The annual Kitchen / Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS) brought some of the biggest names in the kitchen and bath industry to Chicago from April 10-13, 2008 for its annual showcase of the newest products, appliances, design trends, and cutting-edge industry information.

The four-day conference and expo featured must-see new products, innovative design ideas and the latest trends in kitchens and baths




Important trends spotted at K/BIS:

Earth inspired neutrals of browns, grays and greens were the primary colors at K/BIS 2008. Either standing alone or supporting brighter hues, these chic and luxurious subtle colors gave focus to form, texture and pattern with interplay of shadows and light.

Case goods

While espresso dominated the wood finishes of last years show, warm medium brown is the color this year. Cherry remains the favorite wood.

Quarter sawn and exotic woods are gaining in popularity. There is a sense of refinement in finishes; they are becoming smoother and less distressed than in recent years.

Simple, flat panel, clean door styles are emerging as part of the Modern style. As in color trends, espresso is being replaced by gray or black and here, it’s showing up as black cabinets. As a counter-trend, white-washed wood and multiple layers of white were prevalent.

Natural stone and solid surfaces

In keeping with the refinement shown in wood finishes, granites and other solid surfaces with less movement were prevalent. Honed, flamed and burnished finishes were prominent in ceramic, solid surfaces and stone; granite with less movement continues its popularity.

In general, surfaces were more layered; flat colors being paired with metallic, pearlescent or sparkling finishes in the same family to create a tone-on-tone scheme.

While one side of the trend leans toward subtle hues of tone on tone, the counter-trend is towards sparkling luxury. Glass and stone have taken on frosted effects and many surfaces feature embedded metallics.

Metals

Stainless continues to be the quintessential finish for ranges, refrigerators, ovens and ventilation. Many hardware and faucet manufacturers introduced Nickel, brushed or rough to their lines.

While one side of the trend continues its sleek contemporary lines and refined luxury, the other continues to take on its hand-crafted, authentic feel in hammered oxidized and antique finish.

Oil-rubbed bronze that has been so popular recently is giving way to lighter bronze or copper.


Interesting Finds

LED (light-emitting diode) with their small area light source has the ability to emit a crystal clear, full color spectrum is being incorporated into every product imaginable. Although color was scarce, a few unique products stood out.

Chroma Therapy has been used for centuries for its profound holistic powers. In fact, Hippocrates (the Father of Western Medicine) incorporated Chroma and Aroma Therapy into his practice. Mr. Steam and Hansa have perfected the ancient healing arts of Chroma.

Therapy by harnessing the holistic powers of the rainbow. Each feature’s high performance LED’s that cover the entire spectrum for an uplifting or relaxing shower experience.

--Mr. Steam ChromaSteam shower with specially formulated essences and chroma and aroma therapy (pictured above)

--Hansa chroma therapy Hansacolourshower

--Hansaclear lux hand shower



Fixtures

Cifial Brookhaven L-Spout Series is available in eight finishes which include three living finishes ranging from distressed bronze, rough bronze to weathered.

Hansa products were only available in chrome and now the entire line of bath and kitchen faucets will be available in brushed nickel.

Kitchen Ventilation

Metallo Arts redefines kitchen ventilation with the reincarnation of several American works of art. This hand-painted hood inspired by renown American artist Andy Warhol these works is produced using ornamental pressed metal bent over a heavy-gauge steel frame.