Trends & Takeaways from KBIS/IBS 2024
Hi there, Julia here.
Guess where I've been? I just came back from KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) & IBS (International Builder Show) 2024 in Las Vegas! It's a massive trade show that showcases literally everything in construction - from materials to prefab homes, plus all the cool technology for building and managing projects. And of course, the latest and greatest in kitchen and bath design! It was a blast!
More Modern Styles
I'm excited to share that the trend toward modern and minimal spaces is going strong! Contemporary styles are expected in the kitchen, and islands have become focal points! They're often acting as not only a functional preparation space but also a dining space. Although there is a strong link to nature in terms of materials and textures, color is a major part of the story! With sophisticated greens and blues from dusty to deep, these shades are taking over cabinets, countertops, and sinks! Imagine unique wooden surfaces, luxurious leather pulls, or stones with beautiful veining patterns. Mix in some vibrant color accents and create a new, different look. Variations of gold in living and static finishes continue to expand in hardware and faucets, and black is proving that it’s here to stay. I particularly liked the stainless steel sinks in new matte-colored finishes, like the ones from sanwacompany or Vigo.
KBIS 2024 Impressions, Modern Kitchens, Island as a Focal Point, Nature inspired Materials, Accent Color Green
Smart Home & Appliances
While Smart home technology in the kitchen design industry is not exactly a new trend, appliances are becoming more connected and intuitive with each passing day. Voice activation and seamless connectivity are building upon years of advance, making our kitchen experiences smoother and more enjoyable. This trend shows that we're craving tech that seamlessly blends into our homes, making life easier, more efficient, and way more luxurious.
And last but not least, induction cooktops seem to cross the pond! Induction stoves heat only the pan, which means less energy is lost compared to traditional ranges. They also keep the cooking surface cool, making them safer for households with children and simpler to clean overall. What's more, they don't release gas into the air and automatically shut off when the pots are removed.
A Connection to the Outdoors
Outdoor kitchens are gaining popularity, and one of the hottest trends is modular designs. With modular setups, you can personalize your kitchen to match your space and lifestyle needs. I was absolutely thrilled to discover more modern outdoor kitchen manufacturers at KBIS this year and my favorites were Burnout Kitchens and Cubic.
Burnout Kitchen’s beautiful Lux Collection
New Introductions
I was particularly excited about Bora, a German company that designs stylish downdrafts integrated into the cooktop. I actually tried to incorporate Bora products some years ago, but unfortunately, they weren't available in the US at that time. Now, thanks to a major fantastic partnership with the Whirlpool Corporation, these beautiful products will be adapted for the US market. Yeah to that and all disguised hoods!!!!!!
I was also impressed with their combi steam oven, which completely raises the bar in terms of cooking features, steam duct, and filtration system.
Bath Trends
Oh my. I have seen a lot of inspiring tiles, patterns, and new sinks, tubs, and faucets. Overall, bathrooms are becoming more significant with wellness elements, integrated innovative technology, and soothing natural colors and textures. Think spa-like luxury focusing on creating personal wellness retreats right in the heart of the home.
Bora’s amazing Cooktops with integrated Downdraft
Prefab/Modular Homes
The prefab house market has seen remarkable growth in recent years. Factors like increasing urbanization, growing population, and the need for affordable housing have fueled the demand for prefab houses. Moreover, the advancements in construction technology and materials have made prefab houses more energy-efficient, durable, and visually appealing, adding to their popularity.
I was particularly excited to tour a Connect home at the KBIS outdoor space. Connect Homes caught my eye a while ago with their sleek, modern designs that simplify the building process. It was such an exciting experience and I truly believe that those companies along with innovators such as DEN Outdoors, will have a big influence on the future of home building in the coming years.
And lastly……
Home Design
Design is becoming increasingly important, with better-designed homes replacing bigger ones. In addition to size preferences, homebuyers are also shifting their overall design preferences, leaning towards more personalized and authentic design options, which is right up our alley and approach.
Enough for today. Check out some of the cool products and get inspired!
Talk soon,
Best,
Julia
