ioDIGITAL

The ioDIGITAL electronic thermostatic valve from Moen may be convenient with four presets for the Shower and Vertical Spa (body sprays) and three presets for the Roman tub; an LED temperature change indicator and a remote control that will operate the shower from 30 feet away…unless the power is out.

I don’t care how intuitive or simple the controls are; if you have a power failure and the shower won’t start you are not going to have the extraordinary experience that Moen promises.

Installing the digital valve will require an electrician in addition to a plumber making installation costs higher than average.

May 27, 2009August 7, 2017

2009 KBIS Product Showcase

Guest post from Jamie Goldberg

These are some of the products I spotted at the 2009 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show that I thought fellow KitchAnn Style readers would enjoy. As I always check this blog for the latest and greatest, it was an honor and a challenge looking for new things that would interest KAS readers.

TOTO-LY EXCELLENT

Toto can always be counted on for great product introductions, and this year was no exception. My favorite releases were the Luminist series of resin lavs that could be lit from below with LEDs or even fluorescents. Your lav could be illuminated with colored – even changing lights – for a dramatic powder room or master bath. (Night lights never looked this good!)Another Toto favorite of mine was the Waza Noir. Not only is it sculpturally beautiful, its finish is as smooth and touchable as velvet.

KOHLER ME WHITE AND GOLD

Kohler has redefined the white fixture. And the results are soft, matte and elegant. Its new Honed White lavs and toilets feature a gentler-toned finish that lends itself beautifully to spa style baths. Rather than the traditional, glossy paper look, Honed White looks like Haagen Dazs vanilla bean ice cream. KitchAnn Style readers may particularly enjoy the new Reve contemporary bath suites in this luscious new finish.

Kohler also reintroduced gold to the designer’s palette with its Vibrant Moderne Brushed Gold. It’s got a polished companion, too, but I think the softer brushed works best in these hard-edged times.

I was also taken by Kohler’s new Parity bath, which features a richly-stained transfer seat. While this wooden perch makes it easier for someone to get in and out of the tub, it also makes it easier to keep bath goodies at hand, or even add candlelight to your bath.

TECH NOTES

Many of the top appliance manufacturers stayed home this year. Two, however, brought their A Game. LG introduced a new double drawer French door fridge with automation. If you’ve ever wished for a third hand, this may be the appliance for you. A control panel on the front of the fridge makes it easy to open the freezer drawers without bending or tugging.

Bosch is also making it easier to work in the kitchen. Its new AutoChef Induction Cooktop includes pre-sets for frequently-made foods. I’ve been a big proponent of induction, and I know Ann is a fan of this energy-saving technology, too. One hesitation clients have had is that they’re very comfortable cooking with electric or gas and aren’t sure how to adjust their recipes for induction. This is a good solution, and a pretty sleek cooktop, too.

Robern has brought a touch of technology to the medicine cabinet. Its new Uplift series can hold a flat-screen TV, along with your standard bath fare. Its sleek design incorporates a door that slides upwards, creating a range of new design options.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Design enthusiasts know that great hardware can update your home in a heartbeat. If they’re fans of the world-renowned Clodagh, they might be interested to know that Du Verre has released two new lines of cabinet hardware the famed interior designer created just for them. One is called Primitive. The other is Stacked. Both are fun, quirky and unique, and will definitely update any room they show up in.

May 9, 2009

MTI Intarcia

The new Intarcia Tub, designed by Matthew Quinn, is a gorgeous addition to the MTI Boutique Collection.

One of the unique qualities of this collection is that it is made from Solid Surfacing Material. The elegant contoured bath is customizable with your choice of two pedestals designs and unique decorative inlay options in glass, metal, stone, wood or any other material you can imagine.

This tub can be a simple soaker or it can be equipped with MTI’s air bath system.

Matching sinks will make your bathroom feel like a luxurious hotel.

This bath was recently displayed at KBIS and will be shown next week at HD Expo.

March 29, 2009

Bassino from Kaldewei

For 2009 Kaldewi brings luxury and elegance to bathing suitable for any modern bathroom interior.

The new Bassino tub is pure in design with clean-cut interior lines that create generous proportions allowing you to lie back and relax in the water. Being able to stretch out and float in the tub brings relief to persistent and also chronic tension by reducing the strain on spine, muscles and joints. Another positive effect floating has on the body is the improvement in the powers of concentration, creativity and productivity.

The shallow depth of the bath makes it easy to climb in and out.

The level base of the Bassino means it can also be used as a spacious and luxurious shower.

The bath has been designed by the internationally renowned Phoenix Design. The firm embraces a philosophy that is as natural as it is intuitive: form follows emotion.

I don’t know who designed the house in the photograph above but I absolutely love it. It is the perfect bathing oasis.