Trend Flash is exclusively for members of the Trend Curve™ subscriber family with immediate updates from each market and trade show we cover worldwide. Correspondent Julie Smith Vincenti is at KBIS (the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) in Las Vegas. Her top trends are below:
COLOR
- Veneers, laminate, wood: Earthy browns, taupe and grays redolent of driftwood earned top billing
- Luxurious bone and cream hues were next in line
- Lavender and lilac advanced for bathrooms
- Color focal points continued to delight in the kitchen
- Color on cabinet interiors offered a compelling alternative
MATERIALS AND TEXTURES
- Mixed materials, textures, finishes exuded relaxed luxury in cabinetry presentations
- Quartz bested granite counter tops
- Over-size ceramic subway tiles edged forward
- Matte and no-sheen finishes were set to rival lacquer going forward
- Color and pattern positioned Formica beyond counter tops: tabletops, back splashes, cabinet faces
DESIGN SHIFTS
- Contemporary- and transitional-style kitchens ascended to overtake traditional looks; farewell, Tuscan
- Freestanding furniture solidified its place in kitchens
- Counter- and gathering-height eclipsed standard tables, chairs
- LED lighting was up to the task in kitchens
- Floating vanities and modern pedestal sinks gained momentum; forms delighted while they appeared to defy gravity
- Charging stations in bathroom and kitchen cabinetry were standard