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Trend forecast from the 2020 Kitchen & Bath Show (KBIS)

Last month I had the pleasure of traveling to Las Vegas for the National Kitchen and Bath Show (aka KBIS). I met up with a few designer friends and we spent three days searching for exciting new products and attending informative seminars.

The first trend we noted was iron clad shelving with mixed materials like wood and marble. Black iron shelving has been around for several years but the addition of wood or marble lends interest while LED lighting adds a layer of functionality. Gotta love any “trend” that brings function and style to a home.

The next trend we noted were bold, statement backsplashes, many of which were illuminated. The photograph below is an agate slab that is lit from behind. It’s not for everyone or every home, but it makes a statement nonetheless.

An illuminated stone slab
This line of semiprecious stones by Caesarstone would make a beautiful backsplash in bar.
Marble studded tiles add texture to this unique backsplash.

Two years ago at this same show, I wrote about the new trend of illuminated vanities and vanity lights. Fast forward to 2020: this has now become a staple and is more or less an expected feature. As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, I love the fact that these enhancements create another layer of safely in any home…for any generation.

At illuminated mirror at the Kohler Showroom.
We’re even seeing the edges of cabinetry integrated with LED lights. How great is this feature?

We also noticed straighter, more sleek edges on countertops as well as the profiles on door styles. As a result, it’s interesting to note that the countertops are completely flush with the cabinetry.

The edges on the countertops do not protrude. We really liked the look of this streamlined, transitional style for any kitchen or bathroom.
Perhaps another noted trend that falls inline with sleeker cabinetry: more streamlined hardware as pictured above.
This was unanimously one of our (my two fellow designers and I) door profiles.

As an interior designer who prides herself on designs are less trendy and more timeless, I take these trends with a “grain of salt”. By attending these shows, we’re able to educate ourselves and stay ahead of the curve in regards to new materials, products and business practices. At the end of the day, design is about what personally resonates with you. If what resonates with you has more or a curve and less of a streamlined look, then there’s always a way to design so that each design reflects our client’s personal taste and style.

Stay tuned for a future post on the Kitchen and Bath Show as we reveal what we learned about all of the smart appliances!

If you’re interested in learning more about any of our services, including kitchen and bath design, call or email us! We’d love to chat!

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Whatever Happens in Vegas…

A back lit backsplash from KBIS Orlando 2018

In a few short weeks we will be attending the National Kitchen and Bath Show in Las Vegas. Over six hundred  companies will be showcasing their wares at this industry’s largest trade show.   Designers, architects and contractors will gather to learn about the latest innovative products, technology, design and trends.  

One of the featured programs is called Livable Design – also referred to as “Aging in Place” or “Universal Design” – design that is usable for all people, to the greatest extent possible , without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Universal Design allows families to remain in their homes for as long as they choose.

If you are the child of an aging parent, you’re probably more than aware of these pertinent statistics about Seniors and falls: 

  • One in four seniors fall each year;  their chances of falling again then doubles.
  • Sixty percent of falls happen in the home (80% of those in the bathroom) and thirty percent of those falls require a hospital visit.
  • Every 13 seconds an older adult goes to the ER due to a fall. Fearing one of these mishaps, Seniors become reluctant to leave their homes and therefore begin to isolate themselves from the outside world.

If you’re thinking of renovating (be it a multi generational home or even a second home), here are five tips to keep a safer step:

  1. Renovating a bathroom? Add grab bars that can act as towel bars. One step up would be to purchase ones with LED lighting in.  
image courtesy of evacare.com

2. Renovating a kitchen or bathroom? The installation of heated floors will increase drying time on wet floors and minimize slipping. 

We chose porcelain wood-look parquet flooring for this pool house that are heated.

3. Threshold heights leading from room to room should be flush with your flooring – the raised ones are great for keeping the baby in the walker out of the bathroom…but not so great for grandma in her walker or wheelchair.

4. Choose tile that is honed or has a rougher surface rather than a polished surface.   (For wood floors choose a satin finish)

5. Already chose a polished finish? We discovered a non-slip tile treatment that you can apply to your existing tile that will create traction and improve safety on slippery floors.

If you are thinking of renovating, there’s so much more you can do to accommodate all ages, and allow you to remain in your home. Our free guide offers a wealth of information so that you can live in your “Forever Home”: Sign up now to download this indispensable guide.

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Our favorite Kitchen and Bath “forever” trend

Last year at the National Kitchen and Bath show there was one feature that stood out to us that we’re using in all of our designs: Lighting…everywhere. This “simple” feature combines beauty, safety and function.

These products are now readily available to consumers and they just make life easier…for anyone, at any ability.

Mirrors, sinks and vanities that keep us safe in the middle of the night.
Interior drawer lights add efficiency.
Interior lighting make any cabinet more efficient.
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