The designer shares her top five product picks from the residential trade show.
By Gina D’Amore Bauerle, Interior Designer and Owner of D’Amore Interiors
NKBA asked designer Gina D’Amore Bauerle, Owner of D’Amore Interiors and NKBA Rocky Mountain Chapter member, to share her top five Favorite Finds from Design Chicago, the recent residential design trade show. “This was my first time attending Design Chicago,” said D’Amore Bauerle. “I would describe this experience as a boutique designer-centric version of KBIS, filled with beautiful showroom displays in one of the most beautiful buildings.”
“The scale of this show allowed for more time to experience new products, and to connect with brands, sales reps and other designers while networking over cocktails!” added D’Amore Bauerle, who has won over 30 interior design awards including first place in the NKBA Design Awards for Small Contemporary Bath in 2022, and first place in Large Traditional Bath in 2021.
She called out the following Favorite Finds as her top picks from Design Chicago.
- Matthew Studios Hardware
“I’m a sucker for glamorous and unique hardware as it’s an easy way to dress up any style of cabinetry, “ said D’Amore Bauerle. “Matthew Studios designs and produces their collections in their studio in Harlem, NY, and all products are made to order. They feature sustainably sourced horn from India, genuine rock crystal from Brazil, selenite from Africa and much more.”
- Middleby Residential: AGA Mercury Induction Range
“This is my new favorite range! I love the sleek design of the AGA Mercury Induction range. It’s a little bit retro as well as modern, so I see it as a versatile piece that can suit many styles,“ noted D’Amore Bauerle. “This range features a seven-mode multi-function oven, as well as a true European convection oven and a five burner induction cooktop! What more could a kitchen need?!”
- Artistic Tile: Botanic Green Quartzite Slab
“I am enamored with this sultry blue-green quartzite! I have a nearly completed project that features this material, so I was happy to visit this installation in Artistic Tile’s Chicago showroom,” said D’Amore Bauerle. “Botanic Green is an exquisite Brazilian quartzite with electric greens and hints of red. Cross-veining keeps the canvas lively, while the overall layering of colors feels serene.”
- Porcelanosa Xtone: Calacatta Green Polished Large Format Sintered Stone
“The vast array of large format materials that simulate natural stone but with superior performance absolutely blows my mind,” said D’Amore Bauerle. “This Calacatta Green material drew me into the Porcelanosa showroom as soon as I spotted it. Calacatta Green imitates the growth of tree roots through the shades of lime green and dry green.”
- Waterworks: R.W. Atlas Deck Mounted Marquee Lav Faucet in Burnished Brass
“I will always love plumbing fixtures with heavy industrial influences,” admitted D’Amore Bauerle. “This work of art features horizontally mounted metal lever handles on an exposed valve body with knurled details and a living finish that will only improve with age.”
