Top Trends from K/BIS 2008
The NKBA presents the top trends seen at K/BIS.
By Bridget R. Miller
1. Layered Lighting- Accent lighting placed at various heights, under-cabinet lighting, interior cabinet lighting, and above cabinet lighting combine to create a warm ambiance. Task lighting adds drama and function, while dim accent lighting softens and soothes a room. Each layer of lighting serves a different purpose, which can balance, enhance, and give flexibility to a room.
2. Expanded Color Palettes- Today's contemporary designs allow for vibrant splashes of color in the kitchen and bathroom. Through vivid backsplashes, countertops, appliances, and cabinetry inserts and overlays, designers can incorporate the newest and hottest colors into any design. A wide range of color is now being used to evoke emotion and set the tone for your next projects.
3. Organization- To keep paperwork and projects from piling up, many companies specialize in home organization. Put your client's mind at ease with the upgraded additions of cabinetry dividers and custom storage solutions. Everything has its place in today's designs, so be sure to research the newest technologies and organization solutions for your next kitchen or bathroom project.
4. Compact & Efficient Appliances- One of the most dominant trends at K/BIS was the incorporation of compact and efficient appliances. Horizontal dishwashers, French door wall ovens, two-tiered ranges, and power boil options on cooktops can ease the day-to-day cooking tasks of your clients, while maintaining the desired beauty and resourcefulness of your designs.
5. Green Design- Once considered a trend, sustainable design is here to stay, a fact confirmed by the vast number of eco-friendly products on display at K/BIS. The kitchen and bath industry is at the forefront of green design with the development of new technologies and products, such as bamboo and recycled materials including glass, plastics, paper, and metals.
6. Hand-Chiseled Tile Murals- One evolution in wall design for kitchens and baths is the hand-chiseled tile mural. Color, form, and design combine to create varied patterns ranging from modern graphics to soft floral patterns, traditional Chinese motifs to Moroccan style. A wide variety of patterns offers a look that's sure to suit any client's taste.
7. Illuminated Backsplashes/Countertops- Energy efficient LED technology has sparked a new craze in accent lighting. Glass backsplashes are being lit from behind and glass countertops are being lit from below. With no heat or UV emissions, these countertops and backsplashes offer warm tones, daylight ambiance, or colored LED lighting options, allowing your designs to truly shine.
8. Integrated Electronics- Give your clients the high-tech kitchen or bathroom that they want, while still giving the room a sophisticated look. By integrating wires, speakers, control panels, and flat-screen TVs directly into your design, you'll allow the surroundings of the room to flow seamlessly around any audio/video equipment that your client might want.
9. Aging-in-Place- More and more manufacturers are catering to baby boomers without skimping on luxury. New products feature accessibility and ease of use to accommodate boomers through the years, while still offering stylish design. From dishwashers accessible from a wheelchair to cabinet drawers that open automatically, manufacturers are recognizing the importance of universal design.
10. Hibachi Comes Home- Cooking products typically found only in restaurants are now making their way into the home. Whether your clients would like to stir-fry on a wok cooktop, create Japanese cuisine on a hibachi grill, or cook the perfect pie in an artisan pizza oven, it's never been easier to create restaurant-quality delicacies without leaving home.