100 Best New Products 2008: Interiors

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the NAHB, smaller houses and changing lifestyles mean ceilings are rising and formal living rooms are disappearing, replaced by great rooms opening to a kitchen or a smaller room, such as a den, music room or office. Because these rooms get more traffic, you'll need something like Armstrong Floorings' StrataMax layered sheet floors, which offer superior stain- and scratch-resistance.

Armstrong Flooring's new StrataMax layered sheet floors require no glue and are billed as a true loose-lay floor product. And they won't buckle due to climate changes either. The flooring can even be installed loosely laid over OSB. It offers great stain and scratch resistance and meets or exceeds low emission standards. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-154 [1] 

The advanced Eternal Hybrid water heater from Grand Hall brings advanced technology to the market. The Eternal Hybrid water heater works on the principle of counter flow, with cold water entering from the bottom of the tank and a top mounted turbo burner that forces heat down. According to the company, it achieves an impressive 86-percent thermal efficiency. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-155 [2] 

Bringing the look of hand-scraped Amish flooring to all price points is HomerWood's new Character Grade engineered floors. Boards measure 5/8-inch thick and planks are made in 1—foot random lengths with micro-beveled edges for a smooth appearance. Widths are 3 to 6 inches. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-156 [3] 

The new technology behind HAI's OmniStat2 keeps precise temperature and humidity in the home. Using an advanced feature, the OmniStat2 actually "learns" the home's heating and cooling patterns and adjusts controls to maximize the installed HVAC system. A seven-day program feature is included. There are two models for different heating and cooling systems from which to choose. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-157 [4] 

Chilled and hot water come on-demand with Everpure's Helia Hot & Chilled Water Appliance. The new unit is ideal for kitchens or wet bars where space is a premium; it measures 16 inches tall by 16 inches deep and 10 inches wide. It operates quietly and pumps 6½ gallons per hour. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-158 [5] 

PF WaterWorks' cool new innovation in plumbing is the PermaFlow combination P-trap replacement and drain management system. It is made out of clear plastic, so problems can be seen and remedied quickly. The inlet and outlet pipes on the system are also angled to increase flow to break up and propel debris away. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-159 [6] 

Hunter's new Perfect Balance fans use the company's new balancing technology. Heavier blades are balanced on the new Control Ring, which automatically senses changes in weight or balance and shifts blades accordingly so there's no wobble. The product is Energy Star-rated and is available in flush, standard or angle mounting. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-160 [7] 

The new 24-inch Axxis Laundry line from Bosch offers the largest front-loading washer in its class. According to Bosch, the line can wash up to 14 pairs of jeans at a time. The Logixx computer system runs the wash cycle, conserving water and monitoring clothes at the same time. The companion Condensation Dryer does not require any ducts or vents. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-161 [8] 

Omega Cabinetry's new Natural Resin Insert Collection features ten panel inserts made with natural and decorative materials. These are fused into a translucent resin to use with the company's various custom and semi-custom door styles for added ambiance. Two new finishes are also available. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-162 [9] 

Delta's next-generation Diamond Seal Technology features the new Belo faucet line from Brizo. The faucet sports a four-function pullout wand with adjustable flow controls. The MagneDock magnetic docking technology uses a powerful magnet to secure the wand into the faucet spout. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-163 [10] 

Broan's new QDE Series of range hoods joins the green movement by providing Energy Star-rated ventilation. The hoods features a two-speed rocker switch huffed in an under-cabinet design. It moves air at 280 cubic feet per minute and uses a vertical or horizontal discharge. Light is provided by dual 13-watt CFL bulbs. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-164 [11] 

Touted as recyclable, hypoallergenic and colorful, the new all-metal cabinets from St. Charles Cabinetry come in 23 powder-coated colors. St. Charles, a division of Viking Range Corporation, made the doors cold-rolled steel doors frameless and full-overlay with soft-close hinges and slides. Colors include matte, iridescent and designer shades. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-165 [12] 

Sporting a sleek, modern design, Rinnai's new commercial-grade LS Dual-Use Tankless Water Heater increases hot water output. The unit's EZConnect system allows two units to work in tandem and an integrated condensate collector is included for interior models. The heaters are backed by a 12-year heat exchanger limited warranty. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-166 [13] 

Homeowners always need a spare piece of paper and a pen at exactly the wrong time. The Whirlpool/Amana's new Jot refrigerator solves this. The fridge has a dry-erase finish on the door panel so occupants can leave each other notes and/or play tic-tac-toe. Amana has partnered with Crayola to include the blue and black Dry Erase markers with each Jot. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-167 [14] 

A large sweater or another challenging delicate washable is cared for with MTI's Laundry Sink, now available under-mounted or flush-mounted. The Jentle Jet technology uses micro jets to thoroughly launder clothes without harsh agitators. A three-speed control knob handles jet speed. The sinks measure 25 by 22 by 11½-inches. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-168 [15] 

Gaggenau's BM 281-711 Fusion Oven combines new technology improvements with a sleek new construction. The ovens use the company's Innowave convection to evenly disperse heat. Variable energy outputs save energy and penetrate food to its core. Gaggenau says food will never be cooked on the outside while still frozen within. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-169 [16] 

Following in the footsteps of the AIM 8 series, SpeakerCraft's AIM WIDE wide-dispersion speakers feature several technological advances and are built for multi-room audio installations. The speakers feature dual one-inch tweeters and dual two-inch mid-range drivers set at a 70-degree angle for a dispersed sound field. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-170 [17] 

New to the states and to the company, the Double Wall Oven by Electrolux uses the company's Luxury Glide ball-bearing oven racks that extend with the touch of finger. The Wave-Touch control panel keeps controls hidden, and the Perfect Turkey button makes Thanksgiving a snap. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-171 [18] 

Homeowners looking for a smarter way to keep perishables from perishing can turn to the MasterCool line from Miele. The unit's controls automatically optimize the SmartFresh full pullout storage drawers by varying the humidity levels and precise temperatures. Touch controls work well for all users, regardless of height. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-172 [19] 

This little number by Marvel is the new Keyhole Sink. Made for kitchen islands, wet bars or outdoor living areas, the Keyhole features a large, round bowl for rinsing and a deep, recessed drainer for prep and clean-up. The Marvel is available in two sizes, including a single main bowl size with a 17-inch diameter or a main bowl coupled with a second bowl size of 11-13/16 x 6-3/16 inches. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-173 [20] 

Made as a companion to the larger QFP44, the QFP38 gas fireplace by Quadra-Fire combines a large viewing area with a realistic flame. The authentic firebox allows homeowners to turn down their thermostats and is perfect for spot heating. The fireplace boasts 80 percent efficiency. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-174 [21] 

Kohler's Evoke line is a unique expansion of the primary and secondary single-control swing-spout model, which has an optional side spray. Unlike standard side sprays, the Evoke side spray has two features: a spray as well as a laminar flow, which make it easier for the homeowner to wash dishes. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-175 [22] 

New technology abounds in Linear's 4 by 4 matrix device. It allows users to view any four HDMI sources on four video displays. Switchers include 3 by 1, 4 by 1, 2 by 2, 2 by 4, and 4 by 2 configurations. Distribution Amplifiers are available in 1 by 8 and 2 by 8 configurations. Accessories include boosters for enhancing the video signals over long runs. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-176 [23]