KBB - June/July 2009 - (Page 14)

Focus Just Peachy Trend-setting products abounded at K/BIS 2009 in Atlanta Despite current economic conditions, a number of innovative products were showcased at the 2009 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show (K/BIS) held in Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center from May 1 to 3. Some products met consumer demand for eco-consciousness or accessibility, while others offered wallet-friendly price points or boasted the latest style trends. EXTENSIONS AND ECONOMICS In addition to introducing new products and collections, several manufacturers expanded existing lines with more affordable options, water-efficient and/or energy-conservation features, as well as new finishes, colors and sizes. Brizo, for example, launched a 1.5-gpm version of its Tresa faucet, and ShowHouse by Moen restyled its Woodmere fitting collection. As Patricia Gaylor, of Patricia Gaylor Interior Design in Little Falls, NJ, noted, “There was a lot of tweaking of existing products,” a trend which Troy Adams, CKD, of Troy Adams Design in West Hollywood, CA, also noticed. One reason? Pure economics. Adams said, “It’s more costly for manufacturers to introduce new product lines.” Of course, the market slump and an increase in gas prices this summer are also affecting consumer buying patterns. Most homeowners are moving away from “the bells and whistles,” said Chris Acker, a general contractor from Montrose, PA. Instead, they are focused on ﬁnding more bang for their buck. And manufactures are responding. Appliance makers, especially, came up with a middle ground between extremely high-priced wares and standard items that featured style and functionaliy at reasonable prices. Sears, for example, rolled out aggressive price promotions for its new Kenmore lines of ranges and induction cooktops, as well as washers, which begin at $1,599.99. LG also offered lower MSRPs for its washers and dryers in wild cherry red, with units starting at $999 each. Cosentino launched ECO by Cosentino (above), a new line of countertop and surfacing materials composed of 75 percent post-industrial and post-consumer recycled raw material. It is offered in several colors, such as white diamond (shown). Expanding its Boutique Collection with solid-surface tubs and sinks, MTI Whirlpools turned to designer Matthew Quinn. The Eryx sink (left) demonstrates a sloping, asymmetrical design. A BRIGHTER TOMORROW As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for stylish green products will continue to grow, as was evident at the show. “The most talked about products had a sustainable or energy-efficient message,” said Gaylor. For example, Cosentino, which manufactures Silestone, a quartz countertop, came out with ECO, a new line that uses 75 percent recycled material. “This trend is definitely being influenced by public demand for more sustainable products, and demand could lead to lower pricing if the product is a success,” Gaylor added. “If it was a new appliance introduction, not only did it have to look beautiful, but it also had to function efficiently.” One way, said Gaylor, is to utilize “smart technology” to limit the amount of water and/or electricity needed. Whirlpool, for instance, introduced the Resource Saver refrigerator, which uses 6th Sense technology to automatically adjust Continued on page 16 14 + K BB June/July 2009 / www.kbbonline.com / The Ofﬁcial Sponsor of K/BIS www.kbis.com http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - June/July 2009

KBB - June/July 2009
Contents
Online Contents
Online News
Editorial
Focus
Trends
Products
Profile
Options
Design
Diplomatic Function
Grand Master
Green
Access
Practice
Education
Opinion
Editorial Index
Ad Index
Favorites

KBB - June/July 2009