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In just a few days, I’m heading to kitchen and bath show in Las Vegas, and I can’t wait to see what’s new this year. Las Vegas is a LONG flight from the STT Airport, and the trip is a real-time commitment, not to mention the expense. So, it needs to be worth it–and let me tell you, I have a lot planned to maximize my time there!
There’s so much value in meeting people up close and in person. I always look forward to meeting with new and current vendors and catching up with other designer friends. I’ll also be on the lookout for new products and find inspiration for upcoming trends. There’s a lot to take in, and it can be a little overwhelming but strategically organizing my time during my visit helps ensure I don’t miss any opportunities to reconnect or be inspired.
The Design Hounds Tour
This year I’m part of the design hounds tour of KBIS, owned by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Follow our hashtags on IG to stay up to date on all the latest. These are some of the other fantastic designers that will be on tour with me.
I’m always looking for “island-appropriate” elements to bring back to our clients, and I don’t just mean style. More specifically, items that are good quality and made to last in the island environment where humidity is high, the air is salty, and hurricanes are a thing. That’s why there’s so much value in traveling to see what else is out there.
Top Five Kitchen Trends for 2023
Here are the top 5 kitchen trends I love right now that feel at home in the island and coastal homes.
1. COLOR
Color is everywhere in kitchens right now. We’re seeing color in kitchen cabinets and appliances, and sometimes it’s a statement color island. Ballerina Kitchen offers this beautiful shade of blue for their cabinetry. It’s a perfect color for a nautical-inspiration kitchen.
2. BRING THE OUTDOORS IN
We love the indoor-outdoor lifestyle. I’m not a huge fan of air conditioning; I’d much prefer big open windows and a breeze. This trend could not be more in sync with the island lifestyle. The ultimate perk in indoor-outdoor living is the outdoor kitchen. We regularly design outdoor kitchens for our clients, so I’m looking forward to checking out the outdoor cabinets from Westlake Royal Building Products. I think these might be able to be customized to work with our style and climate.
3. NATURAL AND ORGANIC MATERIALS
We continue to connect to the great outdoors in various ways. Natural textures, organic shapes, warm wood tones, minimal accessories, and a clean design can appeal to many, no matter where you reside. As much as I love natural stone, I am concerned about sustainability issues. There’s something about paving America’s kitchen counters with the earth’s natural resources that gives me pause. I love finding a countertop solution that is beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly. I’ll spend some time with the folks at Compac Surfaces to learn more about their sustainability commitment.
4. WORK-STATION SINKS
I don’t just mean a big sink. I mean a multi-functional, often two-faucet kind of sink. These new sinks are changing the way we work in our kitchens. They include a complete work and prep center with a colander, cutting board, drain board, and more.
5. IMPROVED IN-HOME COOKING METHODS
We’ve rediscovered the joy of cooking over the past few years. It seems that the current trend is to improve upon that. Appliances that offer improved cooking methods are proving popular and make cooking at home with friends and family a gourmet treat.
I love designing kitchens, but true confessions, I am not much of a cook. I love to bake, but when it comes to main course dishes, the instant pot is my best friend! I’m looking forward to visiting Chef Nick at Signature Kitchen Suite to learn more about Sous Vide. I have multiple friends and family members who swear that this is the easiest and best method for cooking meats of all kinds.
Do you have a favorite kitchen design trend you’re looking forward to enjoying more this year? Are there any trends you’ve noticed that are not on our list? Share them with us; we’d love to see what you and your family are engaging with most. You can also follow along and check in with me on Instagram over the next week as I tour the show, and I’ll let you know how it goes!
