Chances are your business is down, but here's to hoping it's not out. That means what you need during this lull is a way to keep costs down while you wait for the economy to improve. One way to do this? Find great deals on useful or distinctive products.
Enter the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Atlanta. This annual event draws kitchen and bath designers, architects, and contractors looking for the latest and greatest offerings for the two most important rooms in the house. And the while the show traditional has been a smorgasbord of tricked-out showers, appliances on steroids, and shiny faucets, there is always a bargain or two amidst the glitz and glam, but you just have to do some digging.
To help you make the most of your time at the show, BUILDER has rustled up a handful of new products that not only look good, but will also keep some greenbacks in your pocket.
Teragren: The manufacturer has expanded its countertops with three new options that include vertical grain caramelized bamboo with a strand bamboo core. Bacteria-resistant and formaldehyde-free, the tops are pre-finished with a food-safe mineral oil/beeswax. Priced between $26 to $32 per square foot, the tops measure 1 1/2 inches thick and come in two sizes. www.teragren.com.
Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens: Although an outdoor kitchen is itself a luxury, the manufacturer offers products starting from just $5,500. And now it’s adding new bamboo doors and drawer heads to the mix. Dense and strong, the material has a natural finish that will hold up to the weather. In addition, each kitchen features a Perma Panel base that withstands sun, humidity, rain, or snow. www.atlantiscabinetry.com.
Grohe America: Sure, you can find a kitchen faucet for cheap, but can you find a European brand in the $150 price range? The luxury manufacturer’s new Classic II centerset kitchen faucet costs exactly that. It has ergonomically-shaped heat-insulated handles, a high-arc spout, and uses ceramic alloy discs that are covered in a Teflon lubricant for easy operation. The StarLight finish will not crack, flake, or chip. www.groheamerica.com.
Kichler: Pendant lamps are always stylish in an eat-in kitchen or bar area. The Reynes mini pendant, which costs around $135, has a clean contemporary look but can easily do an about-face in a transitional home. It features a mouth-blown opal-etched glass shade and a mirrored chrome finish with crystal accents. The product measures 8 inches tall and 4 inches wide. www.kichler.com.
Atlas Homewares: You wouldn’t think that something as small and simple as a cabinet pull could make a difference, but it does. The manufacturer is unveiling several new collections that satisfy modern and traditional tastes, such as the contemporary Alcott Square or the traditional Bronte Collection (shown). Priced from just more than $7, the product line is available in brushed nickel or Venetian bronze. www.atlashomewares.com.
Moen: With the economy in a tailspin, the company has expanded its Lancelot stainless steel sink line to include four new products and also has lowered the price on all its stainless steel offerings. Each sink is made from 18-gauge material and feature SoundSHIELD noise-protection undercoating. They are available in undermount and drop-in styles in a variety of sizes. www.moen.com.
Danze: Known for producing affordable luxury, the manufacturer has converted almost all of its faucets to WaterSense certified low-flow units. Offering a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute, the products use 20% to 30% less water over other faucet options. www.danze.com.