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20 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | June 2015 ent color combinations. What you did not see was wenge and dark mahogany. The colors were vibrant, not only on furniture, but also on tubs and bowls. There was a concerted efort to match furniture color with ceramics and other components in the bath. Showrooms can proft from this trend by changing displays that feature matching colors and combinations. In ceramics, most of the interna- tional companies are ofering rimless toilet bowls with an antibacterial glaze and are marketing hygienic benefts. This is a selling point that works with germ-conscious consum- ers who seek healthier lifestyles. Thin is in when it comes to ce- ramics, countertops and some tubs. Bowls and countertops have slimmed down and are lighter. Manufacturers claim that these new thin profles are stronger, and more fexible and da mage-resista nt t ha n conven- tional counterparts. The fact that these pieces weigh less also means reduced freight costs, which is win- win for both showrooms and their customers. For bathtubs, freestanding tubs came in every shape imaginable; they were made from multiple diferent materials and were ofered by faucet, ceramic, furniture and even shower- centric companies. Some designs ofered color highlights to white tubs, while others featured many color op- tions. There were also tubs that were integrated into bathroom furniture designed to stand-alone anywhere in the home. In mirrors, technological advances in LED lighting have taken them up several notches. Mirrors were inter- nally and externally lit, and many had color options with interesting, and in some cases confusing, on-of applica- tions. Some mirrors were large – more than 60" – and almost all could be ordered in custom sizes. Makeup mirror manufacturers are taking advantage of LED advances by introducing new models that al- low users to change the brightness from daytime to nighttime, simply by sliding their fnger across the mirror. The use of this technology will make a statement to customers and provide showrooms with additional reasons to attract customers to their brick and mortar businesses. With shower pans, European ver- sions are rimless – completely fush with the foor and with a small hood scoop opening at the back. These pans ofer a seamless look with a mini- malistic drain capable of handling high-power showers. Woody Allen is credited with claiming that 80% of success is just showing up. ISH helped to confrm Allen's belief. Attending future ISH shows will make every showroom operator more successful because it provides a bird's-eye view of trends, products and developments that will be commonplace in the future. Kaye Powell is v.p. Residential Division for Chown Hardware and a member of the Decorative Plumbing & Hardware Association Education Committee. DPH Perspectives { Kaye Powell, Chown Hardware } 1699 Stutz Dr. | Troy, Michigan 48084 248.649.8766 | EuroAmericaDistributors.com VAL DESIGN. WARENDORF. BERLONI, HULSTA. SMA. CERASA. ARTE DI MURANO. EuroAmerica Distributors LOOKING TO REPRESENT THE FINEST IN EUROPEAN KITCHEN CABINETRY, BATHS & FURNITURE? JOIN THE FASTEST GROWING NETWORK OF DEALERS IN THE U.S. CONTACT US AT SALES @ EUROAMERICADISTRIBUTORS.COM We offer the highest standard of customer service, simplifying the order and delivery process. Learn more about our dealer benefits today. Circle No. 13 on Product Card