Countertops are King
“This shower base makes remodeling easier and makes bathrooms safer,” says Jennifer Jacuzzi-Peregrin, v.p., Jason Corporate Development. “Millions of Americans are adapting their homes to live more comfortably as they age, and this specially designed, stainless steel linear drain is recessed into the front of the base, removing barriers and allowing easy access upon entering and exiting.”
A built-in lip provides a water-tight installation. The shower also includes a slip-resistant floor and integral seat. It is available in a 60”x32” size.
Alternative Backsplash
5. The HiLites Wallsplash from RangeCraft Manufacturing is an alternative to traditional kitchen backsplash materials.
Its blackened non-directional “swirling” effects offer a colored “swish” pattern that appears when room lighting is turned on. When the lights are turned off, reflections in the swirls create dramatic highlights from swish patterns in the “splash.”
“Like our made-to-order range hoods, the HiLites Wallsplash Backsplashes have become popular with designers and consumers looking for something unique or different that adds sophistication and elegance,” says Ramona Panus, v.p., RangeCraft Manufacturing. “Our backsplashes are a stylish, attractive alternative to traditional materials used in kitchen backsplashes.”
The HiLites Wallsplash backsplashes may also be used for feature walls and decorative borders. They are available in Stainless Steel, Brass and Copper.
Quartz Countertop
(tie) 6. The look of the Waterstone Collection of quartz from Cambria was influenced by the natural movement of water over stone.
“It captures the depth and beauty of marble and granite, while offering the superior strength and performance of quartz,” says Heather Rist, manager of communications at Cambria.
Because it is nonporous, it is also maintenance free, “meaning that living with your Cambria means no sealing or polishing with harmful chemicals… ever,” she adds. “With the busy and healthy lifestyles of families today, this is a very attractive feature.
Ranging from neutral to vibrant tones that are reminiscent of granite and marble, each color is named for a location in Wales and England.
LED Tape Lights
(tie) 6. Nora Lighting low-profile LED tape lights are an energy-efficient solution for illuminating kitchen and bath areas, including under cabinets, in toe kicks and on bath steps.
“There are several reasons why our LED tape lights are so popular,” says E.J. Phillips, national showroom sales manager, NORA Lighting, “including the fact that they’re efficient, versatile and easy to use.”
Offered in a range of colors, including cool or warm white, the silicon-encapsulated tape is cETLus-listed for wet locations and CA Title 24 compliant. Measuring 7/16” wide x 1/16” thick, the tape light can be cut every 4 inches.
“The tape is linear and small, and they can be attached to anything,” he continues. “It has so many opportunities. We’ve barely scratched the surface with LED lighting.”
Wood Countertop
(tie) 8. Craft-Art Rustic Black Walnut countertops offer a knottier version of Black Walnut. The heartwood is a rich, dark brown with more wavy or curly grain than standard Black Walnut.
Wood countertops give homeowners the ability to add a natural, visually warm element to their kitchens, notes Sarah Anderson, product manager, The Craft-Art Company. “Dark wood countertops, in particular, can soften bright white kitchens which are so popular right now,” she continues. “We’ve seen a trend toward mixing surfaces, and wood countertops give homeowners the ability to add visual warmth.”
Rustic Black Walnut countertops are finished with Tung Oil, giving it a waterproof finish that allows it to be used with sinks.
Craft-Art offers more than 25 different wood species.
Cabinet Tray
(tie) 8. The SBDT Tray from Rev-A-Shelf not only protects the bottom of the undersink cabinet, but also funnels excess water to the front of the cabinet and out onto the floor to showcase the leak.
“This tray gives people the ability to protect their investment,” says Shari McPeek, marketing manager, Rev-A-Shelf. “Because it is designed to funnel excess liquid, you will be notified of a spill.”
The SBDT Tray is available in a variety of sizes, including the recent addition of sizes available for vanity cabinets. It holds 1.75 quarts of liquid, wipes clean and features a front-gravity design.
