I recently returned from a whirlwind week in Vegas at the Kitchen and Bath industry show (KBIS). I attend it yearly as it provides an ample supply of inspiration, learning opportunities, and networking. It is always a blast, always exhausting, and always worth it.
Here are just some of my hot takes from my time there:
1) Porcelain Slabs
We are going to see more and more porcelain slabs specified for both interior and exterior applications. We began seeing them in kitchen countertops about 4-5 years ago. Most of the stone/slab providers I visited this market were showing off some beautiful ones that did a brilliant job of mimicking real stone. It's features are difficult to beat in that once installed, it is comparable to granite or quartzite (natural materials). It also is completely waterproof - great for exterior and bathroom applications, and does not require sealing like natural stone. When porcelain first was being purported, many of the installers would either refuse to install it or at least give push back. They are gradually coming on board with it and getting proper training on how to install so it is becoming more feasible to have it as a viable option.
2) Cold Plunge Tubs
This may come as no surprise but several bath companies are coming out with their own models of cold plunge tubs. With more awareness of the health benefits, the market is answering the demand for them. Kohler has a beautiful one out and one of the top award winners at market was a tandem bath that was a hot/cold plunge. Now I just need to find a place to put one in my house.....
3) Matte Black
There was an incredible amount of matte black fixtures in both kitchen and bath this year. I saw some beautifully appointed ranges and toilets and baths from several companies in this finish. I did ask about hard water stains and many companies have proprietary finishes on the parts that have water in them (toilet bowl, tub interior) which reportedly repel build up that used to be an issue on the previously black models from the '90's and early 2000's.
4) Dedicated Areas For Pets
We love our pets and it was clear that the vendors at market are reacting to that. Check out the video above for my favorite one of the market- how cute is it??! Whether it was a dedicated wash area or a bed/crated area in a common area such as the kitchen; it was fun to see several ways to cleverly customize luxurious spots for our furry friends.
5) A Favorite New Find
I was thrilled to discover customizable grab bars new to market this year. This company walked away with the 'Game Changing Innovation' Gold award and are relatively new; the prototype came out about 3 years ago and officially went into production this year. It is a brilliant product- with the movement towards aging in place, having more design friendly options is hitting at just the right time.
6) Charging directly on your countertop
I generally don't dive into new technology until they have a chance to prove themselves but this is definitely one to watch. It is a system that can be installed beneath most surfaces (wood, granite, quartz) for wireless charging. It made it's debut last market and this market they rolled out a partnership with Cosentino to highlight how it works. I am optimistic that they are on to something and am excited to see it's evolution.
I came back energized and encouraged this year from all that I saw at KBIS. If I had to guess, I do believe wellness products such as cold plunge tubs are going to become hot ticket items that clients will be asking to incorporate more and more into their spaces to improve their overall well-being. Only time will tell.
It's your turn—what can you see people really installing in their homes from this list? Or what is one thing you would incorporate in your home if you could? Tell us in the comments!
Lisa
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