100 Best New Products of 2014: Interior Products

USG Durock Shower System

USG’s Durock Shower System is a fully bonded waterproofing system for tiled shower installations designed to control moisture while creating a solid base for a long-lasting shower. It features pre-sloped shower trays that install faster than conventional shower bases and is molded from 3-pound density expanded polystyrene in three sizes: 48-by-48-inch center drain, 32-by-60-inch center drain, and 32-by-60-inch offset drain. The waterproofing membrane features a thin, high-density polyethylene cross-laminated core that provides strength and tear resistance.

Acuity LED Downlights

Acuity Brands has extended its line of P Series Downlighting Modules to include 4-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch modules that deliver an expected service life of 46 years. They’re designed to fit almost any manufacturer’s recessed can-style housings for easy retrofitting. The modules are “instant on” and feature Center2Edge technology to dim from full illumination to a single point source, and they offer the ability of connecting up to 60 units on a 600-watt dimmer.

Loox LED Strip Light by Häfale

The Loox 3015 LED from Häfale is a strip light that can provide task lighting or decorative lighting in the kitchen or living room. Ideal above countertops, it provides a diffused glow for even illumination and offers a true color reflection of the object. It can be dimmed to change the atmosphere.

Armstrong Coffered Ceiling Panels

The classic coffered design of these rigid PVC panels from Armstrong provide a decorative ceiling option at a fraction of the cost of custom ceiling work. The easy-to-install panels fit into a standard 24-inch-by-24-inch suspension system, and can be installed in an existing ceiling grid or as part of a new suspended ceiling installation. Panels are moisture-, mold-, and mildew-resistant, and maintenance-free. They are offered in black and white but can be painted to match any decor.

Panasonic WhisperWarm Ventilation Fan

Panasonic offers two variations of this ventilation fan: The FV-11VHL2 has light and nightlight feature; the FV-11VH2 is available without lights. Designed to provide and improve indoor air quality, both models sport a new grille design to integrate with any home style. An enclosed condenser motor keeps the fan clean and quiet.

Sterling Ensemble Medley Bath/Shower

This bath/shower unit from Sterling is made of modular panels connected with Dry-Block seal, with no caulk needed. The entire unit is made of Vikrell, Sterling’s exclusive long-lasting, stain- and scratch-resistant material that is easy to clean and won’t chip or fade. Abundant shelving and a unique channeled water-containment system to prevent leaks are also featured. Available sizes include 60 x 30 inches and 60 x 32 inches; colors include White and Kohler Biscuit.

Uponor Radiant Floor Heating

Uponor offers two different radiant floor heating solutions for remodels and retrofits. The Radiant Ready 30E is a complete radiant mechanical room designed in a compact, preassembled, easy-to-install panel—just hang the panel on a wall and connect the tubing, thermostat, and electrical power. The Fast Trak system is a series of knobbed mats that make for faster, easier installation of PEX tubing in overpour applications anywhere in the home; available models include Fast Trak 0.5 and Fast Trak 1.3i.

American Standard Tile Redi Shower Bases

These prepitched, tileable shower pans from American Standard are simple to install and can be tiled the same day, eliminating construction delays. Tile or stone can be applied directly to the base surface. Styles include Redi Base with round drain cover; Redi Free with barrier-free entrance; and Redi Trench with integrated trench and drain. All Tile Redi bases include 2-inch PVC drain, adjustable stainless steel drain plate, and tile-setting materials.

TOTO AERO Shower System

The AERO shower system from TOTO includes overhead rain showers, handshowers, and bodysprays. The overhead rain shower uses air-injection technology to increase the volume of water in each droplet, which decreases total water consumption. The handshower and bodyspray utilize TOTO’s Gyrostream water massage function. For the handshower, users can choose a sprayface with Gyrostream, air injection, and cascading flow, or a sprayface with air injection only. All three elements are offered in Contemporary and Traditional designs.

GE’s Reveal LED Bulb

The GE Reveal LED bulb delivers energy-efficient lighting with full-spectrum light to enhance vivid colors. It filters out dull, yellow rays and delivers crisp, white light. The bulb uses 80-percent less energy than a traditional incandescent, lasts 13.7 years based on three hours of operation per day, and is available in 40- and 60-watt replacements for table and floor lamps and BR-30 indoor floodlights for track and recessed lighting.

Kichler’s Mini-Pendants

Kichler’s new energy-efficient LED mini-pendants come in two different styles: the slim, elongated design with Polished Chrome, Brushed Nickel, and Olde Bronze finish options, and the wire-cage design with Olde Bronze or Weathered Zinc finish options. Both fixtures offer a 40,000-hour lifespan and include a pure white light, controlled beam spread with no fade or drop off of light, and a high color rendering index.

Lutron LED Recessed Lighting

Lutron Electronics has expanded its Ivalo Collection with Finiré LED Recessed Lighting fixtures, which have a minimum color rendering index of 95. A 4-inch downlight, wall wash, and adjustable luminaires are suitable for a variety of applications. The standard Lutron 1-percent dimming driver is compatible with Lutron controls. The fixture is rated for 50,000 hours and comes in round, square, trimmed, and trimless options with 15-to-34-watt models that provide light output equivalent to 60-to-75-watt incandescent lighting.

Whirlpool Double Oven Range

The Whirlpool Induction double oven free-standing range features efficient cooking technology and easy cleaning. The large 6.6-cubic-feet capacity, with a 2.4-cubic-feet upper oven and a 4.2-cubic-feet lower oven, is meant to handle the largest of meals. The AccuHeat induction technology provides powerful cooking without feeling heat from the cooktop, and TimeSavor convection cooking distributes hot air more efficiently.

Daltile ColorBody Porcelain

Daltile has added three new collections of ColorBody Porcelain tiles. Imagica emulates stained concrete, stone, and fabric in neutral colors. Exhibition offers an intricate linen fabric visual or a sleek cement look for rich aesthetics in warm and cool colors. Pietra Jura comes in three neutral colors, with long-lasting durability suited for high-traffic spaces and exteriors.

Asset Decorative Lighting by Progress Lighting

Progress Lighting’s Asset lineup is one of six collections that aim to blend traditional and contemporary details to create a classic, modern look. The Asset collection features a smart profile designed to serve as a style asset for interior settings. They are available in Energy Star or incandescent versions in Bronze or Brushed Nickel finishes with etched glass shades.

Moen Tool-Free Shower Chair

This shower chair from Moen Home Care offers safety in the shower with easy, no-hassle assembly—simply snap the back and legs in place. It fits most tubs and showers and also is height adjustable from 15 to 21 inches. The large seat provides superior stability and comfort for users up to 350 pounds. Other features include a non-slip surface with built-in drainage and a built-in handheld shower holder.

Gerber Allerton Toilets

The Allerton Collection from Gerber features several high-efficiency toilet options, all using just 1.28 gallons per flush. Each model is WaterSense-certified and designed to be fast and quiet. Dual-fed siphon jets help keep the bowl clean. Available configuration include round front, elongated, and elongated ErgoHeight; colors include White and Biscuit, with both elongated configurations available in Bone. Each configuration can have a 10-inch or 12-inch rough-in.

Bosch 800 Plus Dishwasher

The flagship of the Bosch dishwasher line is the quietest dishwasher in North America at 38 dBA. It features a flexible third rack with alternating folding tines and adjustable wings for convenient loading. Piezo steel touch controls create a sleek design aesthetic. Other features include the 24/7 AquaStop for leak protection, Rackmatic height-adjustable rack, and a TFT display to check cycle status in high-definition color and receive maintenance information.

Duravit System Tubs

Relaxation and well-being are the goals of this series of system bathtubs, which now includes DuraStyle, Happy D.2, and Starck. All three models sport whirltub features, including water massage jets. Additional massaging benefits come from bubbles that are created by a built-in fan system that moves air and water through the sides of the tub. Other features include LED lights, an in-line heater, ozone module, waterproof speakers, and a floating remote control.

Kohler Artifacts Collection

Homeowners can customize their own faucets from a choice of three spouts and three handles in this collection from Kohler. All pieces sport a traditional, turn-of-the-century look, but can be placed in traditional, transitional, or modern bathrooms. Kohler offers 15 accessories to complement the line, including a tumbler, soap dispenser, and toilet paper carriage. Five different finishes are available.

Delta Freestanding Tub Fillers

This tub filler is the first released by Delta. The company’s MultiChoice Universal Valve cartridge system, which allows functional and stylish trim changes without changing the wall valve, is included with the filler. The unit also features a separate handshower with pivoting arm and Touch-Clean Technology for easy cleaning. Single-hole, one-post installation makes for a quick setup.

Thermador Steam, Convection Oven

A recent addition to the Thermador Professional Series of appliances combines steam cooking with traditional true convection baking in one appliance. Forty EasyCook automatic food programs are included, and 10 advanced cooking modes, a meat probe, and a cookbook with more than 80 recipes. It features a 43-ounce water reservoir and a 1.4-cubic-foot cavity. A full-text user interface is featured.

Lumber Liquidators Bamboo

Bellawood Bamboo by Lumber Liquidators offers the eco-friendly qualities and appearance of bamboo with durability and a 100-year warranty. It is crafted using a process that elevates its color while creating a more stable floor, and ultra-strand construction offers a smoother texture than typical bamboo floors. Available options include Golden, Bronze, and Spice Ultra-Strand Bamboo.

Formica Granite Countertop Patterns

Formica has added four sweeping exotic granite patterns to its 180fx collection of high-pressure laminates. The new finishes (River Gold in Etchings, Lapidus Brown in Radiance, Magma Black in Radiance, and Red Dragon in Radiance) are available with Ideal Edge laminate edge profiles that eliminate flat edges and brown seams and are suitable for curved, clipped, or 90-degree corner installations.

Armstrong Alterna Floor Tiles

Armstrong has expanded the range of available sizes for its Alterna luxury vinyl tiles. Users can now get tiles in 12--by-24, 8-by-16, and 8-by-8-inch sections; original tile sizes include 12-by-12 and 16-by-16 inches. The new Allegheny Slate design is available in three colors and all five sizes. Athenian Travertine comes in two colors and is available in 16-by-16, 12-by-12, and 12-by-24-inch sections.

Kallista One Freestanding Bath

At 72 inches by 40 inches, this bathtub from Kallista is large enough for two, with a slotted overflow that allows a deep soaking experience; a centered side drain further enhances the experience. Strict exterior lines combine with subtle interior curves to create a clean, minimalist design aesthetic. The bath is available in either a Stucco White or Linen finish.

Neolith Sintered Compact Surface 

Neolith is a 100-percent natural sintered compact surface, made from clays, feldspar, silica, and mineral oxides. Sinterization, a high-pressure, high-temperature kilning process, makes the product durable and impervious to scratches, extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals and fading. Neolith is suitable for any surface, including countertops, flooring, interior wall cladding, exterior façades and more. Neolith comes in more than 30 colors, ranging from deep, stone-inspired greys, to marble- and wood-aesthetic patterns.

Zurn Fabricated Grates

Zurn Industries has added 12 additional C Class fabricated grates to its linear drainage product line of fabricated galvanized and stainless steel grating. Six grates are 6 inches in width, the others are 12 inches wide. All 12 grates meet Class C load requirements when paired within a heavy-duty frame.

Wilsonart Spring Carnival Countertops

Wilsonart has added Spring Carnival to its HD High Definition Laminate Collection. Colors include White Chocolate and Creamy Brown accented with grey tones, meant to look and feel like elegant white Brazilian granite. Flowing patterns create diagonal movement as an alluring feature focus. Spring Carnival is available in Mirage-35 finish and has three decorative edge options.

DuPont Corian Countertops

A Deep Color technology from DuPont Surfaces delivers greater depth of color and improved durability compared with other Corian colors. Four introductions include Deep Anthracite, Deep Nocturne, Deep Night Sky, and Deep Black Quartz. The new technology also makes the material more durable than other Corian surfaces, reducing the scratch appearance by 50 percent and increasing resistance to impact whitening.

Danze Mid-Town Faucets

The simple design of this collection from Danze offers a contemporary look for any bathroom. The collection includes single-handle and widespread faucets and tub/shower variations, including a Mono Chic 5-by-8-foot single-function showerhead option. Chrome and Brushed Nickel finishes are available. Features shared with other Danze products include ceramic disc valves for longer life, a laminar flow, touch-down drain assembly, and a flow rate of 1.5 gpm.

Geberit Bath Waste, Overflow System

Geberit offers two entries in the bath waste and overflow (BWO) category. The PushControl BWO opens and closes the drain with a simple push and is adaptable to different bathtub thicknesses. Critical working parts are outside the waterway and away from the flow of water to prevent clogging. The Cascading Tub Filler is integrated as a BWO, assuring reliable filling and draining in an all-in-one unit. Flow rate is 18 gpm. Several filler models are available for tubs 17-to-24-inches deep.

Canyon Creek Framed and Frameless Cabinetry

Canyon Creek has added door styles, wood options, and topcoat sheens to its frame and frameless cabinetry. The Millennia frameless line now includes Hana and Lanai door styles, which are made of three layers of eco-friendly bamboo. Millennia also added Black Walnut as a wood option in a variety of colors; Black Walnut is also available in the Cornerstone framed line. A Lo-Luster topcoat sheen is available across all cabinet lines.

Wellborn Messina Door Style

The newest door style from Wellborn is a full overlay, wide stile and rail, cope and tenon door with a solid wood reverse raised center panel. Wood grain options include Cherry and Maple. Messina is available for the Premier Series, Estate Custom Collection, and the Elegant Bath Collection; all collections offer Messina with a standard three-piece drawer front or an optional slab drawer front.

Sherwin Williams’ Sher-Wood Stains

Sherwin Williams has introduced two stains that are formulated with raw materials and are reported to contain no VOCs. Sher-Wood WB-S is a water-based spray stain with minimal-to-no-grain raise. It minimizes color variance when using solid wood and veneer on the same part. The Sher-Wood WB-W is a water-based wiping stain that also has minimal-to-no-grain raise and fast and easy water cleanup.

Heat & Glo Mezzo Series

Mezzo Series gas fireplaces come in 36-, 48- and 60-inch models with either a single-sided or see-through characteristic that makes it viewable from two rooms. Set flush to the wall, the fireplace features a black glass interior that reflects active flames. A clear LED illuminates a bed of crushed glass available in seven colors, and fronts are available in many colors and finishes. Additional features include natural logs.

Benjamin Moore Bio-Renewable Paint

Benjamin Moore’s Natura Renew is a premium, bio-renewable paint that is highly durable and plant-based with zero emissions and low odor. It contains up to 40 percent bio-renewable materials and is available in thousands of colors with an eggshell and semi-gloss finish. It is designed to cater to consumers in the growing Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability market.

LG 42-inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Measuring 42-inches wide with 26.5 cubic feet of space, this LG refrigerator offers plenty of storage space. Bright LED lighting provides excellent visibility, and the Easy Moving Door Bins slide up and down to accommodate different container sizes. LG also includes its Smart Diagnosis technology on this Energy Star-rated refrigerator, allowing easy troubleshooting over the phone. Its 9.2-inch-tall water dispensing area is one of the largest in its category.

Schluter DITRA-HEAT Floor Warming System

This floor warming system from Schluter is the first to combine heating cables with an uncoupling mat to prevent tile and grout cracking in ceramic and stone tiles. Cables are easily snapped into place on top of the uncoupling mat with no clips or fasteners, so systems can be customized. Rolls and sheets are offered, with heating cables and for 120V and 240V circuits. The system is controlled by a programmable thermostat with 250 preset programs.

VT Industries Dimensions Capture Collection

Five laminate colors are included in the VT Dimensions Capture Collection from VT Industries, which offers the look of real stone with increased durability and longevity. Colors include Venetian Creme, Venetian Gray, Constantine Marble, Riverbed Granite, and Santa Cecilia Vista. The Capture Collection integrates the full range of five VT Dimensions edge profiles.

Aquatic Subway Tile Bath Products

Aquatic offers the look of a white-walled, ceramic tile subway station with this DuraCore fiberglass-reinforced collection of tub-showers and showers. The sleek, glossy tiles make the bathroom look bright and clean, and the style can blend with any decor. From a maintenance standpoint, there are no grout lines or cracks in tiles to keep clean or maintain.

Kilz Pro-X 100 Series

Masterchem Industries has changed the formula of its Kilz Pro-X 100 Series of interior paints to allow projects to be completed faster with potentially fewer coats. Improved spray-ability and the versatility to be applied with a brush or roller makes it fitting for a variety of projects. It’s available in three sheens—interior dead flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss—and can be used on a number of surfaces such as drywall, concrete block, masonry, metal, wood, cured plaster, architectural plastics, and poured concrete.

The top interior products from the past year based on Professional Remodeler reader feedback.