K/BIS Kitchen and Bath Industry Show | Chicago, IL | April 2-4, 2004
 
   

K/BIS 2004 fired up my imagination (two days of witnessing a virtual flood of products will do that to you)! The latest appliances feature super high-tech offerings (fridges with up to eight different temperature zones), and are increasingly designed to be hidden (this Fall, watch out for Sharp's microwave in a drawer). While the digital age is also migrating to the bathroom, I'd say the overwhelming design trend here is luxury, luxury, luxury. Today, there's no shame in splurging on the accoutrements that make your home spa sing.

—Wendy Simard, Features Editor

  
Single-Lever Lavatory Basin Mixer
from KWC Murano
This stunning, award-winning chrome and glass faucet stopped me cold. The unique design of the glass dish provides optimum water flow and creates a crystal stream of water unlike anything you have seen before. (www.kwcfaucets.com)

Teak Tub
from My Trading Company
If you're looking for a truly unique soaking tub, look no further. The superior workmanship of these gorgeous teak tubs consists of all solid teak blocks, which have been kiln dried for about 6 months to achieve a very low moisture level. Every tub is one of a kind.(www.mytradingco.com)

Television Mirror
from Seura, Inc.
The creators of this product—a television mirror—capitalized on the idea that the bathroom is evolving into more than just a utilitarian space designed for basic necessities. But this is really revolutionary; the TV appears in the glass almost as if by magic. (www.seura.com)

Biologic Washer
from Whirlpool
If Whirlpool moves this past the prototype stage with this product, environmentalists will have reason to rejoice! Biologic uses a slow circuit of purified, mineralized water from a reserve of plants which absorb pollution and feed on chemicals which come out in the wash. Energy is obtained from the plants' gas exchanges.

Moody Basin
from EVEN
 There are goldfish in that sink! Even has created a simple glass basin that becomes more complex (and more fun) depending on what you decide to display inside. Other popular ideas include a Zen garden or pebble bed. Lighting and filtration options are provided to ensure healthy conditions for fish. (www.mondobrass.com)

Symphony® System
from Idrolux USA
The jury is still out on whether this is safe, but there's no denying it's ingenious! Attain a gentle glow while you shower with Idrolux's patented tanning tube panels that can be retrofit to any existing unit. (www.idroluxusa.com)

Feed the HeART Cabinet
painted by Marlee Matlin,
sponsored by Aristokraft Cabinetry
Using Aristokraft Cabinetry doors as canvases, celebrities are painting their vision of what it means to "Feed the HeART," a theme which reflects the anti-hunger, anti-poverty mission of Share Our Strength. The doors will be auctioned off at the end of 2004, and the proceeds will go to the organization to help fight poverty and hunger. (www.aristokraft.com; www.strength.org)