January 17, 2020

Design and Construction Week (DCW) is finally here! The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Builders’ Show (IBS) is again in Las Vegas for this year’s event. KBIS will host more than 31,000 attendees and more than 600 design and construction exhibitors from Jan. 21-24.

Whether you are exploring the show floor, attending the exclusive parties or sitting in on the informative talks, there is much to look forward to. KBB talked to several industry experts to find out what trends they’ll be looking out for and what they’re most excited about during KBIS.

Innovations to See

“Smart home technology for the kitchen and bath is a quickly evolving segment of our industry. I am looking forward to discovering the latest features and innovations available to ease daily tasks and give added control to systems in the home.”

– Stacy Garcia, Garcia Cabinetmakers

“I think we’ll see artificial intelligence (AI) incorporated in the kitchen and bath world. I know that Delta and Brizo are working on a voice-activated faucet. I’d like to make sure I don’t miss this. If we can see AI married with wellness and living in place, I am there!”

– Rose Dostal, RMD Designs

“We will see lots of connectivity in the home with things “talking” to other things with no human involved, called the Internet of Things (IoT). I expect to see Amazon Alexa smart speaker capabilities imbedded in lots of things at KBIS.”

– Scott Koehler, Dream Kitchen Builders

“Having attended the last CEDIA Expo, I’m particularly interested in how technology is being incorporated into new products. The “smart home” is here, and being aware of the options to create a better quality of life for my clients is important.”

– Susan Feia, Feia Construction

Trends to Encounter

“I expect to see bold colors trending. There is a desire among designers to bring more color into kitchens. I predict that Classic Blue will be represented as a fun neutral, as it is a color of the year that translates well to kitchens.”

– Garcia, Garcia Cabinetmakers

“I think manufacturers are probably excited about the fact that the Color of the Year from both Pantone and Sherwin-Williams is in the blue range. I think this is such a safe color that we will see this again. I predicted navy a couple of years ago, and here we are again! But I’d like to be surprised and see a lot of vibrant colors this year.”

– Dostal, RMD Designs

“I expect to see more blue in all shades and black finishes in lighting, plumbing, cabinet and door hardware and windows. I would not be surprised to see matte-white finishes in lighting and plumbing, natural finishes in cabinets, and with the increased technology in quartz, more natural veining that resembles expensive marbles. I also expect to see more sustainable materials from many suppliers.”

– Gena Kirk, KB Home

Events to Attend

“I know I keep talking about smart technology, but I really think we’ll see this – especially in the kitchen and bath industry. We’ve already seen this in the last couple of years, but I think people are now paying a lot of attention. So any events with smart tech incorporated in their program will be a hit.”

– Dostal, RMD Designs

“It would be hard to pick one event! The educational sessions offer something for everyone, whatever you’re interested in. The small panel discussions, such as the ones held at DMM Lounge, are always very popular. Obviously, the KBIS parties are a great way to connect with friends at the end of a long day exploring the floor!”

– Feia, Feia Construction

What We’re Most Excited About

“I am most excited to catch up with friends at the show!”

– Garcia, Garcia Construction

“I love the Discovery District. I hope I will have time to venture over there. I saw a few brands that were so interesting last year. I’m also excited about Design Milk X Modenus Talks Lounge ‘2020 Vision: The Future of Kitchens & Baths Through the Looking Glass’ programming on the schedule that looked interesting.”

– Dostal, RMD Designs

“I am most excited about the buzz and excitement surrounding the show. With the industry being so strong, suppliers are investing in new products, technologies and innovation. I am excited to see the new home products that will support the trends I am seeing in other industries. As I explore the show, I am specifically looking for pet-friendly products.”

– Kirk, KB Home

“KBIS a great event! It allows you to learn about all the new upcoming innovations and products, often many months before products are on the showroom floor. It gives me the opportunity to be aware of current trends and adapt those ideas to personalize and update my clients’ homes.”

– Feia, Feia Construction