My Designhounds Top 10 Finds from KBIS 2022

KBIS, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show took place in Orlando this year. Combined with IBIS, the International Builder Industry Show there were more than 70,000 people in attendance. Having gone virtual last year due to the pandemic, some were concerned there would be a small turn out when the show returned to in-person attendance, but that was far from the case.

As a Kitchen and Bath designer, I have been attending KBIS for about 12 years now and each time I am amazed at the knowledge and connections I come away with. This year was certainly no different as I took my entire team with me so that we could spread out and get as much value as possible in the short time we were there. KBIS offers far more than one could possibly see in the 4-day show, so divide and conquer!

This year I was lucky enough to have been chosen as one of Modenus Medias Designhounds KBIS, which is a group of Interior design influencers from across the country who scour the show looking for the most innovative new technologies and beautiful new products to spotlight. Each Designhounds member receives 10 awards to bestow on their favorite products from the show. I have to say there were so many amazing products and the show is so large with so much to see, it was difficult to narrow it down to only 10, but I did manage to complete the task.

Presenting My Top 10 Finds from KBIS 2022

10. John Michaels Cabinetry

Having gotten their start in the outdoor kitchens market, John Michael cabinets are manufactured of stainless steel to prevent rusting. With 38 amazing powder coated finishes to choose from, it’s no wonder that the company was approached to do their first indoor kitchen a few years ago and they haven’t looked back since. John Michael currently offers 3 door styles to choose from including a slab door, a narrow shaker style door and a more traditional shaker style door with wider stiles and rails. The shaker doors are built similar to a floating panel wood door with 6 different components making up one door panel.

Customization is their specialty and mixing and matching finishes can create a high-end custom look for the most Luxurious of kitchens, whether indoors or out.

I was truly impressed with the soft closing drawers and doors, especially considering the weight of a stainless-steel cabinet door. Interior lighting options and custom vent hoods complete the customizable line. I for one can’t wait to design my first John Michaels kitchen!

9. Fittings Metal Collection

As a Kitchen designer, I am always looking for ways to get custom, one-of-a-kind looks for my clients. Fittings Metal Collection makes that custom look more affordable by offering an array of metal fittings that are available in a variety of finishes and for less than a custom metal worker would charge for a one-off design.

I love products like this that allow me to provide a very high end, custom design to my clients with a lot less legwork involved than a fully custom piece which saves me time which in turn saves my clients money! Bravo!

8. Pitt Cooking Systems

Pitt integrated cooking systems allow you to integrate your gas burners directly on top of your countertops. The actual cooking unit is mounted below the countertop and is only about 4” high which allows for either a full cabinet space below or the area below can be open, like a table. The components are made of cast iron for durability and are powder coated for ease of cleaning.

The knobs can be mounted on top or on an apron front. The system can be mounted on any countertop surface except for wood as they are made with a heat shield that bars the transference of heat onto the surface.

7. Kohler Statement Collection

Always a leader and innovator in the world of plumbing fixtures, Kohler has out done themselves with the Statement Collection. Multi-function showerheads offer massage settings as well as Katalyst technology which infuses air into the water to create larger droplets for the ultimate showering experience.

Offered in an array of shapes and finishes, this collection is right on trend and offers a variety of functionality that allows you to customize your shower to suit your desires for the most luxurious form of self-care right at home.

6. Signature Kitchen Suite Convertible Refrigeration Drawers

Refrigerated drawers have become popular over the past several years, allowing for a break from the more traditional kitchen layouts of the past as well as for overflow of items that can take up valuable space in the main refrigerator. So what sets Signature Kitchens new drawers apart? They are convertible! That’s right, these drawers go from refrigerator to freezer drawers and back again all at the touch of a button.

I can think of endless possibilities for these drawers even outside of a kitchen space! Who wouldn’t love a drawer full of cold drinks, or ice cream in a game room or theater room? Fresh fruit and bottled water in the home gym? Expensive makeup and facial products last longer when kept in the fridge. You see where I’m going with this… The possibilities are endless!

5. Antolini

Textures Collection

It’s got to be a challenge to claim you have an innovative product when you sell stone that has literally been around for thousands of years but leave it to Antolini to find a way. Known globally for their stunning stone selection, Antolini presents their new Textures Collection.

The most common finishes on a stone slab are polished and honed. Leathered slabs have gained in popularity more recently and the texture can transform a material to be almost unrecognizable from its polished state, but what Antolini has done with their Texture collection opens up a whole new world of possibilities to transform a material into works of art through texture and dimension.

4. Tech Lighting

The Mina wall Nightshade by Sean Lavin for Tech Lighting stood out to me for its simple elegance. Illuminated by LED from within the laser etched orb, I love the way the fixture defies gravity with the orb seeming to balance on the angled backplate. Dimmable and available in an array of finishes, this wall sconce could serve as inspiration for an entire room design.

3. Konkretus

Concrete Sinks

Columbian company Konkretus offers an array of shapes and colors in their line of concrete sinks. I love how the matte finish evokes a handmade quality and variety of earthy colors these sinks are offered in makes them feel organic and natural. The shapes could not be more on trend as we are seeing similar shapes in everything from tile to plumbing fixtures to furnishings.

2. Compac Surfaces

Terrazzo Collections

Spanish quarts manufacturer Compac Surfaces came out with their take on a timeless classic. Compac offers 4 new collections of Terrazzo High Performance stone with increased durability for both indoor and outdoor applications. Durable enough for heavy-traffic commercial applications as well as exterior building cladding, the only limitation is your imagination!

I’ve got my eye on this one for my own home!

1. Belwith Keeler

Corsa Collection

Inspired by the pill shape that is trending in all areas of Interior Design products, this collection is available in brushed gold, brass, matte black and satin nickel.

Belwith Keeler was one of the most popular companies at KBIS among the Designhounds, garnering a total of Designhounds Top 10 awards!