I recently visited the Architects and Designers Building in New York City for the second time.   (The first visit was four years ago.)   It’s always fun seeing the latest and greatest products and trends in one big place — and I do mean big!  The A&D Building has 11 floors full of showrooms and I hit all nine that had kitchen and bath gear.

Unlike the many trade shows I attend, (e.g., KBIS, LivingKitchen, Cevisama, etc.), the products on display there are already available in the market for consumer purchase, and the spaces are open to consumers to visit.  Most of the industry events I attend showcase products that won’t hit showrooms for another six months or longer, and are for professionals only).

What struck me during this June 2013 A&D visit was the wealth of gold-t0ne finishes.  Gold is typically associated with traditional design, (and I’ve torn many a gold-framed shower enclosure out of a bath remodel), but this warm symbol of wealth has been beautifully updated in a range of textures, finishes and shades suitable for traditional or contemporary spaces.  Here are some of my favorite finds from the tour:

Gold celebrates in paisley
Special order series in Artistic Tile showroom