The GE café at KBIS 2024
Let’s face it: A kitchen or a bathroom remodel is exciting, but making decisions about it—from design to appliances—isn’t as easy as it sounds. You’ll find incredible inspiration in physical showrooms and even more while scrolling online sources, but how do you narrow down your choices? Don’t fret, however, because even the pros have to filter through all of the options.
Sharon Sherman, owner of Thyme & Place Design in Wyckoff, attended this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas to see the industry’s latest ideas and trends—and she returned to New Jersey with the best. Here’s what she discovered:
As a designer fully immersed in the world of KBIS 2024, I couldn’t help but be inspired by the design elements and technological advancements on display. Here are my favorite finds from KBIS 2024, the intersection of design and innovation.
Color: A Bold Comeback
Color enthusiasts, rejoice! KBIS 2024 brought back vibrant hues in kitchen and bath design. From lush greens to deep blues, color made a bold statement throughout the show. Brands like Kohler and GE Café embraced this trend, reintroducing retro-inspired colorways that have us feeling comforted and nostalgic.
Think Barbiecore meets a colorized Father Knows Best while adding a modern twist by looking to the design archives for inspiration. Color is not only making a comeback, but it’s also becoming an integral part of the design conversation. If you’re looking for a white-and-gray color palette, you will be disappointed.
Sustainability: A Continuing Story
In a world increasingly conscious of environmental impact, sustainability remains a top priority for manufacturers, especially in design-build environments. From eco-friendly materials to energy-efficient appliances, the industry is making strides toward a more sustainable future. At KBIS 2024, companies showcased their commitment to sustainability through products like Delta Brizo’s PVD finish process for the new sink from Kraus and their colorful Delta “Indy” line of bath faucets. Innovative composting solutions also exemplified this commitment to environmental stewardship.
Technology: Shaping the Future of Design
Innovation and technology go hand in hand, and KBIS 2024 was no exception. From smart appliances to energy management systems, technology is shaping the future of design. Take, for instance, products like Span’s energy management system, which replaces standard electrical panels. The system determines what is the best and most efficient use of the energy coming into the home and delivers it where needed.
Free Power’s wireless charging system is an amazing innovation that transforms everyday surfaces into wireless charging systems. This product, a best-of-show winner, is installed into a countertop much like cutting out a sink and installing the power source into the counter material. A light creates a halo on the surface to locate the charging system.
Our homes are becoming increasingly connected. Technology continues to revolutionize the way we live and interact with our homes, our interiors and each other.
Arts, Craftsmanship and Design Details
Amidst the wave of innovation, a reverence for craftsmanship and design details took center stage at the show. From artisanal metalwork like the beautiful sinks and hoods from Thompson Traders to artistic impressions integrated with appliance fronts at Monogram, every element spoke to the dedication to quality and beauty. Bocchi featured hand-painted sinks bathroom and Smeg always brings artistic intent to its line of appliances.
Curves Are Still Sexy
Curves and capsule shapes dominated booth designs, adding elegance and sophistication to the overall aesthetic. These shapes were trending at last year’s High Point Market. As interior design and kitchen design continue to intersect, these trends will continue to influence the shape of kitchen and bath design.
Lighting Changes Everything
Lighting has become a major player in design. New technologies allow light to be curved, color-tuned, and placed in various spaces, transforming the ambiance of homes. Lighting is especially important in multi-generational designs. Interior lighting for cabinets, drawers, toe kicks, and even dishwashers is becoming a standard rather than a luxury. Lighting is bringing, health safety, and welfare together with ambiance and design to light up our lives. This is yet another example of the intersection of design and innovation.
Immersive Booth Experiences
For me, KBIS 2024 was an inspiring showcase of design and innovation. From bold colors to cutting-edge technology, the show offered a glimpse into the future of residential design. KBIS 2024 featured immersive booth experiences created by industry giants like Kohler and House Of Rohl. These spaces showcased design excellence and allowed attendees to explore products in engaging environments. As a designer, I’m excited to embrace the spirit of exploration and continue pushing the boundaries of possibility in my clients’ homes. After all, the intersection of design and innovation is where dreams become reality.
All images courtesy of Sharon Sherman.
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