December 22, 2016

Left to right: Jennifer Bertrand AKBD, Karl Champley AKBD and Alberto Villalobos

KBIS 2017 marks the second year that NKBA has tapped a select group of influencers and tastemakers from the design and building industries. These leaders, the NKBA K+B Insiders, will lend their insights and expertise on trends, design and best practices in the kitchen and bath space on behalf of the organization.

KBB spoke with the three insiders for a sneak peek of their expectations for the show.

KBB: What trends are you expecting to see at KBIS 2017?

“I am expecting to see surprising uses of technology for smart kitchens and baths, thoughtful design to meet the needs of the homeowners who have a limited amount of space and inspiring designs of lighting, hardware – you name it!”
                                                                                           –Kansas City-based Jennifer Bertrand AKBD

“A strong trend I am expecting to see is complete personalization of the kitchen and bath, as well as the integration of green design into the kitchen.”
                                                                                  -Alberto Villalobos, New York City, N.Y.-based Villalobos Desio

“I expect to see a continued shift toward custom products, surfacing, etc., that allows homeowners to show their own individuality. Technology is continuing to step up with easy-to-understand installation solutions, allowing homeowners to better understand the benefits of having smart devices in their homes. Cost savings are improving with many of these devices as well, which makes getting the attention of the customer easier. It’s no longer keeping up with the Joneses, it’s keeping up with the Jetsons.”
                                                                                                  –Los Angeles-based Karl Champley AKBD

KBB: What are you most looking forward to at the show?
“I am so excited to judge the Tiny Home: Student Edition with fellow Insider Karl Champley. It will be fun to see how the students think outside of the box or in this case – inside a tiny box! I know we’re going to have a blast judging and seeing what the next generation of designers dream up.”
                                                                                              –Kansas City-based Jennifer Bertrand AKBD

“I look forward to seeing what new finishes are out there. I am also excited to learn about the new developments in technology and how they apply to making the kitchen and bath more efficient.”
                                                                       -Alberto Villalobos, New York City, N.Y.-based Villalobos Desio

“The parties! Just kidding. To many others and me in the industry, KBIS is a celebration of what we do, and it gives us a chance to stop and enjoy ourselves and our work. When it comes to the new products, technology, materials, innovative solutions etc., I am like a kid in a candy store. Some exhibitors showcase products that are six to 12 months away from market, which gives us (designers) a great head start to specify and predict the benefits for clients and our businesses.”
                                                                                                –Los Angeles-based Karl Champley AKBD

KBB: What does it mean to you to be chosen as an NKBA Insider?
“It’s so lovely to be the new kid! I am excited to be a part of the team of insiders whose sole goal is to share the love of kitchen and bath design, all that we are inspired by, as well as the up-and-coming advances we see happening in the industry.”
                                                                                            -Kansas City-based Jennifer Bertrand AKBD

“The NKBA is an organization I am fond of, and it is an honor to be selected among a large pool to represent them. It is great to have the ability to keep others informed about new trends and developments in the industry due to the exposure we are given to the different trade shows around the world.”
                                                                                          -Alberto Villalobos, New York City, N.Y.-based Villalobos Desio

“It’s an honor to be chosen as a NKBA Insider. This year will mark 32 years in the design and construction industry for me, and to enter that milestone with and on behalf of the NKBA is very rewarding. To be chosen as a NKBA Insider for a second year in a row warrants my passion for the industry with an association that is dedicated to helping so many flourish in the right direction. See you at KBIS!”
                                                                                                       –Los Angeles-based Karl Champley AKBD

Join the conversation and follow the NKBA K+B Insiders as they trendspot at #KBIS2017 and other industry events throughout the year with #KBInsider.