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.

Osram Sylvania, headquartered in Danvers, MA, is one of the leaders in lighting solutions and specialty products which feature new and innovative designs as well as energy-saving technology. Known for producing high quality, high performance products, Osram Sylvania is now introducing the company’s new series of LED lamps called the Sylvania Ultra Professional Series. The series, ideal for retail, hospitality, museum, and high-end residential settings, rivals today’s halogen lamps. Currently available in four lamp types, the Sylvania Ultra Professional Series includes superior color consistency, robust dimming functionality and high-lumen output. Offering color rendition with a color rendering index of (CRI) of 95 paired with an R9 color rating, this series is truly one of the most advanced LED products on the market today. For additional information, visit www.sylvania.com.

The National Hardware Show is just around the corner. The event is the industry’s largest trade exhibition show, offering the latest inventions and products from companies in hardware & tools; homewares; lawn & garden/outdoor living; paint & accessories; plumbing & electrical; storage & organization; and tailgating, camping & picnicking. In addition, first-time categories like outdoor recreation, DIY security and energy-efficient products will be introduced to the sold-out event in Las Vegas, May 10-12.

This year’s show is shaping up to be a premiere exhibition. Attendees ranging from designers, builders, trade professionals and media members are sure to be impressed by exhibitors and the latest product innovations and technologies the market has to bear. For the second year in a row, the ECPR team has an alliance with the show, showcasing exhibitor’s products in our “Sneak Peek” article series on the ECPR blog. Our “Sneak Peek” series is a great way to preview the show and allows media members to easily learn more, whether they plan to attend or allow us to serve as their “eyes and ears.”

In the following days and weeks, we will be posting several “Sneak Peeks,” so be sure to check back regularly for the newest posts. Each will be linked to our media contacts’ applicable online outlets and channels, giving exhibitors more opportunities for being noticed by trade- and consumer-oriented media professionals. These include editors and publishers of select online or print magazines and newspapers as well as some key television and radio producers.

As you follow our posted series in late April and early May, feel free to add your comments under each narrative / photo. Products with the most comments will be considered for our post-show “Best of Show” feature series. We are looking forward to sharing valuable information and trends with our fans, followers and readers. Connect with us on our social media channels, and see you at the show!

~ The ECPR Team

As you may be aware, the ECPR team first showcased the Architectural Digest Home Design Show “Sneak Peek” series prior to the show last month. Immediately following the show, we published a follow up about the show entitled “The Best of Beautiful Design from NYC,” dated March 25 on our blog.

Since then we have begun the “Best of Show” series, featuring the latest and greatest products and companies ranging from art, home furnishings, accessories, kitchens, appliances, and more. Be sure to read Part I for the full introduction to the “Best of Show” series.

Naula Workshop made its 4th appearance at the show this year, officially debuting The Plaza Bed. This luxurious bed designed by Angel Naula from the company’s new collection of customizable home furnishings has clean, modern lines in an effort to showcase its new minimalist designs. The Plaza Bed was featured in Esquire’s SoHo Penthouse “Bachelor Pad” last year. Since 2002, Angel Naula has brought together a group of artisans and designers to create a workshop that thrives on the idea that, at its inception, each piece is of its own unique design. All furnishings are manufactured, lacquered and upholstered in Brooklyn, NY. To view more of Naula Workshop’s new home furnishings line, visit the company’s website at www.naulaworkshop.com.

The Exclusif Sectional by Didier Gomez for Ligne Roset is as comfortable and luxurious as the picture portrays. The sectional sofa was highly popular at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, particularly, in a stunning gray fabric sure to set new trends. (Shown here in light gray). Designed with great emphasis on extreme softness and comfort, this sectional would be a perfect addition to a family room with panache or a modern condo or apartment well-suited for entertaining. Uniquely, there are two types of armrests from which to choose: a low, wide rectangular version and a high, narrow trapezoid version. They can be combined with one another for what can be considered an asymmetrical element. Additionally, and most impressive to us, the Exclusif Sectional can be designed to the customer’s liking. When juxtaposed with the piece’s eye-catching styling, this flexibility is unlike all others we encountered in the category. Given standard and customized options, the plush Exclusif Sectional allows for a wide range of seating, from loveseats and banquettes to lounge sofas and ottomans.

Ligne Roset, an international contemporary furnishings company based in France, was founded in 1860. The company features high-end, design-forward lines of household furniture, lighting, accessories, and textiles geared toward the modern lifestyle. Ligne Roset has stores worldwide, including premiere U.S. locations in New York, Miami and Philadelphia. These stores were represented at the show in an exhibit space well-liked for its bold essence. For additional information on the Exclusif Sectional or to view more furnishings and collections from Ligne Roset, visit www.lignerosetny.com, www.rosetphilly.com, and www.lignerosetmiami.com.

Derived from an original Mayan stone sculpture, TON Art’s Mayan Wheel has started a new generation of art speakers. It is one of the more creative show examples of form and function, in that, the sculpture acts as wall art as well as audio speaker. With its rough, hand-crafted, and painted surface resembling the original’s ancient stone, the speaker’s design made a positive impact at the show. The Mayan Wheel has two gold-leafed boxes illuminated by soft incandescent bulbs. Additionally, it boasts four speakers, two on each side. Each state-of-the-art speaker provides exceptional sound for large areas. Collaborating with designers, artists and craftspeople, the company’s art speakers are able to replace traditional speakers to create a serene, organic look. TON Art has a variety of speakers for indoor and outdoor use, all of which incorporate top-of-the-line technology and are able to connect easily with any sound system. For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.tonartllc.com.

The Grothouse Lumber Company’s Walnut Sink was brilliantly showcased at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show last month. Its wood composition made it stop show-goers in their tracks. Earning a nomination for the “Best of Show’ series, the Walnut Sink is available in over 60 species of wood with distressing and custom-stain matching. The company’s wooden sinks are a unique alternative to stainless steel, stone and ceramic sinks. Every hand-crafted solid-wood sink is coated with an exclusive Durata® permanent finish.

The company was founded in 1994 by Paul Grothouse. His extensive knowledge and background in woodworking and engineering resulted in starting his own company. With a 20,000 square foot, solar-powered facility in Pennsylvania, The Grothouse Lumber Company strives to be environmentally-friendly. While it did not surprise us in the least, the company’s award-winning designs have been featured in a number of magazines, books and on one of our staff’s favorite television shows, “This Old House”. In addition to the line of solid wood sinks, the company also crafts fine custom wood countertops, butcher blocks, table, and bar tops. The Grothouse Lumbar Company distributes worldwide and each organic surface ships in 2-3 weeks. Installation and blanket-wrap delivery are available in select markets. Last, but not least, FSC & LEED products are available, offering designers and homeowners the sustainability factor. Visit www.glumber.com for more information.

* 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