Today, we’re continuing our coverage of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show with a look at some of the best products we saw that are new or recent for kitchens, sans appliances (which will be in tomorrow’s report). Highlights range from super sturdy and sleek granite sinks and touchless faucets to new surfacing styles and palettes.
American Standard: Beale Touchless Faucet
Offered in a high-arc, gooseneck style, Beale utilizes Selectronic proximity technology to detect waving motions that turn on or shut off the water, which, in turn, can help improve hygiene and reduce the risk of cross-contamination in food preparation. Beale can also be switched to manual operation simply by sliding a tab that covers the sensor and controlling via the integrated ADA-compliant handle. The faucet offers a pull-down, two-function spray with an easy-to-clean face and comes in polished chrome or stainless steel. Beale will be available this spring.
Blanco: IKON™
We’ve seen apron-front sinks in ceramic and, sometimes, stainless steel. But IKON is the first of its kind. The sink is composed of Blanco’s proprietary SILGRANIT® material, which boasts rock-hard granite durability, heat resistance up to 536 degrees Fahrenheit, scratch and household acid resistance, high cleanability and a smooth surface. The 30-inch-wide by 10-inch-deep apron-front bowl comes in three on-trend colors: anthracite, white and café brown.
Caesarstone: New Colors
In addition to displaying six of its most popular colors in a new honed finish, the quartz surface manufacturer unveiled nine new colors with elegant veining patterns that perfectly emulate real natural stones. Statuario Maximus sports shades of gray in both broad and fine veins that sweep across a soft white ground, while Urban Safari features a striking series of diagonal veins that cut across a khaki-toned field, to name a couple. These nonporous and heat-, stain- and scratch-resistant surfaces are naturally well-suited to applications including countertops, backsplashes and walls.
Cosentino®: Etchings
With stunning graphic pattern, Etchings from the Influencer Series marks the first time that materials from two Cosentino brands — Silestone® quartz surfacing and Dekton® ultra-compact surfacing — come together into a single product. When six influential North American designers toured Cosentino’s manufacturing plants and R&D facilities in Spain, the trend-spotters found inspiration from prototypes on the cutting-room floor. And thus the idea for Etchings — embedding Dekton shards into Silestone — was born. The bold new design is offered in two colorways, Aquatint (soft light blue) and Ink (black) and, as always with the manufacturer’s products, is super durable and low-maintenance, making it perfect for a range of kitchen and bath surfaces.
Formica: Timberworks
The reclaimed-wood look influences this new residential high-pressure laminate offering from Formica. Here, however, the manufacturer blends strips depicting different reclaimed wood species, grains and tints to create an eye-catching pattern. The laminate boasts high scratch-resistance, courtesy of Formica’s own EliteForm technology, at a budget-friendly price point. In addition to Timberworks, the company launched seven other new designs, two of which were co-created with celebrated designer Jonathan Adler.
Franke: Granite Undermount Sinks
Franke may be best known for its attractive stainless-steel kitchen sinks, but at KBIS, it unveiled a new undermount series in granite. Composed of 80 percent of quartz — the most durable component of granite — and 20 percent of acrylic resin for bonding, the sinks are super durable, nonporous and stain- and heat-resistant. Furthermore, the sinks incorporate Franke’s Sanitized antimicrobial product, which inhibits bacteria growth using silver ions. The Granite series offers nine kitchen-sink shapes in six colors.
Grohe: LadyLux3 Café
A departure from typical sensor faucets, this high-arc fixture uses a foot control to free up both hands for more maneuverability. In order to switch it on or off, one need only tap one’s foot on an activation plate that’s tucked away in the toe space of the cabinet (making it less likely that the dog or cat of the house will set it off). LadyLux3 Café features a pull-down spray that toggles between regular flow and spray. The faucet comes in Grohe StarLight Chrome or SuperSteel Infinity finish. The activation plate can be place in alternate spots, such as a side of a cabinet for hand or elbow control, to address accessibility issues and preferences.
Poggenpohl: New Finishes
The luxury kitchen manufacturer had one of its beautiful Porsche Design systems and some other components on view at this year’s show — and a slew of new finishes that are equally elegant or sleek. Poggenpohl added the color Diamond Grey, for one, and introduced 16 new glass fronts in high-gloss or matte, the latter of which creates a certain glow. Three new veneers included Oak Honey Brown, Cherry Silver Brown Structure high gloss and Makassar Structure high gloss. The cabinetry interiors also received some finish updates, such as Stone Grey and a decor print Natural Nut Tree.
Although not brand new, Stikwood is relatively young, having been founded a mere four years ago by master woodworker Jerry McCall. The eponymous product is the world’s first peel-and-stick wood plank for interior walls, ceilings, bar or island fronts and various other flat surfaces (though not floors). These simple-to-install, real-wood units — derived from sustainably harvested or reclaimed sources — can be particularly ideal for DIY, low-cost or time-sensitive projects, and come in styles ranging from reclaimed weathered wood and old athletic floors to barrel oak and bamboo. Additionally, Stikwood offers stock printed patterns and can custom-print signage, logos and artwork as well. The product is not recommended for high-moisture areas (such as bathing zones) and food-service venues (and kitchen areas that come into direct contact with food/liquid substances), but the company does offer treatment and sealing options for such situations at an additional cost. The reclaimed wood planks are approximately 3/16 inches thick while the sustainable hardwoods are 1/8 inches thick; the adhesive is rated to stick for 10 years.