Cutting-Edge at Home

As we settle into a healthier economy in 2013, and as the design and construction recovery spreads across the nation, homeowners and architects are devoting special attention to two rooms in the house: kitchens and baths. According to the 2013 Design Trends Survey from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), some trends, such as the use of granite in kitchens and bathrooms, remain popular. Bronze or oil-rubbed finishes are specified more often, growing from 41 percent in 2010 to 60 percent this year. It’s true, consumer budgets appear to have shrunk just a bit, but the good news is that the use of technology in these spaces is on the rise. The trend of energy-efficient lighting such as LEDs, for example, has serious staying power, while touch-activated faucets are also growing in popularity. Here’s a selection of the best new products from trade shows such as ISH in Frankfurt, LivingKitchen at IMM Cologne, and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), which runs April 19–21 in New Orleans.