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Product Trend Report 42 | Kitchen & Bath Design News October 2014 introduced four new high-power electric cooktops and six new electric built-in ovens. "We are fnding that improvements in electric power sources allow for the same power that can be found in gas sources, with additional benefts such as convec- tion, self-clean and rapid cooking options," she says. Indeed, technology is evident in everything from smart ovens to induction cooktops to refrigerators that can call the repair center when they're malfunctioning. INTEGRATED OPTIONS With more and more kitchens opening into other living spaces, homeowners are often asking designers to help their appliances blend in with their surroundings. It is essential to ofer the option to seamlessly integrate appliances into the cabinetry, says Franklin. "Consumers want the option to have their appliances 'disappear' in their space," she says. Steigmiller states that new technology and techniques allow refrigerators to become virtually invisible in what he calls "a big leap forward" in built-in refrigeration. "Cabinetry panels discreetly hide these appliances, allowing the room's style to take center stage," he says. Elkin agrees that custom cabinetry and appliances that virtually disappear into a kitchen design remain prevalent. The Thermador Freedom Collection allows cold storage to disappear into custom cabinetry, taking on the look of a beautiful piece of furniture rather than an essential appliance, he notes. The new Thermador frameless Freedom Induction Cooktop with a solid black surface also supports this trend. At Perlick, the company fnds that disappearing kitchens or kitchens that feature white, fat cabinetry without hardware are very popular. The company's units, with zero-clearance hinging and fully integrated depth, allow a fush ft with sur- rounding cabinetry. Johnson says that warmer colors and softer fnishes are trending in kitchen design. "Soft, matte black, rose gold and champagne gold are the latest fxture oferings for those who are exhausted by the sea of stainless steel and brushed nickel options that currently dominate in the kitchen," she says. Driv- ing this trend for warmer colors is the desire for seamlessness and comfort, she adds. "With more emphasis on open-concept kitchens, appliances become better integrated with the cabinets. As the kitchen truly becomes the hub of the home, colors that instill a sense of comfort help us feel more connected to each other and our surroundings," she says. DISTINCTIVE STYLE On the fip side, there are those who would like to see their appliances "pop" in the design, rather than demurely blending into their surroundings. This desire for a customized experi- ence drives choices in colors and fnishes, manufacturers note. "People like perfectly integrated products but still [want products that are] distinctive," says Bertazzoni. She notes that many consumers want applianc- The new free-standing Profle Series gas and electric ranges from GE allow users to preheat, set the time and check cooking status using the GE Brillion mobile app on their smartphone. The ranges feature True European Convection with Precise Air, a warming drawer, self-clean roller rack, oven meat probe, tri-ring burners and notifcation lighting that turns on when the oven has preheated. Circle No. 173 on Product Card SMEG has launched the retro Victoria 36" free-standing range, which marries European design with high-tech, chef- inspired cooking functions. The range features ultra-rapid 18,000 BTU brass burner; eight pro-cooking functions, including double European/ true convection features; chrome shelves with telescopic guides; advanced rotisserie, and EverClean technology. The range is available in classic cream, stainless steel and gloss black fnishes. Circle No. 176 on Product Card The KitchenAid Architect Series II 24" dishwasher includes the company's AquaSense Recycling System, which recycles water from the fnal rinse cycle and uses it in the next load's pre-rinse cycle, resulting in 33 percent less water consumption. Fresh water is used to fnish the cleaning cycle. The fve-cycle/ six-option dishwasher also features a ProWash Cycle that determines the appropriate setting for washing dishes, a ProScrub Option and Whisper Quiet System. Circle No. 175 on Product Card RangeCraft Manufacturing now ofers an oval-shaped range hood with LED lighting top and bottom, creating a halo efect. The range hood can be made oval in any size, width and height, out of copper, brass or stainless steel or powder coated in nearly 200 RAL colors. It can be fnished with accent bands, rivets and buttons for a custom look. Circle No. 179 on Product Card Prizer Hoods presents the Jewel Tones collection of range hoods, available in six gemstone color options: Ruby, Amethyst, Topaz, Emerald, Mahogany and Sapphire. Finished in a glossy sheen, the hues can be added to any of the line's 50+ hood designs. Metals, colors and trims allow for customization of the range hoods. Circle No. 177 on Product Card The new Verona 36" Electric Ranges, available from EuroChef, include electric single and double-oven versions. Each oven includes fve high-power sealed elements on a black ceramic cooktop surface. A multi- function European Convection oven and touch-control digital clock and timer are also featured. Circle No. 178 on Product Card The BEST iQ Blower System is now available in 18 range hoods – including eight brand new designs – from chimney to island to built-in. The iQ Blower System makes it possible to calibrate the hood to each installation, providing individualized performance. The new Intesa Island Hood, shown, is one of fve island hood designs available with iQ Blower technology. The contemporary, slim glass brick design features four-speed control along the side of the fue and includes a remote control. Circle No. 171 on Product Card New Slim Bafe flters from Imperial Cal. Products have a pro-style look. The flters are available on all of the company's deluxe models – wall or island styles. Circle No. 172 on Product Card Bosch Home Appliances' redesigned kitchen line includes new speed microwave ovens that pair the cooking qualities of a conventional oven with the speed of microwave technology. Flush installation matches Bosch wall ovens, the steam convection oven or warming and storage drawers, and horizontal alignment allows for easy integration and creates an even horizontal line when paired with other Bosch kitchen appliances. Circle No. 170 on Product Card Haier America's Counter Depth refrigerator with French door design features 20.6 cu. ft. of space and is designed to align with surrounding cabinets. The Energy Star-rated unit includes Spill Proof Glass Shelves that prevent liquids from leaking from one shelf to the next. Circle No. 174 on Product Card