This story originally appeared in the Spring 2023 Issue of This Old House Magazine. Click here to learn how to subscribe.
Kitchen Products from KBIS
Slim pick
This sleek, 24-inch-wide refrigerator and bottom freezer delivers a built-in look on a budget. Use it in an ADU or in-law suite—or put two together for half the cost of some 48-inch models. $1,299; shop.sharpusa.com
Two for one price
Retrofitting dishwasher drawers has never been easier or more affordable: This Café double-drawer model fits a standard 24-inch cutout. Each drawer operates on its own, with separate control panels. In matte white, matte black, or stainless steel. From $1,399; cafeappliances.com
Cabinet decision
Colorful kitchens are back! The Arlington Recessed cabinet door is an updated flat panel with graceful cove molding and comes in this refreshing new shade, Pale Spring, Price upon request; wood-mode.com
Catch this subway
The Stencil collection of glazed porcelain tiles combines an elongated 4-by-12-inch shape with a soft color palette. They come smooth or with a linear or raised half-moon texture in seven mix-or-match shades. $12 per square foot; daltile.com
Easy-bake oven
This Profile convection wall oven has a soft-close door that swings open to the side—safer and more accessible when you’re reaching in for a hot pot. It also features Wi-Fi-enabled remote control, a 7-inch touchscreen, and an air-fry cooking mode. $3,554; geappliances.com
Rock-solid
Pebble Collection knobs and pulls have an organic shape, subtle texture, and smooth hand feel. In four sizes (plus appliance pulls) and five finishes over zinc bodies—we especially like the black nickel shown. From $12 each; belwith-keeler.com
Cool, clean water
This addition to the Avado line of pull-down faucets offers filtered water on demand—just pull the handle forward 90°. An undersink filter uses spun polypropylene to capture large particles, then activated carbon to reduce lead, microorganisms, and chlorine taste and odor—for up to a year. In Chrome, Lustrous Steel, or Matte Black. From $523; elkay.com
Hard worker
An alternative to stainless steel, this granite-composite workstation sink integrates well with natural-stone counters. It’s stain resistant and easy to clean, and it comes with the accessories shown. In white or black with drop-in or undermount options. Everest 33″ Workstation Sink, from $500; deltafaucet.com
Combo package
A new twist on the double wall oven: The Rise 30-Inch Microwave/ Wall Oven comes with a 7-inch LCD touch screen for navigating settings and scrolling through a digital guide with hand-picked, step-by-step recipes. Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote control; two fans power its convection system. From $6,549; jennair.com
Easy does it
Quartz counters and backsplashes resist stains, scratches, and odors and are easy to clean. This seascape-inspired pattern’s cool-white backdrop and soft-gray veining show just how beautiful they can be, too. Southport Luxury Series, price upon request; cambriausa.com
Chimney style
This pro-performance stainless steel vent hood has three speeds, dishwasher-safe filters and baffles, and dual control panels that allow access from either side of an island. Plus, a delayed shutoff will keep clearing the air after cooking is complete. Chef Series IS-500 Haven RangeHood, from $1,400; hauslane.com
Up to the task
Simple, elegant, and made by hand, this Heirloom Task Light’s wood backplate, brass arm, and glossy ceramic shade are inspired by Victorian gaslight fixtures. Projecting 22 inches from the wall with a 141/8-inch-wide shade, it’s meant to be installed up high to cast a wide pool of light over a large work area. $740; devolkitchens.com
Blend ambition
The company known for colorful 1950s-inspired large appliances is looking to populate your countertop. The Retro Blender features five speeds and an 11/2-liter- capacity glass jar. Comes in five colors, including this vintage Jadite Green. $275; bigchill.com
Space maker
Top-loading washers have no mold-prone gasket to contend with. This one has a removable agitator to make space for pillows, comforters, and other bulky stuff. An interior “faucet” aids in pretreating stains, and the dispenser holds enough detergent for 20 loads. Smart Top Loader with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator, $1,299; whirlpool.com
More for less
Committed to cooking with gas? This gas range, with double ovens and many of the latest features, from air fry to air sous vide, delivers a lot of bang for the buck. Just knock on the door to see what’s cooking. A special coating makes the stovetop and oven interior easier to clean. InstaView Gas Double Oven Slide-In Range, $2,599; lg.com
Clear the air
This tabletop air purifier goes beyond filtration, ridding the indoor environment of allergens, bacteria, and viruses. The suction-based HEPA filtration system traps pathogens; its ion technology kills them midair and on nearby surfaces. Puraclenz Air & Surface Purifier, from $300; puraclenz.co
Luxe laminate
Matte-stone countertops are a popular option these days. Get the look for less with the Traceless collection of laminate in 10 velvety new hues, each in an ultra-matte finish that combines a sophisticated look with technology that resists fingerprints, smudges, and streaks. About $3–$5 per square foot; wilsonart.com
Cottage options
The Modern Country line of custom cabinetry offers a welcome blend of contemporary and traditional design. Its flat-panel-door style comes in 12 stock colors—and more than 190 custom hues. Price upon request; hackerkitchens.us
New-wave microwave
This over-the-range microwave/vent hood combo offers advanced steam-cook technology as well as a Slide-out ExtendaVent that covers the entire cooktop, then retracts for a clean look. Its 2.1 cubic-foot interior features a coating that prevents food and grease from sticking; its stainless steel exterior is smudge resistant. $599; lg.com
Tall order
This 165/8-inch-tall pull-down faucet stands heads above the rest with a high-gloss Lumicoat finish that is guaranteed to resist mineral buildup and hard-water stains. An integrated magnet snaps the spray head precisely into place, while rubber spray holes are easily wiped clear of calcium and lime buildup; its Diamond Seal valves help prevent leaks. Just tap anywhere on the spout or handle with your wrist or forearm to turn it on and off, hands-free. Monrovia Single-Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet with Touch2O Technology in Lumicoat Chrome, $670; deltafaucet.com
Cool operator
Despite its counter depth, this four-door Gallery refrigerator offers tons of flexibility. Its crisper drawers have antioxidant filters built in to help keep produce fresh longer; a two-piece, slide-under shelf accommodates taller items; and a bin can be used as a crisper or an open compartment. Even more impressive: The Custom-Flex Temp Drawer in the middle can convert from a fridge to a freezer with the push of a button. $3,899; frigidaire.com
Brew up some nostalgia
This retro 10-cup drip coffee maker combines mid-century style with convenient features such as auto start and the ability to brew one to four cups. It also offers delicate and intense aroma settings so you can choose your preferred coffee strength. Available in nine colors, plus stainless steel, from $230; smeg.com. Navy available only at williams-sonoma.com
Smart look—and function
The demand for cast-iron cookware has only grown—and this new line from KitchenAid gives it a modern, colorful spin. The enameled-iron pots and pans come preseasoned, work with induction cooktops, and are oven safe up to 500°F. From $100; potsandpans.com/kitchenaid
Innovative vent
This 36-inch induction cooktop is equipped with an integrated center downdraft, eliminating the need for an overhead hood on an island. It has four cooking zones, touch-and-slide controls, nine fan speeds, and a removable grease filter. $6,199; fisherpaykel.com
Handsome hood
This enameled-stainless-steel and brushed-brass-trimmed vent hood puts a pretty face on pro-grade power: It quietly moves 600 cubic feet of air per minute, has dimmable LEDs, and offers a three-phase grease collection system. In 205 stock and custom colors and four trim options. 30″ Classic Vent Hood with Trim, from $3,295; bigchill.com
Bathroom Products for KBIS
Stylish sink
One in a new line of lav sinks by designer Philippe Starck, this gently curved wall mount, about 251/2 inches across and 19 inches front to back, has a ceramic surface that is treated to stay smooth and easy to clean. Soleil Sink, $240; duravit.us
Glow getter
This goes-with-anything orb light pairs a matte black base with an opaque white glass shade. It’s easy on the wallet, too, so you can use it in multiples. Graceful Opal Bath Sconce, $66; shadesoflight.com
Top brass
Looking for a special touch to elevate your powder room? The Montecito series 8-inch widespread lav faucet is a beauty: Its burnished, uncoated brass will patina naturally over time. $1,216; calfaucets.com
Soak it in
Inspired by Japanese bathing culture, the Elko tub offers a 27-inch depth and a compact 55-by-31-inch size. Its smooth mineral composite comes in glossy or matte white, and with a matte gray, brown, or black exterior. $4,290; acquabella.us
Slab happy
This DIY-friendly system of tongue-and-groove waterproof panels faced with laminate now comes
with marble-look Augusta Calacatta veining. Color-matched sealant hides the seams. Cover an average tub/shower in 2½ hours, even over existing tile. Sold as a set of four panels, in three different heights and six widths. $600 to $1,100; wetwall.com
Go with the grain
This single-sink vanity puts mid-century style on display with solid walnut construction, splayed feet, and soft-close doors with handholds in lieu of flashy hardware. Topanga 30″ vanity, $2,950; nativetrailshome.com
Walk this way
With its tough factory finish, engineered wood flooring stands up to a kitchen’s daily abuse. These 5-by-24-inch herringbone European white oak boards come with an ultra-matte UV-protective coating to preserve their natural look. Terra Collection in Taiga Herringbone, about $16–$19 per square foot; duchateau.com
Affordable bidet
Cleansing toilets have long been a luxury. This more affordable option has plenty of bells and whistles—a heated seat, a warm-air dryer, oscillating and pulsating sprays, remote control—for much less than other models. It uses 1 gallon of water per flush and can be plugged into a 120-volt outlet on a 10-amp circuit. 2-Series Electronic Cleansing Toilet, from $1,442; moen.com
Burnished beauty
Gold finishes can seem glitzy. Not so with Brizo’s soft shade: Pair it with their striking new Allaria bath faucet’s minimalist, gently curved design and clear-acrylic square-handle option for an outstanding addition to a powder room or primary bath. Allaria Widespread Lav Faucet with Square Spout in Luxe Gold, $746, and Clear Knob Handles, $286; brizo.com
Pattern play
Bold tile in a kitchen or bath is a sure way to make a statement. These options feel fresh and modern without going overboard. Top to bottom: Blossom 12×12 Polar Ice Terrazzo in French Blue, $81 per piece; Sadie 12×12 Ivory Porcelain in Fern, $67.25 per piece; and 2 Leaf 12×12 Chunky Terrazzo in Mustard, $72.50 per piece; livden.com
Clean sweep
Designed for small spaces but with the features of a full-size vacuum, the Boost CX1 bagless canister vac weighs only 12.9 pounds. Its Vortex technology combines powerful suction with multiple levels of filtration for maximum cleaning. The Cat & Dog model also comes with a TurboBrush to whisk away errant fur. From $449; mieleusa.com