Exploring KBIS 2024 as a Designhound

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is the largest trade show dedicated to all aspects of kitchen and bath design and innovation. Held annually, KBIS brings together industry professionals, manufacturers, and designers to showcase the latest trends, products, and technologies shaping the kitchen and bath industry. This year marked its most successful show in its 60-year history, bringing together a record number of kitchen and bath design professionals. Go KBIS!!

What the heck is a Designhound?

This year, I had the incredible honor of being selected as a Designhound for KBIS 2024. As a Designhound, I joined a curated group of design influencers to explore the latest trends, products, and innovations in kitchen and bath design. It was an amazing opportunity and I am so thankful for the education, brand connections and new design friends. As ambassadors of design excellence, Designhounds play a vital role in sharing their insights, inspirations, and experiences with their audience, both online and offline.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Signature Kitchen Suite: Known for their commitment to culinary excellence, SKS offers innovative kitchen appliances that combine performance, design, and precision with respect to food at every level.

One of SKS’ newest products was introduced to us at Design Bites. (A sort of speed dating for new product introductions on our 1st day at KBIS) SKS unveiled an exciting addition to their lineup: the highly anticipated speed Oven, slated for release in Q2. This innovative appliance boasts a range of capabilities that promise to revolutionize cooking in the modern kitchen. From conventional cooking methods like convection, baking, and broiling, to the convenience of microwave and air fry functions, the speed oven offers unparalleled versatility. What’s more, its unique feature of no preheating required ensures efficiency and time-saving convenience. With the gourmet chef sensor cook setting, precision cooking is effortless, guaranteeing consistently delicious results every time. And in step with the latest technology trends, the oven is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing users to control and monitor their cooking remotely. With a spacious 1.7 cu. ft capacity, this sleek and stylish appliance is poised to become a must-have for culinary enthusiasts and home chefs alike.

Westlake Royal Building Products: With a wide range of building materials, Westlake Royal provides durable and stylish solutions for all your building projects.

Westlake Royal Building Products epitomizes boundless innovation and excellence across North America, leading the charge in the design, production, and distribution of a wide array of exterior and interior building materials. From siding and accessories to mouldings, roofing, stone, windows, and outdoor living solutions and everything in between! Westlake Royal Building Products offers a comprehensive selection tailored to meet the needs of building professionals, homeowners, architects, engineers, and distributors alike. With a focus on quality and durability, their products are crafted to withstand the test of time while requiring minimal maintenance. They further enhance their offerings with a robust suite of roofing systems, materials, and components tailored to U.S.-based customers. Specializing in clay, concrete, steel, and composite roofing systems, as well as roofing components, Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions delivers unmatched durability and style, ensuring stunning curb appeal for every project.

COMPAC: Specializing in engineered stone surfaces, COMPAC offers sustainable and versatile materials for countertops and surfaces.

Since its establishment in 1975, COMPAC has remained at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in the decorative surfaces industry. As the first Spanish company dedicated to manufacturing and distributing decorative surfaces, COMPAC has set the bar high with its commitment to high-quality products and cutting-edge design. Notably, the company has garnered numerous accolades, including EPD certification for all its materials. Collaborations with renowned architects, designers, and artists underscore COMPAC’s leadership in bridging industry and architecture. With a strong international presence in over 60 countries, COMPAC continues to push boundaries and set new standards. During KBIS, COMPAC unveiled its Luxury Collection for the first time, along with new designs from the COMPAC Terrazzo High Performance Stone (HPS) and Obsidiana collections. Notably, the Obsidiana collection represents a significant milestone in sustainability, crafted from 100% recycled glass and designed to be completely sustainable throughout its lifecycle. With international acclaim for collections like Ice of Genesis, COMPAC remains a driving force in the industry, pushing the boundaries of design and sustainability.

NKBA Global Connect: With its extensive global outreach, NKBA has cultivated relationships with international businesses, aiming to create a tightly-knit community. The organization’s Global Connect program embodies this commitment, employing a multifaceted strategy to educate, motivate, and empower individuals and businesses worldwide.

NKBA Global Connect Spotlights at KBIS showcased an exciting lineup of international brands eager to introduce their innovative products to North American buyers. Among the newcomers were SCHOTT and several brands from Ukraine, each presenting their most cutting-edge offerings in rapid-fire presentations. During our tour, we had the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of brands, including Garant, Pikart Lights, WoodLuck, Aria, ReStyle, Zavadski, ADS Aluminium Decor System, Viyar, Furniture Park, and Empire of Marble. From state-of-the-art lighting solutions to bespoke furniture and decor systems, these brands left a lasting impression with their creativity and ingenuity. NKBA Global Connect continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering connections and facilitating collaborations between international brands and North American buyers, driving innovation and growth in the kitchen and bath industry.

Embarking on the Designhound journey at KBIS 2024 was an exhilarating experience filled with discovery, inspiration, and innovation. As a Designhound, I had the privilege of exploring the show floor, uncovering the latest trends and advancements in kitchen and bath design. From state-of-the-art appliances to cutting-edge building materials and luxurious finishes, KBIS 2024 showcased the best and brightest in the industry. As I navigated through the bustling aisles and engaging exhibits, I was captivated by the creativity and ingenuity on display. Each booth offered a unique perspective, highlighting the diverse range of products and solutions available to designers. From sustainable materials to smart technologies, KBIS 2024 truly had something for everyone. As I reflect on my time at the show, I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Designhound community and look forward to incorporating these newfound insights into my future projects.

Cheers,

Jana