KBB - April 2014 - 8

SHOW DIRECTOR'S NOTE

Tone-setting Trends
Bode Well for the Future
Like all of you, I pay close attention to what is happening overall with the
U.S. housing market. While there is no question that the housing sector
is improving, there is also no shortage of conflicting opinions on what is
next for an industry that is so critical to our overall economy.
This, of course, is the million-dollar question. What is next for housing
- specifically kitchens and baths?
Here is what we know for certain. Remodeling is expected to see
double-digit growth through the first half of 2014 and near double digits
for the back half. We also know that with improving unemployment rates
and increasing home values, consumers are much more likely to take
on the burden of a large-scale renovation. There is also data suggesting
that sensitivity toward project price is much less of an issue. These are all
strong indicators for what is to come.
In response to this positive look to the future, there are a number
of trends - many of which were highlighted at KBIS - I believe will set the tone for our industry in the
foreseeable future.
Accessible Design - With an aging Baby Boomer population (according to cnn.com, there were
77.3 million as of 2008) and a desire to maintain independence later in life, there is more happening
around aging-in-place and universal design. According to the recent NKBA Trends surveys, 56 percent
of designers are using products designated as accessible in kitchens, and 57 percent are in bathrooms.
With 8,000 Boomers turning 65 each day, this will continue to be a growing opportunity for kitchen and
bath design.
Technology in the Home - The concept of the connected home is nothing new, but with the evolution
of smart phones and tablets, it is much more cost effective and accessible to the masses. Manufacturers
continue to incorporate smart technology into their products, covering virtually every space within the
home, including the kitchen and bath.
Green Design Is Now the Norm - For the longest time, designing "green" was a premium-level project
mainly because of the materials required to complete the job. However, more and more manufacturers
are designing products with energy efficiency in mind. Consumers expect to see renewable/reusable
materials and energy-efficient products as a part of the design scope, not as an add-on to the project.
LED Lighting - With countless uses, LED lighting can change the mood and dynamic of just about
any space, and several new products are coming out with this in mind. Everything from more traditional
uses in cabinetry to illuminated sinks, toilets and countertops, can all be equipped with LED lighting,
which is an ideal way to change up any space.
To keep up with the latest trends, please visit KBIS.com and KBBonline.com, and stay active on all of
our social media channels. n
Brian Pagel
Vice President, Kitchen and Bath Group
brian.pagel@emeraldexpo.com

Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) 2015
January 20-22,2015
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
www.kbis.com
1145 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 355
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Ph: (800) 241-9034

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Joe Randall
joe.randall@emeraldexpo.com
VP KITCHEN AND BATH GROUP
Brian Pagel
(770) 291-5438
brian.pagel@emeraldexpo.com
SALES MANAGER
April Hayslip
(770) 291-5434
april.hayslip@emeraldexpo.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Maria Hill
(770) 291-5419
maria.hill@emeraldexpo.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Diana Gallagher
(770) 291-5436
diana.gallagher@emeraldexpo.com
MARKETING MANAGER
Rebecca Corbett
(770) 291-5459
rebecca.corbett@emeraldexpo.com
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Lane Vento, CMP
(770) 291-5538
lane.vento@emeraldexpo.com

President
John A. Petrie, CMKBD
President-Elect
Maria Stapperfenne, CKD, CBD
Vice President
Ric Coggins
Treasurer
Denise M. Dick, CMKBD
Secretary
Debra H. Robinson
Immediate Past President
John K. Morgan
Chief Executive Officer
Bill Darcy
Senior Director of Finance
Stephen Graziano
General Counsel and Director of Legislative Affairs
Edward S. Nagorsky
Director of Business Development and Member Relations:
Suzie Williford
Director of Learning
Nancy Barnes

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K BB

April 2014 / www.kbbonline.com / The Official Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com

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KBB - April 2014

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