Three Trends from KBIS 2020

Formica Group uses the show primarily as the first public unveiling of the 2020 Living Impressions™ Collection, a suite of six new laminate designs that were inspired by handcrafted materials. We introduced the materials to tens of thousands of visitors via our booth that was designed by designer and HGTV star Leanne Ford. 

But beyond the chance to exhibit new products, KBIS is also an excellent show for our designers to keep their fingers on the pulse of the entire home design industry. As they walked the show floor, here are three trends that caught their eye.

Trend #1: Blue Continues to Gain Popularity

As you can see in the picture above, Thermador boldly proclaimed that blue is the new black. Whether it was dark and moody cabinetry, design-forward appliances, or even tubs and sinks, the color blue continues to pop in kitchen and bath design.

Inspired by Pantone’s Classic Blue as the 2020 Color of the Year, manufacturers continue to push the color as both a feature and accent color. Check out a collection of blue laminate options (both solids and patterns) that you can use to incorporate blue in your home by using the "search by color" menu on the top of the page.

Trend #2: Don’t Write Off Black Just Yet

While blue continues to grow in popularity, it will take a while before it surpasses black as the color of choice for many kitchens and bath. One trend that caught our designers’ eyes was black on black styling. This was brought to life through black appliances mixed with black woods, cabinets and faucets for dramatic, moody interiors.

Formica Group had its fair share of black at our booth, as the new Black Painted Marble, Watercolor Steel, and Black Bardiglio designs were featured prominently in the design.

Trend #3: Home Technology Gets Smarter Every Year

We keep getting closer and closer to a fully smart home environment, and if KBIS was any indication, the technology trend is not going away anytime soon. 

Maybe the best example of this is the Kohler Konnect app, which allows you to control lighting, turn on your shower to a preset temperature and start your morning soundtrack from your smartphone. 

We had a wonderful time at KBIS 2020 and look forward to seeing you at KBIS 2021, February 9-11 in Orlando!