Kwikset and Baldwin Hardware, two leading industry manufacturers of hardware, recently unveiled new collections and finishes at the 2019 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
During an exclusive Facebook LIVE broadcast featuring House Tipster host Christopher Grubb, Baldwin’s Director of Marketing, Kevin Bean, presented some of these cutting-edge designs and technologies during a tour of the showroom..
Kwikset: Designed for Everyone
Most homeowners, builders, and designers recognize Kwikset as the leading brand for residential door hardware across every aesthetic from traditional to modern. But over the past decade, Kwikset has started to branch out with increased technology and improved designs, while remaining pricepoint-friendly.
This season, contemporary designs are currently dominating the Kwikset product lineup, such as the square and streamlined San Clemente handleset. The Pismo knob series, the latest knob design, also veers more modern than most other Kwikset styles.
In terms of finishes, Bean admits that this year’s hottest finish is Matte Black, which provides a clean, upscale, and very stark look. Not surprisingly, this finish is ideal for Kwikset’s ever-expanding contemporary lineup.
Kwikset is also looking to bring solutions for common consumer pain points. If you’ve ever struggled with through-bolt placement, then Kwikset’s new adjustable through-bolt will help ensure you don’t have to carve out extra holes in your doorway ever again.
Germs are also a big concern for consumers, so Kwikset formed an exclusive partnership with Microban to ensure door handles remain free of bacteria, viruses, and other germs.
Baldwin: A Designer’s Top Choice
Just like Kwikset, Baldwin Hardware is a 70+-year-old company founded in 1946. And as the #1 selling brand of luxury hardware, the Baldwin brand presents more options and greater design diversity than Kwikset and other competing companies.
For 2019, Baldwin is introducing Evolved, featuring the brand’s Smart Lock system. With Bluetooth-enabled functionality, Evolved hardware can lock or unlock remotely using the Smart Lock application, meaning you can control who comes in and out of your home, and receive notifications in real time.
Evolved is available in multiple finishes and designs, including three different deadbolt and 18 handleset designs in 19 on-trend finishes. “Smart never looked so beautiful,” Bean joked.
Knobs, another Baldwin specialty, were a showroom standout at KBIS. Ranging from clear and crystal to dark matte and in many patterns and shapes, it seems as though Baldwin has a doorknob for virtually every design aesthetic, no matter how specific.
This season, Bean anticipates a constant demand for Baldwin’s Unfinished Brass and Satin Black finishes, both of which verge more matte-like than shiny and lacquered.
As always, Kwikset and Baldwin continue to bring technology and design to the door hardware category.
Tipster TV has released the full facebook LIVE episode from our special interview, be sure to check it out below.
