Wrapping up the “Best of Show” series from the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, the ECPR team has included several more products for our readers. We encourage you to read our initial show recap entitled “The Best of Beautiful Design from NYC,” dated March 25 on our blog as well as Part I and Part II for more insight about the “Best of Show” series. Media members, designers and retailers, we thank you for your comments and support thus far, and we hope you will continue to tap into the previous and new product / company profiles in this series.

Oasiq Outdoor Furniture presented the Kagan Capricorn Collection designed by Vladimir Kagan at the New York Architectural Design Show in March. Vladimir Kagan is known for his contemporary designs, particularly the Capricorn Collection. Originally designed in 1952, the collection has since been reinvented in a white powdercoated steel frame to appeal to today’s modern furniture connoisseurs. The timeless collection includes lounge chairs, sofas, coffee tables, dining chairs, and much more to create sleek, modern outdoor living spaces. To view more pieces from the Kagan Capricorn Collection, visit Oasiq’s website at www.oasiq.com.

Eastern Marketing is a distributor of exclusive, top-of-the-line appliances. With so many great appliances from which to choose, the ECPR team decided to include three products from Eastern Marketing in the “Best of Show” series. The Six-Four oven from AGA combines the iconic design of cast-iron construction and glossy enamel finish with modern features. With six burners and four electric ovens, owners of this oven will never have to worry about preparing large family dinners or parties. This time-saving oven is stylish, practical and bold, making it a valuable inventory consideration for retailers. Available in a variety of unique colors, the Six-Four can transform a kitchen into the ultimate cooking and entertaining area.

The Bertazzoni range distributed by Eastern Marketing infuses precise engineering and Italian craftsmanship to provide the highest quality ovens and ventilation systems. For kitchen designers, whether your client is a culinary expert or just a homeowner who loves to cook, the Bertazzoni range combines a sophisticated look with exceptional mechanics. The oven range features gas burners close to the flame to reduce cooking time by 30 percent, while the ventilation system draws away steam and heat to allow for a comfortable cooking atmosphere.

XO kitchen ventilation systems owned and distributed by Eastern Marketing are designed to complement high-end ovens. Specifically, the XOB has classic lines to match modern or traditional kitchen designs. The XOB features 3-speed electronic illuminated controls and a 600 CFM high-velocity blower to remove smoke, grease and odors. Each hood also boasts two 50W halogen lights to provide brilliant light over the cooking surface. Additionally, the XOB is crafted from stainless steel with a handcrafted Italian finish. To view more products distributed by Eastern Marketing, visit www.EasternMarketing.com.

Ethan Allen has launched five new signature lifestyles, Romance, Modern, Vintage, Explorer, and Elegance. Each new signature style represents its own distinct vision to stand apart from the crowd. Designed to help consumers choose their own interior design style preference, Ethan Allen has created these new signature lifestyles to match various buyers’ personalities. The Romance lifestyle is inspired by traditional European design. Alternatively, the Modern lifestyle creates the feeling of sleek and contemporary living. Additionally, the Vintage lifestyle engages in a mixture of color and texture to produce a peaceful and harmonious feeling. The Explorer lifestyle provides a worldly adventure through intricately detailed woods and global inspired fabrics. The final signature lifestyle is the Elegance lifestyle, which has been selected for the “Best of Show” series from the Architectural Digest Home Design Show. Elegance is the essence of timeless sophistication. With classic design elements, this new luxurious style is a cosmopolitan mix of ornate and clean woods paired with chic, enduring fabrics. Editors, the lifestyles would make for a well-received, five-point article regarding how to design interiors. Contact us if our article writing is of help. For more information about Ethan Allen’s new signature lifestyles, which we believe will address homeowner and designer trends in a fresh new way, visit www.ethanallen.com.

A maker of high-quality cabinetry, Maple Ridge Cabinetry creates designs to reflect the buyer’s lifestyle and personality while providing fully functional workspaces. Depending on design preferences, Maple Ridge Cabinetry offers over 40 door and drawer styles with a grand selection of moldings, corbels and curio cabinets. The company offers expert design advice to help create a truly unique space. Using only superior materials and construction techniques, Maple Ridge Cabinetry offers 13 wood species, soft-close drawers and doors as well as a limited lifetime product warranty. The company exhibited at the New York Architectural Design Show, showcasing a new line of multicolored finishes with techniques to convey a time-worn vintage theme. Designers, if you’re looking for kitchen ideas and resources for clients, keep Maple Ridge Cabinetry on the radar. For more information, visit www.mapleridgecabinetry.com.

SA Baxter is one the premiere crafters of high-end, exceptional quality architectural hardware. Of the many companies in the category we have known over the years, this one offers an impressive assortment spanning several lines. The company’s architectural hardware products are handmade to order by a group of local, world-renowned artisans who use both modern and old-world manufacturing techniques. SA Baxter was an exhibitor at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, where the company showcased a vast number of products, including breath-taking Gothic Door Knobs. Inspired by Gothic designs, the door knobs can provide a majestic and enchanting feel to traditional interior designs. The Gothic Door Knobs are available in Polished Nickel, Bronze Antique (Dark), Antique Brass (Light), and Burnished Silver as well as 2.25″, 2.5″, and 2.75″ diameters. Their styling is well-fitted for both residential and commercial settings. Media members, we know from your editorial calendars many of you are currently seeking this type of accouterment to share with your readers. Contact us with feedback and questions. For additional information on SA Baxter, visit the company’s website at www.sabaxter.com.

* To vote for your favorite “Best of Show” product, add your “Comments” below. Be sure to indicate the name of the product in your comment. At the end of our article series, the product with the most comments will be awarded the top “Best of Show” status.

Note: Click on the above photos to enlarge them.

~ ECPR 

The 3-in-1 EZ Applicator by HD Hudson Manufacturing will debut at the National Hardware Show this year. The versatile sprayer promotes stress-free sealing for decks and fences. The product includes a cleaning brush to remove dirt and clean stains before applying sealant. Once the surface is clean, users can simply remove the cleaning brush and change the applicator head to the stain pad. The stain pad allows for even application, which saves time and money. Additionally, the 3-in-1 EZ Applicator comes with a standard deck sprayer, control valve, wand, and dual fan head nozzle. The applicator’s long handle and 15-ft clear chemical resistant hose make deck and fence sealing less exhausting and more efficient. For more information on the 3-in-1 EZ Applicator, visit HD Hudson Manufacturing’s website at www.hdhudson.com.

Blackbeam will be showcasing the Blackfire Camplight for the first time at the National Hardware Show May 10-12 in Las Vegas. The Blackfire Camplight most recently made some pretty exciting waves in the industry by being awarded the prestigious 2010 GOOD DESIGN Award along with an IDEA international design award. The company prides itself on creating and producing products based on consumer wants and needs. Blackfire manufactures durable and long-lasting LED flashlights designed to enable the user to work more efficiently and accurately. Uniquely, the Camplight is able to transform from a handheld flashlight to a clamp light as well as a stand light. This allows the user to work with both hands in tight areas for sink repairs, electrical repairs and more. Whether you’re a trade professional or homeowner, the Blackfire Camplight LED flashlight is versatile for all needs. To learn more about Blackfire, visit www.blackfire-usa.com.

Bagrite is debuting at the National Hardware Show with the company’s revolutionary and innovative product. The Bagrite product holds open most 33 to 60 gallon trash bags, allowing for easy and efficient clean up. The Bagrite is lightweight, ergonomic and durable, making the product a desirable asset to homeowners. The patented design of Bagrite simultaneously enables the bag holder to keep the trash bag open while filling it with debris, without the hassle of wind or other elements blowing the bag closed. The frame is designed with taper teeth to secure the trash bag as well as an elongated edge on one side, which the operator can use as a dust pan. Currently, Bagrite is being used by several City Public Works Departments and commercial landscape companies to save time and money to clean up road debris, public parks and recreation areas. For information on Bagrite, visit www.bagrite.com.

Bond Manufacturing is a premier supplier of lawn, garden and outdoor living products. Unveiling the company’s ceramic tabletop fire pots at the 2011 National Hardware Show next month, Bond Manufacturing is keeping up with the latest consumer trends and tastes, as seen in this portable fire feature for the home. Made from all-natural material and hand-glazed, these ceramic firepots generate more light and heat than regular candles. Designed to reflect styles ranging from ancient civilizations all the way to today’s modern and sleek concepts, Bond Manufacturing’s ceramic tabletop firepots are ideal home accessories for outdoor landscape designs or indoor décor accents. The firepots are clean-burning and use carbon neutral fuel called Fire Gel. The Fire Gel’s glutinous material leaves no ashes, soot or smoke and releases only a small fraction of carbon-dioxide, making the product eco-friendly. While burning, the firepot remains cool to the touch. We have seen other tabletop fire feature products at shows and markets for more than a year, but this one gets our stamp of approval for its combined benefits and design. For additional information on Bond Manufacturing, visit www.bondmfg.com.

International Mulch Company is in the process of recycling more than 300 million pounds of tires, or approximately 19 million tires, into landscaping and playground products by the end of this year. The International Mulch Company will be exhibiting at the National Hardware Show, where the company will be showcasing a variety of new spring 2011 products such as Rubberific Edging. This product is the latest design in the company’s ever-growing line of recycled rubber products. As many well know, decorative borders can be costly and hard to maintain, so these experts in the field came up with a solution, Rubberific Edging. Available in 3’ lengths, Rubberific Edging comes in Weathered Gray and Tan to match any outdoor landscape design. The rubber design is geared to save time and money as well the benefits of easy installation. Additionally, unlike decorative river rocks, Rubberific Edging won’t chip or crack. For information on more 100% recycled rubber products from the International Mulch Company, visit www.internationalmulch.com.

The new iTouchless Toilet Seat by iTouchless Housewares & Products is extraordinary. Designed to rise upon approach and lower after usage, the iTouchless toilet reduces the amount of bacteria and grime. Simply put, we chose this innovative product because it makes life easier and healthier. The front-mounted sensor detects an approaching occupant, while the second sensor located in the center of the seat cover keeps the lid open for as long as the occupant is present. For males, the lid can be lifted automatically by placing a hand over the top sensor. The lid is not only beneficial for health reasons, but it is also ideal for elderly persons, children and those with disabilities. The iTouchless Toilet Seat is able to fit all standard-sized toilets and is easy to install. Give it a try at the show. Well, at least take a look. For more information about the iTouchless Toilet Seat or other iTouchless products, visit the company’s website at www.iTouchless.net.

Johnson Level & Tool is one of the leading manufacturers and the marketer of “Job Site Tough” professional quality spirit levels, laser levels and other various construction measuring tools. Exhibiting at the National Hardware Show in May, Johnson Level & Tool will be introducing a new level called 1404 -1000 Magnetic Torpedo Level. This solid cast aluminum frame with three high powered v-groove magnets embedded in the gauging edge is top of the line. The Magnetic Torpedo Level measures 10” in length and features Johnson Level’s SurroundView vial system which reflects ambient light for easy reading in dimly lit spaces. Additionally, the durable precision block vials will not crack leak or fade over time. All Johnson Level & Tool levels come with a lifetime warranty on accuracy. For more information about the 1404 – 1000 Magnetic Torpedo Level, visit www.johnsonlevel.com.