This year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), held Jan. 20 to 22 in Las Vegas as part of the second-annual Design and Construction Week, showcased products and services from more than 500 exhibitors spanning appliances to solid surfacing. Below, we highlight items on display that lend a combination of convenience, design, and energy-efficiency to interiors.
The ability to wirelessly charge mobile devices is the goal of many solid-surfacing makers. At KBIS this year, LG Hausys previewed TechTop, a surface embedded with a transmitter coil that generates an electromagnetic field with an alternating current of up to 5W. Users simply place their compatible, battery-powered device face up on the surface to begin charging.
Articulating faucet, Brizo
Brizo designed an articulating arm that it plans to incorporate on two of its kitchen-faucet models, Artesso and Solna. The new feature allows a pull-out hose to be easily attached to and detached from an adjustable-height anchor, improving the faucet's utility.
Luxury kitchens brand Poggenpohl teamed up with the Porsche Design Studio on a streamlined kitchen concept that made its U.S. debut at KBIS this year. P'7350’s aluminum cabinet system gets its engineered vertical lines from mitered corners outlined in brushed-aluminum trim. Three neutral matte- and lacquer finishes, as well as a grey walnut veneer, are offered.
The Spain-based manufacturer now offers large-format slabs of its ultra-compact sintered surfacing, Dekton, with continuous veining to allow for book-matching similar to that of digitally printed ceramics. Aura, which replicates the look of Calacatta marble, can be used in large-scale floor and wall applications, as well as counters, without a noticeable break in its design.
Low-flow showerheads aren’t new, but manufacturers are now exploring ways for the them to heat water while avoiding waste and helping users sensitive to temperature extremes. Niagara Conservation’s Stealth System Hot Start showerhead can be turned on to full power but won't expel water until it is warm. The water starts at a trickle and can be turned up to a flow of 2.0 gallons per minute.
GE Café Series with Keurig K-Cup Brewing System, GE Appliances
You read that right. GE Appliances added a Keurig K-Cup brewing system to its Café Series French door refrigerator—an update to the integrated hot water dispenser the company debuted in 2013. The new system brews single cups using a continuous supply of water filtered by the Energy Star-certified fridge, freeing up counter space. Whether you’re helping clients choose appliances or updating your firm’s office kitchen, coffee lovers take note.
