KBB’s 2024 Product Awards winners were all about sustainability, health and wellness and accessibility. Water- and energy-efficient offerings were abundant, as were selections made with a high percentage of recycled materials. Health and wellness offerings included a tub with programmable spa therapies, a handheld showerhead with a variety of sprays and massage capabilities, a silica-free surface option and a lighted floor tile. Accessibility needs were highlighted via a dishwasher with ADA-compliant toe kick and a height-adjustable toilet. Some winners came up with clever solutions to save space with a slide-in shower door and hide technology with an integrated countertop charger. Others were innovative regarding convenience – a workstation sink for the laundry room and a range hood that can also be used for storage and display needs.
All the winning products achieved the goal of fulfilling today’s market needs – for both homeowners and design professionals – and all were worthy of the honorable award.
2024 Product Awards: Bath Product of the Year
AIRMADA Drying Solutions AirPocket Door
This space-saving, slide-in shower door was designed to replace a traditional swinging door and transform the space into a combination walk-in/steam shower with a full seal that maintains temperature and keeps in steam. The stainless-steel AirPocket Door can be used with a flush or raised threshold and features AirJet technology, which dries the pocket after a shower, as well as a soft-open-and-close unit in the frame. When the shower is over, the user presses a switch to alert the timer-controlled system to shutoff at the pre-determined time. “The AirPocket Door is a great solution that allows designers to solve the age-old question of ‘how should I hinge this shower door?’” said Vanderhovel. “Often, swing doors can be limited by fixtures, bench seats, and other obstacles. My favorite part is the idea that we can create an easy entry for people with mobility aids.” Photo credit: Airmada Drying Solutions
2024 Product Awards: Kitchen Product of the Year & Smart Innovation Winner
FreePower for Countertop
Eliminating the hassle of charging-cord management, this low-profile technology allows wireless charging to be seamlessly integrated into countertop material, including wood and stone. A Halo glow under the surface indicates where FreePower for Countertop is located to charge devices and can be dimmed completely and reactivated with a “Wave to Wake” feature. Devices can be placed anywhere within the active zone of the charging surface, which can accommodate multiple devices at one time. FreePower for Countertop won the Best of KBIS – Best in Show Award this year, and it was the highest-rated product overall in KBB’s 2024 Product Awards. “As code for outlets located in islands has changed, this product has filled a void we’ve been needing,” said Vanderhovel. “The FreePower system allows for almost unlimited opportunities to implement throughout the home. The location lighting and ability to charge multiple items simultaneously only adds to the utility.” Photo credit: FreePower
Photo credits (left to right): Caty Gainer Photography, Christopher Stark, Shane Hite, Josh Vessel
Thanks to the 2024 Product Awards Judges
Nureed Saeed, KBB’s 2023 Person of the Year, is the founder of Nu Interiors, a bi-coastal holistic design practice specializing in modern, unexpected interiors that invite a rich mix of materials, ideas and global inspiration.
Nick Vanderhovel, CMKBD, is a designer with Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio. His unwavering passion for design has propelled him onto the national stage, where he collaborates with clients to craft truly breathtaking spaces across the nation.
Mark Williams, principal of Williams Papadopoulos Design, is an accomplished architectural designer, problem solver and skilled communicator and has a reputation for delivering results on time and within budget.
Rachel Hutchens, CMKBD, is principal designer of Maven Home Interiors and NKBA’s Mountain States Chapter president. She is an award-winning designer who uses detailed 3-D drawings to help clients visualize their dream homes.
Click to read about the 2023 Product Awards winners.
