Kitchen & Bath Business July/August 2023 - 22

KBB SPECIAL SECTION
KBIS 2023
An Eye on Design
Three KBIS 2023 Voices from the Industry sessions focused on European, transitional and luxury styles
The pandemic generated several functional
trends that have had lasting impact. These include
home offices (with special attention to
lighting and acoustics), blended interior and
exterior spaces and specialized utility spaces,
such as hobby rooms, cleaning closets and
mudrooms.
Emerging functional design trends that appeal
to high-end residential clients include
ADUs (accessory dwelling units), elevators
and saferooms. ADUs can be a source of rental
revenue or a place for family members to
comfortably and safely age-in-place. Elevators
increase accessibility throughout the home.
Saferooms - or safe suites - provide a secure,
connected environment against threats of all
kinds.
The concept of indulgence is another emerging
trend with functional ramifications. Examples
of this include pet-centric spaces (catios,
dog-washing stations, etc.) and oversized
or walk-in pantries.
EUROPEAN KITCHEN FURNITURE:
WHAT MATTERS MOST
FUNCTIONAL TRENDS IMPACTING DESIGN
IN CUSTOM HOMES AND LUXURY REMODELS
JENNIFER HUTTON OF GRAU Building Co. identifies new residential
design features with staying power. These typically involve significant planning
in the design phase, as well as on the builder's side. As they potentially
have major design implications, these new concepts should be treated as
opportunities to showcase well-executed luxury design.
Key Takeaways:
Functional trends are purpose-driven, while non-functional trends are
image-driven.
Functional trends can lead to new business opportunities, not only with
clients but also with suppliers and trades, as they incorporate these goals
into their skillsets.
22
/ JULY-AUGUST 2023
ABOVE A trend gaining
traction in custom
home builds and
luxury renovations is
including pet-centric
spaces like dogwashing
stations.
Photo by Joe
Hendrickson/Adobe
Stock
Research shows that contemporary and transitional
looks are the top cabinet styles requested
by homeowners. While the appearance is important,
design pros know there are other considerations
to keep in mind when selecting cabinets.
In this presentation, Bill Speights of nobilia
North America examines the advantages offered
by European kitchen furniture (EKF).
Key Takeaways:
Intelligently Designed. Originally created after
WW2, frameless cabinets were intentionally
designed as a modular system that could be
disassembled, transported and reinstalled by
a single person on site. Requiring minimal
tools to assemble and install, frameless cabinets
offer full access to storage space. Standing
on concealed legs and pillars, the plinth panels
ensure a unified, streamlined look. The material-optimizing
construction utilizes a clipbased
system that eliminates drill-through
connectors.

Kitchen & Bath Business July/August 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Kitchen & Bath Business July/August 2023