Caesars Palace. Photo: LABworks360
What could the grandeur of a Roman fountain and an end-of-days bomb shelter possibly have in common? Must be time for the annual NAHB International Builders’ Show, held this year (January 22-24) in Las Vegas, NV. The event, which draws builders, contractors, manufacturers and industry professionals from around the country and the world, is renowned for showcasing the latest in new building products, materials, technology, trends and innovations.
While we were hard-pressed to cover the entire 360,000 square feet of exhibition space, we were able to discover some true show-stoppers. Here are ten of them to whet your appetite.
1. Moxie from Kohler
Photo: Kohler
If you’re looking for another way to bring music to your bath (and actual bathing experience), consider the Moxie showerhead from Kohler. With a shower head that acts as a docking device, the wireless magnetic speaker syncs directly to your Bluetooth-enabled devices.
2. Formica’s 100 Collection
Photo: Formica
Years ago, Formica was known for its striking array of solid-color laminates. Now, 100 years after its founding, the company introduces an Anniversary Collection that brings back some of its vintage color offerings, but updated with sophisticated modern design statements, like Ellipse, Endless, Dotscreen and Halftone.
3. Heat & Glo’s Revo
Photo: Heat & Glo
The new REVO Series from Heat & Glo combines a super-slim profile with sleek contemporary styling. Available in square, linear, and vertical styles, the wall-mounted, direct-vent gas fireplaces require no footprint and feature the company’s patented Razor burner technology.
4. DaVinci’s Bellaforte Shingle
Photo: DaVinci
For those looking for the beauty of natural shake shingles—without the vulnerabilities and maintenance requirements of real wood—DaVinci serves up an amazing lookalike in its Bellaforte Shake Shingle. Made with a proprietary, engineered polymer and designed for quick self-alignment, the roofing is available in five color blends.
5. Eldorado Stone’s Artisan Fire Bowls
Photo: Eldorado Stone
Made from glass-reinforced concrete and hand-sanded through a four-step finishing process, the new line of Artisan Fire Bowls from Eldorado Stone is sure to enhance any outdoor living space. Available in two styles, four colors, and two surface finishes, bowls ship complete with CSA-certified gas components.
6. Armstrong’s American Scrape
Photo: Armstrong Flooring
The American Scrape hardwood flooring from Armstrong is distinctive for its five-inch-wide planks and authentic, hand-scraped surface treatment. Available in domestic hickory (known for its rustic character and superior hardness) or oak, the Kentucky-made flooring comes in both engineered and solid wood applications, in a wide range of finishes.
7. GE Appliances Slate
Photo: GE Appliances
Move over stainless! GE Appliances showcases its new Slate finish—a warm, grey metallic with a low-gloss finish that is sure to complement a variety of wall colors, cabinet finishes, and countertop materials. It also proves a good partner with black, white, and the formidable stainless.
8. Daltile’s Intertwine Series
Daltile Intertwine Reflection. Photo: LABworks360
With its undulating design and basket-weave pattern, the Intertwine Series of glass and stone mosaic tiles from Daltile provides a sophisticated backsplash solution. The collection is available in eight color blends, including Reflection, shown here.
9. CertainTeed WeatherBoard
CertainTeed WeatherBoard Lap Siding. Photo: LABworks360
The TrueTexture wood grain appearance of CertainTeed’s Fiber-Cement WeatherBoard Lap Siding is achieved by using an advanced first-transfer system of real cedar boards. It is available in a choice of five textures, 22 solid colors, and six natural wood stains.
10. Atlas Bomb Shelter
Atlas Survival Shelter. Photo: LABworks360
In follow-up to my early reference to end-of-days, this Survival Shelter from Atlas was on display for visitors to see, tour, and experience. Made of galvanized corrugated pipe, it can be buried up to 42 feet deep and has a lifespan of 200 years. Plenty of time for home/shelter improvements, should the need arise.
For more building products and trends, consider:
Pendant Lighting 101
10 Low-Cost Ways to Improve Your Home Security
Go Ductless with a Mini-Split Heat Pump