Described as a ‘the place to see the latest designs and products from over 600 leading brands, Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is North America’s largest trade show dedicated to all aspects of kitchen and bath design. It’s a must for designers who want to offer their clients the latest in kitchen and bath design, and a great way to get behind the scenes with some of our favorite vendors.
It’s always a challenge to narrow down to a few favorites, but here are our top picks for this year!
Smart efficiency.
We’ve seen a huge increase in ‘touchless’ and ‘connected’ products in the home, and that trend is continuing. Many of us already have ‘smart’ thermostats and home monitoring devices, but a growing number of kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures are also starting to get smarter. We’re seeing app-enabled ovens, refrigerators, washers, bathtubs trashcans and even kitchen scales, doing everything from simply turning remotely to monitoring and re-ordering your groceries. Smart sensor integration in faucets, showers, lighting and showers offer not just convenience, but also California building code compliant energy and water efficiency, ease of use for anyone with limited mobility.
Bold Patterns
Our love affair with the crisp white kitchen shows no signs of fading, but the white subway tile is giving way to a resurgence of bold patterned tile in showers, floors and backsplashes. There were stunning options on display - everything from handcrafted glass and ceramic in bold colors and textures and traditional large scale patterns that draw the eye, to intricate mosaics in every shape, material and combination.
That trend continued into wallpapers, with breathtaking designs seen everywhere. Graham and Brown, Sanderson and Pierre Frey are some of the more established brands, but expect to see traditional, modern and wildly colorful options everywhere from Anthropologie to Urban Outfitters.
Color
Bluestar Range with gold tone hardware and brass pot filler above.
Pic credit: Caitlin Wilson Design
Cabinet manufacturers are offering some bold color options that work wonderfully in California kitchens and bathrooms. Navy and gray featured in many displays, often in combination with white or wood, their more dramatic tones drawing the eye and providing a warmth and drama to every space.
Clean, elegant door styles like shaker and plain slab in a wide range of colors and textures combined with white to incorporate warmth and interest. Our picks? Hale Navy is still a strong favorite, while warm grays provide a beautiful counterpoint to the breathtaking new tile patterns and textures. We also loved the wide range of pared down wood finishes that bring a clean, rustic and hard wearing finish to any space.
Appliances were available in the widest range of colors and finishes that we’ve seen, giving us something Stainless steel, gloss black, matte black, ultra matte black, cobalt, emerald, antique white, and matte white were all on show, paired with new customizable hardware options including pewter, gold, brass and copper.
Fixture Finishes
We’ve been seeing warm metal tones like gold, copper and gilt emerging into the hardware offerings for the last few year, but this year we’re seeing this trend filter through to the bigger plumbing and lighting brands. Trusted brands like Delta and Rohl have expanded their range of finishes to include offerings such as English Satin Gold, Rose Gold and Matte Black. We’re also seeing a growing interest in traditional styles as well as sleek modern lines, giving customers the ability to customize their kitchen to their unique style.
Porcelain Counters
While marble, quartz and composite countertops are enduringly popular in kitchens, we were excited to see porcelain on show in a range of elegant finishes. Long used for china and bakeware, porcelain makes a countertop material that is scratch, crack, UV and heat resistant - perfect for homes that want to combine form and function. It’s a great option not just for kitchen counters, but also for backsplashes, shower and tub enclosures, fireplace surrounds, outdoor kitchens and even flooring. Our favorites came from Stile by MSI and Mont Surfaces, displaying a range of options that would enhance any indoor or outdoor space. You can browse their selection here
Statuario Porcelain - Stile by MSI
Zebrino black -Stile by MSI
