5 Cool Finds at the Kitchen and Bath Show

My fitness tracker wristband registered 22,576 steps the first day of the Kitchen and Bath Show in Las Vegas-roughly 12 miles for me. But who's counting when you're on a treasure hunt for smart design? Overall, our editors noticed an upbeat mood as manufacturers focused on modern styles, innovative technology and handcrafted finishes. In detail, there was more brass, mixed metals, LED lighting inside cabinets and gray finishes. Here are a few finds we especially liked:

1. Wisconsin-based Kohler didn't look too far afield for its agricultural-inspired Whitehaven Hayridge sink. The apron front's textured lines mimic crop rows and the farming landscape.

2. Sister brands Electrolux and Frigidaire introduced three smart appliances. Electrolux's new stainless dishwasher boasts improved water distribution to cut the cycle to 30 minutes flat. Frigidaire's Gallery Double Wall Ovens preheat in a zippy six minutes, and its FlexAbility freezer can switch between refrigerator and freezer with the flip of a switch.

3. Masterbrand's cabinet lines seemingly had something for everyone. The Omega brand, started by craftsmen decades ago in a quaint Iowa barn, reimagined walnut with a dramatic horizontal grain structure on new Tarin slab doors. The Decora line showcased a clever bath mirror with side pull-out shelves that let users access items without interrupting their looking-glass view.

4. Industrial-style sculptures by Indianapolis artist Jeff Laramore set the stage for Brizo's new Artesso kitchen faucet collection. A blend of traditional design with industrial chic, each faucet has optional SmartTouch technology that lets users activate water flow with a simple touch.

5. Starting at just $5, the knob and pulls in Top Knobs' new Quilted series offer a lot of bang for the buck. Plus, they're a nice option for those of us not quite ready to plunk down $15,000 for a pro range.

This story was originally published after the 2014 Kitchen and Bath Show.