This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Recap of 2014 KBIS Show

2014 Show Highlights Kitchen and Bath Design and Building Trends

I was pleased to attend the 2014 KBIS Show in Las Vegas this week. As the leading kitchen and bath industry show, KBIS typically provides a venue for kitchen and bath vendors to present new products to the market which contribute to defining new design trends. The event, which is attended by fellow designers, architects and builders, is one of the world’s largest gatherings focused on new ideas, products and technologies to design, build and remodel homes.

New Products in Focus

Bath Vanities

Find out what's happening in South Pasadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Kohler introduced their new bath vanity line which offers a multitude of new styles, both traditional and modern in design. While the new vanity units are beautiful, the most innovative features were behind the vanity doors. A series of interchangeable components can be integrated into these vanity units to maximize storage and organization. To name a few, interior electrical ‘bar’ provides hidden storage for hairdryer or electric toothbrush; bamboo cubbies provide open and covered storage for make-up and accessories; integrated bins and pullouts provide organization for bath linens. Overall, the ingenious design will help to maximize bath storage in a beautifully designed vanity.

Vanity Tops

Find out what's happening in South Pasadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Also by Kohler, striking countertops that can be used on any of their new bath vanities. Constructed of fireclay, cast iron or stone, the countertops provide a custom look and are available in a number of color choices. The choice in wood finish on the vanity itself along with these semi-custom countertops gives these…

Porcelain for Floors, Walls and Countertops

Walking through the KBIS Show, I could see a definite trend in porcelain material countertops fabricated with the look and feel of real stone and wood. I was captivated by Neolith’s new Classtone product. Neolith is offered in a wide array of textures, colors, and finishes delivering a significant value for interior design applications.  Rigorously realistic marble-like Pulpis, Marfil, Estatuario and Marquina comprise the Classtone line which is suitable for floors, walls, kitchen countertops and bathrooms.

Acyrlic Wall Panels

I was wowed by Lustrolite, which is a high gloss acrylic wall panel used for bath and shower walls and kitchen back splashes. An alternative to tile, it looks like back painted glass with a special hard coated top layer for extra scratch and chemical resistance, and effortless cleaning. Available in a range of six colors, Lustrolite can provide a refreshing compliment to a more transitional or traditional tile or stone in the right space. Lustrolite has twenty times the impact strength as glass, yet is only half the weight. This makes Lustrolite economical to ship, store and handle during installation. It can also be cut, drilled and fabricated on-site with standard wood working tools.
Better still, Lustrolite is more cost effective than glass, and when compared to tiles, there is no need for grouting and takes about a third of the time to install. I can’t wait to use Lustrolite in a future project. Check out the Lustrolite Website.

Ceramic Tile

I was impressed by the design, texture and colors used in the new Martyn Lawrence Bullard tile collection for Ann Sacks Tile. Handcrafted in Morocco, the Eastern Promise Collection provides a modern interpretation of hand hewn Moroccan floor tile. The collection could be easily be integrated with other ceramic or stone tile to layer in earthy colors and texture. In contrast, the highly textural Mousharabia Collection was inspired by Moroccan carved wood latticework screens and the rich color and texture of this tile would transform any room into a contemporary statement in design.

In the coming weeks I will share more products and trends from the 2014 KBIS Show in Las Vegas that I hope will inspire you in your next remodel project.

Robert Frank is a local resident and owner of Robert Frank Design, a full-service interior design firm specializing in interior design, kitchen design, bath design and closet design. Robert Frank Design works in collaboration with our clients to create beautiful, functional spaces that reflect their lifestyles and personalities. Visit us on the web at www.robertfrankdesign.com.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from South Pasadena