This year, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) was one for the history books. A year of many firsts; world-class keynote sessions, and design and product innovations, that wow. Here are just a few of our favorite moments of KBIS 2017:
All About Outdoor Living
For the first time in its history, KBIS debuted “The Backyard,” its casual space, showcasing the finest in outdoor living. As a participant, Almo Premium unveiled the 2017 Outdoor Kitchen Expedition, a more than 40 ft. long, 14 ft. wide trailer, housing high-quality, luxury grills and grilling accessories from brands Alfresco, Artisan and Heat. The Outdoor Kitchen Expedition provided attendees with live, hands-on cooking demonstrations, from Grill Master Matt Mikula, while also featuring brands that get the “party started,” and keep the great outdoors just as entertaining as inside, including a vivid peerless-AV television, cozy Hanover outdoor furniture and expert refrigeration from Liebherr and U-Line Corporation.
The Importance of Trade Careers
Graciously, organizers of KBIS showed just how important trade careers are to the future of the industry, by committing $250,000 to the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, and the Generation Next philanthropic campaign, hosted by Emmy-award winning home improvement series, This Old House. The foundation provides scholarships to individuals being trained for skilled jobs in demand.
The star-studded presentation of the check took place during the “Beers and Cheers for Trade Careers” event.
Sized for Urban Dwellers
Size matters… and a popular trend at KBIS this year, was luxury design for small spaces. In addition to Neolith’s “Tiny House,” display, everything from vanities, appliances and fixtures were crated with function in mind, for urban and minimalist lifestyles.
SUPERIORE, which exhibited as part of a vignette in the Liebherr booth, showcased its 24” range and hood, with metallic wave design backsplash. This made the perfect accompaniment to the RU-510, a 24” undercounter beverage center, with custom door panel, for a seamless integrated look.
Designer-Inspired Appliances
The emergence of new appliance “Power Couples” took KBIS by storm, including LG and Nate Berkus (think LeBerkus). It seems, these days, notable designers are working with, and inspiring the look, feel, materials and aesthetic of today’s appliances. From refrigerators, to range hoods, to cooktops and fixtures; the design community is leaving no stone unturned, in today’s modern kitchens, and is making meaningful impact on the appliance industry, as a whole.