Design Hounds Present “Top Finds” at KBIS

Five experts scoured the show to uncover design trends and innovative products.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Five designers representing the DesignHounds Influencer Network, a group founded by Veronika Miller in 2011 and owned by Modenus Media, hit the KBIS show floor with a mission: to find unique innovations in design and technology worthy of “Top Finds” honors. Leanne Wood, president of Flying Camel Advertising, moderated the discussion on the KBIS NeXT Stage. The panelists cited a heightened emphasis on wellness, responsible sourcing and sustainability; keen attention to details in manufacturing, and the comeback of vibrant color as some of the key overall trends at the show. Each revealed their top three innovations on the panel, and the session can be viewed in its entirety here.

Here’s a preview of the DesignHounds’ selections:

Jennifer Hutton, designs and selections manager at Grau Building Co., Durham, N.C., and a 2020 NKBA Thirty Under 30 honoree: Café’s four-door refrigerator, for design details like rose gold trim inside and sleek crisp edges.

Tristan Gary, principal of Tristan Gary Designs, Seattle: Fulgor Milano’s big, versatile, 48-inch range with five burners and a griddle that lifts to reveal more induction burners.

Jessica Duce, owner of JDuce Design and Vacation Rental Designers, Houston: Thompson Trader’s sculptural sink — “It’s a piece of art” — in solid copper with satin gold finish.

Amala Raj Swenson, principal designer at Geoluxe, San Diego: Signature Kitchen Suite’s 24-inch double drawer undercounter refrigeration system, which has the option of converting each drawer to a fridge or freezer at the touch of a button.

Shea Pumarejo, CMKBD, Younique Designs, San Antonio, Tex., and a multiyear NKBA Design Competition winner: Kohler’s innovative new Signature faucet collection styled after high-end audio equipment, with soft curved lines in an oblong shape, body sprays with six massage settings, and technology that puts air into the water to create larger droplets that feel more like rain. 

Other selections include John Michael Kitchens cabinetry and outdoor kitchens; Pitt Cooking Systems’ integrated countertop burners; Emtek’s door hinges in multiple finishes; Signature Kitchen Suite’s wine fridge with Wi-Fi and Concierge service; Monogram’s 48-in. range; Zip Water’s faucet that dispenses instant boiling, chilled or sparkling water; Kohler’s new-to-residential energy storage power system; Infinity Drain’s customizable drains; the LG Styler, steam closet clothing care system; ABK Stone’s induction cooktops under a porcelain slab; Blaze outdoor kitchens and grills.

For details on all the DesignHounds top choices, watch the full session here.