Highlights from the Home + Housewares Show 2015
We’re back at it again! Our team was out in full force at the International Home + Housewares Show, which took place at the McCormick Place in Chicago. We sought out to find the latest products and design trends. Below are some of our highlights:
Colors and Copper
While strong vibrant colors continue to be a prominent feature at the show, like the tea kettles shown above by FAST CR/Sencor, everywhere we turned copper and metal tones were making their mark. KitchenAid introduced an Artisan Design 5-Quart Stand Mixer, along with several other kitchen accessories. Copper martini shakers and mugs were also on display, targeting not only millennials, but other generations as well.
Magic Chef premiered their small corded appliances, creating an iconic presentation of satin metal and slade black finishes communicating quality, ease of use and a timeless design that would appeal to first time buyers.
Air Purifiers
Blueair, Inc., a Swedish company, introduced Blue 211, which is a home air purifier that comes in five different colors. It uses a fabric wrap around to identify the color offering a customization opportunity for the consumer. We recognize, as designers, the importance of creating products that improve the quality of life for consumers but also are stylish and blend into today’s home decor. The different applications that Blueair, Inc. offers to the market is one that is custom and unique to a home.
Going beyond the traditional design, copper has its moment in the spotlight!
EveryDrop™ Filters by Whirlpool® continued to spread its mission by helping consumers recognize the importance of water filtration. Its fast flow filtration technology and compact design allows any container to fill five times faster than leading brand filter containers. Going beyond the value of filtered water, Whirlpool® created a beautiful and simplistic design for making water cleaner.
Health Food: On-The-Go
Black + Decker introduced their new line of personal blenders, making the single serve beverage an easy integration into consumers busy lives. In addition, it is easy to clean and has a sleek, attractive look. The traditional blender has now turned into in healthy on-the-go solution, cutting the mess in half by making the container a cup.
Breaking the Mold
The PancakeBot took pancake making to a whole new level by combining 3D printing and cooking. This new device allows users to use creativity and technology to create unique pieces of edible art.The idea of the consumer being able to customize the look of their pancake without a mold or fancy cooking skills is one that blew our minds away.
Omega Products showed off their twin screw juicer. This new juicer is quiet and creates liquids at a lower speed, which equals a longer shelf life and more juice for the user.
Reinventing Home Accessories
With technology being an intricate part of our daily lives, now more than ever new designs, patterns and materials are being introduced in creative ways to promote a fun and functional solution to everyday household chores. Along with that, these items can be places in all areas of the home.
Joseph Joseph Sink Saver and Extend provides in-sink and draining solutions. The design of their new sink mat is made to adjust to different sink drain configurations, while the extend portion of it allows for expanding dry rack needs and flexibility. The sink mat offers a one size fits all solution is a smart choice for consumers to prevent scratches in their sink.
The past couple of years, clean air and LED lighting have been hot trends that have consumers talking about and even implementing in their homes. The idea of safety and realism, along with the realistic look of this candle that we saw at the show is something that we love.
Divide Between Smaller Companies and Larger Corporations
One thing we noticed at the show this year was the amount of smaller companies that hit the aisles making themselves known in the home + housewares industry, giving larger corporations a run for their money.
Metaltex displayed their shopping trolley line that allows users to give almost no effort carrying shopping items. We loved the easy-to-use aspect of wheels and extra support system for heavy items, along with the bright colors and patterns offered.
QuenchProducts displayed their Bar10der: The Ultimate Cocktail Companion, which is the first and only 10-in-1 bartending tool that can create any type of cocktail. This caught our eye just for the simple fact that it is extremely convenient for the user.
VacuVin exhibited their +Tools line that contain 10 products, pairing two tools together typically used while cooking. The added value and extra assistance that these tools offer is what we loved about this product.
In the design industry, we believe that identifying user needs should drive the process of creating products that consumers will want and utilize on a consistent basis. Govino showcased their unbreakable wine glass at the show, that provides wine drinkers a trendy and unique way to drink wine without worry if a glass falls and shatters into pieces. This has been a validated and acceptable item for enjoying wine for on-the-go purposes, such as picnics, parties and other occasions.
Smaller companies are hitting the ground running!
KitchenHappy has released their new single handed server called Snapi, which has our stamp of approval from a design standpoint. We love the ease of use when dishing out salads, as well as being dishwasher safe, built in lock for storage purposes and was made in the USA! This is a great item for those who want to purchase gifts for the cooks in their lives.
Standing Out Among the Crowd
As designers, our eyes landed on the microwave ovens that Galanz featured at the show. One feature that caught our eye was the seamlessly integrated handle design, with the overall classic feel of the materials used and shape of the product.
In comparison, the energy efficient UOVO microwave oven is a cutting edge round design, that offers an LED digital display. The turntable and cover opening chime, along with the 5 colors available made us think of the endless possibilities that design can offer.
Voice recognition is not only for cell phones anymore!
OXO introduced their premier line of kitchen electric appliances. The Barista Brain 12-Cup Coffee Maker has a microprocessor-controlled brew cycle, with a removable glass kettle for the water to heat up, which allows for better flavors and aroma. The universal design and elements display simplicity and functionality.
Rowenta® is an industry leader in the steamer and iron division. The Xcel Steamer is a handheld steamer with a micro metal head that has multiple holes for even steam distribution. It has a removable H2O tank that allows for 10 minutes of uninterrupted steaming. The convenience of this product is something that jumped out at us, due to the light weight, comfort and easiness that it brings the consumer.
The Pro Master iron isn’t a new product that Rowenta® offers, but has consistently been a favorite of ours. A powerful shot of steam is pushed with high pressure into fabrics to remove wrinkles. The stainless soleplate includes a precision tip that offers even steam distribution and professional results at home. It provides a long lasting, extra long burst of steam that allows for a more efficient process for the user that can be easily executed.
The 2015 International Home + Housewares Show gave our team the chance to see the newest and latest lifestyle products for all areas of the home. For a look at our projects, check out our website at www.beyonddesignchicago. com or drop us a note at info@beyonddesignchicago.com
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