NEW ORLEANS, LA - On Saturday, April 20, 2013, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, winners of the Best of KBIS awards were announced during the 2013 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. This annual competition showcases the newest and most innovative kitchen and bath products. Products are judged on excellence in design, functionality quality/durability, flexibility and aesthetics/style.

This year’s winners were:

Best of Show

TOTO Neorest 550 H

TOTO’s new NEOREST 550H is a remarkable combination of ecology and luxury, designed to meet people’s desire for elegant products that respect our water supply. This ultra high-efficiency toilet offers a new gravity-fed, dual flush Cyclone system, consuming a mere 1.0 gallon for the full flush and 0.8 gpf for the light. Its integrated personal cleansing system incorporates TOTO’s breakthrough eWater+ technology, which disinfects the bowl, reducing the need for harsh chemicals during cleaning.

Best of Kitchen – Gold

ROHL Shaws 30″ Bowed Apron Front Fireclay Sink with Lavastone Countertop

The ROHL Shaws 30″ Bowed Apron Front Fireclay Sink with Lavastone Countertop is authentically crafted in Lanchashire, England. Every Shaws Fireclay Sink is still hand poured, shaped and stamped with the name of the artisan who created it.

Best of Kitchen – Silver Award

Wine Logic

Wine Logic is designed to fit into a base cabinet. Our innovative design, approaches home wine storage with a thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship and a conneisseur’s insight. The result is a high end storage solution that easily resolves the challenges of space, clutter, cost and more. Wine Logic’s horizontal design keeps corks moist and swelled, allows for easy viewing of bottle labels with full extension slides, is made of solid wood has styles that have 18, 24, or 30 bottle capacity.

Best of Bath – Gold Award

Kohler Moxie Showerhead + Wireless Speaker

The Moxie showerhead is the first of its kind to combine the delivery of water and music, simultaneously soaking the user with music and a best-in-class spray experience. It syncs with any Bluetooth-enabled device—smartphones and mp3 players—and streams music, news or podcasts directly into the shower. But the fun doesn’t stop there; the speaker pod can be removed for enjoyment on the go, throughout the rest of the bathroom and beyond.

Best of Bath – Silver Award

Brizo: Odin X with SmartTouchPlus Technology

Brizo introduces the Odin X lavatory faucet, the newest addition to its contemporary Odin Bath Collection. The Odin X is set apart from the line’s existing single-handle electronic lavatory by its unique, cross-shaped architecture, highlighted by the product’s available spilt finishes, including Polished Chrome or Brilliance Brushed Nickel paired with a sleek Matte Black accent. The fixture also incorporates SmartTouchPlus Technology, to allow hands-free or touch-sensitive operation.

Best Green Product

Kichler LED Lighting Tape

Kichler takes energy-efficient tape lighting to a new level with TaskWork LED Tape, available in a range of Kelvin temperature options for both dry and damp indoor applications. Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, the product disappears leaving targeted areas awash in high intensity light to aid in task work or low intensity light for accentuating architectural features. The safe, low-voltage tape light is fully dimmable, has a CRI of 80+ and has a 40,000-hour lifespan

Best Universal Design Product

Better Living Products International Inc : The Extendable Squeegee

Given higher standard ceiling heights, it is now becoming difficult to reach the very top of glass shower doors and enclosures to squeegee. The Extendable Squeegee allows for the perfect cleaning experience and ensures you won’t miss a spot! The Extendable Squeegee is crafted of light-weight, rust proof aluminum. The ergonomically curved handle extends the squeegee to 18”. The durable textured handle is fingerprint and water spot proof. Includes stylish chrome suction for in-shower storage.

This year’s winners were selected by a panel of design experts including: Cheryl Kees Clendenon, Andie Day, Meredith Heron, Corey Klassen, Lori Gilder, Susan Serra, Carmen Christensen, Tyler Wisler and Veronika Miller.

About KBIS

KBIS, in conjunction with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is an inspiring, interactive platform that showcases the latest industry products, trends and technologies. KBIS is the voice of the kitchen and bath industry and has been for nearly 50 years.

A KBIS highlight on the 2013 event calendar is the annual conference and expo. The expo features an expansive collection of the industry’s leading manufacturer’s new products, a robust educational program developed and endorsed by the NKBA, world-renowned industry speakers and dynamic networking events. This year’s show will be held April 19-21, 2012, at the New Orleans Ernest Morial Convention Center.

For the latest news and announcements visit www.KBIS.com, follow KBIS on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KitchenBathIndustryShow and on Twitter at @KBIS2013.

About the National Kitchen & Bath Association

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association with over 50,000 members that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for 50 years. NKBA.org provides consumers with an inspiration gallery of award-winning kitchen and bath designs, as well as articles, tips, and an extensive glossary of remodeling terms.

At NKBA.org, consumers can also find certified kitchen and bath professionals in their areas, submit questions to NKBA experts, and download the free NKBA Kitchen Planner and NKBA Bath Planner. To learn more, visit the NKBA Press Room at www.NKBA.org.