Last week, I wrote about my predictions for KBIS 2024, the biggest kitchen and bath industry show in North America.
The title of the article was “anticipate innovation.” I mentioned design innovations that will look sleeker…ones that will elevate your home…and I also talked about innovations in technology with all the appliances smart enough to “learn” and those with connected smart home features.
As I reflect on my journey through the isles of KBIS this week, I find myself totally amazed by the LEVEL of innovation I saw. Most of my predictions came true, then some of them fell short of exactly how innovative the top kitchen and bath manufacturers have become.
I was especially drawn to the stories behind each product…the passion and dedication of these brands has shaped the future. Your future. Mine. Everything about what’s possible and how to live our best lives is changing.
Now, you can follow along with me as I share some of the innovations I saw…
BONUS: Make sure to watch for next week’s article when I go product-by-product through my favorite things I saw!! This week I focus on innovation…and next week there will be a huge gallery of amazing design finds!
Thompson: AILA Sink collaboration with Leslie Carothers
There was extra buzz on the showroom floor when I met my friend Leslie Carothers (a former interior designer and now named one of the “Top 40 Most Inspiring Women In Home”) at the Thompson display. The manufacturer is known for their handmade metal sinks, and they’d partnered with Leslie to make a statement this year. This collaboration yielded the first sink design based off AI-generated images.
Leslie’s vision was fueled by her expertise in AI and combined seamlessly with Thompson’s precision and craftsmanship to bring this sink to life. I stood and stared at the elegant contours of the AILA sink and saw it as a testament to the transformative potential with new AI tools in design.
Rob even bought the first sink at the unveiling!! It’s going in our home, I was so surprised!
Consentino: Sustainable Silestone Surfaces
Consentino is a surface manufacturer. From kitchen to bathroom countertops, the application of their surfaces will be seen elsewhere in the home with new collaborations they announced at KBIS.
But let me back up.
Consentino showcased their commitment to sustainability at KBIS in more than one way. Among other product updates, they unveiled their Earthic surface, part of the Silestone line. Earthic was made as a collaboration with FormaFantasma (a design duo with loads of accolades in Italy).
Here’s how Consentino’s whole Silestone line has become a leader in industry sustainability:
- At least 20% of any Silestone surface is made with recycled natural materials
- 99% of the water used in manufacturing Silestone surfaces is reused water
- 100% of the energy used in manufacturing comes from renewable sources
Now…how’s this REALLY translate to someone’s design in their home? We want to make sustainable choices when we can…but what about look and feel?
With this big unveiling of Earthic and other sustainable surfaces, Consentino also announce almost a dozen HUGE partnerships with brands like Monogram and Kohler to come up with totally new applications of their surface materials in other products. So, not only do you have a whole suite of Silestone surfaces to choose from, but you’ll want to watch for interesting appliances and sinks with sustainable Consentino surface materials, too…
Whirlpool: JennAir 30-inch SlimTech Column Refrigerator
Whirlpool made a splash at KBIS this year with their introduction of the SlimTech Column Refrigerator.
You might be thinking, WAIT, “slim?” I need MORE fridge space, not less!
That’s the beauty of this design, though. With the new vacuum insulated structure (VIS) technology used instead of polyurethane foam in its construction, the JennAir has walls that are significantly thinner, making for more storage room inside. The thinner walls are also more energy efficient, meaning less energy consumption AND keeping your food fresher…
Bertazzoni: Professional Series Induction Ranges
There were SO MANY ranges I LOVED at KBIS…this sector has some amazing design work going on right now.
To highlight some real innovation, though, let’s talk about Bertazzoni. I predicted that there would be a lot more induction cook tops at KBIS, and I was right. It’s not just switching out gas for induction, though…KBIS also had some of the most amazing, cutting-edge induction advancements.
Take the Professional Series Induction Ranges by Bertazzoni. This new range of this cooktops allows for heating even when cookware isn’t flush with the stovetop. That, plus the other benefits of induction cooktops, and this is REALLY something to think about for your kitchen.
Cubic: “Kitchen in a Table” Outdoor Entertainment
Cubic Outdoor Living specializes in inventing systems made for outdoor entertainment. Their new Kitchen in a Table captures REAL imagination, because it’s more than just a long kitchen island with a waterfall edge and barstools included…the design also includes ceramic surfaces and integrated induction burners, so cooking can be done right there and then the counter surface is free as table space later.
The craftsmanship and real-life application of this design is SUPER apparent, and it reflects the huge trend for indoor-outdoor living that’s especially luxurious here in Texas.
An example of indor-outdoor living…
Kohler: SpaViva Handshower with Interchangeable Attachments
This was one of the first things I saw at KBIS!!
Kohler’s SpaViva handshower stood out as an exemplary look at a new standard for relaxation and luxury in the home. With its interchangeable attachments, you’re promised a spa-grade experience in your shower.
Look at the options…there’s the facial brush and the body massager, then additional body brushes. I couldn’t help but imagine the daily indulgence this will bring to the homeowners whose homes we add this to!!
Kohler’s commitment not just to innovation but to wellness was my big takeaway from this.
OLI: Easy Move WC Wall-Hung Toilet
This is where one of my predictions fell short!
I predicted that we’d see a lot of wall-mounted and bidet toilets…and this was true. I did NOT know there would be something like OLI’s Easy Move wall-hung toilet. The adjustable mounting system can be moved up or down or closer or further to the wall, whether or not someone is sitting on it. This is done by mounting it into an adjustable frame and cistern so that the height and distance of the seat can be EXACTLY where you want it.
This is an amazing innovation for anyone who’s especially tall or short, or a child or someone with reduced mobility…you name it…
My biggest takeaway from KBIS innovations: inventing something new is NOT just about pushing boundaries. It’s about making a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Rob and I left KBIS feeling inspired. There was so much to see that sparked the imagination of what level of comfort the home can really provide.
I’ll be sharing more details from KBIS soon…I’ve already been posting specific product reviews on Instagram and in my private design group. Make sure you catch next week’s article, too, because that’s where I’ll round my favorite products up!!
Leave a Reply