Page 34 - Lighting Magazine March 2020

Kitchen & Bath Trends
3SMART TECHNOLOGY IS THE FUTURE Whether it’s cameras inside refrigerators to send images to consumers as they’re grocery shopping or Alexa-enabled
light switches and faucets that can perform tasks at the sound of a voice command, “smart” technology is no fad. The degree to which your customer will
want to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into their lifestyles will vary, but appliance and lighting manufacturers are proceeding with plans to offer more options and capabilities. Interoperability with connected
appliances includes clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, wall ovens, cooktops, ranges, microwaves, air conditioners, water filtration systems, showers, tubs, faucets, water softeners, and of course lighting. 
2BLACK IS THE
NEW BLACK
Apart from the mixed metal trend, deep and dark finishes continue to remain popular in kitchen and bath design today. Countertops, backsplashes, and cabinetry in shades of black and deep gray were on display at most of the major brands. Lighting professionals assisting homeowners who have selected dark-hued surfaces need to educate the end-user on the need for brighter light in these spaces.
Caesarstone’s 2020 palette for its quartz surfaces includes four textured, dark finishes for a dramatic look: Black Tempal, Oxidian, Piatto Black, and Empira Black. The hues are designed to complement the consumer trend for dark-toned cabinets and backsplashes.
iDevices, the smart home manufacturer under Hubbell Inc., debuted Instinct, the Wi-Fi enabled smart light switch with Alexa voice control built-in.
30 enLIGHTenment Magazine | March 2020
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