Blogtour were judges for the Best of KBIS, so our first duty was to check out the contenders. We were directed to an expansive product wall which displayed all the products entered in the“Best of KBIS” Contest. Each item entered in the competition was featured with a special scan code which gave more information about the product, as well as location at the show. It was important for us to see the products in person, so off we went for a whirlwind tour of the show floor.
Ask Veronika Miller what it is like to herd 16 designers through a place like KBIS with the intention of seeing all the exhibitors in a timely manner. I’m sure she would say it is the equivalent of trying to walk a kid through a candy store. There was a strong temptation to meander off in various directions, when we saw something that peaked our interest. Eventually we behaved and followed orders, but not before persuading Veronika to stop and gander as well. Our time was limited, because we had so much to see on such a tight schedule, but we worked fast! Our hopes were of returning to places of interest at a more leisurely pace later in the day.
My new friend, designer Rhonda Knoche modeled the toilet for me, but you will have to check out my instagram for that pic, I didn’t want to insult anyone showing that pic here. It’s pretty graphic! (Wink, wink!) While you are on instagram, cause i know you peeped…make sure you sign up to follow TotoUSA to see pics of their new products.
Poggenpohl always brings their “A Game” no matter where they show up. This beautiful cabinet line thrilled us again, with uber sexy finishes and fabulous german technology. There was a trend at the show towards mixing finishes in kitchens which I find very interesting. Poggenpohl is a master at mixing finishes to create a sleek, interesting kitchen. I can’t wait to share the fun night we spend at The Mandarin Oriental Penthouses viewing Poggenpohlcabinetry and SubZero/Wolf appliances. It was a night to remember!
Poggenpohl unveiled their Goldreif line which offers an extensive array of color options and beautiful sleek styling like the signature line, but at a more aggressive price point.
Our stroll by the Topknobs booth proved fruitful. Not only did treat us to a delicious breakfast, but also unveiled delicious new hardware! They shared their beautiful new glass knob collection which is available in a variety of color options as well as some interesting shapes, like the one pictured below which is offered in four finishes.
Nothing dresses up cabinetry quite like pretty hardware and Topknobs has a wide variety of fabulous new options! We were bamboozled by the new Glacier collection which is sleek and smooth with several new finishes. Topknobs is a master at making hardware that feels as good as it looks. Their craftsmanship is exquisite. I think it’s their best collection yet!
We visited Wood-mode Cabinets to see their new fab products. Did you know Wood-mode is made in the USA and is a family owned company? They also served us mimosas! Yum! Thank you Wood-Mode!
Blanco Sinks has an amazing new product called “The One Sink”. With this sink you decide what components work best for you and the way you cook. Blanco is totally changing the way we think about our sinks with this new concept. I especially love the knife block option, shown on the left which makes using knives a lot safer. Check out the other options here and find out which “One” sink you prefer.
Blogtour took a moment at Dekton to pick out our favorite ultracompact surface. They were all beautiful! Are you familar with Dekton? It is amazing! Dekton was introduced last October in New York by Consentino. This is biggest new product introduction since Silestone. This product changes the way we think about what we use both inside and outside of structures. This material can take the place of many products. It is an incredibly innovative material. I especially love the beautiful matt finish. Architects and Designers are loving this new product. Click here to watch a video about this revolutionary product.
Best of Kitchen: Gold – Dacor: Discovery™ iQ 30” Wall Oven
Best of Kitchen: Silver – Glideware
Best of Bath: Gold – Delta® Temp2O™ Technology
Best of Bath: Silver – TOTO: NEOREST 750H
Make sure you click on the links to check out the products.
Do you know about the People’s Choice Awards?
KBIS will have a People’s Choice Award announced the week of February 10, 2014. If you would like to vote in the People’s Choice awards Click Here for Details.