3 Stand-Out Trends from KBIS 2024 to Inspire Your Upcoming Projects
February marked another record-breaking Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, with over 117,000 Design & Construction Week visitors and 41,500+ KBIS attendees. Plus, there were 670+ exhibitors to explore, a 30% increase from last year, and 260+ new exhibitors, a 40% increase from last year.
With even more exhibitors and lots of visitors, there was a ton to see and do at KBIS 2024. If you weren’t able to make it or simply didn’t get a chance to walk the show floor, we’ve got you covered with three stand-out trends that can inspire your projects this year and beyond:
February marked another record-breaking Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, with over 117,000 Design & Construction Week visitors and 41,500+ KBIS attendees. Plus, there were 670+ exhibitors to explore, a 30% increase from last year, and 260+ new exhibitors, a 40% increase from last year.
With even more exhibitors and lots of visitors, there was a ton to see and do at KBIS 2024. If you weren’t able to make it or simply didn’t get a chance to walk the show floor, we’ve got you covered with three stand-out trends that can inspire your projects this year and beyond:
Purpose-Driven Features
This year was all about the consumer, and how each company can offer unique products and services to cater to their specific needs to make life easier, not harder. There was a ton of innovation brought to the show this year, like quartz countertops that have wireless chargers built in to reduce clutter and eliminate tripping on cords, or personalized smart toilets with features like ambient colored lighting and a heated seat.
The new Whirlpool® 30-inch Electric Range with Air Fry debuted on the show floor, which makes cleanup simple with its WipeClean™ coating. Exclusive to Whirlpool Corporation, this feature makes tackling tough messes a breeze and requires just water, not harsh cleaners. Simply wet, wait a few minutes, then easily wipe away sticky spills and seared-on foods. Whirlpool Corporation representatives wowed show attendees with live demonstrations showcasing just how this innovation can improve life at home.
Also new at the show was the KitchenAid® Multifunction Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with Infrared Sensor Modes. It combines the features of an air fryer, toaster oven, convection oven, dehydrator, bread proofer, microwave, and ventilation hood – all into one space-saving appliance. It’s designed for seamless flush installation within a standard 12 ¾" cutout, so the kitchen stands out, not the appliance. And it takes the guesswork out of cooking with the Integrated Meat Thermometer. It continuously monitors cooking progress and automatically turns the oven off when the desired temperature is reached to simplify meal prep.
Design Inspiration from Unique Places
One thing that quickly became apparent when walking the show floor is that design inspiration isn’t confined to just the kitchen & bath industry – it can come from anywhere, and should. Companies created inspiring products and booths referencing fashion, art, and even cars and comic books.
Many exhibitors also drew inspiration from nature, integrating biophilic design, a trend we’ve seen take off in the last few years that is still going strong. This design style incorporates natural elements into home design, whether that’s in the materials, like stone and wood, the colors and finishes used, or just more fresh air and natural light. There was a ton of greenery seen across the show floor, from plants to natural shades, and can create a calming environment when used in home design.
Maximalism
While minimalism remains popular, maximalism has been on the rise in recent years – which was evident at this year’s show. Maximalist interiors use bold colors and patterns that create an aesthetic of excess. Walking around, it was easy to spot bright shades in everything from coffee makers to bathroom tiles.
Adding pops of color to the kitchen can often be limited to the cabinetry, which was certainly prevalent with bright blues or deep greens, but color can go a lot further. In fact, appliances were even displayed in a wide range of colors around the show floor. Stainless steel remains a timeless finish, but consumers are also interested in colored appliances to suit their unique preferences.
KitchenAid® recently announced its 2024 Color of the Year: Blue Salt, and unveiled it at the show. It’s a stunning periwinkle blue with a subtle iridescent, reddish-pearl finish. Salty yet sweet and blue yet purple, it can add a splash of color to your projects and brighten the kitchen space
Another key aspect of maximalism is unique textures, such as the new, limited edition Mystic 30" by JennAir® Leather Panel, which was on display at the show. Inspired by the deep sea, this custom panel brings an alluring touch of luxury into the kitchen. And don’t forget about the inside of the refrigerator! JennAir® also offers an industry-exclusive Obsidian interior that defies drab vanilla-white interiors and allows fine food to stand out against the striking dark finish.
To learn more about Whirlpool Corporation’s presence at KBIS 2024 in the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit whirlpoolpro.com/kbis2024.
For additional details about our appliance offerings, contact a sales rep today. Keep up with other trends and news in your industry by visiting The Trade Channel page.
