We are back! Not only is home building rebounding and people are buying new homes again, the
International Builders Show has returned to Las Vegas!
We just got back from a great week of exploring new products, speaking about design trends and networking with the brightest and best in the industry.
After walking all of the show floors and show homes, these are the top products and trends that we discovered.
On Hand by ODL One of the things I love about this year's Builders Show is that there were products that were innovative but affordable, and On Hand by ODL was one of these. This ingenious product adds storage and a communications center into a door without taking up any additional space in the home. The adjustable shelves make it easy to store everything from hair bows and Lego parts to dog collars and your spice collection. The communications center and be used as a white board, photo gallery, or anything else you want to display - every home needs one of these!
Tub Art by Kohler Bathing has become an art, and as always Kohler is offering products that let us do that in style. Besides the traditional built-in tubs, Kohler presented free standing tubs that would add elegance and artistry to any spa bath. They also showed beautiful faucet sets that added the personal touch. Kitchens and baths continue to be a large focus in the home, and Kohler continues to be the leader in how to make these areas function - beautifully.
Embracing Education Conventions like the Builders Show are a great place to keep up with trends and products. We were so impressed that
Clayton Homes - the largest home builder in the US brought their General Managers to the show so they could find the best products and trends. Howard McGirt, General Manager of
SE Homes of Texas walked the show with us and shared his thoughts on what was hot and what was not. It's easy to see why this innovative company sells so many homes every year!
500,000 Bottles of Beer Great product - great people. Loved learning how they used 500,000 bottles in the exterior of this building - the ultimate example of recycling and green design.
A Realm of Design offers GeeenStone which is made of 100% recycled glass aggregate and 99.8% renewable materials. The glass makes an ordinary exterior extraordinary -they said when the lights shine on the building at night it has a magical iridescence. The company offers numerous products from Fountains to Flooring and ships nationwide.
Light My Fire Fireplaces aren't what they used to be - today's options include alternative fuel, direct or indirect venting, indoor or outdoor applications... the options are endless! The Builders Show offered something for everyone but the message was clear - every home needs a fireplace in it somewhere! I also loved how Heat N Glo talked about trends and consumer requests in their marketing - not just selling but educating.
Glass Houses Glass is showing
up in every room of our homes. It was great to see new designs in windows and doors that played with light sources -the future is truly bright! Get ready to see doors and windows that play with the light by using screens and prisms that create patterns in places that you wouldn't expect them. Look for more paints, lighting, and materials that find ways to take advantage of natural lighting.
A BOMB Shelter? Who knew that this form of factory built housing would steal the show.
Atlas Survival Structures proved that at the International Builders Show there is something for everyone. These structures are priced starting at $72,000 and apparently these underground homes are gaining acceptance. Lots of people toured the home and had a new perception of what consumers are truly looking for in their new homes.
