Our Customers' Top 10 Home Products of 2018
by Lauren Busser & Rachel Lyon, VP of Production and Design & Editorial Director for The House Designers®
Want to know what attracts the attention of house plan customers as they organize their builds and decide what to buy to complete them? Well, here's a start! Our customers spend a lot of time figuring out the finer points, with energy given to aesthetics while their builders focus on utility. These beautiful—and practical—products made an impression this year!
A Warm Metallic Finish for Appliances
When stainless steel hit the market, everybody jumped to embrace this cool, versatile new finish. Its timeless appeal continues today, but if you want a warmer tone for your kitchen, you'll love Fingerprint Resistant Sunset Bronze from Whirlpool®, which released earlier this year. Available on a variety of models so you can build the full suite of your dreams, these appliances create an inviting glow while maintaining a modern edge. Be sure to consider this clean yet classic look!
Model: Whirlpool® 6.4 cu. ft. Smart Combination Wall Oven with Microwave Convection in Fingerprint Resistant Sunset Bronze Finish | $3,799.00 MSRP
When stainless steel hit the market, everybody jumped to embrace this cool, versatile new finish. Its timeless appeal continues today, but if you want a warmer tone for your kitchen, you'll love Fingerprint Resistant Sunset Bronze from Whirlpool®, which released earlier this year. Available on a variety of models so you can build the full suite of your dreams, these appliances create an inviting glow while maintaining a modern edge. Be sure to consider this clean yet classic look!
Model: Whirlpool® 6.4 cu. ft. Smart Combination Wall Oven with Microwave Convection in Fingerprint Resistant Sunset Bronze Finish | $3,799.00 MSRP
A Range of Finishes for Front Door Personality
Choosing colors can be difficult, especially for exterior highlights of your home. Now, you don't have to worry about your entry—Therma-Tru® Doors offers a range of lovely hues inspired by nature. PrismaGuard™ is a factory-applied finish backed by a 10-year warranty, and it brings out the wood character of their efficient fiberglass systems in your choice of rich or muted tones. Take the guesswork out of stain selection and find the cheery, striking, or homey vibe you want!
Model: Therma-Tru® Doors Classic-Craft® American Style Collection™ Entry in Raven PrismaGuard Finish | Contact for a Quote
Choosing colors can be difficult, especially for exterior highlights of your home. Now, you don't have to worry about your entry—Therma-Tru® Doors offers a range of lovely hues inspired by nature. PrismaGuard™ is a factory-applied finish backed by a 10-year warranty, and it brings out the wood character of their efficient fiberglass systems in your choice of rich or muted tones. Take the guesswork out of stain selection and find the cheery, striking, or homey vibe you want!
Model: Therma-Tru® Doors Classic-Craft® American Style Collection™ Entry in Raven PrismaGuard Finish | Contact for a Quote
Wide Plank Flooring with Old-Fashioned Appeal
The trend toward rustic chic has made it all the way to the floor, and Lumber Liquidators has made shopping easy with their Broadway Wide Width Collection. The most common board widths these days are 3 inches or less, so anything wider really stands out. This selection includes planks ranging from 5 to 9 inches, and you'll find wood, bamboo, and laminate options to fit your budget. Wide plank flooring is a great choice for cozier aesthetics, whether traditional or contemporary!
Model: Lumber Liquidators Bellawood Artisan Distressed 1/2" x 7-1/2" Willow Manor Oak | $6.49/sq.ft.
The trend toward rustic chic has made it all the way to the floor, and Lumber Liquidators has made shopping easy with their Broadway Wide Width Collection. The most common board widths these days are 3 inches or less, so anything wider really stands out. This selection includes planks ranging from 5 to 9 inches, and you'll find wood, bamboo, and laminate options to fit your budget. Wide plank flooring is a great choice for cozier aesthetics, whether traditional or contemporary!
Model: Lumber Liquidators Bellawood Artisan Distressed 1/2" x 7-1/2" Willow Manor Oak | $6.49/sq.ft.
Dark Interior Finishes for Bolder Windows
When you think about windows, you likely don't think about the frames, but interior finishes can transform your space! That's why the new Ebony and Bronze finishes from Integrity® from Marvin® really make an impression on their All Ultrex products. Dark frames pop against walls and views, defining the windows to make them part of your design. The effect is awesome in bright, crisp, and modern schemes, but it could also add some charm to more rustic ones.
Model: Integrity® from Marvin® All Ultrex Windows with Ebony Finish | Contact for a Quote
When you think about windows, you likely don't think about the frames, but interior finishes can transform your space! That's why the new Ebony and Bronze finishes from Integrity® from Marvin® really make an impression on their All Ultrex products. Dark frames pop against walls and views, defining the windows to make them part of your design. The effect is awesome in bright, crisp, and modern schemes, but it could also add some charm to more rustic ones.
Model: Integrity® from Marvin® All Ultrex Windows with Ebony Finish | Contact for a Quote
Voice-Controlled Kitchen and Bath Fixtures
Sometimes you just don't have a hand free—how can you avoid juggling when you need to use the faucet or adjust the lights? With voice commands! Kohler® is launching Konnect products that work with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant as well as through an app on your phone, so you can control their features remotely. You can pour a specified amount of water, brighten a lighted mirror, start a shower or bath with preferred presets, heat a toilet seat, and more!
Model: Sensate® Kitchen Faucet with KOHLER® Konnect | Coming Soon!
Sometimes you just don't have a hand free—how can you avoid juggling when you need to use the faucet or adjust the lights? With voice commands! Kohler® is launching Konnect products that work with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant as well as through an app on your phone, so you can control their features remotely. You can pour a specified amount of water, brighten a lighted mirror, start a shower or bath with preferred presets, heat a toilet seat, and more!
Model: Sensate® Kitchen Faucet with KOHLER® Konnect | Coming Soon!
Lightweight yet Hardy Stone-Coated Roofing
Choosing a roof is difficult for most homeowners—it should complement the house and last decades, but factors like weight and a material's suitability for the climate can alter plans. That's why BoralSteel™, new from Boral®, is so exciting. At about half the weight of asphalt shingles and with Class 4 hail impact resistance, Class A fire resistance, and a hurricane wind rating, you can't go wrong! It's available in five profiles and multiple colors of each to outfit any style, too.
Model: BoralSteel™ COTTAGE Shingle in Ironwood HD | Contact for a Quote
Choosing a roof is difficult for most homeowners—it should complement the house and last decades, but factors like weight and a material's suitability for the climate can alter plans. That's why BoralSteel™, new from Boral®, is so exciting. At about half the weight of asphalt shingles and with Class 4 hail impact resistance, Class A fire resistance, and a hurricane wind rating, you can't go wrong! It's available in five profiles and multiple colors of each to outfit any style, too.
Model: BoralSteel™ COTTAGE Shingle in Ironwood HD | Contact for a Quote
Durable Countertops in a Range of Stone Looks
Countertops are such an important part of designing a kitchen, so set yourself up for success with a wide range of beautiful, durable choices. Wilsonart offers gorgeous quartz designs with the visual appeal of natural stone, but with scratch and stain resistance you won't get from a quarry. You can also order jumbo slabs to reduce seams and achieve a high-end look without blowing your budget. These surfaces require minimal care thanks to a dense, non-porous structure, so don't be afraid to use them!
Model: Wilsonart® Quartz in Haldi | Contact for a Quote
Countertops are such an important part of designing a kitchen, so set yourself up for success with a wide range of beautiful, durable choices. Wilsonart offers gorgeous quartz designs with the visual appeal of natural stone, but with scratch and stain resistance you won't get from a quarry. You can also order jumbo slabs to reduce seams and achieve a high-end look without blowing your budget. These surfaces require minimal care thanks to a dense, non-porous structure, so don't be afraid to use them!
Model: Wilsonart® Quartz in Haldi | Contact for a Quote
Custom Cabinetry for Every Closet Need
A big closet is one thing, but an efficient one is better. No matter the space you have to work with, make sure it's optimized with an organizational system that suits your wardrobe. KraftMaid® has all sorts of solutions for open shelving, drawers, and closed cabinets, so you can build your own ideal setup. They also have custom capabilities if you need something extra. Don't forget to explore different styles, colors, and finish techniques to make sure you select something you love. Need help? You can also ask a designer for advice!
Model: KraftMaid® Cherry Bedroom in Vintage Onyx | Contact for a Quote
A big closet is one thing, but an efficient one is better. No matter the space you have to work with, make sure it's optimized with an organizational system that suits your wardrobe. KraftMaid® has all sorts of solutions for open shelving, drawers, and closed cabinets, so you can build your own ideal setup. They also have custom capabilities if you need something extra. Don't forget to explore different styles, colors, and finish techniques to make sure you select something you love. Need help? You can also ask a designer for advice!
Model: KraftMaid® Cherry Bedroom in Vintage Onyx | Contact for a Quote
Unique Hardware to Hang Barn Doors
It is no secret that barn doors are having a boom. So many homeowners are opting for this old-fashioned style for pantries, offices, and en-suite baths. If you like this look, it's not just the door you have to select—you also need to choose hardware to hang it. And there are plenty of styles to consider, ranging from simple to sleek, or undeniably rustic! Signature Hardware has a variety to explore, so find one you like, select that track length you need, and think about the finish color, if applicable. Barn doors really can fit into any design scheme when hung with fitting hardware!
Model: Signature Hardware Ando Barn Door Hardware in Black | Starting at $239.00
It is no secret that barn doors are having a boom. So many homeowners are opting for this old-fashioned style for pantries, offices, and en-suite baths. If you like this look, it's not just the door you have to select—you also need to choose hardware to hang it. And there are plenty of styles to consider, ranging from simple to sleek, or undeniably rustic! Signature Hardware has a variety to explore, so find one you like, select that track length you need, and think about the finish color, if applicable. Barn doors really can fit into any design scheme when hung with fitting hardware!
Model: Signature Hardware Ando Barn Door Hardware in Black | Starting at $239.00
Gorgeous Tile for a Standout Backsplash
Whether for a kitchen or bathroom, a tile backsplash makes itself a highlight of the space. And with so many shapes, colors, and patterns out there, you can really make it your own! If you're in the market, check out TileBar and just imagine the possibilities. They offer such a wide range, you'll be exploring their amazing photography and getting new ideas for hours. How about super fine pieces, or large stone-look swaths? Want something shiny or matte? Mosaic or basic? With so many materials and finish techniques, you won't be lost for lack of options!
Model: TileBar Victoria Pearl Thassos & Pearl Shell Tile | $47.30/sq. ft.
Whether for a kitchen or bathroom, a tile backsplash makes itself a highlight of the space. And with so many shapes, colors, and patterns out there, you can really make it your own! If you're in the market, check out TileBar and just imagine the possibilities. They offer such a wide range, you'll be exploring their amazing photography and getting new ideas for hours. How about super fine pieces, or large stone-look swaths? Want something shiny or matte? Mosaic or basic? With so many materials and finish techniques, you won't be lost for lack of options!
Model: TileBar Victoria Pearl Thassos & Pearl Shell Tile | $47.30/sq. ft.
