By Carisla Swanson
Whether you are itching for a full renovation or just looking to spruce up your home a bit, the International Builders Show (IBS) is the place to start. With hundreds of vendors ranging from well known paint brands to door hardware there’s a lot to see and be inspired by. These are our picks for the newest innovations for your next home upgrade.
Indoor-Outdoor Countertops
We all dream of truly extending our homes into the outdoors with materials that mimic what we love indoors. The new Outdoor Collection by Caesarstone is weather-resistant, bringing the company's durable, non-porous, high quality quartz to any outdoor environment. The company tested the material extensively in a variety of conditions including harsh sunlight, high heat and temperature fluctuations to ensure color and integrity of the material stayed intact. The flexibility of quartz makes it perfect for all al fresco entertaining spaces from rooftops to outdoor kitchens.
Window Nook
Open floor plans have taken over the conversation when it comes to home design, but we are also craving cozy spaces to recenter ourselves. The new Marvin Skycove is a fully constructed (i.e it shows up ready to be installed, not pieced together on site), projecting glass structure that’s essentially a new take on a bay window. What’s significantly different here is the box-like shape and open glass on top that allows for full panoramic views. It also comfortably fits an adult on its integrated bench—meaning reading time can easily morph into nap time.
Designer Paint
Everyone knows one of the easiest makeovers a coat or two of paint to instantly change the personality of a space. Launching in April 2020, Sherwin Williams's new Emerald Designer Edition Interior Latex paint is their most premium paint product to date with the smoothest and most uniform finish (meaning, the color you choose will be the only color you see on the wall—no peek through colors from past paint jobs). The new collection will comprise 200 hues in five designer collections, including the brightest whites yet.
Wetroom DIY
If you’re a true DIY-er then you’ll be jumping for joy for the newest innovation from Wilsonart—Wetwall. This easy-to-install tongue and groove panel system allows for quick installation in wet spaces —no grout necessary. The styles available mimic natural wood and large marble slabs and the panels can be used in spaces with excessive moisture, including bathrooms, laundry rooms, and mudrooms. They’ll be available this spring at Lowe’s.
Automatic Pass Through
Andersen Windows & Doors recently upgraded its window passthrough with an automatic feature. A keypad inside the house allows you to open, shut, or pause the window without having to use any elbow grease. The result is an easy way to entertain from the inside out for any alfresco occasion.
Smart Lock
Tired of seeing the keypad on your front door and longing for the olden days of that thing called a key? The Emtek EMPowered SMART Lock Upgrade uses a variety of integrated features—including voice command and remote access—to provide a sleek door pull full of technology. This key OR keyless entry gives the whole family piece of mind knowing they'll always be able to get in the door.Indestructible Floors
Designer Laminate Flooring
If you're looking for a flooring solution that's no fuss, you'll become quickly obsessed with Lumber Liquidators AquaSeal 24 line. The collection has the look of hardwood floors with the durability of laminate flooring and extra water protection. The easy to install flooring has a smart locking system that prevents liquids from going through the plans, giving you up to 24 hours to clean up any accidents or spills. Another bonus: the material is resistant to scratches and gouges made by boisterous family and pets—so you can really have that dance party!
Modern Redo
Lovers of modern homes rejoice! The Royal Building Products Cedar Renditions line is the look of beautiful cedar with none of the maintenance associated with it. This moisture-proof material is easy to install in a variety of outdoor applications and comes in eight finishes.
Built-in Wireless Charging
Available in four finishes, the Legrand Radiant Wireless Charger holds and charges Qi-enabled smartphones in a clear cradle. The multifunctional unit additionally offers a USB port and 2 standard AC receptacles so you can manage all of your home's needs.
