A guest blog by Rick Beckham, CMKBD

Greys and neutrals…I know that is the current trend in colors and fashion these days. I just didn’t expect to see it in such abundance at KBIS this year. In fact, they seemed to permeate the whole show, possibly giving the last Kitchen and Bath Industry show, an air of desperation. I expect next year’s show to suck in a breath of clean, fresh inspiration, and help bring KBIS back to the prominence it has seen in the past.

Do not get me wrong, I like and respect a grey palette, and neutrals are necessary to set up efficient use of colors. I was happy to see the neutrals being put to use in sleek, soft, modern forms of functional kitchen cabinetry. A lot of these were highlighted with matte-finished hardware and glass-infused panels; a unified melding of “easy to care for,” functional, and still very sophisticated styling. It seemed to say, “Use me, and then go do something else. I will still work great when you get back.” I sort of think of this as the future wave, with a younger group of consumers already here, or on the way.

One of the new design trends I picked up on was TEXTURE. Texture was everywhere. Cabinetry, countertops, and flooring used to be things to look at and complement each other. Now, introducing the sense of touch to these typically smooth surfaces adds another dimension to great kitchen design. Heavily textured cabinet doors, carved sculptural doors, textured inlay panels, and doors of exotic animal hides were displayed, pushing the limits of a new-found medium. Truly an inspiring attempt at freshening up the old five-piece raised panel door! Texture may not be for everyone, but it did make you want to approach it, embrace it, and say “why not?”

My biggest takeaway from attending KBIS 2013 was the “30 Under 30” presentation. For the first time, the NKBA brought 30 exceptional young professionals under the age of thirty to KBIS.  The group of “30 Under 30” were divided into three groups, and were tasked with researching the “showroom of the future,” the next generation of Universal Design, and the overall direction of the kitchen and bath industry.

I attended two of the three sessions presented, and came away very impressed with the young people they selected.  They were from all over North America—25 from the United States, and five from Canada—and are involved in the kitchen business in a variety of ways.

The theme of KBIS this year was “Evolve,” and here are some examples of what this young group see as the showroom of the future:

• Brick and mortar is still important, but there will be more virtual experiences.  Touch screens, digital etc.  Customers want to see how products will look in their home; they want knowledgeable staff, and a creative experience.  Smaller vignettes will be more common than the larger displays you might currently see, since customers want a variety of products to choose from.

I’m so excited about the future of the Industry.  The 30 under 30 group showcased some impressive talent and we’ll see great things from them in the future.

Even a week after KBIS we are all still abuzz with excitement over the experience! We will spend the next few weeks sharing some of our favorite KBIS highlights with you, and this week we are focusing on some of our favorite new products. KBIS is so interesting because it really highlights the best, most innovative product design on the market. Two of our favorite products were a long-handled shower squeegee and a $6000, remote-controlled, self-flushing toilet by Toto, which just illustrates that innovations can be found in both luxury items, and in our most basic household gadgets.

From Kohler

We saw several fun fixtures from Kohler, including a showerhead, a tub, and a touchless faucet. The showerhead and tub enhance your bathroom for a more “spa-like” experience, while the touchless faucet contributes to the “chef’s kitchen” concept.

• Moxie Showerhead: A showerhead isn’t “just” a showerhead when it features a Bluetooth wireless speaker.

• VibrAcoustic Tub: This showerhead will stream music, news, podcasts, and more; compatible with smartphones, tablets, and MP3 players. Add a receiver to stream using Bluetooth technology.

• Touchless Faucet: We can’t say enough about everything this faucet has to offer. Speed, efficiency, food-safety—this is an exciting innovation that will enhance any kitchen.

From Cosentino

Two products from Cosentino caught our eye, featuring innovative surfaces.

• Suede by Cosentino: The surface on this new finish by Cosentino is truly astounding—not only does it look beautiful, it guards against stains and other unsightly markings, like fingerprints. Available in more than forty colors, we are sure this “extramatt” finish will be wildly popular with our clients.

LED Lighting

Ingenious uses of LED lighting were a big trend we saw at KBIS. Running LED lighting around toe-kicks in bathrooms or kitchens increases safety, and is a terrific aging-in-place solution to increase safety in the home. We also loved the use of LED lighting around the edges of glass shelving in a cabinet interior, lighting up the shelf and contributing to both ease-of-use and display enhancement.

Check back with the Cabinets & Designs blog throughout the month of May to get our designers’ perspectives from KBIS, and to read about more innovative products we found during our time in New Orleans!

Here we have Maria lounging in Kohler’s new VibrAcoustic Bathtub. You can literally feel the music while relaxing in this tub! These strategically placed transducers will provide the most beneficial effects to the body. 

TOTO President, David Krakoff, is showing off the Neorest 550H, which was one of the winners of Best of KBIS 2013. This toliet takes comfort and hygiene to the next level with its ewater+ disinfection system. Did we mention that it also comes with a remote control? 

At the Wood-Mode party, we were able to get a sneak peek at some of their prototypes. These doors are just some of the designs we saw that maybe introduced in the future. 

Now that we’re in the middle of April, KBIS really is just around the corner. We are ready for our New Orleans adventure, where we will be reconnecting with colleagues and meeting new friends, as well as learning all we can about the latest trends and innovations in the kitchen and bath industry. That event host National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is celebrating its fiftieth birthday is icing on the cake, and will surely bring an added level of excitement to the event!

Here are some of the things we are looking forward to the most at this year’s KBIS—make sure you check in to the blog every Tuesday to read about our experience in New Orleans!

Product Launches

KBIS is a popular event for new products to launch because so many industry experts are on hand. We love having access to the latest “bells and whistles”, and all in one place. Our clients want the inside track on the kitchen and bath industry, and KBIS helps us bring the most cutting-edge design and innovative products to your home.

- Silestone Suede: Suede is a new finish from our friends at Silestone, one that reinvents not just the look but the feel of your worktop. The finish is described as “extra-matte” and promises to both intensify colors as well as protect against stains and fingerprints.

- Keeler LED Lighting: More and more homeowners are going with LED lighting. Keeler has announced a new system they call LIT, that includes unique applications including backsplashes.

- ECO by Cosentino: Eco-friendly and beautiful, the popular ECO line by Cosentino is launching four new color options at KBIS. The line is made from an astonishing 75 percent recycled materials.

These products are just a taste of what is to come April 19-21, in New Orleans. Stay tuned to the Cabinets & Designs blog for updates from New Orleans!

As we move into April our excitement over KBIS—the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, being held April 19-21 in New Orleans—is really starting to grow. There is a lot to look forward to at KBIS, and we are looking forward to bringing back fresh new ideas for our clients.

Among our favorite things to see at KBIS are the new products offered by Kohler. Each year Kohler products are among the most innovative and intuitive new products on the market. Whether you are looking for things to make aging-in-place a simpler, more comfortable option or you are looking to upgrade your kitchen and bath with all of the most modern luxury “bells and whistles” available, Kohler is the industry leader. There is a reason we exclusively showcase Kohler products in our own showroom; simply put, they are the best in the business.

Keep an eye on the Cabinets & Designs blog for our post-KBIS coverage, which is sure to include offerings from Kohler. In the meantime, here are a few things from the Kohler website that caught our eye.

Tresham Bathroom Collection

This stylish new collection from Kohler includes vanities, sinks, toilets, and showers designed to “bring … playful eccentricity … eclectic elegance to the American bathroom.” We love the way this collection seamlessly blends modern and vintage sensibilities.

Sensate Touchless Kitchen Faucet

When Kohler claims that “Sensate takes touchless to a whole new level” they aren’t kidding—not only does this technology make cooking and cleanup cleaner and more efficient, it’s absolutely revolutionary. A state-of-the-art sensor allows you to wave your hand (or an object, like a pan or utensil) to activate on or off, but without false activations that happen with other, less-precise no touch faucets.

A Special Bathroom Gallery

The gallery of toilet options on the Kohler website is a great way to look at your options at a glance. People have very specific needs when replacing a toilet: a taller unit for aging-in-place, a high-efficiency unit to conserve water, easy-to-clean one-piece units, or well-priced traditional options. The layout here is clean and easy to navigate, so you can find exactly what you need—fast.

As we move into April our excitement over KBIS—the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, being held April 19-21 in New Orleans—is really starting to grow. There is a lot to look forward to at KBIS, and we are looking forward to bringing back fresh new ideas for our clients.

Among our favorite things to see at KBIS are the new products offered by Kohler. Each year Kohler products are among the most innovative and intuitive new products on the market. Whether you are looking for things to make aging-in-place a simpler, more comfortable option or you are looking to upgrade your kitchen and bath with all of the most modern luxury “bells and whistles” available, Kohler is the industry leader. There is a reason we exclusively showcase Kohler products in our own showroom; simply put, they are the best in the business.

Keep an eye on the Cabinets & Designs blog for our post-KBIS coverage, which is sure to include offerings from Kohler. In the meantime, here are a few things from the Kohler website that caught our eye.

Tresham Bathroom Collection

This stylish new collection from Kohler includes vanities, sinks, toilets, and showers designed to “bring … playful eccentricity … eclectic elegance to the American bathroom.” We love the way this collection seamlessly blends modern and vintage sensibilities.

Sensate Touchless Kitchen Faucet

When Kohler claims that “Sensate takes touchless to a whole new level” they aren’t kidding—not only does this technology make cooking and cleanup cleaner and more efficient, it’s absolutely revolutionary. A state-of-the-art sensor allows you to wave your hand (or an object, like a pan or utensil) to activate on or off, but without false activations that happen with other, less-precise no touch faucets.

A Special Bathroom Gallery

The gallery of toilet options on the Kohler website is a great way to look at your options at a glance. People have very specific needs when replacing a toilet: a taller unit for aging-in-place, a high-efficiency unit to conserve water, easy-to-clean one-piece units, or well-priced traditional options. The layout here is clean and easy to navigate, so you can find exactly what you need—fast.

Our friends at Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry have recently updated their website and we think it looks absolutely fabulous! The new layout is gorgeous, and the navigation is even more intuitive and user-friendly than the previous version. We love that Wood-Mode’s commitment to high-quality customer service and flawless design extends even to their own website, and we would love to give you a mini-tour of their “new look.”

The Wood-Mode home page is now an animated slideshow that gives you access to featured designs, savings, and special events. The sleek opening slideshow looks sharp, and moves slowly enough to let you take in each design. 

Wood-Mode has also reorganized the categories through which you can enter the website, again in a more intuitive way to help you find exactly what you are looking for, and more quickly. The categories are:

Design Inspirations: The Design Inspirations section is further subdivided into three sections—American Classics, European Inspirations, and Contemporary Expressions—to let you explore the design or architectural design that most inspires you.

Gallery by Room: Check out designs specific to kitchens, as well as baths, closets/wardrobes, entertainment centers, home offices, and bars/fireplaces. Although Wood-Mode is certainly synonymous with luxury kitchens, custom cabinetry can improve the look—and function—of almost any space in your home.

Cabinetry Options: This section is where you will find details on the details: door styles, laminates, wood types, finishes, and much more.

WoodMode Experience: In this section Wood-Mode shares their history as a 70-year leader in the custom cabinetry industry, and details that are important to customers like their commitment to environmental stewardship, quality construction, and design diversity. This is the section where you can “meet Wood-Mode” up close and personal.

Save Your Favorites: We love this new feature, which allows you to sign up for an account with Wood-Mode. Once created, you can save your favorite designs to create a personal library.

We love the new look—great job, Wood-Mode! We are looking forward to seeing you this month at KBIS in New Orleans!

We wanted to take a brief moment to welcome the newest member to our design team at Cabinets & Designs.  Bill Currier is a Houston native who attained certification as a Certified Kitchen Designer, (CKD) in 1984.

Although Bill has lived and worked elsewhere – California and Louisiana – Bill is happy to be living in Houston with his wife and son.  In his spare time Bill enjoys playing golf and is active in his son’s Little League.

Bill loves working with clients to create their perfect kitchen, which he describes as “building their dreams”. It’s about making a connection, says Bill, “When you work with someone you become a part of their life. I love the challenge of coming up with something special for an individual and then making it the best.”

We asked Bill if he had any advice for first-time home builders, or someone who wants to renovate a kitchen but doesn’t know where to start. “Work with a professional!” Bill advised, without hesitation. “Big mistakes can be made when you don’t work with someone who really understands design. Mistakes are easy to make, but costly and difficult to fix.”

Ultimately Bill has a passion for creating and designing ascetically pleasing and functional spaces.  We look forward to seeing his creative designs – welcome to the team, Bill!

Cabinets & Designs values our relationship with our community partners, and this month we are highlighting the Greater Houston Builders Association. GHBA is a trade association whose members are involved in the development, homebuilding, and remodeling industry across seven counties. Chartered in 1941, the GHBA has been working to develop a network of government, community, and public relationships for forty years, with the goal of enhancing the business climate for members while also providing quality, obtainable housing for the community.

GHBA provides many wonderful volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Their events calendar features many GHBA-sponsored events that make a difference in Houston. Here are just a few:

•    Annual Charity Golf Tournament supports HomeAid Houston: Tuesday, April 23, 2013

•    AIA SandCastle Competition on Galveston’s East Beach benefitting AIA Houston & ArCh Foundation: Saturday, June 1, 2013

•    Adopt a Family Holiday Program  

•    Remodeler’s Council Charity Garage Sale which benefits a different charity each year.  Last year approximately $18,000 was raised! 

•    BABA (Bay Area Builders Association)/GHBA supports Operation Finally Home: A group which provides mortgage-free homes to wounded and disabled veterans, and widows of the fallen.

We would also like to thank GHBA for naming our own Maria Frank as “Newsmaker of the Week” in the Greater Houston Builders Association’s March 2013 newsletter. We are proud to work with GHBA and help them support the greater Houston community.

About GHBA: GHBA is the largest home builders association (HBA) in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States. Currently, our industry employs 60,000 people and generates upwards of $3 billion to the local economy. Through political advocacy, continuing education and training for members, and community building partnerships, GHBA enhances our city and the lives of the people that live here, in addition to strengthening the homebuilding and remodeling industry. You can connect with the GHBA on Facebook and Twitter.