New products, trends and technology at Interior Design Show Toronto
March 8, 2018 | By Jillian Morgan
At Blanco’s booth, showcase attendees could interact with the company’s new faucets, including Solenta Senso and Empressa Semi-Pro, High-Arc and Bar/Prep models.
Interior Design Show (IDS) Toronto celebrated its 20th year with a look to the future.
The showcase theme Future Forward focused on elements of design that have contributed to an evolution of the architectural and design industry.
In the plumbing and HVAC product arena, transitional and contemporary design, aging in place and new technology dominated.
The four-day event brought together manufacturers, designers, artisans and industry experts at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, ON.
Exhibitors were in kitchen and bath, flooring, lighting, furniture and design, to name a few. This year’s showcase included speakers and panels, design courses and interior tours – a new addition. Transitional and contemporary design, as well as black and gold finishes, are at the forefront of trends for 2018. Blanco, Ortal, Rohl and Lixil brands – American Standard, DXV and Grohe – were among the list of exhibitors to showcase these trends.
Inline with this year’s showcase theme, many exhibitors introduced aging in place designs and forward-thinking technologies. Stay tuned for more on the role of plumbing in universal design in HPAC’s May issue.
Trends
New finishes from Fantini Rubinetti.
Fantini Rubinetti released new matte gun metal, brushed copper and matte British gold finishes, pictured here. Rohl released two new finishes at IDS: black stainless steel and English gold. English gold is exclusive to the company’s Perrin and Rowe kitchen and bath collections.
Blanco Empressa Semi-Pro.
From Blanco, the Empressa Semi-Pro single lever faucet combined vintage and modern design elements, with wine press-like handles and a pull-down bridge faucet. The company’s Precis U 1 3/4 granite composite sink featured a contemporary design and centered drain hole.
Grohe Euphoria 260.
From Grohe, the Euphoria 260 contemporary showerhead design includes flow rate models of 2.5 or 1.75 gallons per minute. It is equipped with a 1/2-inch metal ball joint.
DXV Modulus.
DXV introduced its Modulus collection, intended for residential and hospitality applications. The brand’s 36-in. bathroom lavatory is available in a contemporary, concrete model. It features a “dry” ledge, semi-wet transition zone and rectangular tray.
American Standard Studio S.
The Studio S faucet collection from American Standard features contemporary geometric lines and monoblock, widespread and vessel faucet configurations. Studio S offers pressure-compensating aerators and 1.2 gallons per minute.
Fantini Rubinetti Venezia collection.
Fantini Rubinetti exhibited two, new contemporary-style handle options for its Venezia collection. The tapered, horizontal lever handle is available in chrome with black accents or in matte British gold.
Universal design and technology
American Standard Beale MeasureFill.
A launch from American Standard aims to eliminate measuring cups. The Beale MeasureFill pull-down kitchen faucet with sensor technology delivers an adjustable set volume of water on demand, ranging from 1/2 cup to five cups.
Grohe Foot Control Faucet.
Grohe displayed its Foot Control faucets, which can be turned on or off with a tap of the user’s foot on the sensor. This feature can be retrofitted to any Grohe pull-out kitchen faucets.
American Standard Townsend VorMax.
American Standard exhibited an elongated toilet with 16 and 1/2 inches of height, intended for all ages and abilities – Townsend VorMax. VorMax toilet features a slow-close seat and anti-slip bumpers. A release button removes the entire seat for cleaning.
GrohTherm SmartControl.
Grohe launched its GrohTherm SmartControl shower system, which allows the user to adjust temperature and water volume from a single control panel. The system features push-turn technology, and is available in round and square styles. Water supply inlets are located at the bottom of the valve, and the rough-in aims to add no additional depth to the wall trim.
