From KBIS to Coverings

As many of you know we can’t seem to get enough of the trends coming out of KBIS, which is why today we devote one last post to the world’s largest K&B show and also promise to move on…albeit to yet another kitchen-and-bath industry staple: Coverings, the premier international trade fair and expo dedicated exclusively to showcasing the newest in ceramic tile and natural stone.

First, a KBIS product release favorite from the Chicago Tribune (and click on the link for more eye-popping favorites from the publication), on Composting made easy:

“Composting only works if you remember to dump your eggshells and apple peels into the actual compost bin — which doesn’t happen in a timely manner if you first toss them into a plastic bucket under the sink and then forget (although in summer, the fruit flies always remember they’re there). Blanco, the sink company, was showing its Solon built-in recycled stainless bin that fits flush with the countertop; a sealed lid (also flush to the counter), conceals odors if you still forget to empty it. $595; BlancoAmerica.com.”

Second: For updates on the Coverings 2010 show, taking place right now in Orlando, FL, check out Architect Magazine’s Architizer blog, where an editor will be blogging live from the show, which started April 27th and ends on the 30th.

A Tale of Two Islands

The majority of kitchen designers we know extol the merits of installing one large kitchen island that will provide not only ample countertop space but also plenty of (hidden) storage for the kinds of pots, pans, gadgets and appliances collected through the years.

But it was design blog Things That Inspire, that brought to our attention the recent popularity–and the lasting merits–of incorporating not one, but two kitchen islands into the design of a space.

The advantages of two smaller islands versus one giant kitchen island include improving traffic in a kitchen with multiple cooks; creating more usable countertop space; and proving additional work surfaces without overwhelming the eyes the way one giant island can. Also, some of her examples pictured are in varying shapes and sizes.

See below for some other examples of double islands, courtesy of Things That Inspire:

What do you think about the double island effect? Could two be twice as nice?

Fresh from KBIS

We’ve blogged about the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) before, and as many of you know, the world’s largest kitchen-and-bath trade show took place last week in Chicago. But today, we wanted to share with you the winners of the 2010 “Best of KBIS” competition and take a look at some of the products–each introduced in the last 12 months–that were awarded for their functionality, quality/durability, flexibility, aesthetics/style and innovation:

Best of Show: Integrated Wine Storage from Liebherr

Best of Bath: TOTO’s eco-powered Aimes Shower Lighting System

Universal Design was a new category introduced at the competition. Here, the Best of Universal Design:  HealthCraft Products‘ Invisia Collection

To see more of the winners from this year’s show, visit Kitchen & Bath Business magazine online for “Best of KBIS Winners.”

Next Page »