Minneapolis Luxury Interior Designer Serves as KBIS Judge
As a luxury interior designer, being chosen as a judge at the 2024 KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) was an honor that allowed me to delve deep into the innovative world of kitchen and bath design. For over 30 years, I have been designing award-winning kitchen and bath spaces, so I was beyond excited to learn about new products and provide my input on what innovations truly make a difference in the kitchen and bath design space.
Myself and the group of talented designers who also served as judges (links to their sites & socials below!) had the privilege of exploring over 50 vendors innovative new products that are shaping the future of kitchen and bath design. Among these, my favorites were those that focused on enhancing wellness through reducing visual clutter in our daily spaces.
Arianne Bellizaire Interiors
Swati Goorha Designs
Superior Construction and Design
Nar Design
A Glimpse into the Judging Experience at KBIS
The judging process involved evaluating each product based on criteria outlined in the judging sheet. Awards were given to products that exemplified outstanding innovation, functionality, and design aesthetics. Categories ranged from technological advancements to eco-friendly solutions, with first and second place winners in each category celebrated for their contributions to the industry. Overall, the best part of being a judge was the excitement of presenting the awards, and how happy the winners were to receive them!
Spotlight on Game-Changing Products
Among the myriad of exceptional products, three stood out to me for their transformative impact on luxury interiors, particularly in removing visual clutter and enhancing functionality:
1. Kohler spaviva:
One product at the top of my list is the SpaViva handheld shower head from Kohler. This remarkable innovation features a central core that rotates, functioning as a microdermabrasion facial brush, body brush, pumice, massager, and body scrubber. The interchangeable heads ensure each individual can personalize their shower experience. With options like a microbubble spray that jets out bubbles for a true hydrofacial-style cleanse, it's a great addition for any wellness-focused bathroom.
2. Zip Water Hydrotap
Another standout product is the new pull-down tap from Zip Water, part of its HydroTap series. This versatile tap offers four functions - filtered water, boiling water, sparkling water, and a pull-down sprayer - all in one sleek design. This innovative tap covers the function of multiple appliances in one by providing boiling and sparkling water straight from the tap, reducing visual clutter and creating a seamless experience in the kitchen.
3. Freepower
One more innovative product that caught my attention is FreePower, a cutting-edge solution for modern homes. FreePower integrates wireless charging directly into kitchen and bathroom counters or other surfaces, eliminating the need for visual cords and cluttered charging stations. This seamless integration not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space but also adds convenience and functionality to everyday routines.
The Power of Less Clutter: Enhancing Mental Health and Wellbeing
All three of these products appealed to me especially because they represent a shift towards reducing visual clutter in our homes, which can have a significant impact on mental health and stress levels. Clearing our spaces of unnecessary items promotes a sense of calm and organization, making our daily routines more enjoyable and efficient.
The Future of Design: Simplifying Spaces for Ease and Wellbeing
Based on my experience as a judge at KBIS this year, I believe innovative solutions for reducing visual clutter will continue to grow. Products like ranges with built-in air fryers, sous-vide capabilities, and griddles, as well as the products featured in this post, are reshaping our homes into streamlined, stress-free environments.
KBIS 2024 highlighted the importance of prioritizing wellness and functionality in design. Interior design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating spaces that enhance lives. As a luxury interior design in Minneapolis, I am inspired by the groundbreaking solutions showcased at KBIS, and can't wait to use them in my work.
20 April, 2024 at 10:08 pm
Love these, Lisa, and congratulations on being a judge for the show! Decreasing clutter is indeed an important consideration for easing stress and promoting wellness – I hadn’t thought of it in those terms before! I’m smitten with freepower and the possibility of a cordless future, especially since every piece of technology I have requires a different size charging cable 🙄. I think the top of my nightstand would be the biggest beneficiary of that sort of product!
21 April, 2024 at 11:27 am
I could not agree more about the Kohnler SpaViva…I wrote about it, too!! I like how it challenges the definition of “luxury.” It’s not just about relaxation, it’s also about self-care. Love it!!