Perhaps the most encouraging news from the National Kitchen and Bath Industry Show is the welcomed return of innovation. The annual event took place this week in Chicago, and while every attendee has their own list of favorite products, there’s a sense of excitement with the industry. Innovation would appear to be a byproduct of a housing market thawing from a deep freeze.
Now, for the fun stuff. One of the best product rundowns we’ve seen comes from the editors at HousingZone.com. Their list includes 21 kitchen and bath products, but we’ve picked just a few of the standouts:
VibrAcoustic from Kohler
Kohler is adding even more relaxation to the bathing experience. With VibrAcoustic technology, Kohler has added a stereo system to its bathtubs so homeowners can plug in their iPod or stream music wirelessly. (See it in action in this video.)
Air Injection Showerhead from Danze
When it comes to water pressure, can you ever have enough? This showerhead from Danze uses a ball joint located at the unit’s base to inject air into a steady, but gentle shower stream.
SmartCab storage system from Häfele
Smaller homes require smarter storage, especially in the kitchen. Häfele has developed a drawer system that pulls out for side access, meaning homeowners won’t have to dig and reach for anything at the back of the drawer. Think: Cupboard/drawer hybrid.
Did you attend this year’s show? What were some of your favorite new products?
