What's New at KBIS? - Part 1 - Kitchen and Bath Industry Show
“The value of an idea lies in the using of it.”
I must say, it’s been a while since I’ve dusted off the keyboard to share a blog post. After my tour of KBIS 2022, (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show), be on the lookout for an information palooza to appear!
I’m separating the content into digestible bites, beginning with the gracious sponsors who brought our Designhounds group down to Orlando to experience, firsthand, all of the things we’ve missed over the last couple of years. There’s nothing like high-touch in the world of design.
When you get a group of lively designers and influencers together! Our first evening’s poolside party was provided by courtesy of Mr. Steam. I’ll be sharing my top ten show selections, soon!
Back in the fall, I was honored to be selected as part of a group of 15 designers and influencers to cover the largest kitchen and bath show in North America. Modenus Media has a long-standing relationship with KBIS, as well as its founder, Veronika Miller. She has been involved on an international level with several manufacturers, beginning to delve into the US market. (More to come on that.) Veronika and her daughter, Florence, put together this amazing visit to Orlando, home for this year’s show.
Our sponsors, KBIS, Mr. Steam, Signature Kitchen Suite, Nobilia, NKBA Global Connect and COMPAC, will be covered in two separate posts. I’ll also be sharing additional news about creating better function in the most important rooms in the home, as well as all of the pretty! The New American Home Tour brought us some sparkly moments, for certain.
Poolside at our lovely home-away-from-home, the Orlando Hilton.
Mr. Steam
Image: Mr. Steam
Whether planning for or converting an existing shower to allow for steam therapy, this is one of the wisest decisions for not only enhancing health and well-being, it’s also a good investment. Since 1917, Mr. Steam, one of the earliest manufacturers of steam technology, has perfected the art of creating a luxury experience both at home and in day spas and resorts.
A 29% higher sale price. That makes good design sense and cents.
Mr. Steam makes it so easy to consider all of the different options, based on a their simple online tool. You’ll get an estimate of your project’s cost, (labor and shower materials not included). All you have to do is plug in some dimensions and any upgrades, like aromatherapy, chromotherapy, or music therapy. Yes, all of the senses are addressed while you steam your cares away. There are up-to-date finishes and wi-fi controls, too. Their website is like an encyclopedia of information and they’ve taken the user-friendly approach to navigating it.
Here’s an example of a steam shower package I put together for a 3’ x 5’ shower. Each element provides a detailed description, as you’re considering options.
With the ability to have a steam shower in a space as small as 36” x 36”, there’s no reason not to consider adding Mr. Steam to your next remodel or home build. In fact, as you read below, there are at least 40+ reasons to consider.
May I have all three, please?
Just a few of the benefits of steaming
And how about at least 40 more?
COMPAC
Curves are classic and this outdoor workstation evoked a both timeless and organic design aesthetic. Visually beautiful and tactile appeal. This is Terrazzo HPS from COMPAC.
Traditional terrazzo meets a new formula for improved strength was one of COMPAC’s striking product reveals. Their introduction of Terrazzo HPS showcased a surface for use, indoor and out. It’s aptly referred to as an all terrain material. The ability to shape their materials creates an appeal that’s a level above in architectural applications.
Ice White from the Ice of Genesis Collection created by Arik Levy for COMPAC. The influence of artic nature is observed in the undulating movement in this quartz surface. Its design mesmerizes the observer.
COMPAC, founded in 1975 in Spain, specializes in the manufacture and distribution of terrazzo, quartz and obsidiana, (up to 100% glass), for architecture and design. They subscribe to the tenets of sustainability, innovation, as well as distinctive design.
At present, all of the materials and designs in the COMPAC portfolio follow a sustainable method of production, with 100% renewable electric energy, reusing more than 98% of the water in the process.
NKBA Global Connect - Vlaze
One of my favorite vendors on the NKBA Global Connect stage was from across-the-pond. Vlaze, maker of outdoor kitchen modules, had me at their silky surfaces and style. Yes, I said it, enamel can be described as such. I loved how they blend effortlessly in garden spaces, too.
Image: Vlaze Website
Image: Vlaze Instagram
As they aptly share on their site, “Vlaze is a range of vitreous enamel surfaces and furniture designed specifically for the living environment. The exceptional finish is created by fusing powdered glass to steel at temperatures in excess of 800°C. The result is a luxurious, vibrant glaze that does not crack or discolour, is heat and chemical resistant and is available in a wide range of opaque colours with pattern or light texture.”
I think Vlaze has shown careful consideration as to the flexibility of designing outdoor spaces. I’m in the process of looking at designing our own, and I’ll be checking into some of their product!
During our Global Connect experience, I learned one of the differences between European and American kitchen design is how we Yanks love a built-in kitchen, mostly in wood, while it’s more common for our European counterparts to look at the process as an assemblage of cabinets or modules, often free-standing and in a bit more range of color. I’ll speak to that in my next post.
For now, I’ll sign-off. My brain is still absorbing all of the information and visual goodness from KBIS. Stay-tuned for Part Two!
All my best!
Wanda