Our editors have combed the IBS showroom floor for notable new products and displays, ones that BUILDER readers should take the time to stop and see. Here's a selection of their finds from Day 1.
Tray Chic
Hafele gives extra class to the lowly kitchen drawer with its Fineline Move storage series. The mostly wooden boxes come in birch and walnut finishes and various sizes and shapes. When used together, they turn the drawer into a classy sort of Japanese bento box. Some boxes come with handles, making them extra easy when, for instance, you want to pull out all the steak knives to set the table. The product works on regular shelves and also in special configures, such as its “Magic Corner” unit. Hafele also offers an equally classy nonslip drawer liner. Hafele.com
That Dark Yet Nordic Look
It’s not unusual when you travel in winter storm-ravaged Nordic countries like Iceland to see homes clad in corrugated metal. Lately, the idea of using steel cladding has shown up in cities like Seattle and Portland. At the same time, people are asking for siding in dark but bold colors. Now, Ply Gem is addressing both trends with its release of a Steel Siding Collection that it says “offers one of the boldest palette of colors in the industry” and materials that have a long history of standing up to storms. Plygem.com
Cornering The Market
New from Weather Shield Windows & Doors is the inverted corner window. Architects have been seeking new ways to add glass wherever possible as the contemporary trend grows across the country, and while corner windows have been the new go-to, a new inverted corner brings a whole new array of options for architects to design homes without have to sacrifice on style or natural light. weathershield.com
Creating Indoor/Outdoor Space
To expand the indoor living to the outdoors, look no further than Marvin's new Ultimate Bi-Fold Doors. The sleek system is simple, elegant, and functional. An attention to detail stands out in this product, with hardware that blends into the doors, panels that match to maximize the views, magnets to keep the doors folded back out of the way of any wind. The Bi-Fold Doors rival the other sliding doors in its collection, but this option keeps things simple without any tracks to worry about. The product is available between two and eight panels to give architects and designers the freedom to expand rooms. marvin.com
Bigger and Better
DalTile starts the year off a big way - literally. These tiles come up to 6 feet wide, meaning large, smooth surfaces without any messy grout to keep clean. The new addition to their line is great for all surfaces, such as statement walls in showers or offices, and even counters. The 6mm and 12mm thickness also make it an ideal product for the various uses. daltile.com
Foot-Controlled Faucets
Grohe has announced its new foot control technology for its K7 and LadyLux kitchen faucets. The technology allows the user to control the water flow with just a tap of their toe. The control is installed in the kickplate, keeping it out of sight. The device is powered by either a battery or an AC adaptor. The company says it also provides a retrofit kit to let homeowners install and use the technology with their previously installed Grohe faucets. grohe.com
Writable Formica
Formica’s Writable Surfaces line made its debut on the first day of IBS. The laminate surfaces feature three patterned markerboard surfaces: LoveWords (pictured), ColorBlock, and ImagiGrid. There is also Classic White markerboard option. Additionally, Formica offers chalkboard options, aptly named ChalkAble, in both grey matte and black matte finishes. Writable Surfaces can be mounted on walls, tabletops, cabinets, and more. formica.com
Delta Faucet
Delta’s new Esque kitchen faucet collection offers a clean, poised look to complement both contemporary and transitional spaces. A wrap element at the faucet’s base creates a sense of asymmetrical movement that is reflected in the swoop of the handle. The full kitchen suite is available in multiple faucet configurations with Touch2O Technology on the single-handle pull-down kitchen and bar faucets. The collection is available in Chrome, Arctic Stainless, Venetian Bronze and Matte Black finishes. deltafaucet.com
Haier
In its first Builder’s Show appearance, manufacturer Haier is showcasing a line of appliances designed for small kitchens, including a new 24-inch over-the-range microwave and quad door bottom freezer refrigerator. With freestanding and built-in models designed specifically for kitchens in urban condos, small houses, and micro-units, the company offers an alternative to pricey European appliances. Additional small space living units include a 24-inch freestanding gas range, 24-inch electric cooktop, and 18-inch top-control dishwasher. haieramerica.com
Providing homeowners with a worry-free solution for excess humidity, Broan’s Sensaire Sense-on-Rise Technology is now available on the company’s Invent Series ventilation fans. The humidity sensor detects moisture in the air before condensation occurs, automatically turning on when a rapid rise in humidity is sensed, or when humidity rises above the homeowner’s pre-programmed set point. The unit quickly works to eliminate fogged mirrors and manage moisture, providing exceptional indoor air quality for bathrooms, laundry rooms and mud rooms, the firm says. broan.com
Easily TRANSFORM Countertops
Caesarstone’s new TRANSFORM line of countertops is a thin, 13 millimeter quartz overlay, the first surface overlay from the company. The overlay fits right over existing kitchen and bath countertops, allowing for a new look without extensive construction or demolition in the space—perfect for an unobtrusive and quick remodeling job. The material is low maintenance, and is scratch, stain, and heat resistant, according to the company. The TRANSFORM overlays will be available in 12 different colors beginning in the spring. Pricing varies by color and ranges from approximately $50-$60 per square foot. caesarstoneus.com
The Industry’s Most Affordable Induction Cooktop
Induction cooktops have long been popular in Europe, but have been slow to catch on in North America. An average induction cooktop in the U.S. often retails at about $2,000, which is a price point out of reach for the average consumer. Electrolux is bringing to market one of the most affordable induction cooktops as part of their Frigidaire line. With their proprietary technology, which auto-sizes and directs the heat to the exact size of the pan, Electrolux has created an induction cooktop that costs less than $1,000, one of the least expensive induction cooktops available according to the company. electroluxappliances.com
Two-in-One Washer and Dryer
Laundry just got easier and faster with the 24” LG SIGNATURE Combo TWINWash System, a laundry unit that combines a washer and dryer all in one system. The front-loaded appliance uses LG’s TurboWash to cut the wash cycle time by up to 30 minutes-- twin sprays in the front of the washer quickly spray a concentrated detergent solution directly onto the clothes for quick soaking, while an atomizing rinse spray shoots out tiny, pressurized water particles and pushes them through the load as the drum spins. The unit will then also dry clothes without users having to switch loads over to a new machine. For an added perk, the Energy Star-rated machine uses half the electricity of conventional dryers, and is WiFi-enabled for smartphone control. The unit costs about $3,999. lg.com
Extensive Laminate Options
For homeowners and buyers looking for the luxurious look of stone and marble countertops without having to spend the big bucks, Wilsonart has introduced 24 new colors and a matte finish for six colors in their laminate material for an affordable kitchen. Laminate is an environmentally-friendly and less expensive alternative to stone, and Wilsonart’s high pressure laminate material offers microbial protection for a cleaner kitchen. Consumers often complain about the corner seams visible with laminate, but Wilsonart’s seams are virtually invisible. wilsonart.com
You Can’t Touch This … Yet
One of my favorite discoveries at IBS isn’t for sale—yet, or perhaps ever. PGT Innovations, best known for making windows and patio sliders for Southern coastal homes, showed off a door lock that reads a person’s thumbprint. pgtinnovations.com
This article originally appeared in BUILDER Magazine.
