If you aren’t headed to Chicago this weekend for the annual Kitchen and Bath Show, you can do the next best thing: Read this blog! All weekend and beyond we will be featuring some of the favorite finds from some exceptional industry experts. Expect the latest on trends, innovations, style, and much more.
Kicking off the blogfest is this trend-spotting post from the fantastic Susan Serra, CKD, or Susan Serra Associates, Inc. and KitchenInteriors.com
Susan Serra
KBIS 2008 Trend Watch
By Susan Serra
I’m on the shuttle bus to go to KBIS this morning and I met a kitchen designer from New Zealand. She won a trip to KBIS and was so excited to be here. And I thought it was a trip going from New York to Chicago!
The “show” as it is called, is enormous. You cannot walk it in one day. You can barely walk it in two days! It’s overwhelming, invigorating, and you’re not sure where to turn first. It’s amazing.
Here, so far, is what I am observing from KBIS. First and foremost, kitchens have warmed up! Bronze, browns, are everywhere. Often, in kitchen displays, brown cabinetry is paired with white or cream cabinetry. It’s about contrast.
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Below is an image from Kohler’s booth…it’s tradition with a touch of modern style, seen in a large, yet simple, backsplash. I’ve seen countless variations on this theme on the show floor today.
I’ve got to show you the Ann Sacks booth. Luxury defined…rustic, luxe finishes, gorgeous colors, and let’s not forget raw beauty. Ann Sacks is THE tile trendsetter! Whether mesquite floor tiles, swirls of pink, or hand carved marble motifs, if you want to be visually stimulated, go here. Luxury is always in style!
Mesquite floors by Ann Sacks
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Ceramic tiles by Ann Sacks (note that the grout is worked into the design)
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Eco friendly products and design are everywhere. I have to say I was shocked to learn the super old-school Kohler cast iron sink is actually, and always has been, 93% recycled and reclaimed materials. Who knew? And, of course, cast iron lasts nearly forever, adding to the green story.
Kohler’s booth
Eco friendly design details were frequently seen in the exhibitors’ booths as well. Whether including reclaimed or sustainable materials, “green” was front and center at KBIS today.
GE’s Eco Booth
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Accompanying colors to an eco friendly look are soft, usually aquas, greens, or blues. Soft, modern, textures and designs for sustainable living are what I saw today.
More tomorrow!
Technorati Tags: kbis, trends, 2008, show, kitchen and bath, green, eco, susan serra
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