Our Editors' Top 10 Home Products of 2018

by Tammy Crosby & Rachel Lyon, Editor-in-Chief & Editorial Director for The House Designers®

It's that time again, when we share the products that caught our eyes over the last year. Our editors' picks include all kinds of home goods—some your builder will need to install for you and others you can handle yourself when you move in! We love anything that improves the beauty, functionality, and health of your home, so take a look and see if any of these new-in-2018 products catch your eye, too!

Classic, Stunning, and Durable Stone-Look Tile

Everybody can find something to love about porcelain tile flooring—it's exceptionally durable, you can install subfloor heating beneath it, and it's waterproof, so you can wet mop and even steam clean the floor to reduce dirt and allergens! Lumber Liquidators has offered gorgeous wood-look tile before, but this year, they added beautiful stone-look options that instantly add a classic touch. They're perfect if you want a luxurious bathroom, or to dress up any other space!

Model: Lumber Liquidators Avella Ultra 24" x 12" Cabo Azul Porcelain Tile | $3.49/sq. ft.

Smart Skylight Technology for a Healthier Home

It's time to readdress what you think you know about skylights! VELUX® offers "fresh air" options that open with their own built-in solar power or with electricity. If you opt for these nifty motorized models, you can control them remotely and through your smartphone with the new VELUX ACTIVE system. Smart sensors will monitor your indoor environment, and they'll operate the skylight to air out the house to optimize temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels!

Model: VELUX ACTIVE System for Electric and Solar Powered Skylights | Price Varies

A Space-Conscious Over-the-Range Microwave

Over-the-range microwave ovens were introduced to clear kitchen counters, but sometimes they crowd your cooking space. If you're looking for a slimmer, sleeker rendition, KitchenAid® has the microwave for you! Their new, low profile model takes up less vertical real estate without compromising on capacity, and you'll also love its powerful venting capability and built-in LED task lights. It offers what you want in a microwave and for the cooktop beneath it, and you have a choice of four stylish finishes!

Model: KitchenAid® 1000-Watt Low Profile Microwave Hood Combination with PrintShield™ Finish in Black Stainless | $899.00 MSRP

A High-Powered Air Filter in a Compact Package

Even if you think your home is clean, new paint, wood, and electronics can off-gas unhealthy chemicals, and everyday dirt and dust build up quickly. Everybody could use cleaner air, so invest in a quality air filter that traps particles, odors, and VOCs like our pick from Brondell®. The Revive air purifier and humidifier has dual HEPA filters to clean quickly and efficiently, active carbon and other specialized filters to remove invisible pollutants, and a natural evaporative humidifier to combat unhealthy dry air. And it fits right into any room!

Model: Brondell® Revive True HEPA Air Purifier and Humidifier in Black | $449.00 MSRP

A Smart Security System You Can Set Up Yourself

The days of long-term security contracts are over. SimpliSafe™ offers a more affordable option—just purchase the components you need, install them yourself, and pay $14.99/month for industry-leading, 24/7 monitoring. They debuted smaller sensors and a stronger platform this year to offer consumers a great all-around system. You'll find various burglary and hazard sensors to customize your package, and it all comes ready to work, straight out of the box!

Model: SimpliSafe™ Base Station in Cloud | System Price Varies by Components Selected

A Stylish Apron Sink with Design Flexibility

Apron-front, farmhouse-style sinks add a charming old-fashioned vibe that many homeowners love, but some find it hard to commit to one look. Now, you don't have to settle! Elkay® recently released new stainless steel sinks made for interchangeable aprons, so you can purchase multiple colors from their collection of seven—including pure hues and warm and cool metallics—and change your kitchen's look at will! Whether you decorate seasonally or to host, you'll love the effect. See how quick and easy it is to swap aprons here.

Model: Elkay® Crosstown Stainless Steel Double Bowl Farmhouse Sink with Aqua Divide for Interchangeable Apron | $1,259.00 MSRP

A Nifty Shade System for Tricky Situations

Nobody likes shades that slap when they move, and that's why the new Duette® TrackGlide™ operating system from Hunter Douglas® is so exciting. Perfect for French doors and any windows that open inward—think casement, tilt-turn, etc.—these unobtrusive tracks and clips keep shades against the frame no matter its orientation. TrackGlide™ is totally cordless through the LiteRise® system, so you can simply push or pull the shades into any position you want!

Model: Hunter Douglas® Duette® Honeycomb Shades with TrackGlide™ System | Contact for a Quote

A Bathtub That Makes a Statement

Add some oomph somewhere unexpected with a stunning, unique bathtub! Signature Hardware has a wide range of tubs in dozens of traditional, transitional, and modern styles, and you can even choose from a number of colors. Our choice, the Treece tub with its dramatic, swoopy shape, has a drain available in several finishes including matte and polished metallics, and you can also add optional features like insulation and air massage to personalize the experience. Just imagine how your tub could set the tone!

Model: Signature Hardware Treece Acrylic Tub | Starting at $1,099.00 MSRP

A Thoughtfully Designed Kitchen Wastebin

With a rounded rectangular shape that sits snugly against the wall, a fingerprint-proof finish to keep it looking impeccable, and a removable plastic liner for easy cleanup, Kohler® has designed a trash receptacle that'll fit and function well in any kitchen! You don't need to worry about buying specific bags, scuffs from the hinges, or a lid that slams—it's been constructed to do away with those issues. The new Stainless Steel Step Can is a step ahead of what you expect!

Model: Kohler® 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Step Can | $186.65 MSRP

Beautiful and Functional Mudroom Storage

All homes could use more storage for shoes and coats, and of course you want it to be aesthetically pleasing. Dura Supreme Cabinetry® offers all sorts of solutions, including locker cabinets with the visual appeal of fine furniture. Want hinged bench tops or pull-out drawers? It's your choice! Need plenty of hooks, or would you prefer closed cabinets? How about a mirror? With semi- and full-custom capabilities, you can build the piece that works for your space, your family, and your design tastes. The possibilities are endless, and you'll feel great putting your beautiful locker cabinet in the mudroom or right by the front door! Who knew you could keep the kids organized and add to your décor at the same time?

Model: Dura Supreme Cabinetry® Entry Hall Boot Bench and Cabinets | Contact for a Quote

Our Editors' Top 10 Home Products of 2018

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