Welcome to Design and Construction Week, where the world of design and innovation collides! Each year, this event brings together industry professionals from around the globe to explore the latest trends and innovations in residential design. And KBIS 2024 was no exception. The National Association of Home Builders International Builders Show (IBS) and the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) drew in over 100,000 passionate designers and construction experts to Las Vegas in February.
As a designer fully immersed in the world of KBIS 2024, I couldn’t help but be inspired by the design elements and technological advancements on display. Here are my favorite finds from KBIS 2024 at the intersection of design and innovation.
Color at KBIS 2024: A Bold Comeback
Color enthusiasts, rejoice! KBIS 2024 brought back vibrant hues in kitchen and bath design. From lush greens to deep blues, color made a bold statement throughout the show. Brands like Kohler and GE Café embraced this trend, reintroducing retro-inspired colorways that have us longing for the comfort of nostalgia.
Photo credit: Thyme and Place Design
Think Barbi-core meets a colorized Father Knows Best while adding a modern twist by looking to the design archives for inspiration. Color is not only making a comeback but also becoming an integral part of the design conversation. If you are looking for a white and grey color palette, you will be disappointed.
Sustainability: A Continuing Story
In a world increasingly conscious of environmental impact, sustainability remains a top priority for manufacturers, especially in design-build environments. From eco-friendly materials to energy-efficient appliances, the industry is making strides towards a more sustainable future.
Photo credit: Thyme and Place Design
At KBIS 2024, companies showcased their commitment to sustainability in design and innovation. Kraus unveiled a kitchen composting solutions that exemplified this commitment to environmental stewardship.
Technology: Shaping the Future of Design
Innovation and technology go hand in hand, and KBIS 2024 was no exception. From smart appliances to energy management systems, technology is shaping the future of design. Products like Span’s energy management system, which replaces standard electrical panels. The system determines what is the best and most efficient use of the energy coming into the home and delivers it where needed.
FreePower’s wireless charging system is an amazing innovation that transforms everyday surfaces into wireless charging systems. This product was a best-of-show winner. The unit is installed into a countertop much like cutting out a sink and installing the power source into the counter material. A light creates a halo on the surface to locate the charging system.
Our homes are becoming increasingly connected. Technology continues to revolutionize the way we live and interact with our homes, our interiors, and each other.
Arts, Craftsmanship and Design Details
Amidst the wave of innovation, a reverence for craftsmanship and design details took center stage at the show.
Photo credit: Thyme and Place Design
From artisanal metalwork like the beautiful sinks and hoods from Thompson to artistic impressions integrated with appliance fronts at Monogram, every element spoke to the dedication to quality and beauty. Bocchi featured hand-painted sinks bathroom and Smeg always brings artistic intent to its line of appliances.
Curves Are Still Sexy
Curves and capsule shapes dominated booth designs, adding elegance and sophistication to the overall aesthetic.
Photo credit: Thyme and Place Design
These shapes were trending at High Point Market. As interior design and kitchen design continue to intersect, these trends will continue to influence the shape of kitchen and bath design. You can see those furniture trends by clicking here.
Lighting Changes Everything
Lighting has become a major player in design. New technologies allow light to be curved, color-tuned, and placed in various spaces, transforming the ambiance of homes. Lighting is especially important in multi-generational designs.
Photo credit: Thyme and Place Design
Interior lighting for cabinets, drawers, toe kicks, and even dishwashers is becoming a standard rather than a luxury. Lighting is bringing health, safety, and welfare together with ambiance and design to light up our lives. This is yet another example of the intersection of design and innovation.
Immersive Booth Experiences at KBIS 2024
For me, KBIS 2024 was an inspiring showcase of design and innovation. From bold colors to cutting-edge technology, the show offered a glimpse into the future of residential design. KBIS 2024 featured immersive booth experiences created by industry giants like Kohler and House of Rohl. These spaces showcased design excellence and allowed attendees to explore products in engaging environments. As a designer, I’m excited to embrace the spirit of exploration and continue pushing the boundaries of possibility in my clients’ homes. After all, the intersection of design and innovation is where dreams become reality.
—By Sharon L. Sherman, ASID, NCIDQ, CID, CKD, founder of Thyme and Place Design, Wyckoff, New Jersey
