The foundation of a kitchen or bath design is usually the cabinets, countertops and appliances. They often set the tone for the space through both their design style and color. It’s the complementary pieces, however – the faucets, fixtures, hardware and accessories – that complete the space and deliver the wow effect.
The Decorative Plumbing & Hardware Association, based in Bethesda, MD, is a community of industry professionals dedicated to the manufacture and distribution of the latter elements, those that enhance and elevate the design of kitchen and bath spaces. Each year, the DPHA honors new products in this segment through its Product of the Year Awards, which recognizes the uniqueness, design, functionality, innovation and technological superiority of these items. This year, the association presented the 23rd POTY Awards at its annual conference and product showcase, which was held in October 2024 in Denver, CO.
An independent panel of judges – all experts in the field of design and construction – evaluated each of the entries. The judges for the 2024 DPHA Awards included: Eliot Sefrin, founding editor and publisher emeritus of Kitchen & Bath Design News; Alena Capra, owner, Alena Capra Designs in Fort Lauderdale, FL; Alissa Ponchione, executive editor at Hospitality Design magazine; Eric Goranson, CKD, producer and host of “Around the House with Eric G”; Garrison Hullinger, founder and principal designer, Garrison Hullinger Interior Design in Portland, OR, and Molly Switzer, founder, Molly N. Switzer Designs in Portland, OR. Award winners were presented in nine separate categories: Bathroom Water Delivery, Bathroom Fixture, Kitchen Fixture, Furniture, Accessory, Innovative Technology, Innovative Engineering, Door Hardware and Cabinet Hardware.
2024 DPHA AWARD WINNERS
Click dropdown arrows to read about each product.
Bathroom Water Delivery
WINNER | AD Waters: Treemme WATT
The Treemme WATT thermostatic shower system, available from AD Waters, showcases a design inspired by vintage lighting. The collection, in brass and 316 L inox, features a single mixer tap and thermostatic valves for built-in showers. The control panel is fitted with knobs similar to those of old transistor radios.
HONORABLE MENTION | Venini-Fantini: Venezia
Venezia by Venini from Fantini is a luxurious faucet collection that combines the expertise of Fantini, Venini, and Studio Thun. Showcasing Italian craftsmanship, the faucets include two-tone cylindrical handles in aquamarine/green, amethyst/amber or red/amber, and filigree handles in white or black, all crafted of Murano glass.
Kitchen Fixture
WINNER | Julien: FIRA Sink & Accessory Set
Handcrafted in Italy, each FIRA fireclay sink from Julien offers a smooth, non-porous finish with a reversible apron in flat or Shaker style. The firing process not only makes the surface impervious to dirt, it also fuses the materials together leading to higher impact and scratch resistance, states the company. The workstation sink includes a rim that fits accessories made from American black walnut.
HONORABLE MENTION | Ruvati: HexBottom Kitchen Sink
The HexBottom kitchen sink collection features an etched geometric design that keeps sinks looking new without grids or sink protectors, according to Ruvati. This patent-pending technology brings an embossed finish to stainless steel sink bottoms with a hexagonal pattern and matte finish for a semi-reflective look. The workstation sink includes a built-in ledge that provides a platform for 40+ LedgeFit accessories.
Bathroom Fixture
WINNER | TOTO: Neorest LS Toilet
TOTO’s NEOREST LS Smart Bidet Toilet sports a new low-profile, one-piece skirted design with decorative metal trim that provides a modern yet classic aesthetic. Spa-like features include: ultra-high efficiency dual-flush; aerated warm water, dual-action spray with oscillating and pulsating features; adjustable spray position, water temperature and water pressure, and warm air dryer with five temperature settings.
HONORABLE MENTION | LACAVA: BRIO TUB21
BRIO tubs project opulence and intricate fluted detailing making an interior statement of their own, reports LACAVA. The tubs are geometrically simple oblong soakers made of solid surface, available in gloss and matte white. The repeat flutes on the entire perimeter invite many creative possibilities for installation, the firm adds.
Furniture
WINNER | Native Trails: Winemaker Series
Inspired to give a second life to a quality material regularly discarded after use, the Winemaker Series from Native Trails repurposes white oak staves originally used to enhance the flavor and aroma of wine during the fermentation process. Rich in character, the reclaimed material is transformed into five distinctive pieces, including two freestanding vanities, a floating vanity and matching mirrors for the bath.
HONORABLE MENTION | Stone Forest: Portico Console
A simple silhouette adorned with clean lines and delicate curvature, the Portico Console Sink is a refined work of precise engineering and sculptural ingenuity that harkens back to mid-century modern design, according to Stone Forest. Carved from a single block of antique gray limestone, the console sink boasts an integrated sink with a generous countertop.
Accessory
WINNER | Amba Products: Modello i
The minimalist single-bar design of Modello i towel warmer from Amba Products has vertical or horizontal installation capabilities, allowing it to be installed in a range of spaces and configurations. It is offered in round or square bar profiles in four lengths and four finishes – Matte Black, Satin Brass, Brushed and Polished Stainless Steel. The dry electrical system provides complete heating throughout the towel bar.
HONORABLE MENTION | Brisa: Brisa Body Dryer
The Brisa Body Dryer is the first fully integrated whole body dryer, according to Brisa, and incudes intuitive touch screen controls that provide customized heat and air flow. The device, which sports a clean and modern style, fits flush to the wall. It is offered in Matte Black, Polished Nickel, Brushed Nickel, Brushed Gold and Polished Chrome.
Innovative Technology
WINNER | ThermaSol: ThermaTouch2 15″ Screen
ThermaSol’s ThermaTouch2 in-shower control is available in 7″, 10″ and the newly unveiled 15″ screen option, which has a new interface and exclusive functionalities. The system offers a range of apps, including live television and music streaming, and syncs with smart home technology that allows users to turn on the shower remotely, set water at a certain temperature and pressure, activate steam therapy and control chromatherapy options through voice-activation.
HONORABLE MENTION | Brizo: Pristive Tankless RO
The Pristive Tankless Reverse Osmosis System by Brizo uses a state-of-the-art, six-stage filtration process to purify and enhance drinking water, reducing more than 90 contaminants, states the firm. First, three core filters – a reverse osmosis filter, carbon filter and pre-filter – work synergistically to provide purity and reduce toxins at the molecular level. The tankless system saves space beneath the sink, and an optional remineralizer restores naturally occurring minerals, Brizo states.
Innovative Engineering
WINNER | AD Waters: OLI Easy Move
The Easy Move Water Closet from OLI gently moves any wall-hung toilet up and down via a remote control. Easy Move, available from AD Waters, is especially practical for the elderly, children and those with reduced mobility to easily and safely alter the height of the toilet seat to meet their needs. The mechanism is almost silent, easy to install and comes with one of the most efficient water-saving outlet valves, according to AD Waters.
HONORABLE MENTION | Airmada Drying Solutions: AirPocket Door
The AirPocket slide-in shower door from Airmada Drying Solutions is designed to replace the traditional swinging shower door to create a combination walk-in shower/steam shower, as the door can create a full shower seal. This walk-in/steam shower can be accompanied by either a flush or raised threshold. Airmada Airjet technology is built into the door, which dries difficult-to-reach pockets after use.
Cabinet Hardware
WINNER | Belwith Keeler: Bijou Collection
The Bijou Collection embodies an innovative fusion of historical design and modern elegance, according to Belwith Keeler. The collection includes 11 pieces, including the 33″ long Paramount pull available in acrylic, black, clear and Tortoise shell. The Akoya Knob is inspired by the spherical form of Akoya pearls, while the Luminescence Pull features an Art Deco-inspired pattern.
HONORABLE MENTION | Thom Filicia for Accurate: Aurora Collection
The Thom Filicia for Accurate’s Aurora Collection of cabinet hardware is comprised of five distinctive silhouettes: a rectangular pull, T-bar, round knob, oval knob and hexagonal knob. Each piece showcases laser-etched designs ranging from a pattern to match one of Thom’s wallpapers to a simple herringbone.
Door Hardware
WINNER | Baldwin Hardware: Adjustable Latch
Baldwin Hardware’s Adjustable Latch eliminates the need for hardware distributors to stock door hardware with different backsets, according to the firm, as the product easily adjusts from 2-3/4″ to 2-3/8″ with a pre-installed privacy spacer and enhanced knob and level strength. The ability to go between knob and lever settings makes the adjustable latch a game changer; this allows a knob to turn left and right, while a lever can only be pushed down, adds the company.
HONORABLE MENTION | Emtek: SELECT Terrazzo Knob/Lever
The Emtek SELECT Lever program offers new levels of customization, allowing users to choose a textured lever grip, stem design, and pair with any available rosette options, states the company. The available selection – nine lever and four knob textured lever grip options – can be paired with 20+ rosettes options in a mix of 11 finishes for hundreds of unique combinations, Emtek reports.