At Look at What’s Hot at KBIS :: Glass Tile, Black is Back, Laminates & More

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Fresh off the show floor at McCormick Place in Chi-town, where designers from all over walked the halls to pass judgement and learn what’s new in the Kitchen and Bath universe, I’m here to offer you the scoop from KBIS.  Though I certainly have my own likes and dislikes, I’m writing this based on numerous conversations I had with other designers, the groups that participated in the Twitter Chats at this three day event.

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Tiled Backsplashes

Glass tile or stone tile or generic tile, tile is here to stay when it comes to the backsplash.  This one item got a resounding “yes” from the crowd when it was mentioned and even made the round of Twitterworld.  NO more painted backsplashes.  

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Whether in a typical linear pattern or something more robust like this glass and stone creation from Artistic Tile, tile belongs in a kitchen or bath just like a sink does.  Without it the room is missing something.

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Black Finished Fixtures

Black is appearing more and more as faucet and hardware options in both kitchens and bathrooms.  Samuel Heath produced the knock-your-socks-off Moderne Collection, which made all of us swoon.  This Brizo faucet is just one in their vast suite of offerings, including the new Jason Wu Collection (below) which was unveiled with a big cocktail party with Jason in attendance.

Editor’s Note: For additional coverage of Brizo’s partnership with fashion designer Jason Wu, see our article – Building Moxie Does Fashion Week.

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I was barely back in the hood before I had to let JB know he was “on trend” with the black faucet from his latest bathroom project he posted on Facebook.  Always feels good when one’s brilliance slips in unexpectedly, doesn’t it. (Editor’s note >> :~))  Shucks Lisa!)

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Toto displayed black cast iron lavatory sinks. Black is the new black when it comes to kitchen and bath.

-Learn more about Toto, here on Building Moxie.

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Flush Mount Refrigerators

Haven’t you always wondered why a fridge needs to protrude from the wall or the rest of the cabinetry?  Well, it doesn’t anymore.  “If you’ve got it, flaunt it” was definitely the mindset of Subzero as their flush mount refrigerators where featured in their booth as well as in the Poggenpohl cabinetry booth.

Editor’s Note: Subzero & Poggenpohl are like peanut butter and jelly. To learn more about their relationship she our article – Luxury Kitchens.

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High End Laminates

The competition was fierce between Wilsonart and Formica to produce a high quality edge detail which makes laminate a believable stone or granite substitute.

I apologize for the poor picture quality on the Wilsonart; it was the lighting.  From afar one really could not tell the countertop was not stone.  Impressive.

-Laminates have gotten a good bit of coverage here on Building Moxie as an affordable option in kitchens as well as places like the laundry room. To read more about Wilsonart, here. Formica, here.

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Wrapping Up

There were plenty of booths to visit at the Kitchen and Bath Show however it was a bit smaller than last year.  While this was a great venue for the event, I will take issue with the local food laws.  Here we are at a show where vendors are showing off their amazing kitchen products (ovens and cooking appliances), the smell of chef-created food is swirling amongst the attendees.  BUT they could not serve us any of the succulent treats.  For two days, I was smelling bacon and BBQ.  This was torture.

To read my personal recap, click >> The Good, Bad and the What Were They Thinking.

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Really appreciate the Decor Girl, Lisa checking in with us on trends from KBIS. Lisa is a go to contributor for all things Decorating & Design. To see all of her contributors, please check her author’s page. For coverage on Trade Shows like KBIS, Coverings, IBS, The Remodeling Show & JLC Live, see our category – Trade Shows. ~jb