I’m just now returning from the KBIS blog tour in Orlando, Florida. KBIS is the largest kitchen and bath show in the country where leading experts come together to share what’s hot and new in the industry. Here, I got to see the latest in styles, finishes, colors and design, not to mention technology. This blog tour was put on by Veronica Miller and Florence Von Pelet of Modenus, and I cannot thank them enough for including me on this incredible tour.
Going on blog tours gives me a behind-the-scenes look at what’s really going on behind the curtain with the wizards. Manufacturers and vendors alike give us the inside scoop so you can get a bird’s eye view in real time of what to put in your next project. Throughout the year there are many trade shows but none are as popular as KBIS.
Another reason I love these tours is it gives me the ability to pinpoint trends. As an Interior designer I am in the thick of it. Meaning every day I work with every day people just like you who are requesting everyday things so I know what everyday items they want. There is no other group that can walk a tour and immediately see what will work and what won’t than that of an interior designer. Sure, a manufacturer may think they’ve discovered the holy grail, but leave it to the designer to tell you the truth.
So what did I see? If you’re about to start a remodeling project or in the middle of making selections, here’s the biggest kitchen and bath trends to carry you into every remodeling project in your home right now.
1) GRANITE IS OUT!
If you’re about to start a project with any counter tops you’ll want to consider using quartz. It’s the number one product on the market right now. It’s durable, has incredible finish options and it’s fresh. Trust me those of us who have been doing projects since the late nineties are so bored of granite.
2) BRASS IS BACK!
Yep, you read that right. Chrome and satin still reign supreme if you want to keep it classic however shiny brass is back in a big way. Not ready to commit? Yet another trend is rose gold.
3) STONE SINKS
Beautiful hand carved stone sinks were also a hot topic at the show. While traditional porcelain will always be a classic, a stone sink is where the trend is headed.Here are two examples from the DXV showroom:
4) TWO TONE CABINETS AND BLEACHED CABINETS
Yet another huge trend were two tone cabinets and bleached woods. Finally we are getting away from the all white trend. So if you’re about to remodel your kitchen or bathroom avoid doing all white. You will immediately date your house.
5) NAVY AND BLUE
Without a doubt the biggest trend in Kitchen and Bath right now is color, especially blues. It was an apparent trend in everything from cabinets to appliances.
6) COLOR
Blue was the top color of the show but color was indeed everywhere. Cabinets, faucets, appliances and evens sinks were anything but traditional.
7) DOORS
Boring builder grade doors are out. If you want your home to stand out with details start with amazing doors! Doors are very important in feng shui so I was very pleased to see so many fantastic options available.
8) SUBWAY TILE IS OUT!
Boring white subway tile is out. Thank the lord! Texture, color, pattern and unique design was
the hottest trend at KBIS.
So there you have it. The top trends from KBIS. Be sure to head back on over here later this week and next. I’ll be highlighting several of these brands and sharing more incredible photos from the show. I’ll also be highlighting some of the brands we got to see on the tour up close and personal. So much really cool technology like self cleaning toilets, and faucets that dispense water just like a measuring cup.
Stay tuned! Lots to share!