Showstoppers: K/BIS | Chicago, IL | April 21 - 23, 2006
 
   

KBIS 2006 Showstoppers

How do you make a splash at a trade show in an industry where high-tech appliances are standard fare? There are a couple of ways; you can work with well known designers to help bring some star quality to your brand as you introduce a whole new line of products to the world, as Electrolux did with Johnny Grey and Cynthia Rowley. You can continue to innovate, as Jason International has with their whirlpools and air tubs. You can concentrate on manufacturing exquisite, well-designed products that are not only beautiful but useful, and you can build a better mousetrap, as many continue to do. Here are my picks for products, which for me, really were showstoppers:

—Jocelyn Hutt, Editor

 
Froufrou à manettes
from THG

Just when you think faucets cannot be elevated to another level of elegance, we find THG's new line, which continues to raise the bar. They have also engaged a well-known designer, Jamie Drake, to add his vision to their products....sigh....

180 Degree Martini Bar
from Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

While not everyone really “needs” a martini bar, this whimsical, yet functional product showcases Kalamazoo's commitment to well-crafted hardy outdoor products, including some wonderful grills.

3-Door Copper-Colored Wine Storage Cabinet
from Perlick

Pay attention now! This is big. Color-infused stainless steel -- you have to see it to believe it. Mark my words, this changes everything. Can you imagine the possibilities?

Fuera Small
from Terra Acqua

Okay, I'll admit it: natural stone used in unique ways still makes me look twice. I found myself running my hands over these sinks several times before I could walk away. Beautiful.

Retro Rainshower
from Grohe

Has our desire for oversized sunflower showerheads been sated? Perhaps after we've all tried this one from Grohe, we'll have had our fill.

Berg Countertop
from Sonoma Cast Stone

We've all fallen in love with concrete as a countertop over the last few years, and we've all learned to love it in spite of its potential drawbacks. Sonoma Cast Stone is happy we love it; but they've also developed a better version to love, called Nu-Crete. This concrete product retains the unstained look and feel of your countertop -- forever. Concrete, but better.

 

 

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