The Highlights from KBIS 2018, Orlando

We, regrettably, were unable to attend this year's mega gathering for all things kitchen & bathroom, that highlights all the new products and trends for the upcoming year. I am thankful, however, that through social media- in both pictures and live videos- I can keep up with all the new products and what a great preview of all the creative, new innovations for this year!

With no surprise, technology is creeping its way more and more into the kitchen and bathroom scene. Kohler stole the show with Kohler Konnect, their new smart line of integrating products through voice activation and mobile apps. You can now turn on Verdura, their new smart vanity mirror, by talking to it, and even tell it to turn on and get the shower ready at a set, desired temperature! Other companies were not far behind in incorporating technology. Grohe also introduced a smart box for shower controls; and Miele's new wine coolers features LED lights, touch controls, and different temperature zones. There were other updates in colors and finishes throughout the show , as well. Notable among them, Insinkerator announced new finishes; Silestone expanded the eternal series with a new subtle color, the Classic Calacatta; and Grohe even featured new water taps to encourage less plastic bottle waste for the better of the global environment. With all these new surprises, it will be a great year for the kitchens and bathrooms of 2018!!

New: EMTEK hardware added to our product line!

Often referred to as the jewelry of the cabinetry, the knobs and pulls are the finishing touches to complete your look. In addition to Top Knobs and Atlas Hardware, we are proud to add EMTEK in the brands we offer to complement your kitchen & bathroom vanity cabinetry. Emtek boasts of eleven unique finishes, including the popular new finish, the satin brass, in any combination and style. Emtek also highlights a gorgeous line of real crystal knobs in many styles and finishes. I love the traditional old town crystal knob look, but Emtek also offers these crystal knobs in modern shapes that bring the traditional material to a new level. Take a look at the new vignettes, displaying a few of the Emtek line in our current showroom. 

The new Black Stainless Steel is the new stainless steel

In cooperation with renowned interior designer, Nate Berkus, LG has launched a new Studio line for its kitchen appliances. The new finish to hit the markets with a splash is the new black stainless steel. Not quite the black appliances we have seen prior, this finish differentiates itself with a super rich finish that eminates warmth and richness when seen in person. Situated in one of our most trusted appliance suppliers in Brooklyn, NY, I had the privilege of hearing Nate Berkus talk of some of the inspirations behind this new finish, the thought behind the process, and some of the philosophy behind his work. Berkus talked of how the kitchen truly becomes the hub of the house, where the homeowner will want to invest the most in- the room where the day starts and often ends; where children's artwork is hanging; where teenagers go for snacks. Berkus also talked of the process of compiling hundreds of pages of different finishes and materials to come up with the new finish and the overhaul of the overall look an design of the appliances to a handsome, rectilinear designs with even some brass touch finishes. The LG president emphasized the importance of the technology behind the smudge-proof finishing going along the grain of the steel; the energy-saving goal behind the see-through glass refrigerator door; among other features. Berkus was thoughtful and deep, his work stemming from a life-long philosophy that a person's home should tell a story. Berkus wanted the rectilinear lines to be complementary to both traditional and modern designs. The goal was not to create a new Sub-zero or Wolfe line, but a step ahead of the traditional stainless steel into something warmer, richer, & more beautiful as well as functional. Will the black stainless be the new stainless steel? www.lgstudio.com

How to care for your granite stone top

If you are wondering how to take care of your new granite countertop, take a moment to read the following article. It says the three main ways to keep it lustrous and looking like new is: 1) sealing - initial, professional sealant; 2) cleaning- do not use regular household cleaners lest the chemicals work against and break down the sealant; and 3) polishing- can be done every few months or anytime you want to give your counter tops some shine and TLC (tender love and care). Read here for more information: https://www.lustroitaliano.com/cleaning-granite-what-to-use-s/1890.htm