People who talk about a smart home usually refer only to technology. But this year, new products introduced for the interior show a lot of “smart” thinking even when the technology isn’t obvious. Take, for instance, the additions to barn door hardware that help the doors close as softly as a kitchen drawer. Think of subfloors that you don’t need to sand, or flooring that can get drenched and not warp. Here, too, you’ll find designs that intentionally try to split the difference between traditional and modern.
The Newest Convertible
JELD-WEN’s DesignGlide system uses accent rails and a matching soft-close rail and hardware to convert any standard-sized (80-inch) interior door into a barn door-style fixture. This hardware solution addresses many of the challenges of barn door installation, including the need to use oversized doors or reframe an entryway. The hardware is available in satin nickel and matte black finishes. jeld-wen.com
Creative Toughness
LP has been having fun establishing its Legacy subflooring’s bona fides for toughness by submerging the board for hours under a waterfall and using it as a launching and landing pad for mountain bikers. Each of the LP Legacy boards’ wood strands is bonded at the molecular level with a resin formulated with Gorilla Glue Technology. This subflooring carries a “Covered Until It’s Covered” no-sand warranty. lpcorp.com
Iron Clad
The Contempo Collection of iron balusters is “comfortable in contemporary, retro, modern, and craftsman settings in homes and commercial locations,” L.J. Smith says. The collection is available in either a low-sheen black or matte nickel finish, and the balusters come in straight line, rectangular vertical, oblong vertical, and ladder styles and pair with many of the firm’s newel and rail designs. ljsmith.com
Expressly for Closets
ExpressShelf is a pre-finished solid shelf and rod system that provides an affordable alternative to traditional, painted MDF or particleboard plank-and-pole systems. It can be mounted directly to wall framing or attached to drywall using easy anchors with no need for cleats. The customizable system has color and upgrade options and is pre-painted with trim, ClosetMaid says. closetmaid.com
No Door Slamming Allowed
Johnson Hardware’s 2610SC Wall Mount Sliding Barn Door hardware now includes Soft Close/Soft Open hardware that slows a door’s travel speed and softly pulls it into an open or closed position. The product can be used with virtually any metal or wood door that measures 1 inch to 1-¾ inches thick and up to 60 inches wide and weighs up to 200 pounds. It has adjustable track stops, a jump-proof aluminum box track, and rolling tricycle hangers. johnsonhardware.com
Fire Fighter
Boise Cascade’s AJS 24 FMJ I-Joist features a foil-faced insulation board—a critical component for passing the American Society for Testing and Materials E119 fire test, required to establish equivalency to dimensional lumber joists. The joists also meet International Code Council Evaluation Service acceptance criteria for fire protection of residential floors. The joists arrive ready for installation on the jobsite and are designed without a specific top or bottom orientation, to help ensure correct framing. bc.com
Rosy Feelings
Fixture finishes are moving away from just platinum and stainless steel, our sister publication Remodeling reports. To that end, Kohler has released its rose gold faucet finish for bathroom fixtures. The company says the finish lends a warmth and brilliance to any space and plays well across multiple design styles. The finish is created using Kohler’s Physical Vapor Deposition system, which helps maximize the finish’s durability and resistance to corrosion and tarnishing. It’s available for contemporary and classic faucet styles with coordinating accessories. kohler.com
