Future Looks for Kitchens & Baths

BRANDED CONTENT

Royal Flooring designers Kate Kiester and Mandi Clark recently returned from the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS)—North America’s largest trade show dedicated to all aspects of kitchen and bath design. Held in Las Vegas, the 60-years-running exposition is an inspiring and interactive event that showcases the industry’s latest products, trends, and technologies from hundreds of exhibitors. While Kiester and Clark were both buzzing with all the eye-candy inspiration and ideas, they categorized the expo’s offerings into these four curated take-aways.

Earthy & Organic
Warm earth tones (See more…)—think terra-cotta, ocher, and olive green—are taking center stage in a trend called biophilic design, which also incorporates natural elements and organic materials. “I noticed lots of natural materials versus man-made, sometimes known as ‘forced design,’” Kiester says. “And throughout the show, we saw earthy and cool colors from organic and elemental sources—like water, fire, etc.” Clark agrees. “I noticed a lot of reds and purples. Richer tones and matte black. And more depth to colors.” Even in the cool tones like blue and green, Kiester says, “there was a lot of depth.”

Dark & Moody
While all-white kitchens (See more…) have been dominant for years, darker hues like deep blues, forest greens, and matte black are trending. “Moody kitchens are 100% here,” Kiester says of the rich hues on cabinets. “We didn’t see much wood—either light or dark,” Clark says. “But painted cabinets were dominant.” Clark adds that she, personally, is not sad about the return to pigment. “Seeing all the color was my favorite part of the show. I’m so glad to see it coming back!” Kiester adds, “Even the appliances are full of color!”

Elsewhere in the kitchen, texture on metal cabinet hardware and stone countertops, mixed-metal fixture finishes, and even leather-wrapped oversize pulls add visual depth and sophistication.

“Finally, five years post-Covid, we are back to appreciating high-quality, long-lasting pieces over the fast-furniture options we turned to during the pandemic,” Kiester says. “It’s nice to see quality, art, and patience coming back into design.”

Sustainable Tech
“Finally, five years post-Covid, we are back to appreciating high-quality, long-lasting pieces over the fast-furniture options we turned to during the pandemic,” Kiester says. “It’s nice to see quality, art, and patience coming back into design.” Sustainability, she notes, is no longer a trend but a necessity. “Better versus quick—quality that will last a lifetime is huge again.”

Technology in the home—AI-powered home assistants, smart lighting, and energy-efficient appliances—also has moved beyond trendy. Today, homeowners no longer need to choose between cutting-edge and easy-on-the-eyes. “The tech side of everything is now all about maximizing convenience without interfering with good design,” Kiester says. Screens that hide away, wireless charging built into countertops and surfaces, and multifunctional furniture are just a few examples of how “convenience and practicality is becoming pretty again,” Clark says.

Maximalist Moments
Minimalism and clean design is still relevant, the designers say, but maximalism is making a move with bold patterns, eclectic color palettes, and layered textures. “Keeping things simple, but adding a maximal moment,” Kiester explains. “The juxtaposition really draws the eye and highlights the design.” Clark says she noted “clean-lined cabinets paired with busy stone or colorful patterns; a commercial-style sink sprayer, but done in a graceful shape and a beautiful finish; 3D and textured wall coverings, wallpaper murals, and decorative moldings to dress walls and ceilings; and other old-world into new-world ideas.” Kiester says this trend is still evolving. “I think we’ll see a lot more minimalist with bold, max moments. But not gaudy—these will be very well-placed. It’s really interesting, and I’m excited to see trends like this one that take interiors to the next level!”

> CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ROYAL FLOORING