The K&B industry has been quick to evolve and develop new products to meet homeowners’ changing needs. Here are a few highlights of innovations introduced by NKBA members for the bathroom over the past year, part of the Year In Review series sponsored by Samsung.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

WILSONART IN THE BATH: Engineered surface maker Wilsonart launched a bath collection, the Wilsonart®Solid Surface Bath and Shower Accessories Niche line. The components are compatible with the company’s Wetwall™ Water-Proof Wall Panel System, and provide sleek, functional, recessed shelving to store shower necessities. Its Wetwall division introduced two designs in its waterproof wall panel systems with patterns that mimic stone. Grout-free Wetwall panels are installed over existing shower walls and tub surrounds and feature a water-proof core and antimicrobial protection. Wilsonart is at KBIS in Booth W3801.

DELTA’S LAUNCHES: Delta Faucet introduced its Saylor™ Bath Collection, which combines clean, simple lines of modern farmhouse style and the function of everyday hardware. It offers two spout designs and five finishes, and some of its shower trims are equipped with Delta H2Okinetic® Technology, which sculpts water into a unique pattern that feels like more water and more pressure than a standard shower head. Meanwhile, its In2ition Two-In-One combination showerhead made its debut, allowing the user to operate both units together or separately, creating options in spray patterns. The budget-friendly upgrade screws onto existing pipe, so it doesn’t require complicated plumbing. Click for more information. Delta is at KBIS in Booth N2039.

MARTIAN TOILET: Duravit developed a shower/toilet combination for future colonies on Mars — but for now, has installed it at the prototype Martian House in Bristol, UK. The toilet looks more or less like an Earth model, uses water that’s converted from ice on the Red Planet, and has an odor extractor (after all, you can’t open windows), heated seat, hygienic glaze to reduce bacteria growth and an illuminated bowl for night use. For more Earth-bound solutions, including the new Ketho.2 wall-hung collection based on designer Christian Werner’s iconic furniture series and launching at KBIS, visit Duravit in Booth N1539.

INFINITY DRAIN EARNS PATENT: Infinity Drain earned a U.S. patent for its Site Sizable Low Profile Linear Drain, which has a lower profile to help minimize the floor height needed to achieve a curbless entry shower. Its innovative sizable channel system, which can be modified on site, helps installers overcome site specific challenges. Visit Infinity Drain at KBIS, Booth W3657.

BUTLER IN THE BATH: Amba Products revealed its Jeeves Wet-Rated Kit for the bath, a UL-certified kit that allows installation of its compatible Jeeves towel warmer racks in wet areas, including shower alcoves and stalls and above bathtubs. The racks keep warm towels within reach and elevate the luxury of the bath without compromising electrical systems. It’s a first for the company, and Amba expects to obtain UL-certifications for its other collections.

CALIFORNIA FAUCETS UNVEILS GRUBB LINE: California Faucets introduced the Christopher Grubb Bath Collection, the company’s first faucet series created in collaboration with an interior designer. Grubb, a California-based award-winning designer, principal of Arch Interiors and frequent speaker at NKBA Chapter meetings, inspired two lines in the collection, the Trousdale Series and the Doheny Series, based on architectural columns.