is not only good, it’s gone mainstream and the tile and stone industries have embraced it fully.

Though it’s the tile and stone that draws attendees to Coverings, there are a good number of associated products on display as well. Ann Porter, CKD was taken particularly by Dreamwalls’ Marble Glass. Marble Glass is a glass product where a large-format digital image of natural stone is adhered permanently to the underside of a sheet of low-iron glass. “This product will be great for tiles, backsplashes, countertops and shower walls; however, its ability to be a partition is most exciting.”

photo credit: Coverings

Coverings was a well-attended industry event and the air was thick with the sense that even though conditions are less than ideal, the worst is behind us. Innovative textures, finishes and applications were everywhere, and if Coverings 2010 can be summed up in a word, that word would be optimism.

Though smaller in size and attendance than some years past, K/BIS 2010 – in my humble opinion – had a more positive and optimistic vibe despite the numbers. A smaller footprint and more compact booths gave the illusion of better traffic.

Nielsen Expositions, the firm that administers and runs the K/BIS show, predicted more than 35,000 attendees well before the show started, which represents a 40 percent increase over last year’s event in Atlanta.

“We saw 67 percent of the attendees who were registered for the show this year did not participate last year,” said Nielsen’s Kitchen and Bath Group VP Brian Pagel. “This went beyond our expectations and generated a lot of early buzz and excitement surrounding the show in Chicago this year.  We believe that this is a sign that the market has begun to stabilize and hope that it is an indication that the industry will continue to improve,” he said.

President of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Mark Karas agreed, saying “This K/BIS will always stick out as a fond memory. I was very excited about this year. We were 30 to 40 percent above the attendance numbers from last year. Friday’s show floor traffic was unbelievable. Even with the terrible economy it was great to see the manufacturers that still sank money into R&D and came out with great new products.”

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Masco, Donny DeMarie, said the companies under the Masco brand line (including Merillat and KraftMaid cabinets, Delta and Peerless faucets,  Behr paints and others) reported significant booth traffic.

“Masco Cabinetry had its own coming out party, displaying our new three-brand strategy as well as great new innovative products such as a virtual design center, our core card sink bath and our new approach to corner cabinets,” DeMarie said. “We left the show confident and energized.”

The overall optimistic sentiments on the show floor echo some positive news in the industry. ServiceMagic, a home and contractor service referral and market research firm, says its requests for help with kitchen remodels spiked nearly 200 percent nationally in the first quarter of this year, compared with the same period in 2009. Bathroom remodel requests were up 30 percent nationally. Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies’ recent quarterly survey of homeowner sentiment predicted that home-improvement spending would climb by nearly 5 percent this year.

Gerry Snapke, president of CADKitchenPlans.com, however, recently commented: “There were a ton of brands that were conspicuously absent. To make matters worse, this week applianceadvisor.com is reporting that the appliance vendors who did choose to display were courted by representatives from CES (Consumer Electronics Show).” He said there were also rumors CES is privately pressing the big kitchen appliance companies for commitment.

Noticeably absent from the show floor were some of the industry’s big-name manufacturers, including (but not limited to) Sears, LG, BSH, Electrolux/Frigidaire, Samsung, Sub-Zero/Wolf and Viking. Sears and several other companies held off-site events as opposed to exhibiting.

“My take is that it was a very sensible show,” said Kim Sweet, editor-in-chief of kitchens.com. “The new product introductions that made the most impact were not extravagant just because they could be. There was a ton of emphasis on function, affordability and practicality.” Sweet also said the absenteeism of some European manufacturers was noticeable. “I saw a retreat from color. We were missing some of the more bold styles and riskier colors that we’ve seen in recent years.”

While walking the show and on the lookout for new products, trends and booths that caught our eye, the K&A Team documented standout products and companies.

• Lenova – I’ve always used basic porcelain, glass or stainless steel sinks, but Lenova has me thinking differently. The company’s sink offerings range from bamboo, copper and other renewable materials. The products are a breath of fresh air from your typical “box with a hole in it.” In fact, Lenova’s Bamboo Farm Sink was nominated as one of the Best of K/BIS products.
• Danver – Specializing in outdoor cabinetry and kitchens, Davner displayed its newest product, wood finished stainless steel cabinetry. Also at their booth was an outdoor barbecue hood, one of the company’s most popular items.
• Kingston – This was truly a new product I haven’t seen at a show before. Kingston’s Air Elegance Body Drying Systems give those who may have difficulty using a towel (and even those who simply want to cut down on towel laundry!) an alternative to drying off after taking a shower or being in the pool. The company has two sizes of body dryers that may be used in the home, at a spa or gym, or at the beach.
• Gerber Plumbing Fixtures – There’s one thing for sure: Gerber cares about how well its toilets work. Not only does the company offer high-efficiency toilets, but their performance is Grade A. Among Gerber’s new products at the show were a Daylene faucet, a PLUS valve which is designed to fit all trim in the collection, and the Avalance 1.28 LS toilet.
• Rev-a-Shelf – Rev-a-Shelf completely rethinks the way people organize. Their products help morph desk drawers, cabinetry and closets into highly-organized and space-saving areas. At the show, the company introduced “The Curve,” a blind corner solution for kitchen cabinets.
• Kropp Woodworking – Everything is custom-made with these guys. The company obtains its wood from close-by neighborhoods, reducing emissions and transportation costs and pollutants. At K/BIS, they introduced a new VOC-free, food safe and sustainable finish on their countertop. The wood is smooth to the touch and looks great.

I, of course, strongly believe in the benefits of tradeshows. They’re great for sales training, product introductions and outside events. Plus, tradeshows provide opportunities for industry specific people to meet face-to-face and share ideas, launch new business deals and even spend a few “non-business” hours with colleagues and clients.

If you’re planning on attending or exhibiting at a tradeshow – whether it’s next month or next year – take a look at our latest white paper, “Tradeshow Marketing Success.” It’s a free download, and it covers the Dos and Don’ts of tradeshow marketing, how to make the most of your time at the event and what’s crucial to remember in the final days before the show.

And, for videos straight from the showroom floor in Chicago, visit our YouTube channel – featured K/BIS video include ThinkGlass, Kingston and Cascade Faucets.

I look forward to the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show every year, anxious to see which trends and products will prevail. As homeowners continue to remodel and upgrade, they’ll focus on the two most-used rooms of the home: the kitchen and the bathroom. Because of this, we should see some big splashes in product innovation at the show.

In an earlier post, I wrote about NKBA’s top 10 trends for the year. I think they’re pretty spot on, but want to share a few specific companies and products that I think will shine at K/BIS in a few weeks.

In no particular order…

• Native Trails – We met the Native Trails team at Greenbuild last year, and were so impressed with the craftsmanship and simple elegance of their bath and sink accessories. The company uses reclaimed wood and hand-hammered copper to create beautiful kitchen and bath elements. (K/BIS Booth S3844)
• Enkeboll Designs – The superior craftsmanship is what makes Enkeboll’s products worth a look at K/BIS. The company manufactures architectural accents that will complement virtually any home’s style. From moldings to panels and columns… Enkeboll’s attention to detail is seen in everything they produce. (K/BIS Booth S344)

• Gerber Plumbing Fixtures – Gerber is well-known for its high-efficiency toilets and will be revealing two new ones at K/BIS. But the company also manufactures bathroom fixtures – in fact, three new faucet lines will debut at the show. Gerber is a partner in the U.S. EPA WaterSense Program and takes water savings seriously with its professional-grade products. (K/BIS Booth S2244)
• Kropp Woodworking – This is custom-made at its finest. Paul Kropp and his team not only produce beautiful cabinets and countertops, but they’re made from local wood and with safe, eco-friendly materials. I hear the company is launching a new product at the show sure to impress! (K/BIS Booth S114)
• Danver Stainless Steel Cabinetry – The stainless steel cabinetry company offers contemporary and sleek products that look great in the kitchen or out. Expected to be on display at the show are the company’s cabinetry, pizza ovens, grills and shelving for outdoor living. They’ll even help you design your custom outdoor kitchen complete with a fire pit. (K/BIS Booth S663)
• Cosentino – Another great company we met with at Greenbuild, Cosentino is showing off its new line of countertops made with 75% recycled raw material. The company is recognized in many ways for its sustainable practices and products which look as great as they are safe for the environment. (K/BIS Booth S623)
• Warmly Yours – Radiant floor heating could make all the difference when it comes to creating a warm and welcoming home. Warmly Yours’ heating products can be installed under tile, carpet, laminate, stone or hardwood and give off comfortable heat in the kitchen, bath or any other room in the house. (K/BIS Booth S233)
• KraftMaid Cabinetry – The company’s cabinets were featured prominently in House Beautiful’s Kitchen of the Year in 2009. At the Kitchen & Bath Show, they’ll likely prove why these cabinets were chosen for the project. KraftMaid offers hundreds of solutions for customizing your cabinet’s color, finish and function. (K/BIS Booth S1210)

The kitchen and bathroom are the two most-used rooms in your home, so shouldn’t they be first in line for a face lift? A common misconception is that these remodels have to cost a fortune.  However, many kitchens and baths already have great elements and can be updated instead of completely redesigned.  The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recently shared its top 2010 kitchen and bath trends, and we agree!

1. Shaker style kitchen design
2. Maple and alder cabinetry finishes
3. Quartz countertops
4. Pull-down/pull-out kitchen faucets
5. Polished chrome finishes
6. Under-counter refrigerator drawers
7. Dishwasher drawers for small loads
8. Marble vanity tops
9. Integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks and pedestal sinks
10. Bronze and stainless steel finishes

What we (at K&A) are looking forward to this year and at K/BIS 2010…

The push to turn convenience into a luxury is very exciting. This can be seen with the under-counter refrigerated drawers and the dishwasher drawers for small loads. According to the NKBA, nearly a third of designers are incorporating this new trend into kitchens.

We are also excited about the pull-down/pull-out faucet, which is utilized by 85 percent of kitchen designers. This fixture has a retractable spray hose hidden inside the traditional fixed spigot. Sleek arms contain a hose, faucet, spray, and hot and cold controls all in one place. It’s convenient, compact and functional.

If you’re tired of running the dishwasher when it’s only half-full, consider installing a dishwasher drawer. Because it’s independently operated, you can wash small loads as economically as large ones. Plus, the extra flexibility to run cycles simultaneously with your traditional dishwasher makes clean-up quicker and easier, explaining why nearly a third of designers are incorporating this new trend into kitchens as well.

Granite and chrome will be stealing the show in 2010. According to the NKBA, granite is the dominant material chosen for vanities in current remodels – used by seven of every eight designers. However, granite will have some stiff competition as alternative natural materials, like marble, continue to gain momentum.

Chrome – which was the standard for faucets in the 1930s – is also making a comeback in a big way. Although it has remained one of the most popular looks, it is positioned to be one of the top trends in 2010. This finish reaches further than just the kitchen, and can found everywhere from bathrooms to garages. It’s one of the best little ways to make a big improvement.

What trends will be most popular?

I predict the trends listed above will prevail at the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (being held in Chicago April 16-18). It’s one of the industry’s biggest and best shows, and as always, we’ll be there to be your eyes and ears if you can’t make it.

The K&A Team will scour the tradeshow floor to see what this year’s hottest trends are, and what new products the marketplace has to offer. Stay tuned to my Twitter and YouTube channel as we update live from the show.

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

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.

APC Cork

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

Last week’s International Builders Show in Las Vegas drew a lot of attention to the home and building industry, the housing market and economy. I was fortunate enough to sit down with the Carey Brothers and Rebecca Cole as they broadcast their national radio show “On the House.” Their radio segments gave listeners an insider’s look at the show, including the newest products and popular trends within the industry. Listen here for the scoop! (I chime in about 1:40 into the clip)

http://www.onthehouse.com/whatsnew.php

Rotoluxe describes itself this way:

“‘Environmentally sound’ is the first initiative at Rotoluxe. Every process and system from design, manufacturing and shipping has been examined with the primary goal of low environmental impact. The Rotoluxe name is for luxury, style and sustainability, because going green does not mean you have to compromise design.”

Watch and see what WE found this year: