What I learned at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show

Without question the prevalent theme in almost every booth I visited was “smart”. With homes getting “smarter” everyday, why should the most important room in the home be any different? A few years ago, I shared a belief that the smart (automated) home was a cute gimmick. The phrase, I’m perfectly able to turn on a light switch” comes to mind. And while that may still be true, technology has become much more than that. A variety of smart features can make your kitchen or bath safer, more convenient, more functional, easier to use, and sometimes just cool. At some point during a room design, a conversation between the kitchen specialist and the home owner about smart features should occur.

As usual new finishes, styles, color, and features were introduced. Look for samples to arrive in the near future in our showroom.

Home owners have asked for convenience features and interior cabinet options, and the manufacturers have responded. There are very few cabinet sizes where some life-improving option isn’t available. Got a small cabinet space? How about a tray divider, spice rack, or towel holder? Under the sink? Try a small item organizer, trash can, or roll out drawer specifically designed to clear plumbing? How about that hard - to - reach corner cabinet? You know, the one you can’t see into and probably haven’t used the contents of, for years. Not a problem any more. 

And the great features aren’t just for the kitchen. If a new luxurious bathroom is what you want, we have that covered too. Just say the word, and your shower will be hot and waiting for you, and even at the temperature you prefer, and settings can be saved for multiple users. Or, how about a heated floor for when you step out of the tub or shower? How about a mirror with a built in TV and speakers? Want to be able to flush the toilet, simply by asking it to flush? All these are available now. 

The things I list here are just the start. We would be happy to discuss how we can include “smart” in your renovation.

Appliances are another area that have seen tremendous changes in recent years. One thing I have seen recently is that people get excited about a particular appliance feature and buy new appliances before completing (or even starting) the kitchen design process. I cannot stress this point enough; not all appliances will fit into a particular design, room, or motif. In other words, don’t put the “cart before the horse”. A good designer can work almost any appliance into your new kitchen, but the results are much better if done the other way around.

A topic that came up in several education sessions is the difference in design services offered by different kitchen and bath dealers. The differences even seem to be widening, in fact, the term kitchen and bath dealer may not be an accurate description, of the places from which you can acquire cabinets. There are cabinet stores, and there are kitchen and bath specialists. I am not saying that one is wrong, but as someone who is the latter of the two, make sure you are comfortable with the representative of the company with which you are considering working. A kitchen or bath renovation is not something the average person does frequently. A shared vision of the scope of the project between home owner and kitchen and bath remodeled is of vital importance.

A few random thoughts: (Some more random than others)

Gray is still the hot color, but with variations in texture, glazing, etc.

Too many choices. There is almost an unlimited choice of color, styles, and options. Work with a designer that can help.

Ease of use. Simple to clean. Care-free

Shower heads. If you stand under any of them you get wet. Rain showers, body sprays, light therapy, etc can make a for a spa like retreat, rather than a mundane daily task.

30,000 steps a day makes your feet hurt. Always take comfortable shoes to KBIS.

Portable work surfaces are a great way to add counter space to a small kitchen.

A new kitchen can make you a better chef and the food will taste better.

Mixing colors and textures can make a dramatic design statement.

A thought I had at KBIS (or perhaps it would be more accurate to say “a thought I was reminded of”) was how personal a kitchen or bathroom can be. I feel that a mistake has been made if you find yourself saying, “oh yeah, that will be OK”. You probably aren’t remodeling your kitchen or bath to have an OK room. With everything that was shown in Las Vegas this week, your new room can be absolutely perfect. I look forward to discussing your renovation with you. 

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