Stars of KBIS 2018- Six New Trends for Your Kitchen & Bath

I always love to attend the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) each year.  It's so much fun to spot the patterns and trends that are always evident.  Somethings have an extremely long shelf life such as white cabinets and stainless steel appliances. I continue to see those items but then there are some new things that just blew me away! This year's show was held in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the International Builders' Show (IBS) January 9-11.  I was not only on the spot but I have been spot on in my recent observations and blog posts. Read on to see what I found!

KBIS2018

                                                                     Photo by Sabrina Brunk

Our first stop on day one was the Champagne and Cupcakes event hosted by Modenus and sponsored by LG Home Appliances and Signature Kitchens. This unofficial kickoff event of KBIS has become an annual institution for social media influencers, designers and media to celebrate the beginning of KBIS with champagne, cupcakes and buzz! We were honored to be included in this invitation-only event.

Back to Black

I called it! Remember this post? It was all about black, the new neutral and go-to for everything including countertops, appliances and plumbing fixtures. Matte finishes, in particular, are hot. It's definitely the new neutral.  What about grey?  Don't panic, grey is still strong but it's morphing into a warmer version, closer to taupe.

The Galley, black faucet

Natural Wood

Those taupier greys are a beautiful complement to all the natural stained wood which, I think is a  reaction to so many years of white and dark espresso finishes.  The hot stain colors are browner and less red.  Think walnut as opposed to cherry.  The finishes are light to medium allowing you to appreciate the beautiful movement and visual texture of the wood grains. The only exception to this was seen at mid-ranged Wellborn Cabinets.  They state that 70% of their business is still in painted finishes, but not just white.  With their Be Inspired option, you can go crazy with color and create a very personalized space. The example below was designed by Joanna Gaines.

natural wood, kitchen, black accents

Are You Feeling Blue?

Speaking of color, if you're feeling blue you're on trend.  If there's an accent color I noticed in the kitchen it's a deep rich blue.  A blue island can be the perfect accent but don't do it unless you love the color and it blends seamlessly with your space.  That way it'll be timeless and not just a passing fancy.

Mixed Metals

Never have I seen so many metal finish choices for plumbing fixtures and hardware.  The bronzes and brushed brasses that came out last year are stronger than ever.  The best thing is you can mix more than one metal in your kitchen and bath, just make sure you tie it into another element in the room.  For example, you could have stainless steel appliances but a brushed brass faucet and matching brass cabinet hardware.  Kohler definitely took this trend to the next level with their Vibrant Ombré faucets!

KBIS2018ArtfulKitchens

  Photo by Sabrina Brunk

The New Traditional

Even though I wrote about this a year ago, right here, I was amazed at how many displays I saw that were definitely leaning towards traditional.  Today's traditional is fresh and updated but still classical. In addition to this sort of "new farmhouse" example below, I saw detailed door styles with moldings and raised panels. I was surprised to see that!

KBIS2018ArtfulKitchens

Not Your Grandma's Formica

Formica's new surfaces feature the most updated technologies in laminate materials.  At the show, they were touting writable surfaces and new patterns to rival the beauty of marble.  Maybe this material, which has always had a big following in Europe, is worth another look.  It's being used on vertical surfaces too, not just countertops.  They also showed a shower in all Formica, not sure I'm into that though.

Formica looks like marble

In addition to these big stars of the show, I saw so many great accessories and organizational inserts for your kitchen and bath, sleek and sculptural freestanding tubs and did I mention black? 

freestanding bath tub, matte black

There's no way I can leave you without sharing one of the most memorable moments of that show for me.  It was attending Modenus' Design Milk Talk on Business Marketing featuring (left to right) Claire Jefferd, Maria Killam, Laurel Bern and Leslie Carothers superstars in our industry. Following last summer's series The Big Move, I was the winner of Claire Jefferd's video training course.  Now I'll really know what I'm doing in the next video venture! ;)

KBIS2018ArtfulKitchens

If you haven't done so already, follow my Facebook page where I am posting my finds every day.  I'm on Instagram too!  If you're in the beginning stages of planning a new kitchen this is a good way to start the process. I am enthusiastically available for in-home consultations in South Florida from Boca Raton to Jupiter if you're ready to take that next step.  A big THANK YOU to my beautiful daughter Sabrina Brunk for assisting me on this trip and helping me spot the trends at  KBIS 2018 and sharing her photographs. Cheers!!

Quartz VS. Quartzite Countertops: Make the Right Choice for Your Kitchen

One of the things I love about my job is that I get to shop.  Let's face it, I live vicariously through my clients.  A question that has been popping up a lot lately on my shopping excursions is, "what is the difference between a quartz vs. quartzite for countertops"? 

They are definitely not the same thing and you shouldn't use the terms interchangeably.  Here's the scoop:

Quartz is arguably the most popular counter top material today and there is good reason for it.  It's composed of 93% quartz which is a mineral (see above).  It's gorgeous and exactly the same stuff you see sometimes in jewelry.  They ground this up and mix it with 7% resin to hold it all together.  The result is the hardest, most chip resistant and non-porous counter top you can buy.  This means it won't stain or etch.  Now between you and me, I've had it and I've even put hot pots on it BUT you should know that it is not recommended.  The resin bit has a melting point of about 300 degrees so it is possible that you could have a bad experience with the hot pot scenario.  

Two more nice things are you never ever have to worry about sealing quartz and today it comes in just about any look you could want from solid to a fine granite type pattern to the popular swirling vein marble look. Some well-known brand names of quartz counter tops include Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone by Cosentino, Pompeii and Zodiaq but there are more.  Cambria is the only one manufactured in North America.  Silestone by Cosentino comes from Spain and Caesarstone from Israel.  Because quartz is non porous it is anti-bacterial by nature. The latest thing in quartz is leather finishes, as opposed to the usual polished look and BIG wild patterning such as in Cambria's Britannica. 

If you want variety (in price, pattern and color), consistency and no maintenance quartz is a perfect fit.

Enough about quartz.  So what the heck is quartZITE?  Quartzite is actually pretty different from quartz.  Where as quartz is a mineral, quartzite is actually sandstone that has been transformed through conditions of heat and pressure in the earth.  It is completely natural, mined from quarries just like granite.  It is also hard and durable and non-porous but not always to the same degree as quartz. Quartzite is a bit more heat resistant since there's no resin. Let's face it, it's breathtakingly beautiful.  Each slab is totally unique featuring beautiful patterns.  It can also be fabricated in a more matte, or leather, finish.  If you like that natural uncontrollable variation this could be for you.

If you love the natural, uncontrollable uniqueness found in nature choose granite or quartzite.  

Bear in mind, because quartzite is a natural material it can also vary in performance.  My best advice if you are considering quartzite is to get a sample and do your own science projects on it.  You know the drill, red wine, mustard, sharp knives, hot pots etc. All this goodness does not come without a price.  Quartzite does need to be sealed about twice a year and speaking of price, most quartzite prices out higher than quartz.

One of the hallmarks of quartzite is its translucence, beautiful layers that you can almost see through!  If you are in South Florida and would like to find the perfect counter top for your own kitchen, I look forward to hearing from you. Drop me a line at Gloria@ArtfulKitchens.net

Check out some of the other counter tops I LOVE on Pinterest !

   

 

Introducing Tear Sheet Tuesday

Real paper newspapers and magazines are ALMOST a thing of the past. Obviously digital formats have their advantages but Pinterest, indispensable as it is, is just not the same as a good old fashioned tear sheet. I’m dating myself here, no?

According to our friends at Google the definition of a tear sheet is:

"a page that can be or has been removed from a newspaper, magazine, or book for use separately"

In my life as a designer I am always looking for inspiration. When catalogs, magazines and interesting stuff on paper comes my way I want to make a note of it and perhaps share it. 

Welcome to Tear Sheet Tuesday, An Occasional Series. Tear Sheet Tuesday blends two mediums, print with digital, best of both worlds. I also want to encourage you to share your paper tears with me. They can be recipes, art, design, food for thought or any inspiration. If you have one to share, scan it or take a photo and email to Gloria@ArtfulKitchens.net to be featured in the series.

Today’s eye candy comes to you from our friends at Metropolis who gift me monthly with an unsolicited subscription. I’m glad they do.  These two tubs, from the April issue, caught my eye. I love the entire balanced composition of the LaCava Ad, a nice mix of white and wood, something we all strive for, no?

Speaking of bathtubs, there was another in the same issue.  This one, by Victoria+Albert, simply oozes sublime.  Organically inspired, this volcanic limestone tub is the epitome of artfulness for the bath.

Last but not least from Metropolis this week is this article about DuPont Corian.  I remember Corian as that new alternative to Formica back in the 90s (?) With the subsequent popularity and availability of granite and now quartz, Corian, in recent years has become somewhat of a relic in kitchen and bath design.  Not so fast.  I actually had a client REQUEST Corian the other day so I was interested to see that DuPont has launched some new and innovative finishes including Onyx and concrete colors that couldn't be more on point.  Worth checking out perhaps. 

PS If you don’t want to defile, you don’t have to tear, just take a photo. Your local library has plenty material but we wouldn’t want to vandalize the goods. ;)

Tear Sheet Tuesday content is curated for your enjoyment I am not paid or compensated by any of the brands in this series.  I'll let you know if that changes!

The Future Lies Beneath the Counter Top

They say that what's inside is what counts.  That couldn't be more true when it comes to some of the newest technology for your kitchen.  The counter top is one of the most integral parts of your kitchen.  Besides being a major visual element running right through the center, it is also a functional element.  Did I say function?  How about a counter top that is also a cooktop?

Earlier this year at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Orlando, SapienStone served pancakes on their ultra thin ceramic slab.  The Smart Slab incorporates adjustable heating and cooling elements below the surface.  The material, which is porcelain, is also microb-resistant. I don't know if Smart Slab is the start of something we'll all have some day but I do know that you should be considering porcelain as a very viable option for your kitchen counter top. It comes in a variety of textures and looks and is perfect if you are looking for a more matte finish.  It's also anti-microbial and can be fabricated to give you a chunky or skinny look.  I still love my quartz and natural stone, in the right applications, but this is another option.

Smart Slab with embedded heating and cooling can also be used for a dining table as shown here.  Seems SO futuristic, no?  The cooking and plate warming are one thing but there's also an option in case you need to chill- your beverage, that is. Check it out! Besides the function I also love the seamless minimalist-friendly look. Can you see this in your future?

KBIS2017 Part III-Exploring Surfaces

This is Part III of my KBIS2017 recap.  You can find Part I  here and Part II here

Ok where were we?  Ah yes, I believe I promised you something to do with rhino poop and a surprise inside the shower.  In Part III, the final installment of my Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS2017)  recap, I’m going to deliver just that as I share with you two really cool surface manufacturers  that are game changers in the world of design.  The first is from the tradition of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Mohawk Flooring, known largely for their carpet, actually manufactures a wide variety of products including tile, hardwood, laminate and luxury vinyl.  The star of their show this year was SmartStrand Silk Reserve carpet which MUST be felt to be believed. The story is not only about the ultimate in comfort and beauty, but also unbelievable cleanability.  

To test this new generation of carpeting they had a rhino, yes a rhinoceros, live on it for two weeks! That includes peeing, pooping and God knows what.  This experiment compared SmartStrand Silk Reserve to other leading carpets.  The results were impressive. With the Pet Protection Warranty there’s never any worry about a little occasional cat puke. Here’s a little video so you know I’m not lying.

Not only did SmartStrand Silk Reserve stand up to the rhino test, it was also a welcome respite for the tired feet of 24 or so bloggers and social media influencers.  We got to enjoy the silky soft  experience at the Ritz, no less. It’s really really soft!

Since we’re talking about cleaning, let’s move on the the shower.  That’s where Wilsonart comes in.  Wilsonart is a leader in engineered surfaces such as laminates, quartz, solid surfaces and even interesting wall paneling which is a look that has been so popular.

I love how they are always coming up with something new that is so relevant and on trend.  One such item is Wilsonart VDL Artfully Repurposed Woods (above left).  Yes these are laminates, no splinters here, soft as a baby’s butt (well nearly).  I digress. Let’s get back to the shower on show at KBIS2017.  This seamless laminate shower wall (below)  is easy to clean with no grout lines and they assure me it’s water friendly.  I also love the sleek contemporary look.

Wilsonart is also offering their own brand of quartz.  I often have clients who seek a pristine white counter top.  This one (Niwa Q1002) certainly fits the bill.   Quartz is a very popular choice these days because of it's durability and stain resistance. Check out their website here for more on the wide variety of products you can find at Wilsonart.

There you have it!  Thank you so much to Modenus and all the sponsors of BlogTour KBIS.  It’s such a treat to have access to all this in depth knowledge that I can share with you.  All editorial content is entirely my own opinions and perspectives.

Natural Stone 101

Natural stone is sexy.  There, I've said it.  If you want a countertop that makes a unique statement with lots of movement and natural variations I recommend natural stone.

A big part of your new kitchen investment lies in the countertop material you decide to use. It’s definitely one of the key players both in terms of function and aesthetics.  It is your work surface and it is one of the most visible features of your kitchen.   In terms of user friendliness and durability it usually comes down to natural stone or man made products such as quartz. There's nothing wrong with the other options, I love them too in the right applications, but if you're looking to personalize your kitchen and be, wait for it, DIFFERENT, go natural.   When I say natural stone I mean granite, quartzite, marble, limestone, soapstone, slate and onyx.  There are a variety of choices that can be used in various applications.  So what’s the difference and what’s the best option for you?

Soapstone-  This is a very viable option for both indoor and outdoor countertops.  It’s unaffected by heat, acid and alkalis.  It’s also non-porous which means it is inherently antibacterial and won’t stain. On the other hand it is soft and can scratch but can be sanded and repaired.  Colors are pretty much limited to greys, greens, blues and blacks with subtle lighter veining.  Like with all natural stone, price is largely determined by how close you are to the source (quarry or port).  You can expect to pay at least as much as you would for granite in most places.

Onyx- The biggest appeal of onyx is its beauty.  It’s absolutely gorgeous! If it’s a statement you’re after this could be it.  It’s found in a variety of colors,  known for its translucent quality and is frequently enhanced with back lighting. It’s not particularly durable but could be a good choice for a dramatic powder room or bar top.  This is also one of the most expensive of the natural stone choices.

Granite- This is the natural stone that you are probably the most familiar with.  It is found in a wide variety of patterns and colors.  It is typically heat resistant and non porous although less so than quartzite.  This stone is usually offered at various price levels, 1 being the most inexpensive and easy to come by and 5 being at the pricier end.  

Quartzite- Not to be confused with quartz which is a man-made product, quartzite is the Rolls Royce of natural stone tops.  It’s the ultimate in both beauty and durability which is why it is so expensive.  It is also extremely hard, requiring a diamond saw to fabricate.

Marble-At the moment, nothing is more popular than the look of white Calacatta marble.  It is beautiful but sadly it is not the best choice for your kitchen countertop.  Marble is porous which means it will stain and etch.  If you throw caution to the wind and decide to use it anyway, make sure you seal it regularly and  just expect it to season with time like something you’d find in an old French bistro. Oui?

Limestone-  This is a very “Florida” look, great for floors and walls but it’s going to require maintenance if you decide to use it for a countertop..  It is very porous and must be maintained regularly with a sealer.  I do love the look of embedded shells and fossils you can get with some limestone. Choices include beiges to soft browns.

Slate-This is another stone that’s great for flooring and exterior as well as interior applications. It can be rustic or modern and is usually found in dark colors like blacks and grays. 

There you have it, natural stone 101.  I’d like to thank the folks at MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute who sponsored this post.  You can find more info at  www.usenaturalstone.com.