KBIS: From a Designer’s Viewpoint

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?”