February 14, 2019

Design and Construction Week^® (DCW) is finally here! The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Builders’ Show (IBS) is moving back to Las Vegas for this year’s dynamic event. KBIS will host more than 24,000 attendees and more than 600 design and construction exhibitors from February 18-21.

Whether you are exploring the show floor, attending the exclusive parties and 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.

Click HERE for a gallery of products showcasing at KBIS this year.

Innovations to Find
“Every year we’re so astonished by the innovation that is presented at KBIS. We’re looking forward to seeing how smart home technology is being perfected and streamlined in the kitchen appliance category. We’re also excited to see what’s advanced in the area of design and finish customization options in luxury plumbing fixtures.”

– Laura Muller, CEO + Principal, Four Point Design Build Inc.

“I think kitchen and bath personalized storage solutions will become as important a design element as the integration of appliances, especially in high-end kitchen and bath renovations.”

– Loretta J. Willis, Loretta’s Interior Design

“New technology is what I am looking forward to! It is moving so fast now that it’s hard to keep up. I definitely feel that the appliances are moving forward towards smart tech. There’s some hesitation that we are giving away too much information, so it will be interesting to see what the appliance giants do as far as that is concerned.”

– Nancy Young, Nancy Young Designs

Hot Colors

“I think we’ll start to see a trickle of stained wood in cabinetry – but more and more in the interior of the cabinets – and we’ll be seeing more of the walnut against white. But I’m really hearing some clients are moving away from the all-white kitchens but are afraid to make the decision. This is one way to transition away from it.”

– Rose Dostal, RMD Designs

“I expect to see a continuation of the gray trend. There is desire amongst designers to bring more color into kitchens with cabinetry. I predict that navy will be represented as a fun neutral.”

– Stacy Garcia, Garcia Cabinetmakers

“The more personalized interior, where really any color goes, is part of the movement to create spaces that truly nurture us and set us apart. I see the market embracing more vivid jewel tones and natural wood tones. I love the incoming Bohemian colors – including deep blues, greens and jewel tones juxtaposed with gold, mixed metals, patterns, organic stone and natural wood – many of which don’t follow any rules.”

– Toni Sabatino, Toni Sabatino Style

Trending Materials

“I certainly expect to see contemporary designs and finishes represented in fixtures and cabinetry that are ADA compliant and geared toward those aging-in-place customers. I also predict we’ll see more and more high-level luxury products that feature wellness components and sustainable materials.”

– Muller, Four Point Design Build Inc.

“There is a trend toward mixing of a lot of different metals. This is probably a continuation of the industrial style we have been using. Since gold is back, clients are wanting to mix it in the chromes and satin nickels. But I also know that quartz is still a hot topic! The companies have really stepped up the colors and formations on a very durable product.”

– Young, Nancy Young Designs

“I expect the Living In Place Institute to make its presence felt and expect the trend for safer, easy-access, user-friendly product to continue. Toilets with night lights and hygiene features, sliding door mechanisms and other innovations that make life easier are becoming standard.”

– Sabatino, Toni Sabatino Styles

What to Look Forward To

“Although the spectacular parties are popular, and the CEU offerings are enough to make this kitchen and bath designer’s head spin with excitement, I truly feel that the presentations provided by the key players in our industry in more intimate settings are the most popular. The Design Milk X Modenus Talks Lounge in Salon by KBIS is always popular; great speakers, excellent networking and extremely relevant up-to-the-minute topics always provide practical business takeaways.”

–     Muller, Four Point Design Build Inc.

“I am looking forward to the Progressive KBtribechat on the first day of KBIS. It is being hosted by Brizo, Wellborn Cabinet, Rev-A-Shelf and Signature Kitchen Suite with many fun surprises and treats for participants. The Progressive KBtribechat will start in the Brizo booth (N2332) on the show floor at 1:30pm on Feb. 19. I am also looking forward to meeting up during our Wednesday KBtribechat hour at the show, which will be hosted by Thermador (C3830).”

– Garcia, Garcia Cabinetmakers

“I’m excited to meet with other designers at the luncheon that is being sponsored by NKBA. It means so much to be able to network with other designers across the U.S. I’ve been to KBIS for about 15 years, and this is the first time I remember this happening. Otherwise, I’m always excited to see all the new products but also the new exhibitors and what they bring to the industry. It’s especially exciting how great the show has become since partnering with IBS and having the Design Construction Week.”

– Young, Nancy Young Designs

“I love to feel the energy of the show floor. I love meeting up with colleagues and looking for innovations to bring back to clients. New product and new thoughts from the presentations always inspire me.”

– Sabatino, Toni Sabatino Style