5 Top Trends from IBS/KBIS 2020

Each year, the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), bring together the industry’s top experts, the best educational opportunities and the most innovative products, and this year’s show was no exception. The 600,000 square-foot exhibit space in Las Vegas was packed with more than 90,000 home building and design professionals.

Whirlpool Corporation had a strong presence at this year’s show, with a variety of innovative kitchen and laundry appliances from its strategic brand portfolio on display in several locations throughout the event. From the Central Hall Exhibits to the IBS Show Village Homes, building industry professionals were able to get an up-close look at the newest appliances from Maytag®, Whirlpool® and KitchenAid®. In addition, JennAir®, the company’s luxury kitchen appliance brand, debuted JAXBOX — a pop-up showroom experience in the Show Village Outdoor Exhibits, displaying its RISE™ and NOIR™ design expressions.

If you didn’t have a chance to visit the show or couldn’t see as much of it as you would have liked, here are some of the IBS/KBIS trends to watch in 2020:

Brighter colors are making a comeback

The popularity of whites and neutrals is starting to fade, with homeowners embracing more playful design. Color was popping up all over the show floor, from bright cabinets to colorful ranges, light fixtures, bathtubs and backsplashes. Blues and greens throughout the kitchen are most popular, with designers dubbing blue as “the new neutral.” However, black is also making a statement in the kitchen, as seen on faucets, countertops, stoves and refrigerators.

 

Laundry is still king

Laundry rooms once again top the list of most-wanted features for both first-time buyers and repeat buyers, according to the NAHB. Deep utility sinks are a popular amenity to have in the laundry room, adding function to the space. You can also expect to see more colorful hues and patterns in this room, which often gets overlooked when it comes to unique design. Following laundry rooms on the list of most-wanted features are ENERGY STAR windows, hardwood flooring, walk-in pantries, patios, ceiling fans and a double sink in the kitchen.

“Less is more” single-family design

Due to job growth, low resale inventory and low mortgage rates, single-family builds are expected to increase 3% from 2019. As indicated during an IBS panel “What’s Next in Single Family Architecture,” architecture and design in single-family homes will likely follow a “less is more” trend, incorporating open concept floor plans that allow homeowners to personalize as they please and create multipurpose spaces.

Virtual reality

Show attendees found immersive virtual reality experiences throughout the expo halls. Virtual reality, also known as augmented or mixed reality, is expected to play a larger role in design and construction throughout 2020. The technology can help homeowners visualize design concepts, and help builders and designers bring builds to life before even breaking ground on a project, allowing them to spot potential design errors.

 

Small space living

The demand for homes with four bedrooms and three full bathrooms has significantly dropped, with homeowners looking for less square footage and fewer bedrooms and bathrooms. This trend is resonating with multiple generations. Millennials desire smaller, more affordable homes that are eco-conscious and offer walkability to nearby amenities, while older homeowners prefer smaller homes because they require less maintenance and often have fewer stairs to navigate. The Boxabl and Tiny Home located in Show Village both brought this small-space concept to life, and included appliances from the Whirlpool® Small Spaces Suite, proving that tight spaces don’t have to skimp on function or aesthetics.

 

To keep up with other trends and news happening in your industry, visit The Trade Channel page.

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