Last month’s KBIS show, like it does every year, showcased the debut of many new options for builders, designers and remodelers to upgrade and upsell kitchens and baths. Manufacturers such as Delta Faucets unveiled new models of its popular Linden lines; Aquatic showcased new bathing solutions, ranging from its modern and clean-designed Cooper 30 to its four-piece SMC Tub-Show System, while Broan showcased its economical but high-performing hood range. Following are some of the products we saw at the show along with other new exciting options recently released for your customer’s next kitchen and bath project.

Interested in video interviews with attendees and exhibitors at KBIS? Visit our video page at www.bnmag.com/resources/video for the last word from the showroom floor.

Flat-spout shower

Get drenched with the Aquavolo Duetto. The stainless steel fixture brings your customers the option of a waterfall shower and a rain shower. The horizontal position of the flat spout lets forth a refreshing rain shower, and if you flip the spout down, the water cascades as a generous waterfall. www.jaclo.com :: 800-852-3906

Flexible prep sink

For customers dreaming of a kitchen that could liberate his or her “inner Martha, Emeril or Rachael,” Franke has put together versions of what it calls the “Active Kitchen” with plenty of personalized options. One recommendation for the aspiring chef is a three-part system that pairs a large, deep rectangular sink with the gently curved and highly versatile Beach Prep Sink that accommodates a second drain, colander and measuring bowls, and a cutting board and polished stainless steel grid (further good news is that all are included in the price). www.franke.com :: 800-626-5771

Single-level elegant faucet

Titanium lives up to its bold name with a collection of streamlined single-lever monoblock units that make a striking statement. The faucet is available with two hydro-progressive water control options, including a smooth sleeve with a small lever that blends flawlessly into the fixture, or a knurled-textured sleeve that enhances grip while creating a subtle contrast to the polished base and spout. Temperature control and volume are activated in one motion by the hydro-progressive sleeve. In addition, Watermark Designs has incorporated the latest eco-smart technology for water conservation with their Volume Reduction Aerator. The user can adjust their own flow rate directly at the tip of the spout. www.watermark-designs.com :: 800-84-BRASS

Pulldown faucet

Moen’s new Arbor faucet combines a graceful, high-arc spout, multifunction pulldown wand and docking mechanism to offer the perfect combination of form and function. In addition, the faucet’s unique S-shaped handle, which can be installed on the right or left side of the faucet, adds an unexpected touch of style. Available in a single-hole mount, Arbor blends beautifully into granite and other solid-surface countertops for a clean, refined look. A coverplate is included for three-hole sink applications. The faucet’s single-lever handle offers easy-to-use temperature and flow control, while the ergonomically designed pullout wand and high-arc spout make performing everyday tasks, like filling large pots or vases, easy. With the touch of a button, users can switch between several water flow patterns, including aerated spray, stream or Moen’s patented pause button, to easily reach areas outside of the sink. www.moen.com :: 800-289-6636

Upscale stainless steel sink

Kohler’s Vault family of fabricated stainless steel kitchen sinks is designed to emulate the upscale look and feel of an undermount kitchen sink for less cost. Whether it’s a laminate or solid surface countertop, the Vault kitchen sinks can be installed as undermount or self-rim, making these sinks ideal for any kitchen setting and décor. When installed as self-rim, the sink’s ledge is only 1.25 mm thick—about the thickness of a nickel—making the transition from sink to countertop appear seamless. Sharp, clean lines add a contemporary twist to this family of fabricated stainless steel sinks, which are constructed from 18-gauge stainless steel. The sinks utilize Silent Shield technology on the basin and walls of the sink, which significantly reduces noise and vibration during normal use. The sinks have 9-inch basins and a lower-than-standard saddle, allowing for overflow. Tight corners and a handcrafted X-pattern complement forms found on today’s major appliances. www.kohler.com :: 800-4-KOHLER

Universal design system

Delta recently introduced a new line of universal design bathing systems. The inaugural three pieces of the product line include zero-threshold shower bases; zero-threshold contemporary shower enclosures and transfer tub. Made with durable Styrofoam-backed acrylic, the shower and bath enclosures are installed as four-piece units, making them easier to maneuver into structures and ideal for both new construction and remodeling applications. All grab bars, seats and components come factory-installed. The Delta bracket-and-cleat system makes it easy to mount the walls and grab bars securely to the studs. The Delta universal design bathing systems help builders and remodelers provide that freedom to their customers affordably, without sacrificing style. www.deltafaucet.com :: 800-345-3358

Stylized, minimalistic tub

Aquatic’s new Cooper tub, which combines elegant, minimalist styling with practical features, offers your customers a truly relaxing and rejuvenating bathing experience. The skirted Cooper bath, available in 60-by-30-inch and 60-by-32-inch soaking and whirlpool models, is a sleek, geometric, sculptural design—ideal for creating a bathroom with a crisp, clean, uncluttered and understated look. The Cooper tub’s modern design is stylistically versatile, likely to appeal to a broad range of tastes. The Cooper bath is part of Aquatic’s “Builders’ Choice” acrylic bath line, a perennial favorite because of the high-end look, thanks to the luxurious luster of Lucite acrylic. Consistent with the neutral color palette typical of minimalist design, the Cooper tub comes in Almond, Biscuit, Bone and Linen. www.aquaticbatch.com :: 800-877-2005

Range hood series

The new Broan Evolution Series of under-cabinet range hoods offers the ideal range hood for kitchens no matter the budget. The Broan Evolution Series offers homeowners three models to choose from. This tiered approach provides the flexibility for various budgets without sacrificing key improvements. Each model features enhanced lighting output and an improved capture effectiveness credited to filters that are up to 40% larger along with a sloped bottom design that funnels smoke into the filters. Smooth surfaces, a fully-enclosed bottom and dishwasher-safe filters reduce upkeep, and with a 40% sound reduction, the Evolution Series is clearly the next step in range hood development. Other benefits include an easy-to-clean, fully-enclosed, non-stick bottom pan; dishwasher-safe, quick latch, aluminum premium-mesh filters with antimicrobial coating and soft-touch, sealed green LED display for lighting and blower control with clock/timer, delay-off, and ambient light sensor. www.broan.com :: 800-558-1711

Deck-mount faucet

Delta Faucet’s new Linden Deck-Mount kitchen faucet enhances the Linden Collection and features nature-inspired design, creating a strong, yet graceful presence in the kitchen. The transitional design allows it to complement most any kitchen décor. The Linden deck-mount offers a 120-degreee spout swing, giving it the flexibility to move out of the way without interfering with the backsplash. A finished button cover creates a clean, uninterrupted look, while a coordinating soap dispenser helps create a unified design throughout the kitchen. Offered in Chrome, Brilliance Stainless and Venetian Bronze, the Linden deck-mount faucet continues Delta Faucet’s expansion of the Venetian Bronze finish. The Linden deck-mount kitchen faucet will be available starting in July 2010. www.deltafaucet.com/kitchen/collection/linden.html :: 800-345-DELTA (3358)

Multifamily builders have more ways than ever to maximize outdoor spaces

Whether it’s an upscale apartment complex with a poolside fire ring or the installation of a gourmet stainless steel outdoor kitchen on the rooftop of a luxury condominium tower, multifamily builders are finding new ways to utilize outdoor spaces to offer more value to buyers and renters. As the market has become more constrained, builders have been under pressure to adapt and find new ways to set their projects apart while also maximizing every square foot of available space, both indoors and out.

Streamlining kitchen spaces that sell

Multifamily builders are reconsidering traditional approaches to kitchen designs as they look for ways to set their buildings apart from the crowd. Unique finishes, cleverly concealed appliances, and cleaner proportional sight lines were just a few of the emerging trends in multifamily kitchen designs identified at the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2010 industry show held in Chicago this past April.