Announcing the 2021 Product of the Year Award Winners! |
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This special issue of Connections features all of the 2021 Product of the Year winners and honorable mentions that were announced earlier today at our 20th Annual DPHA Conference and Showcase being held in Austin, TX.
If you were unable to join us in Austin, make sure you check out our virtual conference, DPHA @ Home Edition, being held October 14-15. Explore the virtual booths of all of our in-person exhibitors - get tours of their Austin booths, chat with their team members and see all of their new products. @ Home attendees will be able to watch the three keynotes from Austin, with a LIVE Q&A from the speakers themselves! There are also some great networking opportunities, as well as a Professional Development Training course to sharpen your customer service skills for today's crazy environment.
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A special note of thanks to our esteemed judges panel who gave their time and effort to make these very tough decisions for DPHA:
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PLUMBING PRODUCT OF THE YEAR - FIXTURE |
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MTI BATHS: BOWIE
Featuring a striking new exterior detailing never seen before, the freestanding Bowie tub adds unexpected texture to the bathroom. Immediately eye-catching for its intricate pleating detail, this tub was developed in collaboration with Source, a prestigious design firm. The Bowie measures 70” x 35 x 22”, providing comfortable space for two bathers. The Bowie is handcrafted from MTI’s SculptureStone material that is primarily an organic mixture of ground natural minerals and high-performance resins that gives the look and feel of molded stone.
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HONORABLE MENTION
Native Trails: Amara
Handcrafted by Italian artisans, Native Trails’ Amara fireclay sinks feature a stunning rectangular profile are glazed in 24k gold, platinum, and silver, in honor of the company’s silver anniversary. The sinks champion age-old artisan traditions to create products for the modern world. Amara offers unique style and craftsmanship, built to endure the test of time as an heirloom for generations. Its versatile design allows it to be installed as a drop-in or an undermount to accommodate a range of color schemes and design aesthetics.
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PLUMBING PRODUCT OF THE YEAR - WATER DELIVERY |
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BRIZO: FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT SINGLE-FUNCTION RAINCAN SHOWERHEAD
The Single-Function Raincan Showerhead with Integrated Lighting draws on Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture, showcasing distinct design and unparalleled craftsmanship while daring to break with tradition. While seeking to challenge convention, the Raincan Showerhead with Integrated Lighting features the distinctive rush of the Canopy Spray, which activates a built-in light powered by a hydrogenator for a dramatic effect and showcases the true nature of water when elements come together. The delicate, yet refreshing flow of the Canopy Spray releases thousands of fine droplets, creating a luxurious downpour that leaves a light tingling sensation. The showerhead can also be surface mounted to the ceiling or pendant mounted on a shower arm - further challenging convention and echoing the aesthetic of Frank Lloyd Wright. Additionally, the showerhead’s metal finish options bring an elemental tone and, when paired with the natural beauty of wood, make for a very warm, welcoming, intuitive palette.
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HONORABLE MENTION
California Faucets: Corsano Culinary
Designed to give cooking enthusiasts that professional style look, the Corsano Culinary is available with an innovative new proprietary squeeze handle. Both ergonomic and visually captivating, the easy-to-use lever activates a powerful spray to tackle dirty dishes in no time. Simply squeeze the lever to unleash the vigorous spray and release it to return to an aerated stream. Available in 25+ artisan finishes, plus the industry-first ability to finish the coiled spring to match the rest of the faucet, the Corsano Culinary with Squeeze Handle gives maximum style and design flexibility to anyone seeking the professional styled kitchen faucet.
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FURNITURE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR |
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STONE FOREST: ELEMENTAL CROSSBAR
The Elemental Crossbar is the only design in the industry that uses the locking collar system which affords the flexibility to customize each set-up to suit individual needs and preferences. The knurled locking collars support modular components at desired heights on the brass pipe legs give endless options. The collars are slipped over the legs and for ease of installation. They are locked into place with a simple set screw.
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HONORABLE MENTION
AD Waters: Simas Agile
The AGILE wall-hung console is beautifully handcrafted in Italy and exhibits clean lines and squared-off edges, which evoke both simplicity and purity. The wash basin is made of Italian porcelain, showcasing craftsmanship and cultural authenticity. Suitable for small spaces and for those seeking a minimalistic design, it is available in 8 colors.
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ACCESSORY PRODUCT OF THE YEAR |
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STERLINGHAM: MARBLE HEATED TOWEL RAIL
As part of the popular Cascades Collection, Marble Rails feature a sleek, space-saving design that consumes less wall area than traditional warmers. The single rails may be hung alone or stacked and arranged in nearly any formation. Measuring nearly 24” long, the rails are cleverly installed with hidden wall mounts for a seamless look. They are offered in a selection of five distinctive marbles: Nero Marquina, Bardiglio Nuvolato, Bianco Carrara Venatino, Calacatta Gold Calo-Bett, and Giallo Sienna and available in the brand’s stunning line-up of sixteen modern finishes.
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HONORABLE MENTION
Infinity Drain: Next Day Custom Linear Drain
Infinity Drain’s Next Day Custom program eliminates costly and frustrating installation delays by offering custom sized drains within a day. Next Day Custom Linear Drains are available in lengths up to 72” in two finishes, three grate styles and for all installation waterproofing methods. Custom orders received by 10am ET ship the following day.
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DOOR HARDWARE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR |
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ACCURATE LOCK & HARDWARE: SMARTENTRY SELF-LATCHING MORTISE LOCK FOR SLIDING & POCKET DOORS
The SL-SM9159E brings the convenience of smartphone locking control to space-saving sliding and pocket doors. Utilizing the leading smartphone-operated system for sliding door mortise locks, the SmartEntry combines mechanical expertise with cutting edge technology. Paired with the SL9100 Self-Latching Mortise Lock, it is available with a variety of trim options including Sectional Trim (lever and rose), ADA Trim (lever and escutcheon) or Flush Pull Trim for Pocket Doors.
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HONORABLE MENTION
Omnia: L.D 12943 Smart Deadbolt Lockset
OMNIA partnered with Level to offer smart deadbolt locksets, including the L.D 12943, featuring iconic door hardware designs crafted in the Italian tradition powered by the Level Bolt, the first and only invisible smart lock. With technology thoughtfully hidden inside the door, the beauty of the modern hardware trim on the L.D 12943 is showcased. Level Bolt is powered by one CR2 lithium battery and works with the Level app to provide safe and secure keyless entry and is available for iOS and Android. Automatically lock and unlock a door, see who’s come and gone, access from anywhere, use with other devices, control with voice, create home automations, and more. Works with Apple HomeKit, Ring and Alexa.
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CABINET HARDWARE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR |
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WATERSTONE FAUCETS: INDUSTRIAL APPLIANCE PULLS
Waterstone Faucets owner Chris Kuran went to the Naval Academy and is obsessed with everything Nautical and most things Industrial. This cabinet hardware and appliance pull collection was inspired by the Industrial Contemporary bath collection that will be their first introduction into bath.
Waterstone took into consideration the feel of the pull in your hand and made it more of an oval shape for comfort and did not knurl the pull on the underside for a smooth feel. They took into account which pieces can be plated separately for flawless split finish designs. The diamond knurling will sparkle in a shiny finish. This product is made of US solid brass bar stock. Nothing is cast, it is all machined.
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HONORABLE MENTION
Turnstyle Designs: Hickory
Inspired by North American hunting knives, the Hickory lever, pull handle and cabinet knob are each hand cast in Turnstyle Designs unique Amalfine™ material, which preserves all the find details of the timber and wood grain design. Available in 48 combinations of Amalfine™ and solid brass. The style of the lever, pull handle and cabinet knob, are set on a solid brass plate or strip and have a circular button. The circular buttons are a take on a nail, creating a beautiful contrast between the smooth brass finish and the textured Amalfine™ surface.
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TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT OF THE YEAR |
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AIRMADA DRY: AIRMADA SHOWER DRYING SOLUTION
The patented Airmada Shower Drying System solves moisture problem issues in the bathroom. The Airmada Shower Drying System prevents mold, mildew, slippery floors and after shower humidity, reduces watermarks, and the need to use harsh cleaning chemicals. With the push of a button, air flows into the space from Air-Jet nozzles installed into the walls and ceiling. This system can also be used in wet rooms, steam rooms, steam showers, dog baths and other wet areas of the home.
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HONORABLE MENTION
ThermaSol: HydroVive
The HydroVive Rainhead combines the latest sound, light, and water technology to deliver a multi-sensory shower experience, HydroVive pairs seamlessly with ThermaSol’s Smart Shower Valve and ThermaTouch interface. HydroVive has a clean, integrated look. Ceiling mounted light, sound and rainhead environment system all in a single self-contained module. The Rainhead shower delivers a gentle falling water sensation with 300 easy-clean neoprene jets (40-80 PSI, 1.8GPM, Water Jets are 300 CEC Approved).
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