Our Editors' Top 10 Home Products of 2020
by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for The House Designers®
Are you in the market for building and finishing suggestions? Check out these new home products we came across in 2020! All sorts of things caught our eyes this year, so there's something for everybody on this list. Whether you're building a new home or renovating, you may find something that'll upgrade your project in terms of aesthetics and/or functionality—and that'll upgrade your experience living there long into the future!
A Fresh Fridge Design with Flexible Organization
If you want a refrigerator that breaks the mold, check out this unique four-door model from Whirlpool®. It has a familiar freezer-on-bottom configuration, but instead of having a single door or a pull-out drawer, it has two independent doors. This makes it easier to organize groceries and reduces clutter between the drawers and pull-out shelves of the two compartments. As a bonus, one even has a built-in icemaker! The top refrigerated section's French door setup with easy-reach, full-width shelves will display fresh foods beautifully. This fridge is definitely chic and comes ENERGY STAR® rated, too!
Model: Whirlpool® 36-inch Wide Counter-Depth 4-Door Refrigerator | $2,199.00 MSRP
If you want a refrigerator that breaks the mold, check out this unique four-door model from Whirlpool®. It has a familiar freezer-on-bottom configuration, but instead of having a single door or a pull-out drawer, it has two independent doors. This makes it easier to organize groceries and reduces clutter between the drawers and pull-out shelves of the two compartments. As a bonus, one even has a built-in icemaker! The top refrigerated section's French door setup with easy-reach, full-width shelves will display fresh foods beautifully. This fridge is definitely chic and comes ENERGY STAR® rated, too!
Model: Whirlpool® 36-inch Wide Counter-Depth 4-Door Refrigerator | $2,199.00 MSRP
Chic & Industrial Graphite-Colored Brick Veneer
Brick is making a serious comeback in interior design, and now you'll find it in homes that run the gamut of architectural styles. To keep up with that diversified demand, Cultured Stone® offers brick veneer in colors suitable for traditional and contemporary use. And the new Carbon™ hue is a stark gray tone ideal for modern schemes! Handmade texture on the brick surface provides plenty of visual depth and character, so it's also a great way to add some organic charm and aesthetic balance to a space.
Model: Cultured Stone® Cultured Brick® Veneer - Handmade Brick in Carbon™ | Contact Dealer for a Quote
Brick is making a serious comeback in interior design, and now you'll find it in homes that run the gamut of architectural styles. To keep up with that diversified demand, Cultured Stone® offers brick veneer in colors suitable for traditional and contemporary use. And the new Carbon™ hue is a stark gray tone ideal for modern schemes! Handmade texture on the brick surface provides plenty of visual depth and character, so it's also a great way to add some organic charm and aesthetic balance to a space.
Model: Cultured Stone® Cultured Brick® Veneer - Handmade Brick in Carbon™ | Contact Dealer for a Quote
Durable Privacy Fence Available in a Variety of Colors
Looking for a way to maintain backyard privacy stylishly and without signing up for ongoing maintenance? See the privacy fence options available from Ply Gem®! They offer a variety of solutions including solid, shadow box, and picket-accented fencing, all made in the USA with durable, solar-stabilized vinyl designed to weather the elements. Depending on the product, solid neutral and Woodland Select colors are available to allow you to create the right vibe for your backyard. Routed construction and consistent color throughout each panel keep this fencing looking great from all sides!
Model: Ply Gem® Solid Privacy Fence - Woodland Select in Chestnut Brown | Find a Pro Installer
Looking for a way to maintain backyard privacy stylishly and without signing up for ongoing maintenance? See the privacy fence options available from Ply Gem®! They offer a variety of solutions including solid, shadow box, and picket-accented fencing, all made in the USA with durable, solar-stabilized vinyl designed to weather the elements. Depending on the product, solid neutral and Woodland Select colors are available to allow you to create the right vibe for your backyard. Routed construction and consistent color throughout each panel keep this fencing looking great from all sides!
Model: Ply Gem® Solid Privacy Fence - Woodland Select in Chestnut Brown | Find a Pro Installer
Trendy Black Grilles for a Sleek Look & Easy Cleaning
If you've been mesmerized by the modern farmhouse style, you're not alone! This architectural fusion has fans all across the country, which has led to an increase in suitable finishing products. One of the hallmarks of the look is black divided lites, so Therma-Tru® introduced black grilles between glass (GBGs) for Smooth-Star® doors. Choose between flat or contour bars and the grid pattern will be sealed into the lite to provide the divided effect with smooth surfaces on both sides. This does away with the difficulty of cleaning traditional lites and simplifies maintaining that sleek, pristine modern farmhouse façade.
Model: Therma-Tru® Smooth-Star® 8' 3/4 Lite 1 Panel Flush-Glazed Entry with Black Grilles Between Glass | Contact for a Quote
If you've been mesmerized by the modern farmhouse style, you're not alone! This architectural fusion has fans all across the country, which has led to an increase in suitable finishing products. One of the hallmarks of the look is black divided lites, so Therma-Tru® introduced black grilles between glass (GBGs) for Smooth-Star® doors. Choose between flat or contour bars and the grid pattern will be sealed into the lite to provide the divided effect with smooth surfaces on both sides. This does away with the difficulty of cleaning traditional lites and simplifies maintaining that sleek, pristine modern farmhouse façade.
Model: Therma-Tru® Smooth-Star® 8' 3/4 Lite 1 Panel Flush-Glazed Entry with Black Grilles Between Glass | Contact for a Quote
A Motion-Activated Night Light with Automated Zones
New to the SnapPower family, the ConnectLight created a stir on Kickstarter this summer by exceeding its goal more than twice over in two hours. Designed to answer customer feedback, this system senses nighttime movement and lights your path based on zones you preset. The outlet covers install wirelessly, keep sockets clear, don't require batteries, feature efficient LED bulbs that last 25 years, and can be set to standalone mode or connected into networks to address your needs! Just set your desired brightness level and the timer—this simple product is made to offer custom solutions.
Model: SnapPower ConnectLights | Available December 2020
New to the SnapPower family, the ConnectLight created a stir on Kickstarter this summer by exceeding its goal more than twice over in two hours. Designed to answer customer feedback, this system senses nighttime movement and lights your path based on zones you preset. The outlet covers install wirelessly, keep sockets clear, don't require batteries, feature efficient LED bulbs that last 25 years, and can be set to standalone mode or connected into networks to address your needs! Just set your desired brightness level and the timer—this simple product is made to offer custom solutions.
Model: SnapPower ConnectLights | Available December 2020
A Soothing Hue Perfect for Every Room in the House
If you'd like your design to support a calmer mood and mind, the 2021 Color of the Year from Benjamin Moore® could be the missing element you need! Aegean Teal 2136-40 is a serene mix of blue, green, and gray that harmonizes well with others. It's perfect for bedrooms, living spaces, and home offices. Not your style? For those who want a more energetic space, Rosy Peach 2089-20, Potters Clay 1221, and Chestertown Buff HC-9 would make beautiful choices. With 12 subdued, cozy hues in a mix of warm and cool tones, the Color Trends 2021 palette has something for everybody.
Model: Benjamin Moore® 2021 Color of the Year, Aegean Teal 2136-40 | Price Varies by Product Selected
If you'd like your design to support a calmer mood and mind, the 2021 Color of the Year from Benjamin Moore® could be the missing element you need! Aegean Teal 2136-40 is a serene mix of blue, green, and gray that harmonizes well with others. It's perfect for bedrooms, living spaces, and home offices. Not your style? For those who want a more energetic space, Rosy Peach 2089-20, Potters Clay 1221, and Chestertown Buff HC-9 would make beautiful choices. With 12 subdued, cozy hues in a mix of warm and cool tones, the Color Trends 2021 palette has something for everybody.
Model: Benjamin Moore® 2021 Color of the Year, Aegean Teal 2136-40 | Price Varies by Product Selected
An Expanded Bathroom Suite with a Modern Edge
Inspired by urban design, the Studio S Collection from American Standard is a one-stop shop for everything you need to build a bold, modern bathroom. From fixtures to sanitaryware, each piece is specifically made to coordinate seamlessly with the others! The new freestanding soaking tub and modular vanities build on the minimalist lines and simple silhouettes the collection is known for, making it possible to assemble tiny powder rooms and full five-piece ensuites alike with relative ease. Just pick the toilet, sink(s), vanity and shower faucets, and accessories you like to complete the picture!
Model: American Standard Studio S Collection | Price Varies by Piece
Inspired by urban design, the Studio S Collection from American Standard is a one-stop shop for everything you need to build a bold, modern bathroom. From fixtures to sanitaryware, each piece is specifically made to coordinate seamlessly with the others! The new freestanding soaking tub and modular vanities build on the minimalist lines and simple silhouettes the collection is known for, making it possible to assemble tiny powder rooms and full five-piece ensuites alike with relative ease. Just pick the toilet, sink(s), vanity and shower faucets, and accessories you like to complete the picture!
Model: American Standard Studio S Collection | Price Varies by Piece
Gorgeous, Natural, & Sustainable Hardwood Flooring
Wholly produced in the United States, the flooring from Hull Forest Products is sustainably harvested and milled in New England. By working with public and private landowners across the region, they help responsibly manage forests with a focus on long-term health and productivity. Hull Forest Products specializes in wide plank flooring in a variety of species, grades, and cuts, but if you want a special pattern, custom stairs, or wall paneling, they'll be happy to provide that, too! This premium solid hardwood will elevate your interior and support stewardship you can proudly take part in.
Model: Hull Forest Products Select Grade Hickory Wide Plank Flooring | Contact for a Quote
Wholly produced in the United States, the flooring from Hull Forest Products is sustainably harvested and milled in New England. By working with public and private landowners across the region, they help responsibly manage forests with a focus on long-term health and productivity. Hull Forest Products specializes in wide plank flooring in a variety of species, grades, and cuts, but if you want a special pattern, custom stairs, or wall paneling, they'll be happy to provide that, too! This premium solid hardwood will elevate your interior and support stewardship you can proudly take part in.
Model: Hull Forest Products Select Grade Hickory Wide Plank Flooring | Contact for a Quote
Slip-Resistant Decorative Tile for Indoors & Out
Whether you're designing a new kitchen or bathroom, Fireclay Tile offers a diverse collection of handmade tile perfect for backsplashes, stall showers, statement walls, and more. Now, they even have non-slip varieties that pass the DCOF test, giving you the opportunity to put some colorful yet pragmatic oomph into your design! Even better, non-slip tile comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to suit all aesthetic needs. It's great for bathroom and mudroom floors, around pools, and anywhere else you'd like a good grip. Fireclay Tile is made in California using recycled materials and qualifies for LEED credits, so it makes a great choice if you're looking to build green! (Design: Claire Thomas / Photo: Stephanie Todaro Photography)
Model: Fireclay Tile 3 x 9 Tiles in Capitol & Lady Liberty | $32/sq. ft.
Whether you're designing a new kitchen or bathroom, Fireclay Tile offers a diverse collection of handmade tile perfect for backsplashes, stall showers, statement walls, and more. Now, they even have non-slip varieties that pass the DCOF test, giving you the opportunity to put some colorful yet pragmatic oomph into your design! Even better, non-slip tile comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to suit all aesthetic needs. It's great for bathroom and mudroom floors, around pools, and anywhere else you'd like a good grip. Fireclay Tile is made in California using recycled materials and qualifies for LEED credits, so it makes a great choice if you're looking to build green! (Design: Claire Thomas / Photo: Stephanie Todaro Photography)
Model: Fireclay Tile 3 x 9 Tiles in Capitol & Lady Liberty | $32/sq. ft.
Affordably Filtered Water Straight from the Sink
The cost of reverse osmosis (RO) filtration systems has priced out most consumers since their inception, but now Brondell® offers a budget-friendly option that fits neatly under the sink. The Circle system is up to 10x more efficient than traditional RO systems so less water goes to waste. It contains four advanced filters to remove heavy metals, pesticides, microorganisms, VOCs, etc., and it flushes the RO membrane to extend the life of the filters. The 3 carbon-based filters are replaced every 6 months to keep the water fresh and protect the more expensive RO membrane filter, which only needs replacing every two years. Don't worry—the filter faucet has a built-in LED filter change indicator, so you'll know when it's time to replace them! The flexible reservoir also provides more consistent flow rates than other RO systems, and it refills in half the time. This addresses the issues most people have with RO!
Model: Brondell® Circle Reverse Osmosis Under Counter Water Filter System | $349.99 MSRP
The cost of reverse osmosis (RO) filtration systems has priced out most consumers since their inception, but now Brondell® offers a budget-friendly option that fits neatly under the sink. The Circle system is up to 10x more efficient than traditional RO systems so less water goes to waste. It contains four advanced filters to remove heavy metals, pesticides, microorganisms, VOCs, etc., and it flushes the RO membrane to extend the life of the filters. The 3 carbon-based filters are replaced every 6 months to keep the water fresh and protect the more expensive RO membrane filter, which only needs replacing every two years. Don't worry—the filter faucet has a built-in LED filter change indicator, so you'll know when it's time to replace them! The flexible reservoir also provides more consistent flow rates than other RO systems, and it refills in half the time. This addresses the issues most people have with RO!
Model: Brondell® Circle Reverse Osmosis Under Counter Water Filter System | $349.99 MSRP
