REAL Exclusive Magazine

What’s New from the Building Conference?

by Tracy Eisnaugle

 Every year the Southeast Building Conference comes to Orlando and showcases some of the newest trends in the construction and design industries. Although this year’s show was a little smaller than in years past, the collection of new and exciting materials made the trip worthwhile.

Searching for inspiration and design innovation I made my way through the maze of enticing vendor displays. My first great discovery was a new paint company on the scene, Mythic®, their marketing is eye catching and their product is superb. Offering a completely non-toxic, VOC free paint, with premium durability, great coverage, and available in a wide array of attractive colors. Although there are no local dealerships currently in our area, you may purchase the “breath of fresh air” paint directly from their website.

Artfully fusing form and function, Bear Creek Glass came prepared to shine with its new line of spectacular glass vessel sinks. A vast selection of handmade basins, each one is a stunning signed and numbered piece of art. Available in a wide spectrum of colors and styles ranging from vivid fluid organic shapes to elegant tortoise shell traditional bowls, a definite conversation starter for any bath or wet bar area.

Most people do not spend a lot of time pondering their light switches but as a designer and faced with coordinating endless elements including; wall tile, paint colors, and wallpaper the basic white, bone and black switches can create quite the design dilemma. So I was delighted to stumble upon the Lutron® booth and discover the endless possibilities they have to offer. Their new VIERTI^TM single-touch dimmer switch features a sleek design that is available in three LED color options and is easy to coordinate with, available in ten matte finishes and eleven brilliant metal finishes. To complete any home Lutron® manufactures components, accessories and wall plates in twenty eight color options spanning from turquoise to mocha stone. Finding the perfect shade is no longer a problem with Lutron®.

Last but not least, this year’s show stopper was the Jenn-Air® Oiled Bronze appliance suite. Working in the specification field for many years I understand the internal debate one has between stainless steel, cabinet panel front and solid color appliances, well deliberate no longer. The new Oiled Bronze finish is stunning with its warm bronze tone and copper highlights, this exciting new option will work with an array of cabinet finishes. The stainless steel accents and handles allows one to maintain their current stainless sink and faucet or if you prefer to make a complete kitchen transformation coordinating oil rubbed bronze faucets are readily available. It takes something exciting to send me into total design bliss but I must say this did the trick. As I returned home to my three year old appliances they seemed to have lost their luster and cooking just feels wearisome. The new Jenn-Air® Oiled Bronze suite might just re-illuminate my inner chef.

As my kitchen renovation begins I hope you enjoyed the highlights from the builders show. For any additional information on the products referenced above or for assistance with a design inquiry please feel free to send me an e-mail at tleisnaugle@msn.com.

Tracy L. Eisnaugle has practiced interior design in Sarasota since 1997 and is currently self employed providing design consultation services in the area. She is a graduate from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and continues her education by attending annual conferences. Her past experience includes, Design Center Manager for Lee Wetherington Homes, high-end residential design and model merchandising. Tracy may be reached at 941.232.3358 or by e-mail at tleisnaugle@msn.com.