With freezing temperatures gripping most of the country, the prospect of sunny Orlando as the venue for KBIS 2018 was even more enticing than usual this year.  And, attendees were not disappointed by the balmy Florida weather OR the fabulous exhibits from many of the industry’s most exciting companies. 

With 600 brands filling two halls, the show was buzzing with interest, as thousands of guests admired exhibits, discovered new products, and attended parties and presentations. KBIS is always a wonderful opportunity to network and admire the “latest and greatest” of what’s new in the kitchen and bath industry. Following is a sampling of some of the products and companies that caught our attention during the three-day show.

Lenova 

Known for its beautiful sinks, Lenova used KBIS to unveil three new models of its innovative Ledge Series of kitchen sinks. The collection is most notable for the engineered platform ledge that converts the sink into a food preparation center when accessorized with an optional stainless-steel colander, roll-up grid drainer, and bamboo cutting board. Lenova now offers the Ultra Ledge sink in 46- and 60-inch models for the ultimate in a professional-quality work-station. Ledge is also available with a 9-inch apron front that blends traditional styling with a contemporary vibe. Finally, Ledge is now available in NovaGranite, a proprietary mix of 85 percent crushed natural granite that gives the look and durability of solid stone.

Another stand-out from Lenova at the show was its TKO Touch Faucet. A tap of the wrist or forearm on the body of the faucet activates this battery-powered model. With a pull-down sprayer and two beautiful finishes, this sleek faucet offers smart design features such as automatic shut-off and integrated sensors to indicate water temperature. www.lenovasinks.com

Atlas Homewares 

Atlas Homewares is always on the edge of fashion-forward design. It delivered on that reputation by displaying three new trendsetting collections at the show. The Bradbury line has a chic industrial vibe that is very “now,” with exposed hardware and an interesting juxtaposition of curves, lines and angles. It takes the classic aesthetic up a notch, successfully mixing vintage and contemporary styles. 

The Oskar Collection is all about fun and offers circular knobs and curved pulls that compliment a variety of decors. The knobs have grooved borders that add an extra touch of style, while the handles are notable for their smooth lines and coordinating ends. 

The Kate Collection  pays homage to a refined sensibility, bringing an elegant luxury to any design space. The square pulls have a brushed texture with contrasting border that adds visual interest and a hint of glamor, while the complimentary pulls echo that look with squared ends that cap long rectangular handles with a graceful curve. www.atlastothetrade.com

Victoria + Albert

The new Vetralla Collection by Victoria + Albert caused a buzz at the show, as people admired its simple yet elegant silhouette with a double-ended design and deep bathing well. Its gently angled sides are perfect for a relaxed recline during a luxurious soak. Vetralla is well-suited for modern bathrooms where space is limited. It measures a compact 58 ¾ inches x 29 1⁄8 inches x 22 inches, making it the smallest bathtub in Victoria +
Albert’s inventory.  Vetralla 2 is sized at a more generous 65 inches x 28 ¾ inches x 21 5⁄8 inches, and is perfect for family bathrooms. 

Both tubs are available in seven distinctive external finishes, including a dramatic Gloss Black and a more neutral Stone Gray. As with all Victoria + Albert’s baths, they are made using the brand’s exclusive material, ENGLISHCAST; a unique blend of  Volcanic Limestone and high-performance resins. www.vandabaths.com

Du Verre

Du Verre Hardware often infuses its collections with dramatic flair through its partnerships with leading artists. Its latest collaboration with Clodagh was on display at KBIS, including three new hardware lines that highlight its use of eco-friendly materials and natural elements. 

The Primitive Collection features a bold, geometric pattern that is a Signature Clodagh motif.  It is offered in Oil Rubbed Bronze, Polished Aluminum or Satin Nickel. The Tribal Collection was inspired by African weaving sticks and translated into sleek and modern hardware. Finish options include Antique Brass, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Satin Nickel or Polished Chrome. Stacked is a modern, tactile and luxurious collection that is available in Oil Rubbed Bronze or Satin Nickel. All three collections are made from recycled aluminum.  www.duverre.com

Ruvati

The new epiGranite Collection from Ruvati was a show stealer with its brilliant pops of unexpected color. These stunning kitchen sinks have the luxurious look of solid stone and are colored all the way through for a rich, consistent look that will never fade or discolor. Choose from vibrant hues, such as Carnelian Red, Catalina Blue and Tequila Lime, or more neutral tones, like Caribbean Sand. The epiGranite sinks offer a distinctive alternative to stainless steel or porcelain and are extremely durable and resistant to stains, bacteria and extreme temperatures.

Also noteworthy in the Ruvati display was their new Perfect Divide kitchen sink. As a double-bowl configuration with a low and wide platform as a divider, this ingenious sink brings an extra layer of utility to the kitchen by creating a non-slip platform to place a pot while filling with water. The sink is constructed of 16-gauge stainless steel and includes heavy-duty sound guard padding and rear drain placements. Measuring 33 inches x 22 inches with a 10-inch bowl depth, the Perfect Divide sink has a modern look with zero radius sharp inside corners and a beautiful artisan-grade satin finish. www.ruvati.com

That wraps up another successful KBIS. The show is a wonderful opportunity to stay current on the latest trends in the kitchen and bath marketplace as well as network with fellow industry professionals. As always, we are filled with inspiration by the exceptional creativity and craftsmanship that were on display, and we look forward to an amazing year of innovation and new ideas. We’ll see you in Vegas next year as the show moves to the Las Vegas Convention Center in January 2019.