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The International Home and Housewares Show hosted a preview highlighting some of the trends and products we can look forward to seeing this year in Chicago. Besides the usual mix of ergonomic kitchen gadgets, new technologies in home appliances, and green solutions for everyday tasks, we saw some interesting trends in the area of product design and usability. In the kitchen storage category, stackability and space saving design were keys to improving everything from Microplane graters to collapsible nesting bowls and stackable water bottles. My favorite lunchbox product, the Glasslock line of airtight, leakproof and stackable food storage containers now comes in an ovenproof version from Snapware. Ceramic knives continue to be on trend with companies like Cuisinart throwing their hat into the ring at a friendly price point with a break resistant technology that's new to the market.

Check out some more interesting products from this year's IHHS 2011 preview and stay tuned for some fun coverage at the upcoming March show.

Chef'n, the company behind the pinch + pour measuring cups, launches the FreshForce Collection with interesting design details on old classics. The pizza wheel has a safety guard that doubles as a sharpener, the Popout peeler has a retractable blade and the basting/pastry brushes feature a unique ink quill design to absorb and hold large amounts of sauce or oil.

Swed-ophiles rejoice! Products from Born in Sweden are now available in the North America. The indoor watering can is an 18-inch stainless steel cylinder with a flexible silicone hose that attaches to the can body when not in use. To water, just hold the hose in one hand and use the other to raise the can -- gravity does the rest of the work. New to the market from Born in Sweden is a Flyswatter, the design is inspired by insect wings. The dual surface cuts the air and increases performance while allowing for upright storage!

Stress Less tools were designed for people with limited hand dexterity or those who just prefer to use less energy in their every day actions. The Safety Can Opener requires 50% less effort and increases leverage with a rotating cranking arm. It stores away in a smart, compact design.

With stackable storage and closet organizing popular as ever, Neatfreak is transforming the category with their Everfresh line of fabrics. Although the technology debuted last year, the 100% environmentally friendly enzymes are being put to work in laundry totes, closet organizers and storage solutions to fight odor and bacteria.

Bodum's Fyrkat Cone Grill is not only a stylish option for outdoor cooking but gives you options--grill on the upper grates or remove them to utilize the battery-powered rotisserie option! The design for the Fyrcat Cone grill is an update on the original charcoal grill released by Bodum in 1962.

The folks behind the Zoku quick pops have a line of new accessories for their wildly popular popsicle maker; A storage case built for 6, a toolbox for making multi-colored pops and corepops, and a fantastic-looking recipe book helps to make life a little sweeter.