If They Build It...The Smart and Cool From the 2011 Builders' Show

We want to save money and time, while helping the environment but we can't help but want to also feel pampered at the same time! Those were some of the themes I discovered at the International Builders' Show in Orlando ( IBS) with my friend,  Eric Stromer, of HGTV, TLC and AOl. 

There is even a carpet made by Mohawk that is powerful enough to withstand an elephant and a rhino living on it, day and night for a couple of weeks and it still comes out powdery fresh and sparkling clean with just water!

Take a look at some of my favorite finds, starting with a smart way to pick the perfect paint color - yes there is an app for that, called ColorSmart by BEHR. It's as easy as taking a picture of something and the color of paint you need comes up in your iPhone! Also this washing machine by GE with this new OverNight Ready feature that actually takes the wrinkles out of your clothes without an iron, or using the dryer!

In the kitchen, the forever problem is a leaky sink that leads to really bad under the sink damage. Here's what Merillat came up with to put an end to that, plus Kohler's new water smart innovations in toilets, showerheads and faucets.

Also love the new Outdoor Living comforts from Trex - It's all about giving your Outdoor Space that taste of the Tropics.  They have a new line of environmentally friendly patio decking that comes in a palette of colors that willmake you feel you are on a permanent vacation - or at least the names of them will - Lava Rock and Spiced Rum - a couple of the new Trex Transcend colors that look like tropical wood but are made of 95 percent recycled content.

http://www.trex.com/inspire/colors/trex-colors/decking/index.htm

 As a company built on green principles and values, Trex saves approximately 600 million pounds of plastic and wood scraps from landfills each year and recycles approximately 1.5 billion plastic grocery bags -- or seven out of every 10 in the United States.

Let me know what you think!

Cindy@cindydole.com