KBIS2017 Part III-Exploring Surfaces

This is Part III of my KBIS2017 recap.  You can find Part I  here and Part II here

Ok where were we?  Ah yes, I believe I promised you something to do with rhino poop and a surprise inside the shower.  In Part III, the final installment of my Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS2017)  recap, I’m going to deliver just that as I share with you two really cool surface manufacturers  that are game changers in the world of design.  The first is from the tradition of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

 

MohawkFlooring,KBIS2017

 

Mohawk Flooring, known largely for their carpet, actually manufactures a wide variety of products including tile, hardwood, laminate and luxury vinyl.  The star of their show this year was SmartStrand Silk Reserve carpet which MUST be felt to be believed. The story is not only about the ultimate in comfort and beauty, but also unbelievable cleanability.  

 

To test this new generation of carpeting they had a rhino, yes a rhinoceros, live on it for two weeks! That includes peeing, pooping and God knows what.  This experiment compared SmartStrand Silk Reserve to other leading carpets.  The results were impressive. With the Pet Protection Warranty there’s never any worry about a little occasional cat puke. Here’s a little video so you know I’m not lying.

 

                                                                                                                       

 

Not only did SmartStrand Silk Reserve stand up to the rhino test, it was also a welcome respite for the tired feet of 24 or so bloggers and social media influencers.  We got to enjoy the silky soft  experience at the Ritz, no less. It’s really really soft!

MohawkFlooring,SmartStrandSilkReserve,Carpet

 

Since we’re talking about cleaning, let’s move on the the shower.  That’s where Wilsonart comes in.  Wilsonart is a leader in engineered surfaces such as laminates, quartz, solid surfaces and even interesting wall paneling which is a look that has been so popular.

 

I love how they are always coming up with something new that is so relevant and on trend.  One such item is Wilsonart VDL Artfully Repurposed Woods (above left).  Yes these are laminates, no splinters here, soft as a baby’s butt (well nearly).  I digress. Let’s get back to the shower on show at KBIS2017.  This seamless laminate shower wall (below)  is easy to clean with no grout lines and they assure me it’s water friendly.  I also love the sleek contemporary look.

 

Wilsonart, KBIS2017,BlogTourKBIS

Wilsonart is also offering their own brand of quartz.  I often have clients who seek a pristine white counter top.  This one (Niwa Q1002) certainly fits the bill.   Quartz is a very popular choice these days because of it's durability and stain resistance. Check out their website here for more on the wide variety of products you can find at Wilsonart.

Wilsonart, WilsonartQuartz, BlogTourKBIS, KBIS2017, designhounds

 

There you have it!  Thank you so much to Modenus and all the sponsors of BlogTour KBIS.  It’s such a treat to have access to all this in depth knowledge that I can share with you.  All editorial content is entirely my own opinions and perspectives.

 

The New American Home, Inspired by the Possibilities

In some ways, although it was all fantastic, the Modenus Blog Tour saved the best for last.  On our final day we made a trip to Henderson, Nevada to visit The New American Home.The New American Home, photo courtesy of Chasen West Photography This project was to showcase the latest technology in home building and featured flooring by Mohawk Flooring and Karastan, a division of Mohawk. TNAH2015 Believe it or not this is not a custom home but a production model in the Sky Terrace community.  The purpose is to showcase what can be done with different finishes and technologies for varying budgets so that it feels custom to the homeowner.  In my opinion, that's where creative design comes into play.  I love to be inspired by the finest and be able to translate that for a specific lifestyle and budget.  I know it can be done.TNAM2015 DSC00189 TNAH2015Notice how the neutral color palette reflects the desert landscape.A beautiful Karastan area rug.It wasn't all eye candy and hors d'oeuvres, we also learned about Mowhawk and Karastan's SmartStrand made from 37% corn product.  This bio-based material is eco-friendly and stands up to stains!   The protection is there for life because it's built into the fibers.  SmartStrand can be found in both Mohawk and Karastan carpets. They have a fun and interactive website here.TNAH2015Thanks for following along on my adventures with Modenus Blog Tour Vegas.  For more coverage check out what all the bloggers had to say.  You can find them here. Stay tuned for recaps of my trip with Tile Of Spain to Cevisama.  It's all about tile, with maybe a little sangria in the mix ;).  I'll be on the road from Friday February 6-13.  Follow along on FaceBook, Instagram and Twitter!

Blog Tour Preview

As you know, I'll be heading off on Sunday to immerse myself in all the magic of KBIS2015, courtesy of  super design site Modenus.  This is a HUGE show for our industry and you can be sure I'll be partying taking careful notes and lots of pics to share with my blog peeps! Toto's Aquia wall hung toilet blends luxury, necessity and ecology in a most sophisticated way. I'll be posting recaps here upon my return but if you'd like to follow along in real time please LIKE my new Face Book page, Kitchens for Living or you can follow me on Twitter and Instagram. If you're planning a new kitchen, listen up!  We're about to unleash upon you all the latest product and design info you need to plan for your home.Mohawk Carpet also offers a line of beautiful hardwood floors! Who knew?Don't forget to check Modenus to see what all the Blog Tour Bloggers are saying. These pics are a preview of the Blog Tour sponsor line up.  That means that you'll be hearing more about this diverse group of industry favorites as I learn about them.Thermador sapphire dishwasherWilsonart is introducing quartz counter tops!tangent_astral88_Square_01Penthouse view kitchen by WoodMode features black gloss finish accented by white island and gray armoire.  TopKnobs Holland Series from the Mercer Collection, I think "sleek" is the operative wordP7350 design by Porsche Design StudioBlanco's Attika sink with walnut cutting board accessory and Culina faucet. Now if you made it all the way to the end of this blog post, ladies (and certain gents), you shall be rewarded. Mr. Steam manStay tuned for more about all these brands and more!