The article I wrote last week focused on the innovations at KBIS (the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show). From sustainability practices to cutting-edge tech integrations, Rob and I truly marveled at some of the big ideas shaping kitchen and bath design.
This week’s article shifts to a more intimate look at functionality and the aesthetics and feel of design. The following seven brands stood out as my favorites, each offering a blend of timeless elegance and practicality that I LOVED.
Look at the craftsmanship and design acumen behind these brands and some of the products that stole my heart…
READ: I’ll continue posting other products on social, so be sure to follow me on Instagram for more!!
1: Häfele
When I walked into Häfele’s showroom at KBIS, I was ready to open ALL the cabinet doors and drawers! The sleek designs were beautiful, but I wanted to see inside.
Sure enough, Häfele’s showroom was filled with in-cabinet and in-drawer lighting options. I envisioned using Häfele’s lighting system in a client’s kitchen to create a warm and inviting cooking ambiance while enhancing the practicality of the space, especially for older family members…
The thought of integrating these lighting solutions is even more appealing with how discrete they are. When undercabinet lighting became a “thing,” the LED strips were often visible…but now you can open a cabinet door and see perfectly into a space filled with light from a discrete light source. It’s truly beautiful!
Takeaways:
- Häfele’s specialty fittings and hardware enhance functionality and elevate design
- Häfele has over 37,000 products in its catalog to cater to unique renovation needs
See the illuminated, soft-close drawers in action in this reel…
2: Brizo
Stepping into Brizo’s showroom felt like entering an exclusive spa environment. You could feel the sophistication and overarching sense of wellness. Their faucets with customizable handles and shower solutions left me impressed with their attention to detail…and not only artful but clever craftmanship.
I could imagine using Brizo’s elegant fixtures in bathroom designs at the intersection of wellness and luxury. Their solutions elevate spaces with statement pieces that also have unique lifestyle functionality.
Takeaways:
- Brizo’s products are WaterSense labeled, offering water-efficient solutions
- The company has won over 30 recent design awards for its innovative products
- Brizo is part of the Delta Faucet Company, a timeless and trusted leader in the industry
3: Thompson Traders
As I explored the Thompson showcase, I was rendered breathless by the beauty and artistry of their handmade metalwork. From sinks to chandeliers, every piece exuded craft.
I was especially drawn to their custom metal oven hoods, which I saw as a true testament to the imagination of the firm.
Incorporating Thompson pieces into a client’s renovation requires pairing the client to the right piece, because each item reflects individual style and personality. It’s as intimate as design gets!
(Don’t forget the extraordinary story I told last week about the AI-generated images that Thompson used to make the AILA sink with the help of designer Leslie Carothers…I’ll tell the FULL story about that in the new edition of Signature Home Style that goes live next week, so be sure to subscribe!!)
Takeaways:
- Thompson Traders offers a lifetime warranty on all its handcrafted copper products
- Each Thompson creation is a testament to timeless elegance and superior craft
4: Kohler
Walking through Kohler’s showroom, I was delighted by solutions that were as practical as they were stunning. The “handshower” I featured last week was a great find! Another design I saw was the in-lit medicine cabinet with customizable add-on elements that I absolutely fell in love with…this stood out to me as a gamechanger in bathroom design.
I envisioned incorporating the medicine cabinet into a bathroom renovation where the vanity lighting and storage has to be perfect. With this customizable solution, that’s exactly what a client will get…
Takeaways:
- Kohler has been in business for over 148 years now, wow!
- Kohler’s products are designed for sustainability, with over 90% recyclable materials
5: Viking Ovens
Stepping into Viking’s showroom, I was greeted by a vibrant display of color. Their bright ovens instantly caught my eye and I floated right over to the pink one.
Viking’s beautiful designs and workmanship were both evident in every detail. I could imagine incorporating a Viking oven into a client’s kitchen renovation for a pop of personality and style.
Takeaways:
- Viking appliances are handcrafted in the USA, ensuring superior quality
- Viking appliances are ENERGY STAR certified, reducing energy consumption
6: AGA Living
I knew I would be seeing a LOT of induction cooktops and stoves at KBIS this year, but I was not expecting what I saw at the AGA Living display. Their approach to induction cooking surfaces includes intuitive knobs instead of touch buttons. This design is the PERFECT blend of the gas stoves we know and the superior induction cooking technology.
I look forward to incorporating products like AGA’s induction surfaces into a kitchen renovation to provide a client with a seamless cooking experience…modern technology combined with timeless elegance. It will be such a joy to work in that kitchen!!
Takeaways:
- AGA’s induction cooktop knobs offer precise temperature control within 1°F
- The company’s products are manufactured using eco-friendly materials and processes
7: La Cornue
Walking into La Cornue’s showroom was like floating into a culinary fantasy. I was immediately struck by the design details of these luxury kitchen appliances. The colorful ovens added a playful yet sophisticated touch with one oven featuring 11 customizable color options!!
And oh, the hood I saw! La Cornue’s oven hood that stole my heart had a leather overlay. The juxtaposition of textures was magnificent and showcased the brand’s commitment to design innovation. I could already envision incorporating these pieces into a kitchen renovation for a touch of French elegance and culinary flair…
Takeaways:
- Each La Cornue appliance is handcrafted to ensure durability and timeless style
- Customizable color options mean La Cornue allows for more personalized designs
Staying informed about the latest innovations and design offerings from the top brands in kitchen and bath is invaluable for homeowners with a taste for beautiful homes…
Knowing what the best brands offer allows you to make informed decisions in your designs and elevate your environments to the stature you know your home is worthy of.
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