Ok, I know I'm supposed to be telling you about all the great kitchen and bath trends I saw at KBIS2013 but since it's Sunday, I thought I'd show you my favorite shots as captured over the five fantastic, delicious and enlightening days spent on the Modenus Blog Tour. Tomorrow it's back to business, deal?
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Back to business tomorrow!
Bloggers and Beignets in THE BIG EASY!
If you’re an avid reader of KFL you’ll remember my visit, last March, to the Architectural Digest Home Design Show in New York. An edgy website by the name of Modenus* had a little contest in which you could win a spot on one of their world famous blog tours. Naturally I had to go all out, no holds barred! The challenge was to take a creative photo of one of the designated sponsors.
Whoever garnered the most votes won the spot. Sadly, it was not I but I did have fun trying and I’m pleased to say I finally have my chance to participate in a Modenus adventure! I will be traveling to the Big Easy with a very select group of design and lifestyle bloggers. We will get an insider’s view of Nola Style, visiting design showrooms, shops and KBIS.
Yes, this year the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show is being held in New Orleans so I will be there to cover it all. All the magic will be happening from April 16-20, four very busy days. And because I believe in paying it forward (at least a little) I will be offering you, my precious reader peeps an opportunity to win a little something-something. Details to follow...*Modenus is a networking platform and resource catalog for the interior design community. Design professionals and anyone else passionate about interior design can connect in our forums, find inspiration in our daily blogs, Before & After submissions and live event coverage. Modenus is free to users and very easy to use.
THE BEST OF KBIS
Our annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show known as KBIS was held last month in Las Vegas. I’m hearing that attendance was much improved over the anemic showing of the last couple years. This show is traditionally where new products and design trends for the kitchen and bath are introduced to the world at large. Here are some of my new faves from the show!
One of the most exciting debuts this year is Bornholm Cabinets, conceived of and created by fellow blogger Susan Serra and her daughter. They are a couple of smart cookies who know what’s both hot now as well as basic and unique enough to be timeless. The line is Scandanavian inspired but American made. Simple yet elegant and designed to blend into and enhance any environment. I think we’ll be seeing more of this. You can see more here.I also love this beautiful bit of black.
Yes it’s a toilet! When it comes to commodes the Japanese have definitely got it going on and this example is no exception. We all know what a "smart" phone is, well meet the "smart" toilet! The REGIO by Inax features a sound system, heated seat, double power deodorizing, automatic seat and flushing, and dual nozzle bidet. Geez, what more could you want? Oh, yeah it’s also environmentally responsible. Check it out here Here’s a new fun way to add a little glow to that backsplash area between your cabinets and counter top.
The °eluma RGB DecoSplash illuminated backsplash is the first fully customizeable color changing LED backsplash. You can change your color as you change your mood from fuschia to lime green! This LED light is dimmable and you even have your choice of decorative inserts. Find out more here.Dark rich wood finishes continue to be a popular choice. I just love the Asian vibe (of course!) of this kitchen by Wellborn Cabinets.
Click here to see the rest of The Best of KBIS!
BEST IN SHOW, KBIS 2010
The premiere annual ritual for those of us in the "biz" is the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) This year the show was held last month in our favorite mid-west metropolis, Chicago. Each year certain trends, technologies and companies tend to stand out. This is what we'll be hearing about in the world of Kitchen & Bath Design in months to come. Here's the buzz, especially for you, from those in the know.
I think Jenn-Air stole the show with their new premium products. Jenn-Air's intuitive double ovens (won most innovative product by KBB for 2009) and built-in refrigeration can meet the demands of buyers of other premium brands, not to mention, the new DUCT FREE downdraft cooktop, an item apartment and condo dwellers have long been waiting.
Morton Block, CMKBD, IIDA
President Morton Block Associates
Joanna Menke
Millwork Sales & Design, CKD and Associate IIDA
Loved the Kohler Stages Sink (I love any sink with bells and whistles and this one has A LOT of bells and whistles).
As for trends, I noticed bits of bling and was pleased that it was done with subtlety and sophistication. Little hints of shimmer, crystals, etc on door knobs, cabinet hardware, faucets. A door knob by Hamilton Sinkler comes to mind, knobs and such by a beautiful Italian manufacturer whose name is escaping me.
Karen Swanson
The trend I seem to notice more this year was towards saving water and energy as well as more recycled products.
Randal G. Winter
President Randal G. Winter Construction
As a trend, I would have to respond not with a product but with an attitude. It seems many of the conference speakers as well as individuals I spoke with, were emphasizing 'seeing' from the viewpoint of the client. I like to think we have always put the them first, but apparently there is a very real need to educate the designers and contractors in the ways of the economically impacted buyer. The human factor prevails.
Carl A. Smith III
One of my favorites, shown here, was this nifty corner cabinet accessory by Korner King. It allows full use of your corner not only lazy susans but drawers as well!
To see all of the best of KBIS entries click this link.