KBIS Eye Candy

While my previous post was my soapbox, in this post I promise you fewer words and more photos.

Things that caught my attention at KBIS:

I'm loving the new & updated cabinet accessories.  Hafele now has walnut(-look) accessories, like the plate racks and peg boards below.

Another Hafele piece:  Their lift mechanism typically used for TV's was installed behind a shallow wall cabinet, and lowered into the backsplash area to reveal spices and knives.  How creative is that?

Robern has new vanity sizes.  At only 30"w x 18" deep, there's a surprising amount of storage space in that cabinet!  And check out the outlet in the front of the drawer.

I always love the Element Designs booth.  Shelves with integral LED lights:

More Element Designs:  Their aluminum frames (available in black, white, and oil-rubbed bronze, in addition to the standard aluminum finish) have several profiles.  And not only do they offer Parapan (a high-gloss acrylic insert that I love), but now they've teamed up with 3-form to offer even more insert options.

I really want to use one of their aluminum cabinet bases.

Not just cabinet accessories, but sink accessories too.  Both sinks from Kohler:

 And I did a lot of drooling at the Toto booth:

Check out the LED-lit lavatory (and mirror)

 More & more possibilities for curbless showers and semi-enclosed glass doors/panels:

Another glass enclosure & linear drain from Fleurco:

And then, just for fun, I loved some of the creative details in the "Contained" exhibit.

Light fixture made from quartz countertop samples and what I believe to be Plumen designer CFL bulbs:

Light fixture from beer bottles:

A floor-mounted faucet for the dog's water:

Simple Human Products I Love

This is not an advertisement, nor is it sponsored by simple human.  (Though if they were to contact me offering to give me free stuff, I wouldn't turn them away - hint, hint!)

I've had a thing for simple human products since I first used their wastebaskets several years ago.  Yes, everything they offer is rather expensive compared to other items in the same category on the market.  I can hear your thoughts now.... "What, 200 bucks for a trash can!?!?"  While their products are not for everyone, I will say that in my experience, they make these mundane items like trash cans and laundry hampers the best they can be, and from my own experience plus reading their online reviews, they are worth the extra money.

I like the quality, and I like their ingenuity.  They take items from other manufacturers that we typically hate (like shower caddies), and they make them better.

Some of my favorite items that they offer:

Fingerprint-proof stainless steel trash can, $199.99 - $249.99. Fingerprint proof.  Comes with charcoal filters for odor.  10-year warranty.  Smooth-operating parts.  Basically, they've addressed everything you can think of that you'd typically hate about a trash can.

Tension Shower Caddy, $ 129.99.  Rust-free, attractive, and strong.  Read the reviews - almost everyone who bought one unsuccessfully tried cheaper models first and find this one worth every penny.

X-Frame Laundry Hamper, $ 79.99 - $99.00.  I've used this in a project before, as I was doing a high-end condo renovation and needed a modern hamper to fit in a specific closet cabinet, so my options were limited.  I must say, it's a great-looking quality piece!  Removable (and washable) bags with handles.  Keeps laundry well-ventilated.  Folding frame.  Sturdy construction.  Modern style.  Again, all reviewers rave about the product.

Compost Pail, $ 59.99.  Looks good.  Sealed bin.  Easy-carry handle.  Charcoal filter absorbs odors.

Toilet Plunger, $ 24.99.  Not something you'd consider a home decor item, right?  This reviewer says it perfectly:  "For something that I generally despise (a toilet plunger), both for looks and, well, if I have to use it, this is the best looking, best designed toilet plunger ever. It is sleek and discreet, and I love that you can use the base with handle as a drip tray. Another distasteful part of plunging - what to do with the plunger when you are done. This way you can carry it drip free to the nearest faucet to rinse out without worrying about dripping on floor or carpet or the toilet itself. If you get anything from Simple Human, get this."