Whether your upcoming kitchen or bathroom project is small-scale or a grandiose redesign, you’ll almost certainly browse physical showrooms and online sources for new ideas. It may take time—days, weeks, even months—to narrow down your choices. But don’t fret—even the pros are always in search of inspiration. Sharon Sherman, owner of Thyme & Place Design in Wyckoff, attended the 2023 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas earlier this month in search of new trends and ideas. Here’s what she discovered and brought back to us in New Jersey:
This year’s show was a return to the days of old. Overall, there were record-breaking numbers of exhibitors and attendees at KBIS 2023, which was part of the larger Design and Construction Week in Las Vegas. The overriding theme of the show was bold, beautiful and sustainable design in products and materials—creating excitement at one of the industry’s best conferences.
Companies Make A Commitment
Almost every manufacturer seemed to strut their stuff with a commitment to color, innovation and sustainability. In addition, sustainability of our mental, physical and emotional well-being was a theme with products and installations meant for the human aspect of design, health and wellness. Although this theme has been a hot topic in design and construction, it is now an appreciated and encouraged aspect of today’s home.
Heritage Colors
Kohler and its colorful display of toilets and freestanding sinks seemingly stole the show. Not only did the company provide and encourage color inspiration, but attendees were also able to vote on which retro-inspired hue would be added as a limited edition to its line of products. The big reveal came with the announcement that “Spring Green” and “Peachblow” would be the playful colors used to bring the character back to the bathroom. Remember, this is a trend—trends come and go.
Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing fittings and fixtures were in abundance. Steam showers were front and center in several bathroom product booths I visited. Wellness begins at home, and a steam shower is attainable and sustainable when it comes to washing the world away each day.
Fixtures In Bold Colors
Marmite showed deep green and navy tubs alongside a beautiful tub covered in colors that looked like an abstract painting.
Beautiful Finishes
On one hand, matte and shiny hammered finishes were combined on faucets at the Brizo booth. They look like jewels adorning the fittings. Honey bronze and soft gold were also displayed.
On the other hand, handles took the show with materials like Lucite, which are finished to withstand daily use. Industrial-style faucets for the kitchen were also shown in a variety of finishes, including a white powder-coated finish by Jason Wu for Brizo.
Mid-century modern is still a strong design theme. A collection by Brizo inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright displayed architectural details in the form and combined metal and wood finishes in an ode to Fallingwater.
Multi-Purpose Faucets
Multi-purpose faucets were shown in many booths. Imagine one faucet that not only provides hot and cold water but also dispenses sparkling water and wine, beer or mixed cocktails. There’s nothing like impressing your friends by pouring—with a touch of a button—a cold beer or a Moscow mule. Home entertaining is taking on a whole new meaning with these introductions.
Kitchen Appliances
Induction ruled the day. Once again, burners that are concealed in the countertop were extensively displayed. Food preservation is another sustainable theme for refrigeration, and both Beko and Signature Kitchen Suite are leading the way. Signature Kitchen Suite introduced its prototype home garden cultivation appliance. Home gardening exploded in the last couple of years. This is a great solution for year-round indoor gardening to provide nutritious food for family meals.
Miele demonstrated their new countertop coffee center. For those who love their barista but prefer preparing perfect coffee at home, this new portable system brewed delicious coffee.
Steam ovens and steam cooking are two of my favorite kitchen appliance staples and most manufacturers are offering their version. Once again the popularity of health and wellness as it relates to nutrition has become a standard in the appliance world.
Decorative Hardware
Mixed metals and materials combined with colorful accents are the perfect finishing touch for any cabinetry. Belwith Keeler did not disappoint. Much of the fabulous hardware seen in the GE Monogram display was created in collaboration with this company. I particularly loved this leather and honey bronze pull.
Other Noteworthy Products
Fireclay apron sinks with functional accessories were especially interesting. Bocchi, whose Baveno Sink System won best in show, offers sinks that provide the multi-function of larger galley-type sinks but in smaller options. It even makes a retractable faucet that drops down into the counter—the perfect foil for smaller spaces and coffee or wine bars where counter space is prized.
Rev-A-Shelf showcased several new products for kitchen, bath, laundry and even pet centers. One of my favorites was a built-in dryer rack that tucks away into a drawer. Personally, I drip dry many items rather than dry cleaning, a significantly more sustainable process than dry cleaning.
In the past, I’ve talked about the LG Styler, the perfect home appliance for garment care. Well, LG now has the same system for shoes. With sneakers rising to status symbol levels, this might be the perfect cleaning/display solution.