KBIS: 5 Things that Really Stood Out

Last week I went to KBIS in Vegas.  Vegas itself is a city of sensory overload, but add a convention center full of new kitchen and bath products, and you can hardly stand it.

We had less than 2 days to take it all in.  Through the whirlwind tour, there were 5 things that stood out to me:

Contemporary Bling.  Turn on the sparkle - faucets, cabinet & door hardware, glittery tile grout, and glitzy countertops

Rubinet lavatory faucet with Swarovski crystals

LED lighting embedded into the countertop, from Cambria

Cambria's new Galloway collection - the large clear quartz pieces sparkle!

Emtek Modern Crystal door hardware

glitter grout on a Voguebay display

Texture.  In tile and beyond, textured finishes add a special depth and interest.
Ann Sacks textured tile steals the show.

Ann Sacks

Ann Sacks

Voguebay Hexagon Mosaic

Kohler Whitehaven sink with textured front

Brass and Bronze - We've been raving about this comeback for a while, but it was great to see it in full force at KBIS.

Emtek's bronze finish

Amerock's Gilded Bronze finish 

Rohl's new Unlaquered Brass finish

Kohler's Vibrant Moderne Brushed Gold finish

Oak  It's not an outright trend... yet.  But it's been making an appearance here and there, and I expect to see more.  We're not talking about the honey oak of the 80's, but we're also not talking about the quarter-sawn or rift cut that we've gotten used to in more contemporary settings.  This oak is open-grained and dramatic, with finishes of matte, weathered, and gray.  I only got one photo from KBIS, but there was more to be seen.

Functional Sink Accessories  I've got a whole guest post on this topic alone that will soon be featured on the Utah Style & Design blog.  I was thrilled with the new introductions that convert sinks into functional worksurfaces, including racks, cutting boards, and storage for cleaning utensils.

from Kohler

Dimensional Wall Treatments

Clodagh Core by Ann Sacks

A while back I heard the phrase "Texture is the new bling", and I've repeated it many many times since.  Monochromatic, neutral interiors can be full of life and energy simply because of texture or pattern.  The dimension that texture can add to a space makes all the difference.

Dining room by Carlos Polo, featured on Design Shuffle

I think the manufacturers of tile and 3-d wall panels are onto this trend, as I'm seeing more and more dimensional tile and panels.

Source:  Walker Zanger facebook page

I love the kitchen above, designed by Michael Berman.  Textured backsplash tile is Walker Zanger's Studio Moderne by Michael Berman Collection, in custom Clover Color.

This headboard above is part of Soelberg Industries new Ready-to-Ship program.  The headboards range from $274 - $520, depending on size.

Soelberg Industries

Soelberg Industries 

Ann Sacks Dahlia by Blake Studios

Tile from Clayhaus new Topo Collection

Dining room by Carlos Polo, featured on Design Shuffle 

Soelberg Industries  

Clayhaus Tile, Bubble

Heath Ceramics, Oval Dimensional tile

Heath Ceramics Dimensional Tile

by J. Weiss Design

Check out this beautiful tile from Heath Ceramics. Their Dimensional series includes the oval and crease patterns, both of which are simple and modern with a retro twist. A client of mine is possibly using these patterns in her kitchen and bathrooms, which I think will look incredible. Yes, the tiles behind the range will likely collect grease, but at least the glossy smooth surfaces will be easy to wipe down.  And I think the look is worth a little bit of extra cleaning, don't you? 

by J. Weiss Design

from Heath Ceramics

from Heath Ceramics

Below is the Crease tile.  Unfortunately it's the only image I could find of the tile installed.  

from Heath Ceramics