KBIS, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, is the place to see what is trending in the kitchen and bath industry. The 2024 event was recently held in Las Vegas and attracted over 40,000 attendees from across the industry. KBIS exhibitors include some of the best-known brands in the industry, including Hardware Resources! KBIS is where exhibitors pull out all the stops to showcase their latest products, designs, and technology. It is a unique opportunity for manufacturers to get real-time feedback on new products and make new connections. Products and designs featured at KBIS often become dominant trends in the industry. Here are just a few of the trends we spotted at KBIS 2024.
Bold Color
Barbie-Mania took center stage at KBIS, leaving a trail of vibrant hues and dreamy designs in its wake! Manufacturers and designers brought the iconic Barbie aesthetic to life, infusing mood boards, accessories, bath fixtures, and kitchen appliances with lively colors that popped. 
An eye-catching pink refrigerator complete with wine storage (True booth)
Every corner of the event was adorned with eye-catching displays of bright colors, drawing in attendees and setting the stage for a fun and cheerful atmosphere.
For those eager to dip their toes into the world of Barbiecore without fully committing, the trend was embraced with subtle nods to color amidst neutral tones. Appliances in creamy off-white hues harmonize with walls adorned in pink floral wallpaper and accents of neon paint—a scene straight out of Barbie’s dream house comes to life!
In addition to pink, green and blue were also popular colors at KBIS. The Kohler booth featured bathtubs in hues from the Heritage Color Collection, which features teal and green options popular in 1970s and 1980s. The Heritage Color Collection will be available across a variety of Kohler products, from apron-front kitchen sinks and bath undermounts to toilets and clawfoot tubs.
Rob(i)ot Home
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term used to describe devices embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable the exchange of data with other devices and systems over the internet. The big question for many is how technology will be used in the home of the future.
LG Electronics, a major manufacturer of IoT appliances, provided a glimpse of the future with a display featuring a small, mobile robot called Companion. About the size of a toaster on wheels, the LG Companion can understand voice commands and interact with other IoT devices in the home. In a video demonstration, the LG Companion alerts the homeowner to someone at the front door. The Companion shares a live video from the front door camera with the homeowner, who instructs the Companion to let the visitor in. The robot rolls over to the door—another IoT device—unlocks it and welcomes the visitor into the home.
Acting as a mobile hub for all the devices in the home connected to the Internet, the LG Companion could be used for a wide range of tasks in the home from keeping an eye on dinner to cleaning up spills. The big takeaway from the demonstration is that IoT devices are already in our homes and will impact the way we live in the future.
Inspired by Nature
Despite all the exciting technology, or maybe because of it, nature–inspired decor continues to be a dominant trend. Floral, tropical, and jungle-theme wall coverings were featured by several kitchen and bath product manufacturers. Cabinetry manufactures, including NorthPoint Cabinetry, featured natural wood finishes that complement a wide range of design aesthetics. In choosing decorative hardware, designers are making interesting choices when accessorizing natural wood cabinetry. Some designers choose to stay with the natural theme by choosing textured hammered metals, while others contrast the natural tones with rich gold or chrome.
KBIS 2024 was a huge success thanks to the attendees and exhibitors. The passion that people have for the industry helps to inspire creativity. Did you attend KBIS 2024? What did you think? Share your comments below.
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