Highlights In the 2012 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show

From a new, drop-in-style apron sink into an interchangeable backsplash layout, prepare for hundreds of exciting products coming soon to the local kitchen and bath center.

I had the opportunity to pop into the 2012 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show last week in Chicago. The screens dazzled me hours, and I found particularly interesting the innovations that may easily be integrated into existing houses.

My pick of this show: the U-Socket, bringing sequence — and USB charging stations — into an electrical outlet near you. Read on for more.

First up, Kohler’s new Top-Mount Self-Trimming Apron Front Sink. It can easily be retrofitted into existing cabinetry and countertops, providing a genuine farmhouse-style sink with minimal disruption. Most apron sinks require a special base cabinet built to sink specifications, so the cost savings to bring this specialty sink is likely important.

Tired of the clutter caused by AC adapters clogging up all available wall outlets? The genius U-Socket AC Receptacle with built in USB ports simplifies the issue of too many chargers and not enough wall sockets.

fastmac.com

U-Socket – $24.95

Designed to decrease energy prices dramatically, the U-Socket includes a five-star energy-efficient layout that automatically senses the necessary wattage and outputs full power just if a thing is connected. It’s made in the USA and may be set up by do-it-yourselfers.

Ever wonder exactly what happens to all of that glass you painstakingly recycle? Glass Recycled, for one, converts recycled ceramic and glass bound for the landfill into elegant, sustainable and ecological hard surfaces to the kitchen and bathroom.

Comparable to granite in durability, easily resisting household stains and sporting like iron, this product requires practically no maintenance. No waxing or sealing is necessary and the colour options are endless. Pigmented epoxy resin forms the foundation and numerous aggregates are inserted to generate a product as distinctive as the kitchen.

Laminate counters also have come quite a way. Witness the 180fx Collection of Formica. With exotic granite and quartzite patterns in either a softly polished or a high-gloss complete, ease of maintenance and affordability are just part of the attraction.

A new treatment that removes horizontal advantages and brown pits, dubbed IdealEdge, duplicates the bullnose and ogee edges generally found in costlier options.

This display by Moen stood out to me as a fun alternative for a family bath, making a step stool unnecessary. It features the favorite Weymouth taps with ceramic inlays and “Hot” and “Cold” written in English or French script on the handles.

kitchenpalette.com

Kitchen Palette Interchangeable Backsplash

Ever thought about changing out your backsplash? Kitchen Palette has come up with a synonymous option that suits behind a normal cooktop or range; it’s a printed palette which may be changed out on a whim. Watch for new designs coming soon.

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