KBIS and in turn, Design + Construction Week, has wrapped up for the year, and now, many of those who have attended can begin to process everything. I know personally, with it being my first year, it was quite the substantial show to be introduced to. Not just because the show pulled in nearly 70,000 attendees, but because the show itself seemed to a hive of energy and innovation unlike any I have seen previously. It certainly made the show a struggle to capture as a singular person running the tradeshow halls.
For that reason, my colleagues and I decided it would be best to do it together, unpacking all that we saw as newcomers and industry veterans. Joined by Chelsie Butler, executive editor of KBB, and Arlen Schweiger, executive editor of CE Pro, we dive into our experiences at the show. Each of us come from vastly different backgrounds in our respective industries, and our conversation dives deep into the trends, products and discussions that are taking place in the world of residential kitchen and bath.
Everywhere throughout the show, there was something else to see, and to itemize everything would take a full day to discuss, but there are plenty of exciting trends to talk about.
Hygienic Options Take the Stage
From dishwashers and faucets that operate with a mere gesture to antimicrobial wall paints, there was a substantial showing of products focused on hygiene. Of course, there were also bidets strewn throughout the floor, with nearly every bathroom brand having their own option on display. And, talking around, they garnered quite the bit of interest from attendees. The most any of the manufacturers have ever seen in the United States.
Wellness Everywhere
Perhaps the most exciting and exhausting part of the show was the sheer number of brands that have entered the wellness sphere with their offerings. From industry veterans like Kohler to newcomers like Nasoni, wellness options ran aplenty at the show, even outside the designated wellness areas.
Greater attention to water quality, air quality, anti-microbial surfaces (cutting back to that hygiene) and accessibility was present in nearly every product, and that’s only mentioning a few.
I was also fortunate enough to give a discussion with several prominent designers in the realm of home wellness, which I get an opportunity to talk about in the podcast.
Sustainability Gets Even More Serious
There were plenty of brands that showed how earnest they had become in pursuing sustainable goals, cutting down on water and energy waste during manufacturing, while empowering homeowners to do the same in their homes.
Technology – even if not fully integrated in a home – is growing in popularity, including quieter range hoods and garbage disposals, water and lighting control that makes the bathroom a spa-like retreat and appliances that are using AI to create usage patterns for things like cooking and clothes drying.
Tune In to the Podcast to Find Out More
The KBB Editorial Advisory Board meeting also took place during KBIS 2022, providing a platform to discuss solutions for dealing with supply-chain issues and managing customer expectations. The meeting also covered wellness, technology and luxury and how those three movements have gained momentum during the pandemic.
Chelsea also goes into her Discovery District Tour, where she introduces design professionals to upcoming brands that featured a bunch of innovative and simple options in appliances, heated flooring and bidets – among other products.
And finally, she talks about interview with the 2021 KBB Person of the Year, designer Cheryl Kees Clendenon, selected for her selfless desire to help small businesses, colleagues and staff.
So join us, as we take a deep dive into the world of kitchen and bath in our comprehensive KBIS 2022 recap.
