The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show is the largest trade show for industry professionals in North America. Held in conjunction with the International Builders Show in late January, the shows attracted 90,000 attendees and featured more than 2,000 exhibits. Manufacturers traditionally use KBIS and IBS to introduce new products and concepts; the 2020 show did not disappoint. Check out the emerging trends we spotted at KBIS as you begin to plan the kitchen or bath of your dreams.
Transitional-styled kitchens and baths continue to top the style charts followed closely by contemporary/modern and then traditional. Transitional style combines elements of modern design with traditional styling. It’s the best of both worlds. Evidence of transitional design’s popularity was found among several appliance manufacturers that introduced traditional styled appliance fronts. Appliance firms also introduced new lines of contemporary styled appliances featuring touch screen operations and sleek, minimalist lines.
In its recent 2019 trends analysis, Houzz.com reported that white remains the most popular color for kitchen cabinets and bath vanities. KBIS showed lots of white, but manufacturers also showcased darker-toned cabinets and countertops. Blue cabinets were popular at KBIS as several manufacturers paid homage to the 2020 color of the year, Pantone’s classic blue. KBIS displays confirmed the finding in the Houzz.com trends survey that found blue is a top color for islands. Emerging trends also include dramatic cabinet colors in charcoal, black, blue and green.
Lighter color countertops remain the most popular, according to the Houzz.com trends analysis. At KBIS, there were lots of lighter-toned countertops. However, manufacturers were not afraid to present new dramatic and bold looks. Three of the major quartz producers introduced new black countertops along with rust, dark gray, blue, charcoal and dark-colored veined surfaces. Veined countertops were in vogue at KBIS. We saw white countertops with brown and gray veins that resembled white marble.
The industrial look remained strong, especially among kitchen faucet manufacturers. This look also supports the trend of providing homeowners with commercial quality products for the home. Many kitchen faucets featured pull-down sprays and visible springs. Appliance manufacturers also continue to up the performance ante with commercial-grade cooktops, ranges and ovens. Multifunctional appliances turned more than a few heads. Manufacturers are offering ovens with air frying, steam, convection and conventional cooking options.
Let’s Get Personal
Homeowners and builders in the Upper Valley can customize their new kitchens and baths to make personal and unique design statements. Several faucet manufacturers give homeowners the choice of mixing and matching finishes, different plates, surfaces, textures and colors for faucet handles that can be changed on a whim. Another manufacturer introduced a farmhouse sink with an interchangeable apron front offered in fireclay and six shades of stainless steel. Homeowners can now select most appliances in multiple colors.
Textural shapes are hot. Many tile manufacturers displayed products offering texture and multiple shapes that our designers are excited about using for backsplashes and wall tiles.
Tech Takes Another Step Forward
Bluetooth enabled fixtures, appliances, toilets, mirrors, lighting and new apps that can control multiple devices were other significant trends. It’s not that tech in the kitchen and bath is something new, but what is trending is more focused tech that meets the needs of homeowners as opposed to tech for tech sake. Almost all of the connected devices can be operated with the major home digital assistants, Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa, for example.
How can you capitalize on the newest trends in kitchen and bath and create spectacular spaces that will stand the test of time? Let us show you how by calling our showroom at 603-448-9700 or visit us at 105 Hanover Street, Lebanon, NH.
