I recently attended the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas at the convention center. If you’ve ever been to that convention center, you know it is massive. This is where the premier show for builders, contractors and designers is held each year.
Preceding the show, I attended a three-day immersive training in Chief Architect (the CAD software we use), so that only left me with one day to attend KBIS. Tall order.
A must-see on my list was hitting all the appliance manufacturers. This is a great opportunity for me to see new product launches and learn about the latest in technology and trends in the area of kitchen appliances. This allows me to know exactly which product line will be best for your kitchen remodel based on how you use your kitchen.
I also wanted to get a few CEU courses ticked off my list (as an ASID designer I must keep up on my continuing education). Check and check!
Here are my top 5 favorite finds…
1. Bertazzoni Heritage Collection – Heartful
You’ve already heard that the kitchen is the heart of the home, but at Bertazzoni appliances from Italy, they believe that food is the heart of every kitchen. We’ve loved their ranges for years because of their traditional look, but squealed at the many colorful offerings. A recent client said she wanted Bertazzoni appliances, so of course I had to learn all I could about them.
I discovered their Heritage collection – which is a replica of the original Franceso Bertazzoni design from over 100 years ago, but with all the latest in technology. And the handles with the new “Collezione Metalli Decor” sets are making me giddy. The traditional look in their black matte finish with the stainless steel and brass tipped handles will complement any kitchen style.
2. GE Cafe Series – Still Loving It
At the last KBIS we attended, we loved the GE Cafe appliances so much that we put it in two of our kitchen designs. But this year, GE went above and beyond with matte black finish with – wait for it – brushed copper handles.
It looks so chic and sophisticated, and their sample vignette with light grey quartz countertops and dark wood finished cabinets is stunning. Talk about a masculine kitchen, and I loved it beyond words. I can’t wait for the chance to use this design as an inspiration in an upcoming kitchen project.
3. Haier – Not so Small Anymore
Generally we have used this product for small spaces, like apartments, lofts, or guest houses, because of the small profile (24″ refrigerator, 24″ range, and 18″ dishwasher). But Haier showcased their larger offerings (36″), and for the budget conscious, this is a nice looking package with sleek lines.
The coolest thing is the range vent which is a Kitchen Hub (computer) where you do everything from watching interactive food preparation to streaming entertainment, smart home control to video chatting. This appliance package would be great in a modern or contemporary kitchen with a tech offering.
4. Delta Faucets – Bowery is Making Me Take a Bow
I always have to visit the Delta Faucet booth and check-in with my girl Rachel. So many new innovations this year from Delta Faucet, like a pull-down sprayer for the bathroom (we’ve always had them for the kitchen, but why not the bathroom!!) and a glass washer for the countertop. This can be easily swapped out for the soap dispenser hole (because no one uses those anyway) on your countertop to wash glasses, baby bottles, travel bottles, etc.
My favorite is the new Bowery Collection with its streamlined and precise design and handle on top.
5. Neolith Stone – A Monument in Its Own Right
Neolith Stone is my newest favorite countertop material. One of the newest ultra-compact surfaces on the market, Neolith countertops are made with 100% natural materials which are combined through a process of extreme heat, pressing, and sintering into one of the most resilient surfaces available.
I’m enjoying the new and different finishes and the large selection of thicknesses available. It requires an expert fabricator (luckily we know one), but it is dense, non-porous, and resistant to damage from chemicals and extreme temperature. Yes, please. You can expect to see this product in many of my future designs.
And that’s 5! I hope you saw something that will make your home project (and heck, your life) better — we think these will!
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