Last month, I traveled to sunny Orlando, Florida, to attend KBIS, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. I was there to scout the trends and shop for clients, as well as host an Instagram takeover for Traditional Home, sharing my finds with the magazine’s followers.
From what I saw, the integration of technology into our homes continues to change the way we live, making household chores easier and more enjoyable, and family time more personal and productive. Plus, there are so many stunning and inventive products coming to market, making these coveted spaces that much more spectacular. Here are several of my favorite discoveries from KBIS, broken down by category.
APPLIANCES
This steam/convection oven from Thermador, small in stature, essentially replaces the need for wall ovens and microwaves. It offers much faster cooking times, and retains moisture in the food rather than drying it out.
Thermador also offers a great new option where you can face certain refrigerators with virtually any material, including wood and painted canvas. This, in my opinion, goes toward the larger trend of kitchens beginning to look like other rooms in the house, with appliances integrated into cabinetry.
This True Residential refrigerator, featuring brass handles and hinges and a striking cobalt blue finish, was a big star at KBIS. Homeowners are taking more risks with color, and using warmer metal finishes (more on that later!).
PLUMBING
Kohler’s new ombré finish for kitchen and bath faucets melds two vibrant metal finishes for a subtle but striking transition from light to dark. This is a great option if you’re not ready to switch out all of your stainless and nickel finishes but want to experiment with some warmer hardware tones.
The Grid faucet from Kallista received a Best of Show award at KBIS. The collection includes a 3D-printed bath sink faucet, a wall-hung console, lighting and accessories. While I’m still a classic polished nickel girl at heart, I love the bold dark finish.
TILE
Kelly Wearstler debuted a new tile collection from Ann Sacks. The Liaison large mosaic tile pictured here offers great texture, pattern, and lots of bold energy.
SURFACING
Cosentino’s Dekton Industrial collection, shown below in Orix, takes its inspiration from eroded cement, resulting in an industrial look that continues to influence kitchen and bath design. The color combination is based on different tones of grey, blue and green. I love the masculine appeal, which is consistent with what I saw at the show.
I took so much inspiration away from the show, and I can’t wait to see some of these innovations in the spaces I’m designing for clients. Investing in the kitchen and bath areas of the home is the best way to increase resale value, not to mention increase your enjoyment of the home while you live there. If you’re interested in learning more, give my office a call, we’d love to hear from you.
Warm regards,
Catherine