Story via Forbes.com
Real estate professionals will tell you that kitchens and baths sell homes. If you’re interested in what’s hot in those two key spaces for your own properties or business activities, the National Kitchen & Bath Associationhas four trends worth exploring.
This leading trade organization representing designers, manufacturers, retailers and other industry professionals produces the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show every year. The 2019 event will be held in Las Vegas from February 19 to 21 at the Convention Center. Elle H-Millard, NKBA’s industry relations manager, expects to see these trends on display across the show floor:
Flotation
While it might be a phenomenon you associate more with outer space or sea life, Millard sees flotation as part of the growing wellness trend: “Floating has incredible health benefits, providing a true sense of relaxation, reset, and comfort.” Brands like Toto agree. Its Flotation Tub, offering bathers a weightless experience with the added benefit of massaging jets, will be back on display at KBIS 2019. “There has been a lot of interest in sensory deprivation tanks and the sensation of floating,” Millard notes. Other companies already make float tanks for relaxation, but not specifically designed, priced or sized for a master bath. Toto’s success could spur competitors.
3D printing
“3D printing will make a big splash this year at KBIS,” Millard predicts. “Manufacturers have invested in the equipment and making great looking prototypes, which will translate into real products at KBIS.” DXV and Kallista, two of the industry’s luxury brands, have won awards for their 3D printed faucets at earlier KBIS expos.
“While 3D printing has been used to create plastic prototypes for years, these were the first ready-for-market residential faucets printed in metal,” Jean-Jacques L’Henaff, vice president of design, LIXIL Americas (DXV parent company), said about his brand’s breakthrough launch in 2016.“3D printing allows manufacturers to push the boundaries with material options, process, cost, and quality of goods,” Millard notes. Many are using the technology in some phases of their operations already, and there will likely come a point in the next few years when products are entirely produced this way – and completely unremarkable.
Voice control
“Voice activation continues to make an impact on the kitchen and bath industry, including everything from appliances to mirrors,” Millard says. The popularity of Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home are creating comfort with these technologies and appreciation for their convenience. While your new voice-activated mirror on the vanity wall may not tell you who’s the fairest of them all if you ask, it can tell you what traffic and weather will be for your morning commute. Voice-controlled fixtures and appliances can also start your shower to your preferred temperature and spray mode, fill a pot to the desired level while you’re walking across the room, start your oven and make your life simpler in countless other ways. Look to brands like Séura, Kohler, JennAir and Dacor, among others, for releases like these.
New looks
For those bored with stainless steel and gold, there are some newer looks to consider for your kitchen or bath. “Specialty finishes are on the rise, including appliances, decorative hardware and plumbing,” Millard observes. Matte black has become a popular finish for hardware and faucets, with numerous brands featuring it in their new series. Matte black appliances are also trending strongly, and an appealing alternative to fingerprint-prone stainless.
“Homeowners are introducing more creativity into their homes. And manufacturers are responding with unparalleled beauty and innovation,” shares Stephanie Graham, a showroom manager for luxury retail chain Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. “For example, Kohler is introducing beautiful finishes in ombre and rose gold,” she adds. Mixing and matching is also on the rise. That way, if you get bored with one look, there’s less to replace in five or 10 years.
