Archives for 2009

OFA: Let’s Start from the Beginning

July 17, 2009 By Don Eberly Leave a Comment

The ECPR team just arrived home after three days attending the prestigious OFA Short Course, where our minds were filled to capacity with new trends, new friends and new products. Because there is simply too much information to disclose at once, I’ll just start from the beginning by sharing a few important announcements from trusted breeder and grower, Terra Nova Nurseries.With 54 brand new plant introductions, five new breeding breakthrough collections, a brand new catalog, and an entirely new grower / IGC support system, I’ll surely be posting more Terra Nova Nurseries information and photos in the coming weeks. But, for now, I’ll just give you a quick overview regarding the latest growth changes to the company.

Terra Nova Nurseries is listening to what growers, landscapers and independent garden centers want and need to set themselves apart. In a lagging market, companies want to bring in profit as much of the year as possible – not just during those epic weeks of spring. They need alternatives to mums and poinsettias; they need plants that will not fail during unpredictable weather; and they need additional marketing and educational support.

Terra Nova Nurseries deemed this a “personal” challenge, and spent months (and in many cases, years) breeding, trialing and brainstorming to solve problems for these folks. This company is unique in that it has the breeding technology, staffing and resources to actually accomplish a feat this large.

This year at OFA Short Course, Terra Nova Nurseries announced its brand new Web site with a plethora of information for growers, retailers AND consumers. The company also has a brand new catalog that easily spells out where plants will thrive and how they compare to previous breeds. The staff at Terra Nova Nurseries has introduced dozens of new plants that have been specifically bred to solve problems wholesale growers encounter throughout the cultivation season. An example of this would be the brand new line of Winter Jewels™ Hellebores and the novel selection of Cyclamen forced to bloom in winter – all excellent, unique options that contribute to year-round retail. Terra Nova Nurseries is also now offering grower-customers free tags on shipments. Can you imagine how helpful these extra savings might help a grower looking for an edge?

So, it seems there is a lot more available here than just incredible new plants. In these times, Terra Nova Nurseries is a positive and supportive partner to its customers. It’s an invaluable trait to have in an industry where working together is imperative.

~ Leslie

Plants on the roof

July 10, 2009 By Don Eberly Leave a Comment

The Epsten Group, an architecture and building consulting firm, partnered with Live Roof to install a pre-vegetated invisible-modular green roof system on the company’s office roof. Live Roof is an integrated system designed by growers in conjunction with experts in the fields of architecture, roofing, logistics, and ergonomics. The Live Roof system is designed to grow green roof plants, such as sedums and succulents, to address the particular design and climate needs. Live Roof systems, because they are pre-vegetated at the nursery, require minimal maintenance. If there is ever a need to make changes to the roof, Live Roof modules are easily moved aside and replaced after the work is done.

To learn more, visit http://www.theepstengroup.com/ & http://liveroof.net/

Ovation for Orchids

July 8, 2009 By Don Eberly Leave a Comment

The American Orchid Society offers a great “Beginners’ FAQ” including common questions and answers regarding orchids and their care. This covers many helpful aspects of orchids and is an easy and quick read. The American Orchid Society (A.O.S.) Botanical Gardens, which were slated to close at the end of June, were given a new lease on life by the A.O.S. Board of Trustees. The board voted on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 to continue to keep the gardens open to members and the public. Congratulations!

And, as always, check out the best of Phalaenopsis orchids from Silver Vase, Inc. Silver Vase, Inc. is an innovative orchid and bromeliad producer that is based in Homestead, Fla. Since 1988, the owners and staff have dedicated themselves to growing and expanding consumer demand for high-quality, exotic plants. In its environmentally controlled greenhouses and through its now 10-year-old Clean & Green Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, the operation guarantees its customers quality, proven varieties of Phalaenopsis orchids and a wide array of bromeliads in a spectrum of color. One of the many things that sets Silver Vase, Inc. apart from other orchid and bromeliad growers / brands is the company’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Silver Vase, Inc. created its IPM program 10 years ago to ensure a clean environment and to deliver a fresh, healthy product line. Today, the company delivers amazing orchids and bromeliads to retailers that end up in homes and businesses in all corners of the country and in parts of Canada. The owners of Silver Vase have an incredible passion for growing, and it shows in every plant they ship.

Silver Vase, Inc. did a beauitful job of displaying orchids, bromeliads and gardens (planted home-ready decorative containers) at the Super Floral Show (S.F.S.) in Atlanta this June. Andrew Bartha, owner / CEO, and sales representatives Christian Maldonado and Carmen Perez were on hand to meet with customers and the media.

At the S.F.S., we talked with the folks from Just Add Ice Orchids. Knowing (and enjoying) orchids as well as we do, and after writing about orchids many times, their brand name made us smile. This is because it does a lot for helping people understand just how easy it is to care for orchids. With so many consumers afraid to use orchids in their homes – due to the fact they think care is time-consuming and difficult – this name says a lot, for sure. They recommend adding just three ice cubes to orchids in containers once a week. No more, no less. The results will be months of longevity. They created a consumer Web site to provide high-level information regarding orchid care and an interactive orchid community. Enjoying orchids is really this easy, and these plants are rewarding in ways other houseplants usually cannot provide.

~ Don

Distracted By Shiny Objects

July 7, 2009 By Don Eberly Leave a Comment

Upon my arrival at this year’s Super Floral Show in my own backyard of Atlanta, GA, I was dumbstruck by all the breath-taking flower displays and irresistible sweet scents engulfing the entire hall. While looking around, wondering which booth to visit first, Don, Jeff and I noticed an eye-catching floral merchandising object … hundreds of square feet away on the OTHER side of the showroom.

We headed in the direction of the mysterious, blinking product, and found ourselves in the Floral-lites booth. It was there we discovered that the objects which caught our attention were the company’s line of fiber optic and LED-lit ornamental products designed to enhance the natural beauty of floral arrangements and bouquets (fresh OR silk).

Kajira Roseby, the CEO of Floral-lites, was kind enough to tour us through her booth and share the Floral-lites vision with us. Floral-lites is a system of interchangeable heads that attach to LED-lit, battery operated stems. The stems are discretely concealed within the arrangement while the heads gently glow or blink with the flick of a switch. From twigs to butterflies, Floral-lites are available in hundreds of shapes, colors and sizes to suit any arrangement. They also have two brand new lines of diverse Party Dots and Stickylites for small, fun ways to spruce up a floral gift.

Floral-lites is the result of 2 years of research, working with select florists around the globe to create a product line that enhances the natural beauty of flowers and adds an entirely new, creative dimension to floral displays. Floral-lites last the life of the arrangement, so florists can be confident about their customer’s satisfaction.

Talk about market potential! It drew us across an entire show hall… what could it do for your retail center to lure customers? To learn more about the Floral-lites system, feel free to visit the Web site at www.floral-lites.com.

~Leslie

Silver Vase, Inc. Gives Back to Its Community

June 17, 2009 By Don Eberly Leave a Comment

Silver Vase, Inc., a leading grower of orchids and bromeliads, has recently reached out to non-profit, philanthropic organizations as a way of giving back to the community the company’s employees call home. Here are just two recent sponsorships worth mentioning…

A recent event sponsored by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) in Tallahassee, Fla., hoped to boost recognition for the horticulture industry through education and political leadership. Silver Vase, Inc. donated hundreds of exotic plants to help decorate the event as a way of supporting the importance of beautifying the Earth through the floriculture and horticulture industries.

Silver Vase, Inc. was also a proud sponsor of this year’s 7^th Annual FedEx / St. Jude Angels and Stars Gala for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event was a great success according to event specialist, Paola Cassana, and helped keep Danny Thomas’ dream alive that, “No child should die in the dawn of life.” St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is renowned for its contributions to finding cures for cancer and other diseases that affect children through cutting-edge research as well as providing superior patient care under one roof.

During a tough time for many of us… it’s nice to hear a few heart-warming stories.

~ Leslie

Never Too Late for a Good Thing

June 16, 2009 By Don Eberly Leave a Comment

So, it was spring… and then you blinked your eyes (It’s okay, I did, too), and now it’s practically summer.

You’ve probably added a few new plant delights to the garden, watched a few of your perennials re-bloom, and maybe added an accessory or two. But, all of a sudden it’s mid-JUNE (what exactly happened to May, I wonder?), and the garden is just not quite yet where you want it to be. I know mine is definitely not.

Well, don’t worry. There’s still plenty of plant material available at your local garden center that will survive the heat of summer. In fact, some plants can still provide blooms for months to come and even bring you a burst of fall interest.

A theme with me lately is selecting plants that are bred and trialed specifically for my region. It’s just a good indicator that the plants you purchase will really flourish in your unique climate. Some national plant brands do test their products all over the U.S. and can be trusted to offer quality plant material that will thrive in multiple climates. Oftentimes, a local grower is a great way to go when purchasing reliable plants just for your garden.

Garden Splendor is a regional plant brand that selects and grows only the best plants for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions available at local independent garden centers. I know them well, since I help assess and write about these plants.

Garden Splendor even has a special yearly plant line it identifies as Showcase Varieties which epitomize the best of breeding and beauty in a plant for their region. This year, the horticulturists have selected eight such plants deemed worthy of this title:
1. Sorbaria sorbifolia ‘Sem’
2. Dicentra ‘Candy Hearts’
3. Echinacea ‘Tiki Torch’
4. Penstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’
5. Phlox paniculata ‘Peppermint Twist’
6. Salvia ‘Eveline’
7. Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’
8. Veronica ‘Purpleicious’

The two images above are my favorites, the recently award-winning Echinacea ‘Tiki Torch’ (Left) and a hardy variety that provides colorful interest nearly all year, Sedum ‘Angelina’ (Right). However, they are all beauties, so definitely check them out. And, if you’re in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic, listen-up for Garden Splendor on radio gardening programs such as WOR / Garden Hotline with host, Ralph Snodsmith, and Paul Parent Gardening Club with host, Paul Parent!

~Leslie

Relating Plants to Spa Treatments

June 11, 2009 By Don Eberly Leave a Comment

You know how it feels when you walk into a spa or nice restaurant, and you are instantly turned into the belle of the ball (or prince, as the case might be)? All the selections are suddenly tailored per your tastes and preferences.

What skin type are you? – “No problem, we’ll find the perfect treatment.” What type of food do you enjoy? – “Oh, might I suggest the perfect wine with your seared tuna?”

I’m like most women … I love to be spoiled. And, if I find a product or retailer that does it particularly well, chances are, I’ll go back – a lot. For example, I have been with my bank for 10 years and my hair stylist for six because they are always reliable. Yet, I have owned three cars from three separate companies and will never buy from any of them again. I simply haven’t been satisfied.

It’s always a pleasant surprise when you find a new product that has both superior customer service and quality. We all know how profitable it is to retain current customers as opposed to constantly searching for new ones, and many businesses have made it their goal to tailor products so consumers do not have to guess whether a product or experience will be positive.

J. Berry Nursery, a professional plant grower based right outside of Dallas, TX, has used this philosophy to directly effect how and what they sell. All plants with a J. Berry Nursery tag have been tested and trialed in specific areas for unique climates. The company only sells its plants in the exact regions for which the plants were grown. In this way, plants from brands such as these are similar to visiting a spa – the experience will be gloriously relaxing because you know you are purchasing something tailored just for you. Seems simple, but it’s so often overlooked.

Here are just a few of J. Berry Nursery’s high-quality plants available to those of you who may be planting a garden in Texas, Louisiana or Oklahoma (enjoy!):

‘Crown Jewel’ Gardenia – Possesses an extremely compact, dwarf, spreading habit and is hardier than most gardenias. Heavy June flowering will cover this plant in soft, fragrant, white, double blossoms that require little to no pruning. It works well in mass, in containers, or as a low accent plant in the garden.

‘Petite Rouge™’ Photinia – ‘Petite

Rouge™’ is the most compact photinia, ideal for small spaces or mass plantings. It is also highly resistant to the leaf spot disease that plagues most other photinia varieties. New growth is vibrant red. This plant is very low maintenance due to its compact growth habit and disease resistance.

‘Déjà Bloom™’ Hydrangea – ‘Déjà Bloom™’ is a compact, re-blooming

hydrangea with dark green leaves. It is a beautiful plant perfect for many uses and applications in the landscape. This hydrangea is the only re-blooming hydrangea with double flowers!

Alright, all this talk has made me want to garden… and get a pedicure.

~ Leslie

More of Our Preferred Trends and Products from K/BIS…

June 1, 2009 By Don Eberly Leave a Comment

After uncovering some incredible kitchen and bath product trends at the K/BIS show in Atlanta – and as a follow-up to our initial trade show blog post – here – we wanted to share a second round of insights. Here is our take on several more companies that displayed innovative products at the show…

Häfele

With more and more of us downsizing, or simply trying to make the most of our available spaces, home organization is king!

The Häfele Omni Track system is a way for all of us to get better organized. A disorganized garage can be a thing of the past.

When we were at their show exhibit booth, Häfele Marketing Coordinator Skye Russell explained how the Omni Track system coordinates everything by seamlessly integrating with cabinet handles, levelers and shelf stiffeners. The sturdy wall track provides the needed flexibility to either be hung on the wall as a single track, or stacked to accommodate larger items.

Unlike peg hooks that come out of pegboard when an item is removed, these hooks are positioned on the track and “locked” with Cover Caps. This feature allows for easy repositioning, yet the “locking” feature of the Cover Caps restricts the hooks from coming off the track when items are lifted off for use.

The design of Omni Track allows the collection to be utilized in many areas of the home and seems to be a means to organize even the most cluttered spaces.

Haier

Haier America has three new washers as well as new electric and gas dryers, part of the company’s Encore line.

We were impressed by the fact Haier’s Dual Drive technology ensures clothes come out looking brighter and cleaner, while using significantly less water and energy – a great bonus in today’s energy- and water-conscious society.

The high efficiency GWT950AW features a spacious, stainless steel non-agitator tub with that ever-so-popular brushed-silver display that everyone likes. Proper settings are available for every load, which means no more wasted water on small loads.

In addition to saving water, Haier’s Dual Drive technology improves timing on the quick cycle. Additionally, the Dual Drive system keeps clothes tumbling rapidly so they do not intertwine, which can stretch them. This optimizes performance and helps maintain the appearance and shape of shirts and other items. We noticed a trend towards the latest and best technology in washing and drying at the show, with new and interesting function and form on all fronts.

Haier’s 20.6 Cu. Ft. Counter Depth Refrigerator (PBFS21EDAS) has plenty of room for all the food of a large household, and would clearly bring classic style and appealing order to most any kitchen.

The increasingly popular French door design places whatever is needed at eye level, and also provides that ever-important benefit of energy conservation, since the big doors are not the only way to reach desired items. Kitchen designers we know and with whom we work will love this frig!

Easy-access freezer drawers store frozen meats in the large lower drawer, while other items are easily accessed in the conveniently located upper drawer. I like the Express Chill and Express Freeze features, which preserve food quality by rapidly bringing groceries down to optimum storage temperature.

KOHLER CO.

The concept of ‘mis en place’ (everything has its own place) is successfully integrated in Kohler Co.’s new Karbon articulating kitchen faucet. This model combines industry-focused technology with the design needs of today’s homeowner.

This faucet has all the versatile mobility of a pull-down faucet. While the concept of a pull-down faucet is not new, five pivoting joints of the Karbon faucet allow the user to precisely position – and keep – the water stream exactly where it is needed. This kind of streamlined functionality and ease-of-use was widely noticeable at the show.

Additionally, the faucet offers both spray and aerated water flow options, eliminating the need for a sidespray. All finishes are available in deck- and wall-mount models.

Their new line of Stages kitchen sinks was inspired by professional chefs. In much the same way professionals in other industries help shape product design, professional chefs helped develop this new line. These products provide efficiency and beauty.

From prep and cooking to cleanup, the Stages kitchen sink has been designed to integrate all related tasks around the sink area. These professionals partnered with KOHLER designers to essentially create a hybrid of home and restaurant kitchen sinks. Builders looking to impress a wide range of homeowners should consider this as an option that allows for commercial-quality kitchen appeal.

This sink is different from so many others out there, due to the number of culinary tools that are actually included with the sink purchase. Among these, is a utensil tray, which is perfect for organizing ladles, knives and other accessories used during the cooking process or to soak utensils when cleaning. A dual-sided flip tray serves as both a cutting board and serving tray, and also included is a separate cutting tray to keep the kitchen area more sanitary. Possibly, one of the best features is a wire rack that protects the sink’s basin, while providing a surface for cleaning and drying dishes.

AMBA Products / Beyerle

Bath accessories have become one of the hottest segments in the home and hotel furnishings market. Products such as Amba Products’ Jeeves Collection offers a number of fashionable towel warmers, to keep users comfy. Models are all stainless steel and include straight, curved and shelf configurations, and are available in Polished, Brushed, White and Oil-Rubbed Bronze finishes. I have used towel warmers before, and let me say, it is nice!

Beyerle’s sliding doors hardware combines the best of fashion-forward design with home functionality. For the truly progressive among us, imagine a bedroom or other room adorned with a non-traditional door using these handsome fitments. Styles include Flatec I, Flatec II (pictured), Unotec, Duetec, and Tritec in my favorite, brushed nickel finishes. Sliding door hardware is also available for glass doors, as well. Since sliding doors are growing in popularity, interior designers we’ve talked to and work with are taking note of this kind of innovation, replacing more traditional doors in room re-designs and renovations.

Robern

Robern’s great new Uplift mirrored cabinet is yet another shining example of a successful marriage of functionality and style in the bathroom. The Uplift cabinets feature a door that opens vertically. This offers both the aesthetics of a seamless mirror and flexible storage and design options.

As its name implies, the sleek mirrored door of the cabinet opens upward, allowing the seamless mirror to span up to four feet wide. An aluminum handle allows users to easily lift the door and avoid smudging the mirror. It’s position-hold feature allows it to remain in a partially open position.

The Uplift cabinet provides storage solutions for many of the diverse items kept in a bathroom. If a homeowner needs to store makeup, supplies, and medications, etc., the Uplift cabinet includes an option for a flexible organizer shelf with moveable sections. What’s the coolest part? This cabinet offers outlets for up to six electronic devices. It’s also easy to find whatever is needed, since Uplift’s interior lighting turns on as soon as the door is opened.

Another great feature about the Uplift cabinet is the ability to install televisions and radios in bathrooms by using an optional TV mount for an LCD television. Additionally, because people tend to lean into their mirrors to shave or apply makeup, the Uplift cabinet features an optional pull-out 3X magnifying mirror, which creates less ergonomic stress. What a great idea! We didn’t realize there was so much to mirror-cabinet innovation until we came across Robern at the show.

TOTO USA

TOTO USA’s new NEOREST Bath Collection exemplifies distinctive design and advanced technology. It is so distinctive; it won the Prestigious RedDot International Design Award. Components of this new collection include:

NEOREST II Wall-Hung Dual Flush Integrated Toilet and Personal Cleansing System
NEOREST II LUMINIST Lavatory
NEOREST II LUMINIST Soaker Tub
NEOREST II Shower System with GyroStream

The NEOREST II’s toilet no longer sits on the floor; it is now mounted on the wall. This low-flow toilet features an in-wall tank carrier which creates a streamlined look in any bathroom. The NEOREST II toilet incorporates TOTO’s translucent epoxy resin, LUMINIST, on its push plate, which keeps it consistent with the design of the Collection’s lavatory and soaker tub.

When they say “bathed in light,” they really mean it. Through the surface of the NEOREST II Lavatory, an embedded LED light radiates through to create a glowing atmosphere. Also made out of LUMINIST, the NEOREST II lavatory has the translucent qualities of glass combined with exceptional durability, heat resistance, and scratch-resistance of marble. Traditional “Hot” and “Cold” faucets have been replaced by an elegant, super-slim spout that is positioned at the near corner (closer to the body than traditional tap handles) for ease of use. In addition, it provides instant, precise control of water temperature.

As with the lavatory, the NEOREST Soaker is distinguished by its use of TOTO’s custom hybrid epoxy resin. Bathed in light and warm water, users will experience true tranquility, thanks to the experience that is provided by the gentle light diffusing through the LUMINIST soaker.

When the lights are switched on, the tub gently glows, encompassing the bather in a soothing aura of white light. In daylight, the LUMINIST soaker takes on the appearance of translucence. I bet that is a sight to behold!

Okay, so in exploring TOTO, we were faced with the question, “Ever feel like taking a bath AND a shower at the same time?” TOTO makes it possible in the NEOREST shower. Water flows from one or a combination of sources – an overhead shower, a six-nozzle body shower, or a hand-shower. Water comes from every direction! This shower system is furnished with one-touch shower control and remote control auto-drain.

GyroStream is TOTO’s new water technology that brings the relaxing qualities of a bath to the shower. When equipped with GyroStream, the shower system’s water flows through nozzles that tilt and rotate. This allows for more consistent water distribution. Whole-body drenching encases the individual in warm water, as if she or he were in a bath, and keeps the bather cozy, warm, and relaxed, even if the room temperature is cool.

Wow. I can’t believe how far some of these companies have taken the bathroom experience. With these products, homeowners can truly escape into oasis-like bathrooms, and the designers and builders who create these spaces will be on the top of the “most sought-after home-planners’ list.”

These are just a few more of the many impressive product and design trends we uncovered at K/BIS 2009. Like those in our first K/BIS blog, (or any other blog post we’ve done, for that matter), feel free to let me know if any of these products / companies are of interest. Between our clients and some of the other great companies we know, we will continue to blog in the coming weeks and months about some of this year’s newest and most coveted products in the Home, Garden, Design, and Agribusiness Industries.

If you are a designer, builder or member of the media, please post your thoughts and questions. What do you think of the gamut of home improvement to luxury design available in today’s changing home market?

~ Doug (dougborkman@eberlypr.com)

2009 K/BIS Showcased Hottest Product and Design Trends

May 29, 2009 By Don Eberly Leave a Comment

Don, Jeff and I attended 2009 K/BIS at the Georgia World Congress Center. This show is truly one of the biggest and most influential shows in the home, kitchen and bath industry and is always well attended by people looking to see what the next trends are in kitchen and bath products / design.

Since we specialize in providing integrated marketing communications services for companies in the field – and because we contribute articles and product narratives for the Home, Garden and Design-based media – we collected a lot of information about the latest and greatest design trends for today’s homes, kitchens and baths.

Once we started walking the floor and absorbing it all, we met many great people, but we also observed today’s exciting product and design innovations. These include some of the richest and most luxurious cabinet and drawer systems I have ever seen, with plenty of them featuring soft-closing mechanisms. Home storage solutions focused on maximizing any and all available space. One common theme was the blending of functionality with style. However, the trends didn’t stop there. We were shown incredible outdoor and indoor kitchen cabinetry, state-of-the-art appliances, and even a high-tech bidet that captured our attention and the eyes of show-goers.

Over the coming weeks, we will be adding more blog posts about our findings at the show. For now, the following include some of our top picks. If you are a member of the media and would like additional information about these products, shoot me an email or post your comments.

Rev-A-Shelf

This company really revs up home organization! They are the world’s largest manufacturer of functional storage organizing products, and Rev-A-Shelf offers homeowners ultimate storage solutions for every room in the house.

That being said, we were truly amazed about all the particular ways Rev-A-Shelf can help people maximize their available spaces. With many people moving into cities and out of larger suburban homes, available space can be at a premium. This is where Rev-A-Shelf can help, as all of their products seem to simplify getting organized.

Among the most impressive home organization products that Rev-A-Shelf Marketing Manager Shari McPeek showed us, is the company’s two-tiered wood cutlery drawer. The unique design provides two tiers for double storage capacity, and the preassembled drawer box allows for easy installation with only the addition of an existing drawer front.

We were also impressed by their Lazy Shoe-Zen shoe closet organization system. It features room for all of Imelda’s shoes, and takes up very little space. This is one of Shari’s favorites.

Rev-A-Shelf’s groundbreaking Soft-Open / Soft-Close Rev-A-Motion sliders are incorporated into garbage and recycling containers with an innovative top-mount application. They help keep kitchen waste containers separated and neatly organized. Rev-A-Motion allows for a soft-closing drawer mechanism, which means no more slammed doors. Seeing these products, all of us started thinking that maximizing space in our own kitchens and baths was truly possible. The options are endless. Thanks, Shari, for an informative tour of your show booth and display.

Coway USA

Coway USA’s Assistant Planning and Marketing Manager Hannah Hwang showed us how the premium BA13 Digital Bidet can help ensure optimal personal hygiene. Maintaining proper cleanliness is an often overlooked but critically important part of any health-conscious person’s life, and this product delivers! The BA13’s sleek and stylish appearance hides a powerful unit that can keep users clean and fresh. It features a four-way valve system, as well as a three-step flow control for personalized cleansing. All of its functionality can be controlled with the unit’s multi-function remote control, which can also regulate water pressure, seat and water temperature, and more. Once a luxury only for those traveling out of the states, bidets are growing in trend popularity at home. This product drew crowds of onlookers at the show, indicating high interest among designers, builders, architects, hoteliers, homeowners, and others.

Coway USA also offers a great new AP1008 DH air purifying system. Talk about a breath of fresh air! This model is just one of the company’s new elegant and slender air purifiers that will improve the air quality in any room – and look great doing it! My favorite feature is the color-coded pollution indicator, which changes color to indicate the degree of pollution in the air. A soft blue glow means air quality is great. But, as the air quality decreases, the light will transition through lighter to darker shades of purple, then to red. I also liked the simple and easy-to-understand controls, that include “Auto,” “Speed,” “Silent,” and “Mood” features to affect fan speed, sound levels and even lamp illumination. Hannah is a product expert on these and other products offered by the company. She said she is always happy to answer questions about the ways in which her products bring positive changes to those who use them.

Vetrazzo

People interested in reminiscing about fun nights at their favorite watering holes with friends and vodka; their memories can continue forever, thanks to Vetrazzo. This company showcased an innovative line of recycled glass surfacing materials. Bright blue bottles, green glass, and a variety of other colorful glass materials can be reincarnated as a part of a new countertop or bar.

Marketing Coordinator Craig Murphy told us that all of the glass used in Vetrazzo is recycled, which comprises about 85 percent of the final material by weight. The largest proportion of glass comes from curbside recycling programs. Other glass sources range from windows and dinnerware to stained glass and even decommissioned traffic lights. Since the company generally uses up to 1,000 bottles to make a single countertop, every panel is distinctive and unique. The best part about their surfacing materials is that homeowners choosing to purchase a Vetrazzo countertop can know they are doing their part to help Mother Earth in the process.

Their 2009 Palette is available in 19 patterns, including four new ones, like Champagne Flint, Margarita Flint, Martini Flint and Porter Flint. With every purchase made, the company provides a Certificate of Transformation that indicates exactly where the materials derived. With such a cool background and creative product line, Vetrazzo truly is a story in every surface.

Hardwick Home Décor

Homeowners are always looking for great ways to add a little extra fashion and flair to their kitchens. A great way to accomplish this is to add a bronze art relief from Hardwick Home Decor. Company owner Renee Egan commissioned Ronnie Wells, a full-time professional artist with more than 20 years experience, to design these reliefs. After seeing her exhibit space, we could see that his experience shows.

Since it is said that money spent in kitchen upgrades is essentially received as an equal payback in the form of increased home value, Hardwick Home Décor’s bronze art reliefs seem to offer a solution homeowners need. This entails adding décor details and elements that cause a home to stand out from the rest on the block, especially when showing a home. Each relief features an intricate design with amazing richness and texture that would grace any fireplace mantel, kitchen backsplash, or simply any wall.

Furthermore, builders can use Hardwick Home Décor art reliefs to differentiate their homes from the sea of cookie-cutter homes out there. Seeing one of these reliefs in a home certainly would speak to the overall quality of a home, and little touches like this can make all the difference in the sale of the home.

Danver

We were truly impressed by the full line of stainless steel indoor and outdoor cabinetry from Danver. Among these, are an assortment of island inserts, grills, accessories, bartenders, refrigeration products, and appliances.

No matter the offering, one thing they all have in common is premium style. Their stainless doors, drawer fronts and drawers come with a No. 4 brushed vertical grain, which provides a rich, contemporary look. Their modular cabinets also provide designers, landscape architects and homeowners with infinite flexibility in design configurations. Other design options for doors and drawer fronts include wood, and numerous other stainless steel choices and finishes.

The company even has a great design tool that can be used to help create an outdoor dream kitchen. By downloading the company’s product library, homeowners and design / build professionals have countless options available at their fingertips – all to help create that dream kitchen. Danver even offers its own blog, a great place to learn more about their products, post comments and ask questions. Get in on their online conversation, too, by going to http://danverstainless.wordpress.com.

These are just a few of the many impressive product and design trends we uncovered at K/BIS 2009. As always, feel free to let me know if any of these products / companies are of interest. Between our clients and other great companies we know, we will be blogging a lot in the coming weeks and months about some of this year’s newest and most coveted products in the Home, Garden, Design, and Agribusiness Industries. And, if there is a specific product or trend you do not see but want to blog about with us, let us know. We can most likely share applicable experiences as we observe them and hear from you about your interests.

~ Doug (dougborkman@eberlypr.com)