What's Trending in the Kitchen and Bath World

We just returned from the 2017 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), which is our industry's largest trade show, featuring more than 600 companies displaying their latest and greatest.  Here are several of the cabinet and countertop trends that turned our heads and are likely to wow you as well. You're going to see more color options for faucets and handles in both the kitchen and the bath. We've already seen gold, rose-gold and bronze tones make a comeback in recent years, but more manufacturers are hopping on this train, and some are going in a direction that's a little warmer or less shiny. In addition to these hues, there's a rise in gunmetal and matte-black finishes. The black in particular we saw recently in some of the mid- to high-end European markets, so it's no surprise that the U.S. is catching onto this. The New Fineline Lavido is an assortment of modular trays storage boxes, dividers, and holders providing enhanced customizable storage. Innovative storage was a dominant trend we saw at KBIS. Numerous manufacturers are making kitchens more functional and easy to use.  We saw creative wine storage options, drawers in drawers, toe-kick drawers, matching SKUs for door inserts that help organize knives, utensils, cutlery and other kitchen gadgets. There are so many bells and whistles that will expand the functionality of your kitchen space!   Kitchen cabinet manufacturers understand that many kitchen islands serve multiple purposes.  One of our manufacturers unveiled a floating island that doubles as a home office. The island featured power, USB connectivity, file storage and space for a printer all hidden underneath a movable countertop that can double as an eating area or working desk.  We even saw drawer inserts designed to hold Keurig coffee pods. Oversized drawers as long as 72 inches lined in leather or accented in leather were featured throughout the show. Use of mixed materials - leather, stone, wood and metals  - is an emerging trend that provides our clients with an almost unlimited array of options to make a distinct design statement in their homes.  Our customers will have lots of new choices in paint colors this year as many manufacturers are offering some hot new colors not only in cabinets, but also in sinks and faucetry. Grey is still hot with many cabinet manufacturers. Several were showing different twists and shades of grey at the show.  Many of the new greys had a purplish tint. Use of pops of color with blue/green, mustard tones and brownish reds were quite popular. Another stand out trend was interior cabinet lighting. It has definitely grown up. Rectangles were the predominate shape with loads and loads of floating shelves.  Many of the displays incorporated the use of planters within home interiors.  Not a new trend, but certainly on the rise, LED-integrated mirrors are being offered by most everyone as they allow for a cleaner look in bathrooms. Wall sconces, bath light bars and ceiling fixtures aren't necessarily going away, but people are beginning to consider how impractical overhead, too-high-up or too-far-on-the-sides light placement is for grooming purposes (due to shadows cast on the face). One of our major countertop partners had a wowing display of new products.  One display featured a customized gas burner that can be integrated directly into the counter without needing a glass or stainless surface.  We returned from KBIS with many, many ideas that will help you create a dream home.  If you are interested in learning more about the latest trends in kitchen and bath design, please give us a call at 330.239.3630 or give visit our showroom at 1977 Medina Road, Medina, OH 44256