Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.
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" I BELIEVE THAT the coolest and most useful technology that has come out in the past few years that really enhances the consumer's life in the kitchen is smart appliances. Being able to communicate wirelessly with your different appliances, be it to check the temperature of what you're cooking or to look up the status of a particular item, is such a great convenience. I think that this is just the start of us seeing a growth in this area, as more companies find ways for the consumer to interact with their everyday appliances to work seamless- ly together." Naftali Landau, president Exclusive Cabinetry and Design LTD Far Rockaway, NY " OUR CLIENTS HAVE really focused in on the technology with toilets, and with smart lighting technology. Energy-saving technology and home integration allowing them to man- age consumption needs from smart tablets and devices gives them the greatest control for energy consumption, which translates to cost savings. And, they like to keep in touch with what's happening in their homes while they're away." Cynthia Murphy, president Murphy's Design LLC Manassas, VA " ONE OF THE coolest technologies is the backsplash display screen by Alno and the Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer that has a built-in air purifier that rids the inside of any mold and bacteria every 20 minutes. Although appliance automation is regard- ed as a positive direction among younger consumers, the one issue that my company usually confronts from clients is questions about the quality, functionality, maintenance and cleanability factors. Some of the green issues go out the window if the product does not perform well and/or does not conserve energy. A perfect example are the new regulatory faucets in California that distribute between 1.2 to 1.6 gpm. I find myself using more water due to weak water pressure coming out of the faucet, which defeats the purpose of conservation. Another area would be gas ovens, which take a long time to preheat and thus consume more energy before you can actually cook a meal. I see more compact appliances that reduce the kitchen work footprint while enhancing the entertainment area." Al Reale, owner/designer The Studio Group Simi Valley, CA " ENGINEERED PLYWOOD WITH wood grain melamine veneer is the best that I have ever seen. I prefer ram wood veneer, but to keep pricing in line for builder sales we use the new veneers." Joseph Suggs, owner Towne Lake Cabinets, Inc. Woodstock, GA " I LIKE THE idea of being able to see in- side your refrigerator [with a camera], being able to keep a digital shopping list right there and then linking it with your phone. I am also intrigued by the bathroom mirror that is also a TV screen – it has been around for a little while but you don't see it as much these days. Where I am located, there still are many homes that have the original interiors from the 1960s and 1970s, so those folks are just excited by roll-outs and under cabinet lighting. I think the younger generations are really going to be looking for the newest technology – especially having everything controlled through their phone or a voice sys- tem. I also think cooking technologies will shift in the coming years; many of my clients are moving away from microwaves, seeking healthier yet fast cooking options." Debbi Washburn, designer Ashley Kitchen and Bath Mahopac, NY "I THINK THE coolest technology is in touch faucets. People are wanting to make their home the coolest on the block. Even though this technology has been around for about 10 years in kitchen products, people are just catching on that it can be done in so many styles and in baths also. I see lots of potential for growth in that area; it could also go into the shower for water savings." Sandy Morehead, showroom manager Falk Plumbing Supply North Little Rock, AR " INDUCTION COOKING AND appliances have so many advantages, from rapid cooking to overall efficiency without the excess heat and flame of gas. No one goes anywhere without their cell [phone], so charging stations for all de- vices and even outlets in the drawers [are also valuable]. LED lighting with low heat and low power usage is becoming a must in remodels, going where no lighting has gone before. Sensor lights in cabinets are also catching on." Howland Boyer, owner Cabinet Factory Outlet Plus Omaha, NE " THERE ARE DEVICES that can automatically shut off an electric cooktop if you leave the kitchen unattended for a set period of time. I have personally seen this device prevent fires. They should be standard equipment with every electric cooktop and oven." Alan Goldberg, principal AG/ENA New Canaan, CT "THIS IS A simple item but, in my opinion, the improvement in LED lighting and specifically in LED strip lighting in the last couple of years is remarkable. Now we have under cabinet lighting in the kitchen that is clean, bright, dimmable and virtually invisible until turned on. It is also fantastic in a bathroom. I use them in vanity toekicks for a night light. Add a dimmer or motion sensor and clients love them!" Christie Board, CKD, CBD, designer, owner Board by Board Design and Build Prescott, AZ Dealers & Designers Talk Technology WHAT DO YOU THINK? Email your feedback, contact information and the subject, 'Market Pulse' with your message to Janice@SOLAbrands.com In the last year or two, the kitchen and bath industry has seen huge strides as far as new products that incorporate high-tech features. What's the coolest technology you've seen recently in a product or products? What type of technology do you think most appeals to consumers today, and why? What areas do you see as the biggest growth areas for product technology in the next few years? 8 Kitchen & Bath Design News • September 2016 MARKET PULSE READERS' OPINIONS ON INDUSTRY-RELATED ISSUES