Hello Friends!
Happy 2022! January went so quickly and here we are approaching the middle of February! Is it my imagination or is time passing more quickly? My apologies for being lax in my newsletters. I have had every intention of getting them out but I have had my attention diverted by several great projects and, of course, family matters. I thought this would be a good time to get back on track since I just returned from the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Builders Convention (IBC). The events were held in Orlando. (Who can say no to Florida in February?) Last year’s conference was held virtually. Considering the circumstances it was a great way to stay informed but from a designer perspective there is nothing better than seeing, touching and feeling the new products. There were manufacturers from all over the world. It was interesting to see how small apartments in Asia can use a sink which converts to a dishwasher. There was so much to see but these are some of my personal takeaways:
Happy 2022! January went so quickly and here we are approaching the middle of February! Is it my imagination or is time passing more quickly? My apologies for being lax in my newsletters. I have had every intention of getting them out but I have had my attention diverted by several great projects and, of course, family matters. I thought this would be a good time to get back on track since I just returned from the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Builders Convention (IBC). The events were held in Orlando. (Who can say no to Florida in February?) Last year’s conference was held virtually. Considering the circumstances it was a great way to stay informed but from a designer perspective there is nothing better than seeing, touching and feeling the new products. There were manufacturers from all over the world. It was interesting to see how small apartments in Asia can use a sink which converts to a dishwasher. There was so much to see but these are some of my personal takeaways:
• Mixed metal – One new trend is using different metals in the same room and on the same product. Gone are the days that everything has to match. You will see two toned metals on appliances, faucets, lighting and hardware. (Remind me to tell you about the hardware inspired by David Yurman jewelry https://belwith-keeler.com/).
• Fun colors and materials for shower pans – We all know the common white shower pan. It has its purpose and provides great function but now you can order shower pans in beautiful designs to add that pop of color to your shower. Many countertop manufacturers are producing shower pans with matching drains and or surrounds to create a beautiful seamless aesthetic. (https://www.duplach.com/ or https://www.cosentino.com/usa/bathrooms/shower-trays/)
• Tech, tech and more tech – As our lives get busier, product developers are looking for ways to make our lives function more easily and solve our problems, whether a drawer microwave that will close with a touch of a hip or a refrigerator that can alter temperature zones with a flick of a switch.
• The environment – Everyone is becoming more conscious of our footprint and how it is affecting the environment. Manufacturers continue to develop and make improvements to the design and the function so our faucets and toilets can use less water or our washer drums can be made from recycled water bottles.
• Cleaner lines – Many of the products are more simplistic with cleaner lines. Less is more. Some refrigerators don’t have external handles, reducing the space into the room.
• The environment – Everyone is becoming more conscious of our footprint and how it is affecting the environment. Manufacturers continue to develop and make improvements to the design and the function so our faucets and toilets can use less water or our washer drums can be made from recycled water bottles.
• Cleaner lines – Many of the products are more simplistic with cleaner lines. Less is more. Some refrigerators don’t have external handles, reducing the space into the room.
As you can probably guess, I could go on and on. There were so many bright shiny objects! I do have to end this with sharing one of my favorites. It is an induction cooktop which is integrated into the counter surface so when it is not in use it can be used as a functional workspace. (https://www.materiaslab.com/en/cooking_surface_prime)
But there were also the cool Falmac vents, and the great sinks by Thompson Traders… and…
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