The Modenus Blog Tour recaps continue! Last post I shared some of my kitchen trend discoveries from KBIS2015, the 51st Kitchen & Bath Industry Show held last month in LasVegas. Today I've got the scoop on what's trending in the bath.
I have to say it, personalization is also at the top of the list for bathroom style and function. I saw lots of new options for faucet finishes. Were you getting tired of brushed nickel? Nice to see something new in that arena.
I saw a lot of contemporary design for the bath, minimal clean lines, simplicity but with quality materials.Affordability is definitely achievable. For example you can have the quality of Kohler with their basic Sterling line or luxury of their exclusive Kallista line.
Brizo introduced its new Rook collection for the bath, with a subtle reference to chess. Its their latest suite of luxury faucets, fittings and accessories for the bath. This collection combines a low spout architecture and crisp octagonal details for a stately yet modern design.
Brizo also has something for you if you're a little "twisted" and I love it. It's the Virage Collection 
Free standing tubs and tub fillers- The popularity of free-standing tubs created a whole new plumbing fixture, the tub filler. They were everywhere!
Creativity with tile- It's not just subway tile anymore although there are even a lot of interesting variations on this popular style.
I can't leave you today without a nod to the number one booth in my opinion. I wasn't alone as it was also voted most innovative booth of the show. The award went to AquaBrass for their Buckminster Fuller inspired geodesic dome. This innovative concept wowed me but they went all the way with my favorite combination art + design. With and artist on site creating beautiful artful bathtubs! This was to introduce their new Kanvas collection. It brings art to the bathroom in a limited series of hand-painted freestanding bathtubs, each one signed by the artist. The tubs are stone resin and offer a choice of three hand-painted exteriors: bright and bold Graffiti has a youthful, urban edge; nature-inspired Pax invites bathers to a soothing Zen-like experience; and architectural Mosaik brings timeless elegance with its classic yet modern look.
Aquabrass also introduced something that's going right on my dream list. The Aquazone, a revolutionary shower and bath concept that provides the best of both worlds. Molded into a single, space-saving wet zone unit requiring only 60"X60" of space. North American-built, its strong, one-piece construction is solid Lucite acrylic with a reinforced base. And with two integrated wheels and six adjustable levelers, it rolls into place easily, saving time, materials and labor costs.
Not only was the booth full of great new products and finishes with the occasional thoughtfully placed message, they thought outside of the box and into the dome!! Kudos to the creators and congrats.Up next: We're not done in the bathroom yet! Here's the Jeopardy question: "The number one plumbing fixture supplier in the world" Who is ??????
ART IN THE KITCHEN?
If you’re looking for a way to personalize your kitchen why not consider art? Most of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen and the view is pretty much the same, refrigerator, stove, sink etc. So where do we add our own unique signature? The possibilities are numerous. How about your backsplash, the area between your countertop and upper cabinets? This is a project you can usually attempt without disrupting your cabinets or counter top. For example I have a client who decided to tile the area. She added art by inserting her own artwork in the form of handpainted tiles.
If you are planning a new kitchen remember that sometimes less is more IF you have adequate storage you might consider leaving some open space for framed art. A single piece of art in a simple kitchen can become a compelling focal point. Not only does this save you money on cabinets but it allows you to change the look and theme of your kitchen when the spirit moves you.
Show off your collection, if you have one. This homeowner was the proud collector of cookie jars so we designed a space to feature them. But you could show Fiestaware or handmade pottery.
Colorful paint along with many handmade touches makes this kitchen pop with whimsy and a generally good to be alive vibe! Photo courtesy of paula@pavelkadesign.com
These colorful handpainted African tiles add a unique touch.
What creative touches have you used in your kitchen? I would love to hear from you! Leave comments. Tomorrow I leave for New Orleans. I'm going to take lots of pictures and I'll see you when I get back!