Ah, February…In a couple of days, it will be here. That means two of my favorite events are very near – Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. As usual, I will be surfing the net for the former and attending the latter. KBIS is one of the largest trade shows in the nation. Held yearly in conjunction with the National Kitchen and Bath Association conference and, for the first time this year, the International Builders’ Show, it is an inspiring, interactive platform that showcases the latest industry products, trends and technologies.
Next month’s blog post will be all about that – I will be compiling a list of my faves that I see at the show in Las Vegas. Until then, here are the new products that have recently been released that I would love to see at the show:
1) The Reclamation porcelain tile collection from Crossville
A few months ago, Crossville introduced its first digitally produced porcelain collection, which celebrates the reclaimed materials movement. The line features a blend of designs and colors to interpret the look of wood, metal and concrete.
As one of the headliners in their “Distinctly American” ad campaign, the four colors of the line have been aptly named Whiskey Lullaby, Cotton Exchange, Steel City and Tobacco Road. The names and the designs have inspired some to deem this line as “Industrial Chic”.
2) Porcelanosa’s tile, Lines in Silver Wood Grey
Love Porcelanosa. They are the king of creating the illusion of a mosaic pattern within a tile. This new release is no different. What looks like a time consuming installation of a basket weave consisting of many small tiles in beautiful warm grey tones is actually a larger tile with strategically placed grooves for grout to fill. This is perfect for those budget-conscious projects.
3) Kohler Artifacts Series
“Vintage is new.” Kohler surrounded the new Artifacts collection around that completely valid statement and have created a winner. Inspired by turn of the century charm, this line consists of three different faucet styles, three different handle styles and five different finishes giving the designer and homeowner numerous choices to complete their design.
I never thought I’d say this, but holy crap, I love this toilet paper holder!
I also love the other accessories, especially the soap dispenser. By the way – this faucet with the Bell spout and the Prong handles reminds me of some much more expensive fixtures that I’ve seen!
4) Sub-Zero’s revamped Integrated Refrigeration
These guys were the first to do it – cabinet depth refrigerators that could be integrated into your cabinetry design – and now, they just keep improving on it. Yet again, Sub-Zero is releasing an update to their Integrated Series allowing installation with a mere 1/8″ reveal between the appliance and the surrounding cabinets. (This is a super big deal to us kitchen designers!)
If you are doing a totally integrated unit with a cabinetry panel, that panel install is easier on these models, too – this makes my subcontractors happy!
5) Porcelanosa Luxury Modul Gold
Ok, I’m not usually one for a lot of bling in an interior, but I am a fan of Industrial-Meets-Polished, and this tile by Porcelanosa is amazing. I love the rough Pyrite look – totally reminds me of fashion-icon Kelly Wearstler‘s accessory designs using Pyrite…
LOVE these…ok, sorry…back to KBIS.
6) And, finally, anything that Hafele America introduces regarding cabinetry inserts!
Specifically Hafele’s Lavido Pantry Pull-Out. This super sleek pull-out not only has clear railings and a nonslip white surface, but you have full access to all three sides when it is fully extended. It is also easy to install and has soft-open and soft-close features.
So, that’s my abbreviated Wish-To-See List. Stay tuned to see if any of these guys actually make it into my highlights from KBIS 2014 – next month!
