2007-07-24 - Advances in Appliances and Interior Design
This year's overarching theme was speed: faster is better. Manufacturers are finding new ways to decrease the time it takes to complete daily tasks in the kitchen and bath, so you can spend more time enjoying your home. Read more on Advances in Appliances and Interior Design...

This year's overarching theme was speed: faster is better. Manufacturers are finding new ways to decrease the time it takes to complete daily tasks in the kitchen and bath, so you can spend more time enjoying your home.

Professional-grade refrigerators are especially popular recently. They use sensors to continually monitor temperatures inside the refrigerator, adjusting automatically when warm foods are added or the door is left open too long. Other models use sensors to determine when you're running low on milk or eggs, making it easier to fill out your shopping list

In the kitchen, induction cooking has been improved, it heats pots and pans fast, boils water quickly and lets pans reach their target temperature rapidly.  Also, kitchen faucets and fixtures with European design inspirations are making big impacts. Restaurant-style faucets with high-arch designs and pullout spray heads are available in a wide range of styles and sizes. Sinks are deeper, making it easier to fill oversized pots and bowls. Many cooking areas now feature pot-filler faucets – saving a trip to the sink when making pasta.

In the bathroom, water tiles are a hot new innovation. These tiles allow water to flow seamlessly from flat, adjustable showerheads for an instant spa-like sensation. Infinity soaking tubs use light therapy in pulsating colors to ease homeowners into a state of relaxation. And, gone are the days of large-jet tubs. They have been replaced by smaller bubble jets, which create a quieter, more soothing environment.

These advances in appliances and interior design are taking the industry to the next level and making everyday life more convenient.