New Styles Launched at the US Kitchen & Bath Industry Show
See new tapware styles, appliance colours and shower features launched at the KBIS 2022 trade show
When it comes to seeing America’s latest and upcoming interior design products, features, trends and styles, you’ll find few better places than Design & Construction Week. The annual trade event, held from 8 to 10 February 2022 in Orlando, Florida, combines the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Builders’ Show (IBS). Manufacturers of home design and building products and materials use KBIS and IBS to launch new collections that are available now in the USA or will be released there in the coming year.
More than 70,000 people attended the event, which featured over 1,200 exhibitors highlighting the newest tapware, appliances, vanity-top styles and more, and showcased the latest innovations in sustainability and conservation in the country’s product manufacturing. Here’s a snapshot of some of the new styles and trends featured at KBIS 2022.
More than 70,000 people attended the event, which featured over 1,200 exhibitors highlighting the newest tapware, appliances, vanity-top styles and more, and showcased the latest innovations in sustainability and conservation in the country’s product manufacturing. Here’s a snapshot of some of the new styles and trends featured at KBIS 2022.
Brizo’s Odin semi-professional kitchen tap will soon be released in the USA in several finishes, including polished nickel and Brilliance Luxe Steel, shown here with a wooden lever.
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Wheel knobs
Here’s another result of manufacturers looking to modernise industrial-style tapware. Wheel knobs were found on many of the first plumbing parts and are still used in many commercial applications. Several manufacturers picked up on that detail and introduced elegant takes on wheel-knob designs.
Brizo released its Litze widespread tapware with wheel handles, shown here in Brilliance Polished Nickel.
Here’s another result of manufacturers looking to modernise industrial-style tapware. Wheel knobs were found on many of the first plumbing parts and are still used in many commercial applications. Several manufacturers picked up on that detail and introduced elegant takes on wheel-knob designs.
Brizo released its Litze widespread tapware with wheel handles, shown here in Brilliance Polished Nickel.
2. Workstation Sinks
Workstation sinks have risen in popularity in the past couple of years, and it seems manufacturers are starting to catch up to demand. Several of them launched workstation designs at KBIS. These hardworking sinks include inserts and accessories for chopping, straining, drying and other functions.
Ruvati released several workstation sinks, including its 45-inch (114-centimetre) apron-front workstation shown here. The company also released more compact models in its granite-look epiCast collection.
Workstation sinks have risen in popularity in the past couple of years, and it seems manufacturers are starting to catch up to demand. Several of them launched workstation designs at KBIS. These hardworking sinks include inserts and accessories for chopping, straining, drying and other functions.
Ruvati released several workstation sinks, including its 45-inch (114-centimetre) apron-front workstation shown here. The company also released more compact models in its granite-look epiCast collection.
3. Warm, Neutral Benchtop Styles
It’s no secret that white marble-look engineered-stone benchtops have dominated kitchens in recent years. But many manufacturers are betting on a small shift away from bright whites to warmer neutrals.
Caesarstone released five new colours in its USA Pebbles collection, which features warm white, grey and greige styles. Riverlet, shown here, is a soft off-white with subtle amber veining.
It’s no secret that white marble-look engineered-stone benchtops have dominated kitchens in recent years. But many manufacturers are betting on a small shift away from bright whites to warmer neutrals.
Caesarstone released five new colours in its USA Pebbles collection, which features warm white, grey and greige styles. Riverlet, shown here, is a soft off-white with subtle amber veining.
4. Colourful Appliance Finishes
While there’s no doubt that stainless steel remains the most popular appliance finish in the USA, many manufacturers are increasing their offerings to include other, bolder finishes.
Samsung announced a collaboration with artist Alex Proba for its Bespoke 4-Door Flex refrigerator featuring a colourful abstract jungle-print design, destined for the USA market.
While there’s no doubt that stainless steel remains the most popular appliance finish in the USA, many manufacturers are increasing their offerings to include other, bolder finishes.
Samsung announced a collaboration with artist Alex Proba for its Bespoke 4-Door Flex refrigerator featuring a colourful abstract jungle-print design, destined for the USA market.
BlueStar announced a collaboration with USA-based interior designer Alison Victoria, which features an exclusive colour collection of 10 shades of green.
5. Bathing Experiences
If there’s one thing that defines what’s happening in USA bathroom product design, it has to be the development of elevated bathing experiences. Pamper-me features dominate most new fixtures, with an emphasis on water-spray features – the more the better.
Kohler’s new Statement Showering collection features an oblong design with a rain showerhead that offers users better coverage of the shoulders and body. The line comes in six spray experiences, including a deep massage of twisting, kneading jets and a Cloud spray that covers the body in warm mist.
If there’s one thing that defines what’s happening in USA bathroom product design, it has to be the development of elevated bathing experiences. Pamper-me features dominate most new fixtures, with an emphasis on water-spray features – the more the better.
Kohler’s new Statement Showering collection features an oblong design with a rain showerhead that offers users better coverage of the shoulders and body. The line comes in six spray experiences, including a deep massage of twisting, kneading jets and a Cloud spray that covers the body in warm mist.
Rain showerheads gained popularity when they were first introduced, but some people complained about the lack of power to adequately rinse off soap and hair products. Now manufacturers are doubling down on rain showerheads and expanding their offerings with new looks and innovative spray options that promise powerful pressure.
Brizo’s new 14-inch (35-centimetre) ‘raincan’ showerhead, shown here in Brilliance Luxe Gold, features a new drenching spray technology.
Brizo’s new 14-inch (35-centimetre) ‘raincan’ showerhead, shown here in Brilliance Luxe Gold, features a new drenching spray technology.
Brizo announced a Frank Lloyd Wright collection last year. The company worked with the famous architect’s foundation to create tap and showerhead designs. The rain-shower unit shown here features an illuminated teak-encased canopy. There’s also a side-spout feature that recalls the architect’s famous Fallingwater house.
It’d be a sin to talk about bathroom experiences and not mention Kohler’s new Stillness Infinity Experience freestanding bathtub. The deep soaking tub features steam and aromatherapy functions and a bottom-lit, square design surrounded by wooden grates that catch spillover. It also comes with a high price tag, but we can dream, right? It will be available in the USA in late-2022.
6. Bidets
Remember the toilet paper shortage of 2020? Many people took that as a cue to try out bidets – and subsequently fell in love with the function. Demand increased in the USA and manufacturers took note.
Moen announced several new electronic bidet add-on seats and smart toilets with bidet functions. The 3-Series shown here features a wall-mounted remote control to flush and raise or lower the lid. There’s also a toe-tap function at the base for hands-free flushing. Some models are available now in the USA, with more to be released.
Remember the toilet paper shortage of 2020? Many people took that as a cue to try out bidets – and subsequently fell in love with the function. Demand increased in the USA and manufacturers took note.
Moen announced several new electronic bidet add-on seats and smart toilets with bidet functions. The 3-Series shown here features a wall-mounted remote control to flush and raise or lower the lid. There’s also a toe-tap function at the base for hands-free flushing. Some models are available now in the USA, with more to be released.
Toto redesigned its popular Washlet line of bidet seats. The new streamlined design still features a pre-mist feature as well as a self-cleaning function for the spray wand.
7. Artificial Intelligence
A common complaint about smart-home technology is that it’s, well, not very smart. Many high-tech products rely on users to go through complex steps to set preferences and select features, causing many people to skip all the glitz and fall back on whatever the most basic setting is.
But there seems to be a shift towards companies creating high-tech products that perform smart tasks without much need for help from a user.
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, was a buzzy phrase heard multiple times during KBIS 2022.
LG’s AI-enabled WashTower, shown here, features technology that detects load size, fabric type and how dirty laundry is, and adjusts the load to dispense the right amount of detergent. The washer also sends the load information to the dryer, which then adjusts accordingly. The machines learn routines over time and can notify you if the dryer vent is clogged or if it’s time to clean the drum. An infrared drying feature monitors the temperature of pieces of clothing during the dry cycle to make sure everything is heated evenly.
Another cool feature is that when you stack the machines, you can control both units from the lower washer control panel. This model will be available later this year in the USA.
A common complaint about smart-home technology is that it’s, well, not very smart. Many high-tech products rely on users to go through complex steps to set preferences and select features, causing many people to skip all the glitz and fall back on whatever the most basic setting is.
But there seems to be a shift towards companies creating high-tech products that perform smart tasks without much need for help from a user.
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, was a buzzy phrase heard multiple times during KBIS 2022.
LG’s AI-enabled WashTower, shown here, features technology that detects load size, fabric type and how dirty laundry is, and adjusts the load to dispense the right amount of detergent. The washer also sends the load information to the dryer, which then adjusts accordingly. The machines learn routines over time and can notify you if the dryer vent is clogged or if it’s time to clean the drum. An infrared drying feature monitors the temperature of pieces of clothing during the dry cycle to make sure everything is heated evenly.
Another cool feature is that when you stack the machines, you can control both units from the lower washer control panel. This model will be available later this year in the USA.
Samsung’s new Bespoke front-load washer and dryer offer similar AI technology. The washer learns your clothing-care preferences and recommends cycles based on your washing patterns. It also detects soil levels and optimises the amount of detergent.
When stacked, both machines can also be controlled from the bottom washer panel.
GE’s 900 Series (featured above in the colourful appliances section of this article) also has AI capabilities.
When stacked, both machines can also be controlled from the bottom washer panel.
GE’s 900 Series (featured above in the colourful appliances section of this article) also has AI capabilities.
Another high-tech device generating buzz at KBIS 2022 was Cooksy. This gadget can be attached underneath a range hood or mounted on a stand, as shown here. The device features thermal imaging that tells you in an app what temperature the surface of your pan is or the temperature of the food that’s cooking on a stove.
The app also features video tutorials of recipes that instruct people when to add ingredients. Users can also record your own videos – for those foodie influencers out there – and the app will learn and record when you’ve added an ingredient so you can refer back to the video in the future. People can also upload cooking videos to Cooksy to share with friends and family and let them follow recipes, or to post publicly for the broader Cooksy. The device is available now to the USA market.
The app also features video tutorials of recipes that instruct people when to add ingredients. Users can also record your own videos – for those foodie influencers out there – and the app will learn and record when you’ve added an ingredient so you can refer back to the video in the future. People can also upload cooking videos to Cooksy to share with friends and family and let them follow recipes, or to post publicly for the broader Cooksy. The device is available now to the USA market.
8. Sustainability and Recycling
There’s so much going on with sustainable product manufacturing that you could have devoted the entire three-day KBIS event to the subject. Many innovations involve the conservation and monitoring of water usage.
Moen’s Smart Water Network lets homeowners control and monitor their water usage to conserve as needed. It can also detect leaks and notify you if one occurs. If one’s away on holidays, they can remotely shut the water off and flush the pipes to prevent bacterial contamination or pipes freezing in winter.
The company plans to repurpose almost 2,000 tonnes of ocean plastic for its products and packaging by the year 2030. It also plans to save 4.5 trillion litres of water by the same year through its product innovations.
Kohler’s H2Wise system performs functions similar to Moen’s Smart Water Network. It also features AI capabilities that learn people’s water use over time so they can make more informed decisions.
Kohler also announced it will be launching a tile collection in the USA for Earth Day made with 99.7-percent pottery wastewater. The grey sludge left over from creating ceramics is hand-shaped into tiles and fired in a kiln, resulting in undulating, textured surfaces.
There’s so much going on with sustainable product manufacturing that you could have devoted the entire three-day KBIS event to the subject. Many innovations involve the conservation and monitoring of water usage.
Moen’s Smart Water Network lets homeowners control and monitor their water usage to conserve as needed. It can also detect leaks and notify you if one occurs. If one’s away on holidays, they can remotely shut the water off and flush the pipes to prevent bacterial contamination or pipes freezing in winter.
The company plans to repurpose almost 2,000 tonnes of ocean plastic for its products and packaging by the year 2030. It also plans to save 4.5 trillion litres of water by the same year through its product innovations.
Kohler’s H2Wise system performs functions similar to Moen’s Smart Water Network. It also features AI capabilities that learn people’s water use over time so they can make more informed decisions.
Kohler also announced it will be launching a tile collection in the USA for Earth Day made with 99.7-percent pottery wastewater. The grey sludge left over from creating ceramics is hand-shaped into tiles and fired in a kiln, resulting in undulating, textured surfaces.
Silestone by Cosentino, the Spanish surfaces manufacturer, is also committing to water conservation. For its Sunlit Days quartz collection, launched last year in the USA, the company is now applying a production process that uses 99-percent reused water and 100-percent renewable energy while producing no particle emissions or water discharge.
Cala Blue, shown here, is a deep, sophisticated blue-green that fittingly nods to the waters of the Mediterranean.
Cala Blue, shown here, is a deep, sophisticated blue-green that fittingly nods to the waters of the Mediterranean.
Beko’s new 24-inch (60-centimetre- front-load washer features a tub made from 60 recycled plastic water bottles. It will be available in September 2022 in the USA.
Your turn
Which of these design directions are you hoping to see in Australia and New Zealand? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Are you across the latest news and trends from around the world? Find out here with Houzz’s global trade show coverage
Your turn
Which of these design directions are you hoping to see in Australia and New Zealand? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Are you across the latest news and trends from around the world? Find out here with Houzz’s global trade show coverage
It’s hard to overstate the abundance of new tapware styles, finishes and designs featured at KBIS 2022, but there are a couple of standouts worth noting. Given the numerous releases by manufacturers, it’s interesting to see how certain features sometimes align.
Commercial-style designs
This style of tap, often seen in commercial restaurant kitchens, isn’t new. But it’s experiencing a renaissance this year, with several manufacturers launching or expanding commercial-style designs in the USA.
The look is of a piece with a broader trend emerging post-pandemic: a back-to-basics strategy that seeks to modernise traditional industrial-style fittings.
Moen launched a collection of what it names ‘spring galley faucets’ in three styles. The Belfield, shown here in a matt-black finish, is a compact industrial-meets-modern-farmhouse style. The collection will be available later this year in the USA.