KBIS Recap 2024
Last month, Julia and Candace were privileged to be able to attend the 60th anniversary of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas and what a whirlwind, action packed week it was! Follow along with us for all the highlights from KBIS 2024, along with all the trends and inspiration we found along the way!
The KBIS Experience
KBIS is the leading industry trade show for kitchen and bath industry professionals in the world. The first show was held back in 1964, growing from a few hundred attendees in its first year to a record 40,000 plus registered attendees as part of Design & Construction week in 2024. In addition to the trade show, it’s also the place where our professional association (National Kitchen & Bath Association or NKBA) holds their annual conference with chapter leaders from across the United States and Canada, as well as gives designers the chance to network with others in the field, connect with their vendors and attend educational sessions throughout the week on topics such as design, business, and marketing.
As a member of the NKBA Prairie Provinces executive committee, Candace attended the Leader-to-Leader conference with the rest of the committee members on Monday, followed by the NKBA Opening Gala and Design Awards to kick off the week in true Vegas style.
Wednesday evening brings The Bash event where attendees get to cut loose and connect with new friends after a couple hard days of endless walking the show floor and trying to take it all in. This even has to been seen to believed – our preference is the poolside patio lounge where we can chat in comfort.
The secret to a successful week is to accept that you won’t be able to see or do everything that is on offer. Take it slow and be flexible! Lots of coffee, comfy shoes, take in a show and maybe some gelato before bed.
Bold Appliances & Fixtures
If you’ve ever longed for more color in your space, you’re in luck! Personalization was the name of the game this year with the opportunity to make a statement in your space around every corner!
From in-your-face ranges and grapefruit refrigerators, appliances have never had more personality.
The fun doesn’t stop there – plumbing fixtures are getting in on this trend as well. Saturated hues could be found in everything from accessories to sinks to bathtubs.
Organic Shapes
One thing that was certainly a theme through many booths was the use of curved details. These were found on hoods, backsplash details, countertops, and more.
Green
Keeping on with the organic feel, green was still a huge color for cabinetry this year. There was soft sage, vibrant lime mixed with chartreuse, jade with touches of gold and striking pine with green marble.
Natural Woods & Textures
Wood is holding onto the feeling of nature as well, with light tones and rustic elements being plentiful.
Inspiration All Around
The great thing about Las Vegas being host for Design & Construction week is that inspiration can be found around every corner, not just on the show floor. If you keep your eyes open, you will begin to notice details from some of the best examples of hospitality design as well.
A personal favorite is the work of Roger Thomas, which can be found throughout a number of hotels on the Las Vegas strip. Many of this year’s themes of organic elements, shapes and bold color have carried through his work over the decades.
MIRAGE – 1989
Dome atrium infusing the space with natural light and tropical greenery.
Washrooms featuring warm & natural colours and organic shapes
BELLAGIO – 1989
Sadelle’s (formally Café Bellagio) featuring curved alcoves and curated sight lines.
Café Gelato infuses bold and bright colors with tile and light fixtures for a sense of personality and fun.
Sweeping curves of the Bellagio Conservatory
WYNN LAS VEGAS – 2005
Soft green tones blend seamlessly in this lobby washroom.
Bold colors and butterflies bring a sense of whimsy to the Encore elevator bank.
Earthy tones and soft edges greet guests outside the Wynn ballrooms.
Softly curving walkways and meandering flower beds call on you to follow to discover what lays beyond. Pops of color abound mixed with the natural green of the lobby trees.
The texture of the wall coverings and carpet bring an organic feel to the Encore guest rooms, along with soft curves found in the arms of the couch and footstool.
That’s a wrap on KBIS 2024! What do you think we’ll find in 2025?
Candace Rudd
Candace has been assisting clients with their cabinetry needs since 2005, and in that time has worked on projects of all sizes in both Manitoba and Ontario. She is proud to hold the Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD) designation with the National Kitchen & Bath Association.
