Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.
Issue link: http://kitchenbathdesign.epubxp.com/i/222606
Most Asked About Products Readers determine the most-asked-about products for 2013 R eaders of KBDN often look to the product sections of each issue to learn about the latest and greatest kitchen and bath product innovations, as well as what's hot right now. In 2013, it was all about countertops, with unique countertop products taking the three top spots (and eight of the top 20 spots) on KBDN's mostasked-about products list, as tallied by reader requests. Unique products with a custom angle were also well represented on the list, making it clear that while simplicity may be trending, consumers still want products that will allow them to put their own personal stamp on their spaces. KBDN introduced kitchen and bath designers and dealers to nearly 1,200 products in 2013, in categories ranging from countertops and lighting to appliances and bath sinks, hardware and accessories, cabinets, Universal Design products and more. This year, readers made more than 14,500 requests for more information about these diverse items. Topping the list of most-askedabout products were those that ofer designers the ability to create distinctive spaces with customizable options. In fact, six of the top 10 products ft that description… ranging from unique lighting options to one-of-a-kind countertops to custom sink liners and power strips. Even the family pet is not forgotten, with a custom pet food drawer making the top 20 list. Additional top categories include decorative hardware, shower drains and kitchen and bath accessories. On this and the following three pages, KBDN looks at products that have captured the greatest interest of kitchen and bath professionals in 2013. For additional information about these and other products, visit www.ForResidendialPros.com. 30 | Kitchen & Bath Design News 2. FAUX MARBLE METALLIC COUNTERTOPS 1. ILLUMINATED GLASS COUNTERTOPS ThinkGlass creates durable glass countertops in nearly any shape, hue or texture requested, according to the company. Now the company can also illuminate its designs – from within – through the use of LED lighting. "Glass is becoming very popular for the pure clean aspect of this unique luminescent material," says Karl Desjardins, communication director/consultant. "The transparency of glass countertops illuminated by LED lights literally light up any kitchen with sophisticated style." With a variety of LED color options including true white and cold white, as well as the possibility of hundreds of diferent colors, options are abundant, he continues. "Designers can now have the possibility of using ambient light synchronized or matching the countertop color," he says. "Pushing it further, the kitchen can now become a trendy area to hang out, since LED lights can have special efects, like fashing or fading lights. "The end result is a smooth, glossy fnish that is as strong and durable as any natural stone or manmade countertop material," he continues, "but with a spectacular twist that can stay hidden or go all out with a strobe efect." Circle No. 210 on Product Card December 2013 Studio G3 Glass' Faux Marble Metallic Colors include a smooth texture and a multi-tone of metallic colors that are back painted onto the glass, according to Hannah Niki, project manager. "It looks like layers," she says, "and it's vibrant. It really stands out." Because each piece is hand done, no two pieces will be exactly the same. "I think that's what people love these days…something that is unique and one of a kind. It's practical, yet can be a piece of art. It adds a 'wow' factor to any application. We see that a lot of people are doing countertops and islands, or a backsplash or feature wall." For countertops, the 19mm-thick glass top accentuates the fre-polished edges. A range of colors is available. Circle No. 211 on Product Card