Rob and I are about to leave for an expedition across 450,000 square feet of opportunity. It’s called KBIS, or the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, and it takes place every year in Las Vegas.
This industry event is a BIG deal for us, and for professionals around the world.
There will be over 600 exhibitors showing at KBIS this year, and Rob and I have a specific list of brands we want to see. We’ve deliberately selected the manufacturers and vendors that we have existing relationships with, or whom we want to work with, or who create products that are most innovative and relevant to our clients.
That means that what I see at KBIS will be relevant to you, too. Take a look at what I plan on seeing…and read my predictions of what industry shifts will shape your next kitchen or bathroom renovation…
What is KBIS?
So…KBIS is considered the premier event for kitchen and bath design. It’s the biggest show in North America, and the 100,000+ professionals (like me and Rob) who go each year consider it a must-attend event.
Why? Because reading about new products and getting insider looks from our vendors and partners is one thing, but seeing ALL the latest in products, materials, and technologies in one place is how we keep a pulse on what’s possible now and what’s next.
What I’m most excited to see at KBIS…
These are the areas of kitchen and bathroom design where I expect to see the most innovation…and I will be there to see it hands-on!! What we can do now is incredible, but what’s coming next is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
I’ll be spending time looking at:
- Cabinet hardware — this is the “jewelry” to your kitchen or bathroom space. Talking to cabinet hardware manufacturers means I’ll see more than pretty new designs…I’ll be talking about cabinet metal selections and even ergonomical considerations…because, yes, your cabinet hardware selection will shape your comfort as much as your space’s aesthetic!!
- Cabinets — IF they’re there. Cabinet design is perhaps the single most important element of kitchen and bathroom design (the industry is climbing to $18.9 billion by 2025), yet cabinet manufacturers have been strangely absent at KBIS…if there are any manufacturers at the show this year, they will garner a LOT of attention.
- Lighting — there are TWO things I’m looking for in lighting…first, how many manufacturers will be making square can lights or recessed lights? This is trending, and I’m HAPPY to see it. For years, we’ve had to use round lights with visible square trim. Prepare yourselves for much cleaner ceiling finishes soon…SECOND, I’ll also be looking at undercabinet and in-cabinet lighting. Undercabinet lighting needs more discrete installation options…and in-cabinet lighting is a new trend that integrates seamlessly into cabinet interiors so you can see what’s inside, AND illuminate glassware, closed bars, or décor beautifully.
- Appliances — smart technology is revolutionizing the way we cook, shop for groceries, get through our morning routine, and even clean the toilet (more on that next)! Appliance manufacturers will be all over KBIS, and I am SO excited to see how many more “smart,” connected innovations will provide even more conveniences and comforts than we’ve seen already…Smart appliances account for 20% of the global home appliance market already. Are you part of the 20%, or part of the 80% who’s due for an upgrade?!
- Bidet toilets — this is about more than hygiene because today’s bidet toilets are They’re sleek designs that can: raise the lid automatically when the light comes on; automatically clean themselves; provide heated seat settings, and more. This combination of a traditional bidet with the comfort of a traditional toilet AND the ease of “smart” features is so perfect that the smart bidet industry is growing by 7.3% year over year!!What I always tell clients: once you try these, you’ll be an immediate convert!!
- Sinks — sleek and streamlined options are in no short supply in kitchen and bathroom sink design. The material options out there today are favoring greater sustainability, too.What I’M most excited about seeing, however, is the first-ever AI-designed sink, called “AILA.” This sink was first imagined by my friend Leslie Carothers and then designed using AI. The images she created were handed off to the sink manufacturer Thompson, who partnered with her on the project. This is the first of its kind in technology…and it’s also a STUNNING decorative sink. The prototype by Thompson is handcrafted, and I get to see it at KBIS!!
- Plumbing — this includes shower fixtures, faucets, and all the stuff behind the walls that clients might not be excited about…but I am SO ready to see water-saving fixtures, advanced filtration systems, and more sustainable and efficient designs!!
- Countertops — materials for countertops give us another area of opportunity for sustainability. Also, since KBIS is a big deal on an international level, I’m going to keep an even closer eye out for the materials and designs that our Texas homes favor…you won’t see the same counters in Keller, Texas that you will in Boston!!
- Building materials — Rob and I will look at building materials together, too. Sustainability will be a topic of conversation with these manufacturers as well…
My KBIS predictions…
What I’m excited to see runs in parallel with what I predict we’ll see.
My predictions come from many, many years of working in the industry…so, I know what’s possible now, and I have a close relationship with all our partners — so I know what’s coming. Seeing these things in person, though, is what gives KBIS its charm.
And, years of experience aside, there is ALWAYS still lots for me to learn. KBIS is an opportunity every year to learn about new manufacturers, and to see what’s being developed that I haven’t yet tested or even read about.
I foresee the following at KBIS this year…these are the changes that will shape kitchen and bathroom design moving forward:
- Cabinet hardware will offer more designs than ever. The demand for decorative cabinet hardware is growing…because homeowners are customizing more in their homes. Cabinet hardware is one of the primary areas of focus in this customization.
- Induction heating will be bigger than ever. Induction heating cooktops have been almost universal in Europe for years, and now they will occupy a bigger piece of the pie (next to gas) in the U.S. Many stoves at KBIS this year will be induction-inspired.
- Square recessed lights will be available from more manufacturers. A handful of manufacturers have been offering these recently, and I believe the number this year will increase. Square recessed lights offer a MUCH more modern look than the round ones that leave trim showing…
- Discrete undercabinet lighting will be cleaner and cleverer. Undercabinet lighting has been popular for years now as both an aesthetic and a functional feature in bathroom and kitchen design. And, really, its only drawback has been how visible the LED light strips can be. I believe we’ll see cleverer ways to install this lighting more discretely.
- Floating wall toilets. Instead of installing toilets directly to the floor, floating wall toilet designs have been popular in Europe for years. I believe we’ll see LOTS of them at KBIS this year. People want this sleek, space-saving solution for their new bathrooms.
- AI integrations From Leslie Carothers’ AI-designed sink to new smart appliances, the presence of AI will be EVERYWHERE. Just look at the Dallas Market Lightovation show I went to recently and the whole metaverse experience offered!!
Rob and I are about to leave for Las Vegas to attend the 61st KBIS. I am SO excited to connect with vendors and manufacturers, and with industry peers.
The latest innovations in kitchen and bath design have the power to elevate your space and to elevate the way you live. I’ll be sharing a LOT about what I see on my Instagram and in my private design group on Facebook, so be sure to watch for updates!
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