Top 10 Kitchen Products 2016
by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for The House Designers
It’s time for us to share some of the products that took our attention over the last year, and you’ll find that 2016 did not disappoint when it came to kitchens. A fantastic kitchen can make or break a house, and improvement in the economy has helped to drive the market for outstanding residential kitchen products as more people are looking to build and buy their dream homes. Explore our list of amazing appliances, fixtures, surfaces, and more if you’re looking to be inspired!
1. Stylish Appliances in a Clean, Warm Finish
The black stainless steel finish was actually introduced by KitchenAid® last year, when it was rolled out as an option for a number of built-in models. In 2016, the collection expanded to include freestanding major appliances and extras like under-counter wine cellars and beverage centers, giving homeowners the chance to create their own matching suites with everything they want. The sleek appeal of stainless combines beautifully with the effortless care of a classic black finish for an all-around winner that’s attractive in just about any design scheme. We simply love the look of it, and you’ll love the amazing features that come wrapped up in this new choice, too—check out the refrigerators and dishwashers to see what we mean!
Model: KitchenAid® 44 dBA Dishwasher with Dynamic Wash Arms and Bottle Wash | $1,899.00 MSRP
The black stainless steel finish was actually introduced by KitchenAid® last year, when it was rolled out as an option for a number of built-in models. In 2016, the collection expanded to include freestanding major appliances and extras like under-counter wine cellars and beverage centers, giving homeowners the chance to create their own matching suites with everything they want. The sleek appeal of stainless combines beautifully with the effortless care of a classic black finish for an all-around winner that’s attractive in just about any design scheme. We simply love the look of it, and you’ll love the amazing features that come wrapped up in this new choice, too—check out the refrigerators and dishwashers to see what we mean!
Model: KitchenAid® 44 dBA Dishwasher with Dynamic Wash Arms and Bottle Wash | $1,899.00 MSRP
2. A Durable and Moisture-Resistant Hardwood Floor
For years people have eschewed the thought of investing in hardwood floors for rooms exposed to high traffic and the real possibility of moisture damage, but you can install gorgeous real wood that is up to these challenges. Engineered hardwood features a core of cross-layered lumber with a veneer of your chosen wood species on top. The result is a highly dense and stable product that resists warping due to humidity changes, and it’s a great way to get a prefinished floor at a fraction of the price that solid hardwood would cost. Lumber Liquidators currently offers engineered hardwood flooring in 80 species with all sorts of looks, so there’s sure to be a great one for your design!
Model: Lumber Liquidators Bellawood Engineered 1/2” x 5” Select Maple | $4.99/sq. ft.
For years people have eschewed the thought of investing in hardwood floors for rooms exposed to high traffic and the real possibility of moisture damage, but you can install gorgeous real wood that is up to these challenges. Engineered hardwood features a core of cross-layered lumber with a veneer of your chosen wood species on top. The result is a highly dense and stable product that resists warping due to humidity changes, and it’s a great way to get a prefinished floor at a fraction of the price that solid hardwood would cost. Lumber Liquidators currently offers engineered hardwood flooring in 80 species with all sorts of looks, so there’s sure to be a great one for your design!
Model: Lumber Liquidators Bellawood Engineered 1/2” x 5” Select Maple | $4.99/sq. ft.
3. Beautiful Integrated Water Filtration
Want to feel confident in the quality of the water that comes from your tap? Filtering attachments and pitchers are bulky and slow, so we were excited when Pfister® introduced their new Lita kitchen faucet with Xtract™ advanced filtration technology in March. This beautiful contemporary fixture has a 3 function pull-down sprayer that docks easily and securely, a lifetime warranty, and is ADA-compliant, but its major selling point is the filter mode that reduces contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and pesticides. Just push the handle back to engage the hidden GE® 2X High Flow Filtration System, which has an unbeatable 1 gpm flow rate, lasts longer than most filters, and saves plenty of money over bottled water. It doesn’t get much better!
Model: Pfister® Lita With Xtract™ 1-Handle, Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet in Polished Chrome| $625.00 MSRP
Want to feel confident in the quality of the water that comes from your tap? Filtering attachments and pitchers are bulky and slow, so we were excited when Pfister® introduced their new Lita kitchen faucet with Xtract™ advanced filtration technology in March. This beautiful contemporary fixture has a 3 function pull-down sprayer that docks easily and securely, a lifetime warranty, and is ADA-compliant, but its major selling point is the filter mode that reduces contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and pesticides. Just push the handle back to engage the hidden GE® 2X High Flow Filtration System, which has an unbeatable 1 gpm flow rate, lasts longer than most filters, and saves plenty of money over bottled water. It doesn’t get much better!
Model: Pfister® Lita With Xtract™ 1-Handle, Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet in Polished Chrome| $625.00 MSRP
4. A Smart Fridge Designed for Organizational Ease
The designers and engineers at Whirlpool® revamped shelf and drawer storage in their new French door refrigerator to align with the needs of consumers, and it repaid with two coveted CES Innovation Awards this year! Everything about this fridge is intended to address tricky storage situations—from shelves that slide away in the center to accommodate tall bottles without sacrificing small item space along the edges to the biggest crisper drawers around that even handle awkwardly shaped produce like celery easily, you’ll be surprised by just how much this appliance can hold. It has too many unique, advanced features to list here, so be sure to check it out yourself if you’re in the market for a major refrigeration upgrade!
Model: Whirlpool® 36-inch Wide French Door Refrigerator with Infinity Slide Shelves — 32 cu. ft. | $3,899.00 MSRP
The designers and engineers at Whirlpool® revamped shelf and drawer storage in their new French door refrigerator to align with the needs of consumers, and it repaid with two coveted CES Innovation Awards this year! Everything about this fridge is intended to address tricky storage situations—from shelves that slide away in the center to accommodate tall bottles without sacrificing small item space along the edges to the biggest crisper drawers around that even handle awkwardly shaped produce like celery easily, you’ll be surprised by just how much this appliance can hold. It has too many unique, advanced features to list here, so be sure to check it out yourself if you’re in the market for a major refrigeration upgrade!
Model: Whirlpool® 36-inch Wide French Door Refrigerator with Infinity Slide Shelves — 32 cu. ft. | $3,899.00 MSRP
5. Transitional Tiles for a Timeless Backsplash
A beautiful backsplash isn't just a design highlight—it sets the tone for the kitchen and makes the walls in splatter-prone areas easy to clean! If you haven’t kept up-to-date with tile, you’ll be surprised to know just how diverse the options are; shape, color, pattern, iridescence, and dimensionality are all variables to consider. We’re featuring a backsplash with a subdued, neutral herringbone motif because it’s truly timeless and crisp, clean transitional lines of natural inspiration were popular in 2016, but Oceanside Glasstile offers the most extensive collection around that has something for everybody. Whether you want a bright and bold modern vibe, something rough and rustic, or a whimsical mosaic in any style, they have you covered. Personalize your kitchen how you see fit!
Model: Oceanside Glasstile® Devotion Collection, Echo Pattern Tiles in Sugarcane Color | Contact for a Quote
A beautiful backsplash isn't just a design highlight—it sets the tone for the kitchen and makes the walls in splatter-prone areas easy to clean! If you haven’t kept up-to-date with tile, you’ll be surprised to know just how diverse the options are; shape, color, pattern, iridescence, and dimensionality are all variables to consider. We’re featuring a backsplash with a subdued, neutral herringbone motif because it’s truly timeless and crisp, clean transitional lines of natural inspiration were popular in 2016, but Oceanside Glasstile offers the most extensive collection around that has something for everybody. Whether you want a bright and bold modern vibe, something rough and rustic, or a whimsical mosaic in any style, they have you covered. Personalize your kitchen how you see fit!
Model: Oceanside Glasstile® Devotion Collection, Echo Pattern Tiles in Sugarcane Color | Contact for a Quote
6. A Contemporary Cooktop with Built-in Ventilation
This past spring, Jenn-Air® announced something new that combines two of the sleekest cooking options available—induction heating and downdraft ventilation. The resulting cooktop is an efficient and unified station that helps tackle meal preparation with precision and keeps sightlines clear. The concealed vent that pulls vapors down and out of the air makes this appliance special, and it even gives you the choice to convert to duct-free ventilation if necessary for your kitchen’s layout. There’s no need to plan for an overhead hood anymore, and with all the benefits of induction technology, this cooktop will change what you think about slaving over the stove!
Model: Jenn-Air® 36” Induction Downdraft Cooktop | $6,999.00 MSRP
This past spring, Jenn-Air® announced something new that combines two of the sleekest cooking options available—induction heating and downdraft ventilation. The resulting cooktop is an efficient and unified station that helps tackle meal preparation with precision and keeps sightlines clear. The concealed vent that pulls vapors down and out of the air makes this appliance special, and it even gives you the choice to convert to duct-free ventilation if necessary for your kitchen’s layout. There’s no need to plan for an overhead hood anymore, and with all the benefits of induction technology, this cooktop will change what you think about slaving over the stove!
Model: Jenn-Air® 36” Induction Downdraft Cooktop | $6,999.00 MSRP
7. A Matte Sink That Stands Up to Daily Challenges
For many years, homeowners had to choose between shiny stainless steel or enamel for their sinks, but now a beautiful new matte material opens the door for richer kitchen design. The Neoroc™ composite from Kohler® is resistant to scratches, chips, stains, and thermal shock, but its main claim to fame is its ability to withstand temperatures up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit! If you have been known to challenge the limits of your sink, this could be the answer you’ve been waiting for. But the benefits of Neoroc™ go far beyond just utility—it also pairs well with dark metals and warm design schemes. The perfect sink to complement this style just became a lot less elusive, and it looks chic in modern settings, too.
Model: Kohler® Cairn™ 33-1/2” x 18-5/16” x 9-1/2” Neoroc™ under-mount double-equal kitchen sink with basin rack | $609.00 MSRP
For many years, homeowners had to choose between shiny stainless steel or enamel for their sinks, but now a beautiful new matte material opens the door for richer kitchen design. The Neoroc™ composite from Kohler® is resistant to scratches, chips, stains, and thermal shock, but its main claim to fame is its ability to withstand temperatures up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit! If you have been known to challenge the limits of your sink, this could be the answer you’ve been waiting for. But the benefits of Neoroc™ go far beyond just utility—it also pairs well with dark metals and warm design schemes. The perfect sink to complement this style just became a lot less elusive, and it looks chic in modern settings, too.
Model: Kohler® Cairn™ 33-1/2” x 18-5/16” x 9-1/2” Neoroc™ under-mount double-equal kitchen sink with basin rack | $609.00 MSRP
8. Stone Counters with Man-Made Strength
Countertops should be beautiful and durable, and it isn’t often that you can maximize both. The engineered stone surfaces from HanStone® Quartz do just that—by taking natural quartz crystals and combining them with resin and pigments into extremely dense, nonporous, heat-, chip-, and stain-resistant slabs, they are able to produce gorgeous counters that stand up to the challenges of the kitchen better than any other material. Better yet, maintenance is absolutely minimal! HanStone® offers 70 patterns with the look of natural marble and granite, including their alluring new Savoy design, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect for your style.
Model: HanStone® Quartz Savoy Countertops | Contact for a Quote
Countertops should be beautiful and durable, and it isn’t often that you can maximize both. The engineered stone surfaces from HanStone® Quartz do just that—by taking natural quartz crystals and combining them with resin and pigments into extremely dense, nonporous, heat-, chip-, and stain-resistant slabs, they are able to produce gorgeous counters that stand up to the challenges of the kitchen better than any other material. Better yet, maintenance is absolutely minimal! HanStone® offers 70 patterns with the look of natural marble and granite, including their alluring new Savoy design, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect for your style.
Model: HanStone® Quartz Savoy Countertops | Contact for a Quote
9. Simple and Casual Recessed Cabinet Doors
Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.® introduced their Prairie design doors to the Premier Series this summer, so there are greater options for consumers looking for beautiful cabinets with understated style and seamless functionality. With a multitude of stain and paint colors, drawer slides and concealed door hinges that close softly, and a limited lifetime warranty, you don’t have to worry about conceding looks for quality or vice versa. Prairie doors can be light and casual, sleek and transitional, or rich and rustic depending on the options chosen, but in all cases, their uncomplicated recessed design is a solid base that works well with most other design decisions.
Model: Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.® Prairie Doors in Maple with Glacier Paint Finish| Contact for a Quote
Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.® introduced their Prairie design doors to the Premier Series this summer, so there are greater options for consumers looking for beautiful cabinets with understated style and seamless functionality. With a multitude of stain and paint colors, drawer slides and concealed door hinges that close softly, and a limited lifetime warranty, you don’t have to worry about conceding looks for quality or vice versa. Prairie doors can be light and casual, sleek and transitional, or rich and rustic depending on the options chosen, but in all cases, their uncomplicated recessed design is a solid base that works well with most other design decisions.
Model: Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.® Prairie Doors in Maple with Glacier Paint Finish| Contact for a Quote
10. An Eco-Friendly, In-Home Produce Stand
If you’re constantly on the lookout for high-quality, healthy ingredients to use in your kitchen, you’ll be excited to learn about OPCOM® Farm gardening systems. Just add water, nutrients, and seeds to the tabletop GrowBox or vertical GrowWall and watch as plants grow under the perfect conditions right in your own home. With the equipment to efficiently cultivate produce inside, you don’t have to worry about pesticides, you’ll help conserve water, reduce your carbon footprint by cutting the amount of fuel needed to get food to your table, and always be certain of what you’re eating. These nifty systems were just announced in November, and we love that they give people the opportunity to eat well and decrease their environmental impact regardless of where they live.
Model: OPCOM® Farm GrowWall Indoor Hydroponic Gardening System | $599.00 MSRP
If you’re constantly on the lookout for high-quality, healthy ingredients to use in your kitchen, you’ll be excited to learn about OPCOM® Farm gardening systems. Just add water, nutrients, and seeds to the tabletop GrowBox or vertical GrowWall and watch as plants grow under the perfect conditions right in your own home. With the equipment to efficiently cultivate produce inside, you don’t have to worry about pesticides, you’ll help conserve water, reduce your carbon footprint by cutting the amount of fuel needed to get food to your table, and always be certain of what you’re eating. These nifty systems were just announced in November, and we love that they give people the opportunity to eat well and decrease their environmental impact regardless of where they live.
Model: OPCOM® Farm GrowWall Indoor Hydroponic Gardening System | $599.00 MSRP
